The Verdict
The Aarke Carbonator 3 is a premium stainless steel sparkling water maker designed in Sweden that swaps utilitarian plastic appliances for sophisticated kitchen styling. Combining a seamless steel enclosure with an electricity-free footprint, it delivers crisp carbonation in seconds while helping cut down on single-use plastics.
Why We Love This Stainless Steel Sparkling Water Maker
- Refined Stainless Steel Craftsmanship: Built with a seamless, high-grade stainless steel body in a refined Sand finish, this unit functions as a statement countertop centerpiece that balances industrial durability with Scandinavian aesthetics.
- Damper-Controlled Lever Action: Instead of simple push buttons, the precision lever mechanism transforms everyday carbonation into a smooth, satisfying manual ritual.
- Electricity-Free, Compact Placement: Engineered without power cords and built with an easy screw-in cylinder mechanism, it fits neatly into prep areas, kitchen islands, or dry bars without hunting for an outlet.
- Sustainable Everyday Yield: Accommodating standard screw-in cylinders that yield up to 2,000 ounces of seltzer (around 167 standard 12-ounce cans), it pairs with an included 27.05 fl oz (800ml) BPA-free PET bottle to significantly curb household container waste.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Seamless stainless steel housing offers premium durability and design appeal.
- Pros: Cordless operation allows flexible kitchen placement without occupying an electrical outlet.
- Pros: Substantial waste reduction, replacing roughly 167 cans per full carbonation cylinder.
- Pros: Includes a durable 27.05 fl oz (800ml) BPA-free PET bottle designed for easy upkeep.
- Cons: Premium initial price point compared to entry-level plastic carbonators.
- Cons: CO2 cylinder is not included in the standalone unit and must be sourced separately.
- Cons: The included PET bottle is not glass or dishwasher safe according to base model specifications.
Who Should Buy This?
This carbonator is ideal for design-conscious homeowners and avid sparkling water drinkers who want to eliminate single-use canned seltzers without cluttering their countertops with cheap plastic appliances. If you appreciate clean Scandinavian design, manual tactile details, and the freedom of an electricity-free setup, it is a worthy decor-forward addition to your kitchen or home bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this stainless steel sparkling water maker require an electrical outlet?
No, the Carbonator 3 operates completely without electricity, relying entirely on a manual damper-controlled lever system that allows you to position it anywhere in your kitchen.
Does the unit come with a CO2 cylinder included in the box?
No, according to the product specifications, the standalone sparkling water maker includes the machine and one PET bottle, but the CO2 cylinder is not included and must be purchased separately.
What size bottle comes with the Aarke Carbonator 3?
It includes one 27.05 fl oz (800ml) BPA-free PET bottle engineered specifically for durability and everyday maintenance with the machine.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very stylish addition to the kitchen Let’s face it, flat water is a cornerstone to life. You need it to exist. Unfortunately, it is flavorless, flat, and just all around boring to drink. Carbonated water is just better. It’s like flat water’s way cooler and more fun sibling. It makes you want to drink water. But all those cans and bottles are so bad for the environment and your friends look at you like a neanderthal for going through recycling bin after bin of empties when all you’re trying to do is be healthier.Enter the Aarke Carbonator Premium. This thing hits on all the points:1) You get to drink water that you enjoy2) It’s basically a functional work of art and you will love to have it displayed in your kitchen, unlike the clunky plastic shells used by SodaStream. (Full disclosure, I’ve used SodaStreams for YEARS and it was my #1 purchase in 2012), but they break. There, I said it.3) It is pricy, but it works exceptionally well and is very solidly built.4) When you upgrade, all the SodaStream bottles (water and co2) work with it.5) C’mon, look at it. If you’re reading this, you already want it, and you just want someone to say it’s a good idea. Let me say it right now. Buy it. You won’t be disappointed.Now, drink up!Variation: Model: AAC3-GoldSize: Carbonator Only
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite kitchen item. I bought this Aarke carbonator over 2 years ago from Amazon. It replaced a Soda Stream Genesis that I had (still have) several years ago. II carbonate 2-3 bottles of water daily. I find the Aarke to be very substantial and easy to use. The only maintenance is to screw in the cylinder which is very simple. It is all metal as opposed to the Soda Stream Gensis, and it looks great on my counter. I personally do not use any of the flavors in my water; I like plain bubbly water. It has really increased my daily water intake. I buy my replacement cylinders directly from Soda Stream, and they deliver right to my door. Put your empties in the box, put the included return label on the box, and send them right back. Soda Stream bottles work perfectly with the Aarke. This Aarke is one of the most used items in my kitchen. If something ever happened to my house, this would be the first item I would replace. I cannot say enough about how much I really like it. This Aarke uses the blue screw-in cylinders. Hint: if you use bagged salad, put the salad in a zipper bag and fill it with air from the Aarke. The salad greens will last and stay crunchy in the refrigerator much longer.Variation: Model: AAC3-Matte BlackSize: Carbonator Only
5.0 out of 5 stars Best countertop carbonator I purchased this unit in April of 2023, I use it heavily, multiple times a day. At first I used it for soda flavors, but then started using teat packets to make fruit flavored water. On average, daily use is at least 4-5 liters per day. I just noticed that I seemed to be going through more tanks lately. So I looked it up online, the unit comes with a spare gasket at the bottom apparently, Mine did not have one, for whatever reason. I send customer service an email about where I could get a replacement, and they are sending them out. I have used several other carbonators in the past, this one as out lasted all of them. It’s also looks great and is exceptionally well made. It looks as good as the day I bought it. The best part of the design is the open housing, it is much easier to clean as it air dries naturally, the drip plate is easy to remove, and also is old metal. So you don’t get the wear and tear that you see on ones made from plastic.Variation: Model: AAC3-Stainless SteelSize: Carbonator Only
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Carbinator & Worth the Cost I have used a lot of carbonators over the years. This is by far the best one I have used. It makes the strongest bubbles consistently.The unit itself is looks great in my kitchen with my other stainless steel appliances.I think it is a great carbonator and worth the cost.Variation: Model: AAC3-Stainless SteelSize: Carbonator Only
5.0 out of 5 stars Mostly a statement piece I got mine in 2022 and I’ve witnessed no deterioration in functionality or looks in the 4 years since. The screw-in latching is better for carbonation and more durable than the latch-on ones, absolutely. However, let’s be frank, you’re not buying this for its functionality. You’re buying this because it’s pretty. Just beware that if you don’t want it to be the kitchen’s focal point, it may be worth looking at a more subtle carbonator.Variation: Model: AAC3-GoldSize: Carbonator Only
5.0 out of 5 stars It works right out of the box. Fantastic! Where has this been for the past decade of my life. This all metal carbonator is the absolute dream. Easy to attach the small carbonator bottles and can take the cord for attachment to at 5# CO2 bottle. It looks sleek, fits easy on my counter and above all works well right out of the box. The carbonation is excellent and I love watching the bubbling in the bottle as it carbonates. If you are looking to get out of the Soda Stream proprietary line, this is what you are looking for as an upgrade. Yes it is worth it for sparkling water that you add things to if you want. Does not work with juices and flat soda as the sugars can get into the nozzle and block future use of the machine.Variation: Model: AAC3-Stainless SteelSize: Carbonator Only