CO₂ Tank Size Comparison
| Tank Size | CO₂ Weight | Est. Liters Carbonated | Refill Cost | Cost Per Liter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60L SodaStream | ~410g (14.5 oz) | 50–70L | $8–$18 | $0.12–$0.36 |
| 5 lb aluminum | 2,270g | 270–340L | $10–$18 | $0.03–$0.07 |
| 10 lb aluminum | 4,535g | 540–680L | $15–$28 | $0.02–$0.05 |
| 20 lb aluminum | 9,070g | 1,080–1,360L | $20–$40 | $0.01–$0.04 |
All figures assume carbonating water to approximately 2.5 volumes of CO₂ at 38°F. Actual yield varies with temperature, carbonation level, and equipment efficiency.
60L — The SodaStream Cylinder
The 60L cylinder is the unit of measure for SodaStream and compatible systems. "60L" refers to the rated output of approximately 60 liters of carbonated water, though real-world yield varies from 50 to 80 liters depending on how cold your water is and how heavily you carbonate.
The cylinder contains approximately 14.5 oz (410g) of liquid CO₂. At room temperature, it stores as a pressurized liquid at around 850–900 PSI. The CGA-320 valve is the standard connection for SodaStream-compatible machines.
Best for: SodaStream users, casual sparkling water drinkers (under 1L/day), people without a local refill source who rely on retail exchange.
Where to refill: SodaStream retail exchange, compatible third-party exchange programs, homebrew shops (with a compatible cylinder). See our complete refill guide.
5 lb — The Home Kegging Standard
The 5 lb aluminum CO₂ tank is the most popular size among home brewers and serious sparkling water drinkers. It holds 2,270g of CO₂ — the equivalent of roughly 5.5 SodaStream 60L cylinders — and can be refilled at most homebrew shops, welding suppliers, and paintball retailers for $10–$18.
A 5 lb tank with a regulator and a CGA-320 adapter can be used directly with a SodaStream machine as a drop-in replacement for the small cylinder, dramatically reducing per-liter cost for heavy users.
Dimensions: Approximately 18–22 inches tall, 4.5 inches diameter. Fits in most refrigerators lying on its side, or stands upright next to a keezer/kegerator.
Best for: Users going through 4+ SodaStream cylinders per year, home kegging of beer or soda, users who want to reduce long-term CO₂ cost.
10 lb — The Heavy User Tank
Double the capacity of a 5 lb tank, the 10 lb tank is the next step up for users who don't want to refill frequently. A single fill typically produces 540–680 liters of carbonated water — about 6 months of supply for a household drinking 3–4 liters per day.
Refill cost at homebrew shops and gas suppliers typically runs $15–$28. The per-liter cost is slightly better than a 5 lb tank, but the main appeal is convenience: fewer trips to the refill shop.
Dimensions: Approximately 24–26 inches tall, 5–6 inches diameter. Too large to fit inside most refrigerators; typically stored nearby with a long gas line running in.
Best for: Heavy sparkling water households (3+ liters/day), dual-keg setups, micro-bar or home entertainment setups.
20 lb — Bar-Level Capacity
A 20 lb tank holds enough CO₂ to carbonate over 1,000 liters of sparkling water before needing a refill. At typical home usage of 1–2 liters/day, a single fill lasts 1.5–3 years. This size is more common in commercial bar setups and serious kegerator builds with multiple taps.
The practical home challenges: the tank is large (typically 50+ inches tall with valve), heavy (44+ lbs when full), and requires a sturdy stand or wall chain. Most home refrigerators can't accommodate it.
Best for: Kegerator setups with 3+ taps, entertainment-focused home bars, shared setups, anyone who wants to refill once a year or less.
How to Choose Your Tank Size
- Under 0.5L/day: Stick with the 60L SodaStream exchange — the math doesn't support an upgrade yet.
- 0.5–1.5L/day: Third-party 60L refills at a homebrew shop, or consider a 5 lb tank if one is nearby.
- 1.5–3L/day: The 5 lb tank upgrade pays off within a year. This is the sweet spot.
- 3L+/day or multiple kegs: 10 lb tank; the reduced refill frequency is worth the size.
- Home bar / entertainment setup: 20 lb if you have the space and want to minimize logistics.
Use the CO₂ Cost Calculator to see the exact break-even point for your usage.