Drinkmate OmniFizz — Carbonate Any Beverage
Unlike standard SodaStream machines, the Drinkmate OmniFizz is designed to safely carbonate any liquid — juice, wine, cocktails, cold brew — not just water. Uses standard 60L CO₂ cylinders and third-party refills.
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What Makes a SodaStream Cylinder Compatible
SodaStream machines — including the Terra, Art, Duo, and older Genesis models — all use the same connection standard: a CGA-320 valve with right-hand threading. This is actually a widely-used valve type in the beverage industry, which is exactly why third-party compatibility is so widespread.
For a cylinder to work in your SodaStream machine, it needs to meet three criteria:
- CGA-320 valve connection — the threading must match the machine's port
- Correct pressure rating — CO₂ cylinders for carbonation operate around 800–900 PSI at room temperature; any cylinder rated for this is appropriate
- Food-grade CO₂ — all cylinders sold for beverage use contain food-grade CO₂ (99.9% pure), which is identical regardless of brand
The one exception: SodaStream's newer Quick Connect cylinders (sold with some Terra and Duo models) use a proprietary snap-in mechanism rather than the standard screw-in connection. These do NOT accept standard CGA-320 refills. Check which cylinder type your machine uses before purchasing third-party.
Third-Party CO₂ Options Compared
The market for SodaStream-compatible CO₂ breaks into two main categories: cylinders you buy outright and refill, and exchange programs similar to SodaStream's own model.
| Brand / Type | Capacity | Connection | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SodaStream 60L (official) | 60L (~14.5 oz CO₂) | CGA-320 screw | $15–$20 exchange | Convenience, no research needed |
| KegLand / Leland 60L | 60L | CGA-320 screw | $8–$12 refill | Homebrew shop refills |
| Drinkmate / iSi Compatible | 60L | CGA-320 screw | $14–$18 exchange | Drinkmate machine users |
| Larger paintball / aquarium CO₂ | 88g–20 oz | Varies (adapter needed) | $3–$6 refill | DIY users with adapters |
| 5 lb aluminum tank (homebrew) | ~680L equivalent | CGA-320 (regulator needed) | $10–$15 refill | Heavy users, keg systems |
Where to Get CO₂ Refills Near You
The best sources for affordable CO₂ refills are often hiding in plain sight. Here's where to look, ranked by how commonly they're found:
1. Local Homebrew Supply Shops
This is the insider secret most SodaStream users don't know. Homebrew shops (the kind that sell beer and winemaking supplies) almost universally fill CO₂ cylinders on-site. They fill the same food-grade CO₂ used in kegging beer. A standard 60L equivalent fill typically costs $5–$10, often while you wait. To find one near you, search "homebrew supply [your city]" or visit the American Homebrewers Association store locator.
2. Welding Supply Shops
Welding supply companies stock CO₂ in large quantities and often fill small cylinders for a few dollars. The CO₂ at welding shops is typically industrial grade, not food-grade — while many home carbonators use it without issue, it's worth asking specifically for food-grade (some shops stock both). If they only carry industrial, the primary concern is trace sulfur compounds that can affect taste; the health risk is minimal but the flavor difference is real.
3. Sporting Goods Stores (Paintball Section)
Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and dedicated paintball retailers fill CO₂ cylinders for paintball guns. With the right adapter (CGA-320 to the paintball fitting), this works for SodaStream. This option is better for users already set up with an adapter.
4. Fire Extinguisher Service Companies
CO₂ fire extinguisher companies have the gas and the filling equipment. Some will fill beverage-compatible cylinders, especially if you ask for food-grade CO₂ specifically. Call ahead — not all companies do walk-in fills for small cylinders.
5. Online Exchange Programs
Several companies have launched mail-based cylinder exchange programs where you ship your empty cylinder and receive a full one in return. These typically run $12–$16 all-in, competitive with SodaStream's retail exchange but with home delivery convenience.
Mail-Order CO₂ Options
If you don't have a local option or prefer home delivery, mail-order has improved significantly. The model works similarly to SodaStream's exchange: you ship your empty cylinder and receive a pre-filled one. Turnaround is typically 3–5 business days.
When evaluating mail-order CO₂ services, confirm:
- They ship the food-grade CO₂ certification with each cylinder
- Cylinders are within their hydrostatic test date (stamped on the collar)
- Return shipping is included in the price
- They accept cylinders from multiple brands (not just their own)
Cost Comparison: Official vs. Third-Party
To put the savings in concrete terms, here's what a typical SodaStream user spends over a year at different usage levels:
| Usage Level | Cylinders/Year | SodaStream Exchange | Homebrew Shop Refill | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1 liter/day) | ~4 | $64–$80 | $28–$40 | ~$36 |
| Moderate (2 liters/day) | ~8 | $128–$160 | $56–$80 | ~$72 |
| Heavy (3+ liters/day) | 12+ | $192–$240 | $84–$120 | ~$108+ |
For heavy users, the math often justifies upgrading to a larger 5 lb CO₂ tank with a regulator and adapter, which can fill the equivalent of 12+ SodaStream cylinders for $10–$15 in CO₂. See our CO₂ Tank Upgrade Guide for the full breakdown.
Is Third-Party CO₂ Safe to Use?
This is the question SodaStream's marketing leans on heavily, and it deserves a direct, factual answer.
The Gas Itself
Food-grade CO₂ is food-grade CO₂. The purity standard (99.9%+) is the same whether it comes from SodaStream, a local homebrew shop, or a regional CO₂ distributor. There is no meaningful difference in the gas when it meets food-grade certification.
The Cylinder
This is where actual safety considerations live. CO₂ cylinders are high-pressure vessels regulated in the United States by DOT (Department of Transportation). Every cylinder has a stamped date on the collar indicating when it was last hydrostatic tested. Cylinders must be retested every 5 years (for aluminum) or 10 years (for some steel designs).
When buying a third-party cylinder or using a refill service, check:
- The hydrostatic test date is within 5 years
- No visible dents, corrosion, or damage to the cylinder body
- The valve spins freely and seals completely when closed
- The fill weight matches what's printed on the cylinder (tare weight + fill weight)
SodaStream's Warranty Position
SodaStream's official stance is that using third-party cylinders voids the warranty on their machines. This is a business position, not a safety claim. Physically, the CGA-320 valve connection is the same — a compatible cylinder connects no differently than the official one. Whether the warranty concern matters depends on how old your machine is and how much the warranty is worth to you.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Every Fill
Whether you're using official or third-party CO₂, these practices help extend each cylinder further:
- Chill your water before carbonating. Cold water absorbs CO₂ roughly twice as efficiently as room-temperature water. This single habit can meaningfully extend a cylinder's lifespan.
- Don't over-carbonate in a single burst. Multiple shorter bursts (2–3 seconds each) with shaking between absorbs more CO₂ into the liquid than one long press.
- Store your machine upright and at room temperature when not in use — extreme heat causes CO₂ to expand and can slowly leak around seals.
- Check your machine's cylinder seal periodically. A worn O-ring causes CO₂ to escape at the connection point. Replacement O-rings for SodaStream machines are inexpensive and widely available.
Free Download: Home Carbonation Quick-Start Kit
Includes CO₂ safety checklist, PSI reference chart, cylinder inspection guide, and beginner syrup ratios.
Download PDF Guide