Home Seltzer Maker Cost Calculator

Find out when a seltzer maker starts saving you money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many liters does a standard CO2 cylinder make?
Most entry-level home seltzer machine cylinders are rated for about 60 liters per fill, though actual output varies based on how fizzy you like your water. Higher carbonation levels use more CO2 per liter. Larger cylinders rated for 130 liters are also available for some machines and typically offer a lower cost per liter.
Where can I get CO2 cylinders refilled cheaply?
Many grocery stores, Target, Walmart, and specialty kitchen retailers offer cylinder exchange programs. Third-party refill services and welding supply shops sometimes offer even lower rates for compatible cylinders. Comparing a few local options can meaningfully improve your per-liter cost and shorten your break-even period.
Does the type of sparkling water I compare against matter?
Yes, significantly. If you currently buy premium mineral water like Perrier or San Pellegrino, your savings will be dramatic and your machine will pay off quickly. If you compare against the cheapest store-brand seltzer, the gap narrows considerably. This calculator lets you enter your actual store price per liter for an accurate comparison.
Should I include tap water cost in my calculation?
Tap water is inexpensive enough — typically less than $0.001 per liter — that it makes a negligible difference in the math and can safely be ignored. The CO2 cost dominates your home per-liter calculation by a wide margin.
What if I use flavoring syrups in my seltzer?
Flavoring syrups add meaningful cost — SodaStream syrups typically run $7–$10 per bottle and make around 12 liters of flavored soda, adding roughly $0.60–$0.80 per liter. If you primarily make flavored soda rather than plain sparkling water, compare that total home cost against the equivalent store-bought flavored sparkling water or soda to get an accurate break-even picture.

Is a Home Seltzer Maker Worth It?

Home seltzer makers like SodaStream have surged in popularity, promising to slash your sparkling water bill while cutting down on plastic bottles. Pay once for the machine, swap CO2 cylinders as needed, and carbonate your own tap water for a fraction of the store price. But how long does it actually take to break even — and how much do you really save?

The answer depends on three main variables: the upfront machine cost, the price and capacity of your CO2 cylinders, and how much sparkling water your household consumes. At the typical rate of roughly $0.25 per liter versus $1.00–$2.00 per liter at the store, the math usually favors the machine — but only after the hardware cost is covered.

Understanding CO2 Costs

CO2 is the only real ongoing expense. Entry-level cylinders typically yield 60 liters and cost around $15 to refill at grocery stores or big-box retailers, putting your home cost at about $0.25 per liter. Larger 130-liter cylinders bring that down further. Keep in mind that some refill programs charge more and capacity estimates can vary depending on your carbonation level preference.

Store-Bought Sparkling Water: The Comparison Baseline

Store prices vary enormously. Premium brands like San Pellegrino or Perrier can run $1.50–$3.00 per liter. Budget store brands often come in near $0.50–$0.80. The bigger your gap between home cost and store cost, the faster your machine pays for itself.

What This Calculator Does Not Include

This calculator focuses on the core CO2 cost only. In practice, your machine may also require occasional replacement bottles, nozzles, or gaskets over its lifetime. Tap water is so cheap per liter that it is excluded. If you use flavoring syrups, those add to your per-liter cost and should be factored into your personal comparison.