Sparkling Water Tap vs SodaStream: Which Is Better?
What's the Difference?
At first glance, both products seem to achieve the same goal—fresh sparkling water without buying bottles.
The biggest difference is how they produce it.
A SodaStream is a benchtop appliance that carbonates water manually using refillable CO₂ cylinders.
A sparkling water tap is permanently installed in your kitchen and delivers filtered sparkling water instantly alongside chilled, boiling, ambient and standard hot and cold water (depending on the model).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Sparkling Water Tap | SodaStream |
|---|---|---|
| Instant sparkling water | ✅ | ❌ (manual carbonation) |
| Filtered water | ✅ | Optional (depends on water source) |
| Chilled sparkling water | ✅ | Usually requires chilled water first |
| Boiling water | ✅ (6-in-1 systems) | ❌ |
| Ambient filtered water | ✅ | ❌ |
| Standard hot & cold tap | ✅ | ❌ |
| Benchtop clutter | None | Requires storage space |
| Suitable for entertaining | Excellent | Good |
| Installation required | Yes | No |
| Initial cost | Higher | Lower |
Convenience
This is where the biggest difference becomes noticeable.
SodaStream
Each drink requires you to:
- Fill the bottle.
- Attach it to the machine.
- Press the carbonation button several times.
- Remove the bottle.
- Pour your drink.
It only takes a minute, but you'll repeat the process every time.
Sparkling Water Tap
With a sparkling water tap, you simply turn the control and sparkling water flows instantly.
There are:
- No bottles to attach
- No manual carbonation
- No appliance sitting on your bench
For busy families or frequent entertainers, this convenience quickly becomes one of the biggest advantages.
Kitchen Appearance
Modern kitchens are increasingly designed around clean, uncluttered benchtops.
A SodaStream still occupies valuable bench space.
A built-in sparkling water tap integrates seamlessly into your sink area while replacing multiple appliances such as:
- Kettle
- Water filter jug
- Soda machine
The result is a cleaner, more minimalist kitchen.
Water Quality
Many integrated water taps include premium filtration systems that reduce chlorine, sediment and unpleasant tastes while improving drinking water quality.
With a SodaStream, the quality of your sparkling water depends entirely on the water you start with.
If your tap water has a noticeable taste, you'll either need a separate filtration system or use filtered water before carbonating.
More Than Just Sparkling Water
One of the biggest advantages of a multifunction water tap is that it does far more than produce sparkling water.
Premium 6-in-1 systems can also provide:
- Instant boiling water
- Chilled filtered water
- Ambient filtered water
- Standard mains hot water
- Standard mains cold water
Instead of owning several separate appliances, everything is integrated into one elegant tap.
Running Costs
Both options use food-grade CO₂ cylinders.
Running costs vary depending on household usage and local refill prices, but both systems require occasional cylinder replacement.
Integrated water taps also require:
- Filter replacement
- Electricity for heating and cooling
- Periodic servicing
SodaStream has lower ongoing maintenance but offers fewer functions.
Which Is Better for Entertaining?
If you regularly host family or friends, an integrated sparkling water tap is difficult to beat.
Guests can pour chilled sparkling water directly from the tap without waiting for bottles to be carbonated.
This makes entertaining more convenient and keeps your kitchen running smoothly during busy occasions.
Which Option Offers Better Long-Term Value?
If your primary goal is simply making sparkling water occasionally, a SodaStream remains an affordable and practical solution.
However, if you:
- Drink sparkling water daily
- Want filtered chilled water
- Use boiling water regularly
- Prefer a clutter-free kitchen
- Are renovating or building
then an integrated sparkling water tap can offer significantly greater everyday convenience and functionality.
Why Many Homeowners Are Upgrading
More Australians are moving away from standalone appliances in favour of integrated kitchen solutions.
Replacing several products with one premium water tap not only simplifies daily life but also creates a cleaner, more contemporary kitchen.
Why Choose Velo Water?
The Velo Core 6-in-1 Digital Tap combines:
- Instant filtered boiling water
- Chilled filtered water
- Sparkling water
- Ambient filtered water
- Standard hot water
- Standard cold water
Available in:
- Matte Black
- Brushed Nickel
- Brushed Bronze
- Chrome
Rather than adding another appliance to your kitchen, Velo integrates everything into one beautifully designed tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sparkling water tap better than a SodaStream?
It depends on your lifestyle. A SodaStream is ideal for occasional sparkling water, while a sparkling water tap offers greater convenience and multiple water functions for everyday use.
Is a sparkling water tap more expensive?
Yes. A sparkling water tap has a higher upfront cost because it is a permanently installed kitchen appliance with filtration, chilling and carbonation systems.
Do both use CO₂ cylinders?
Yes. Both systems carbonate water using food-grade CO₂ cylinders that require periodic replacement.
Can a sparkling water tap replace a SodaStream?
For most households, yes. A sparkling water tap provides sparkling water on demand while also offering additional features such as filtered boiling and chilled water.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both products serve different needs.
A SodaStream is an excellent entry point for households that occasionally enjoy sparkling water and want a low-cost solution.
A sparkling water tap is better suited to homeowners looking for maximum convenience, premium design and multiple water functions from one integrated system.
If you're planning a kitchen renovation or simply want to upgrade the way you access drinking water every day, a multifunction tap can become one of the most-used features in your home.
Discover the Velo Core
Experience instant filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water from one elegant tap.
Pre-orders are now open. Secure your Velo Tap with a $250 deposit and automatically receive $275 off your final payment at checkout, plus a FREE Vital Zing Flavour Bundle.
