How Does a Carbonator Work?
Once you connect the bottle with a carbonator machine’s screw-on cap, it equalizes pressure to form a vacuum that strongly holds the bottle in place. When you press the lever or button, the safety valve opens. Pressurized carbon dioxide rushes out through this small opening and mixes into the drink till it is saturated with carbon dioxide. Once done, the safety valve snaps back into place, creating a lock sound. If you want more fizziness, just press the lever or button once again.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Carbonator
Carbonation capacity
Carbonation capacity is the total volume of drink a carbonator can carbonate per canister and pump. Most models are configured to carbonate about 60 liters of drinks, so you won’t have to replace the canister too often. On the other hand, if we consider capacity per pump, you should choose a model that carbonates at least 1 liter of drink at once. This will let you serve sparkling water or soda to multiple people at once.
Design
Since carbonators come in a wide range of designs, you should pay heed to this factor. If you want to level up your kitchen’s aesthetics, go for a model with a slim, tall silhouette, and a lustrous body that can suit any interior. If you’re specific about colors, choose a model that’s available in shades like white, maroon, black, or gray to complement your kitchen. Another important factor you should check is the machine’s structure. Having a bulky model won’t do any good, other than occupying most of your countertop. So, look for a carbonator with a slender body and compact structure so it can easily fit in any corner of your kitchen countertop.
Lever or button
Most carbonator machines feature a push button at the top. You need to press and hold it for a couple of seconds until the pressure equalizes and then release it. This will open the safety valve and allow pressurized CO2 to rush into the bottle and mix with the drink. In some models, you’ll find a lever with a rotational damper system. It allows a constant deceleration of the spray speed so that carbon dioxide can dissolve in the liquid under controlled conditions.
Screw-in lock
Every carbonator comes with a lock system, which can be a snap or a twist lock. Either way, it is meant to hold the bottle securely and allow the pressurized gas to get mixed with the drink. Ensure the model you pick has a high-quality screw-in lock to prevent the bottle from coming loose when hit with the pressure of the gas.
Number of cylinders
Most carbonator machines come with different numbers of CO2 cylinders. If you drink fizzy drinks once in a while, one cylinder will be enough to last long. But when you make sparkling water or carbonated drinks frequently, it is better to choose a pack of two to three CO2 cylinders.
Compatibility
Soda makers are usually compatible with 60-liter CO2 cylinders, but a few can also accommodate 130-liter cylinders. Meanwhile, some carbonator systems use a powder instead — just add it to the machine and you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite fizzy drink.
