Are you a fan of that intense, crisp, almost-hurts-so-good fizziness in your sparkling water? If you’ve ever found yourself wondering How To Get Extra Fizzy Water from your home soda maker, you’ve come to the right place. As the experts at Soda Maker Pro, we live and breathe bubbles, and we’re here to spill all the secrets. It’s not about magic; it’s about a little bit of science and a few pro techniques that will transform your homemade soda from pleasantly bubbly to spectacularly effervescent. Forget store-bought seltzers that go flat the second you open them. We’re about to help you master the art of extreme carbonation, creating that perfect glass of prickly, refreshing fizz right in your own kitchen.
At its heart, a soda maker is a wonderfully simple device that lets you become your own beverage artisan. It works by injecting pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) from a canister directly into plain water, creating those delightful bubbles. This simple process unlocks a world of benefits. You’ll save money compared to buying bottled water, drastically reduce your plastic waste, have complete control over what goes into your drinks (no hidden sugars or artificial sweeteners!), and enjoy the sheer convenience of having sparkling water on demand, anytime you want.

The Science of Fizz: The Golden Rules for Maximum Bubbles
Before we get into the button-pushing techniques, let’s talk about the ‘why’. Understanding the basic science behind carbonation is the first step toward becoming a true fizz master. The core principle is simple: CO2 gas dissolves more effectively into very cold liquids under pressure. Think of it like this: trying to stir sugar into iced tea is a struggle, but it dissolves instantly in hot tea. For CO2, it’s the exact opposite. The colder your water, the more receptive it is to welcoming in and holding onto those CO2 bubbles.
Rule #1: Start with Chilled Water (The Colder, The Better)
This is, without a doubt, the single most important factor in your quest for super-bubbly water. Room temperature water simply won’t cut it.
- Baseline: At a minimum, your water should be refrigerated for several hours.
- Pro-Level: For truly exceptional results, place a bottle of filtered water in the fridge overnight. Even better, pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before you carbonate. You want it to be on the verge of freezing, but not actually frozen. This icy temperature creates the perfect environment for maximum CO2 absorption.
Expert Tip: I keep a rotation of two or three official Soda Maker Pro bottles filled with filtered water in my fridge at all times. That way, I’m never more than a few moments away from a perfectly chilled base for the fizziest water imaginable.
Rule #2: A Healthy CO2 Canister is a Happy Canister
Your CO2 canister is the powerhouse of your soda maker. If it’s not in top shape, your fizz will suffer.
- Check the Level: As your canister nears empty, the pressure it delivers will decrease, resulting in weaker carbonation. If you notice you have to press the button more times than usual for the same result, it’s likely time for a swap.
- Ensure a Tight Seal: When you screw in a new canister, make sure it’s snug and secure. You shouldn’t hear any hissing sounds. A poor seal means gas is escaping before it ever reaches your water, which is a waste of CO2 and a recipe for flat water.
The Art of Carbonation: How to Get Extra Fizzy Water
With your ice-cold water and a full CO2 canister, you’re ready for the main event. This is where technique comes into play. How you actually operate the machine can make a significant difference in the final fizziness.
The Pressing Question: How Many Pushes for Perfect Fizz?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is: it depends on your personal preference! However, for those seeking extra fizz, here’s our proven method.
- Secure the Bottle: Make sure your bottle of cold water is locked firmly into the machine.
- Use Short, Firm Bursts: Instead of one long press, we recommend using multiple short, 1-2 second bursts.
- Listen for the Buzz: On most machines, you’ll hear a “buzz” or “hiss” sound when the water has absorbed as much CO2 as it can from that press. This is your cue to stop pressing.
- Repeat for Intensity:
- For standard fizz: 3-4 presses are usually enough.
- For extra fizzy water: Don’t be shy. Go for 5-7 presses. Push the button, wait for the buzz, release, and repeat. You are layering the carbonation into the water with each press.
Pro Technique: Let It Settle for a Moment
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to bubbles. After your final press, don’t immediately remove the bottle. Let it sit in the machine for an extra 10-15 seconds. This brief resting period allows the CO2 to fully dissolve and stabilize in the water, resulting in a more intense and longer-lasting fizz once you release the bottle.
Common Fizz-Killing Mistakes to Avoid
Sometimes, achieving the perfect fizz is as much about what you don’t do as what you do. Steer clear of these common blunders.
- Carbonating Liquids with Flavoring: Never carbonate water that already has syrup, juice, or fruit in it. The sugars and other ingredients will react with the CO2 injection, causing a foamy mess that can overflow and even damage your machine. Always add your flavors after carbonating.
- Ignoring the Fill Line: The fill line on your carbonating bottle isn’t just a suggestion. It leaves the perfect amount of headspace for the CO2 to do its work effectively. Overfilling can lead to less effective carbonation and potential overflow.
- Using Warm Water: We can’t stress this enough. Attempting to carbonate warm or room-temperature water is the fastest way to get disappointing, weak bubbles.

How to Choose and Maintain Your Soda Maker for Peak Performance
While technique is key, the machine itself plays a role. When choosing a soda maker, look for models that offer manual control over carbonation, like our Soda Maker Pro line, which allows you to press as many times as you like to achieve your desired fizz level.
Proper maintenance also ensures your machine works efficiently every time.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the machine with a damp cloth. Hand wash the bottles with warm, soapy water—never put them in the dishwasher, as high heat can warp the plastic.
- Nozzle Check: Periodically check the nozzle where the gas comes out to ensure it’s free of any residue. A clean machine is an efficient machine, delivering consistent pressure for perfect bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my soda water flat even after many presses?
A: The most likely culprits are warm water or a nearly empty CO2 canister. Start by ensuring your water is ice-cold. If that doesn’t solve it, it’s probably time to replace your CO2 cylinder. Also, double-check that the canister is screwed in tightly.
Q: Can I re-carbonate sparkling water that has gone flat?
A: Absolutely! This is one of the best perks of owning a soda maker. If you have some leftover sparkling water in the bottle that has lost its fizz, just pop it back on the machine and give it a few more presses to bring it back to life.
Q: Does the type of water matter for getting extra fizzy water?
A: While any potable water works, for the best-tasting and purest fizz, we recommend using filtered water. Hard water with high mineral content can sometimes affect the taste. However, for the fizziness level itself, temperature is overwhelmingly the most important factor.
Q: How long does a CO2 canister last if I like my water extra fizzy?
A: A standard 60L canister is rated to make up to 60 liters of normally carbonated water. If you’re consistently making extra-bubbly water by using more presses, you’ll use more gas per bottle. Expect to get closer to 40-50 liters from a canister. It’s a small trade-off for perfectly customized fizz.
Q: Is it safe to press the carbonation button more than the recommended times?
A: Yes, within reason. Soda makers are designed with safety valves that release excess pressure, so you don’t need to worry about over-pressurizing the bottle. Pressing the button 5-7 times to get extra fizzy water is perfectly safe and a common practice for bubble lovers.
Your Perfect Fizz Awaits
Mastering how to get extra fizzy water is a simple journey of discovery. By following these fundamental principles—starting with ice-cold water, ensuring your CO2 canister is ready to go, and using the right carbonating technique—you’ll unlock a new level of bubbly perfection. Say goodbye to underwhelming fizz and hello to crisp, sharp, and intensely satisfying sparkling water made exactly the way you love it. Now go on, grab that chilled bottle from the fridge and start experimenting to find your signature fizz.