How Much Does It Cost to Carbonate 32 fl oz?

Sparkling water is now a must-have in the kitchen. It’s crisp, refreshing, and a little more fun than still water. More and more individuals are skipping the store aisle and making their own soda at home instead. They are drawn in by the promise of savings, reduced plastic waste, and the simple fun of pushing the carbonation button.

But the real question is: how much does it cost to carbonate 32 fl oz bottle at home? Is it cheaper to buy a ready-made bottle off the shelf, or do you have to spend money on the correct setup to see the savings?

We’ll go over the basics in this post: the cost of CO2, the machines that do the work, and the optional additions that can change the price up or down. In the end, you’ll know just where to put the fizz in your own water.

The CO₂ Factor

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is what makes every fizzy drink fizzy, and the price of that gas affects the real cost of making your own carbonated drinks. The numbers change based on where you get it.

Cartridges: Small 8g cartridges are the most typical way for novice users to get started. Each one costs between $0.29 and $0.46 and can make around a liter (33.8 fl oz) of carbonated water. That comes out to $0.29 to $0.46 for a 32 fl oz bottle, which is convenient but not necessarily the cheapest choice if you drink sparkling water every day.

Refillable Cylinders: Heavy users save a lot more money with bigger tanks. A regular 60L refill costs between $15 and $32, which lowers the cost each 32 fl oz bottle to less than $0.10. That disparity adds up quickly over time, especially if your family goes through a lot of bottles each week.

The bottom line is that refillable cylinders are a better value in the long run, even though cartridges are easier to use and carry. If you drink sparkling water every day, bigger tanks will easily pay for themselves.

Costs of Equipment

The machine is the key to making carbonated drinks at home. It’s the most obvious investment, but it’s not the one that costs the most in the long run.

Price Up Front: Most entry-level soda makers cost between $30 and $70. You can choose a small handheld type or a countertop machine, and the money you spend will endure for years.

Amortized across Time: When you spread that upfront cost out across hundreds of bottles, it becomes nearly unnoticeable on a per-bottle basis. The CO₂ you put into the machine is what really costs you money.

Who Benefits Most: If you just drink soda once in a while, a lower-cost soda machine with cartridges may be all you need. If you drink sparkling water every day, though, it’s best to use refillable cylinders with your machine. That mix makes each bottle much cheaper over time.

Optional Extras

Once you have the bubbles, the extras are up to you.

Flavor Drops & Syrups: Lots of soda manufactures sell their own flavor packets, and there are also a lot of possibilities from other companies. These can cost anywhere from a few cents to a few dimes each bottle, depending on the brand. Those expenditures add up faster than the CO₂ itself if you prefer to mix cola, fruit, or cocktails.

Just Water: You don’t need any additions if all you want is clear, sparkling water. In that situation, the extra cost is almost nothing you’re only paying for the fizz.

Cost Comparison in the Real World

So, how does making fizz at home compare to buying it in a store? Here’s how it breaks down:

Home Carbonation with Cartridges: To carbonate a 32 fl oz bottle, you’ll need tiny CO₂ cartridges that cost about $0.30 to $0.50. It is still cheaper than most sparkling water sold in stores, but not by a lot.

Home Carbonation with Refillable Cylinders: The price goes down a lot when you convert to bigger tanks—less than $0.10 for the same 32 fl oz. That’s where the significant savings start, especially for people who drink sparkling water every day.

DIY Rigs: If you like to experiment, you can make your own rig with bulk CO₂ and get the price down to about $0.02 per 32 fl oz. It’s the cheapest alternative, but you need some extra tools and knowledge beyond what a regular soda maker has.

Bottles from the store: A 32 fl oz portion from the store normally costs between $0.50 and $1.00, depending on the brand and packaging. Yes, it’s convenient, but it’s always more expensive than cooking it at home.

Numbers that help

Let’s use some real-world examples to give the cost ranges some context:

SodaStream Refills: A regular refill that costs about $16.99 can carbonate up to 50 liters (1,690 fl oz). That comes out to around $0.32 for each 32 fl oz bottle.

8g Cartridge Packs: Buying in bulk, like 50 cartridges for about $32, brings the cost down to about $0.64 per liter (33.8 fl oz). That comes out to roughly 30 cents for a 32 fl oz bottle.

DIY Hacks: You may make your own carbonation rigs at home with bulk CO₂, which can bring the cost down to just $0.04 for 2 liters (67.6 fl oz), or about $0.02 for 32 fl oz.

Conclusion – How Much Does It Cost to Carbonate 32 fl oz?

When you add up the costs, fizzing up a 32 fl oz bottle at home can cost anywhere from a few cents to around half a dollar. The price varies depending on where you get your CO₂. Small cartridges are on the costlier end, while refillable cylinders or DIY rigs bring the price down to pocket change.

If you drink sparkling water often, the best option is to buy a bigger CO₂ system or, if you’re feeling brave, to build your own. Both choices are better value than buying bottles from the shop all the time.

If you drink bubbles every day, home carbonation is not only convenient, it’s also the smarter and cheaper way to keep the fizz going.