How it works

A water line fills a keg. A carbonator lid keeps CO₂ pressure on that keg. A tap pours cold sparkling water, and the keg refills itself as you pour. The keg lives in a refrigerator.

Decide these four things first

This guide's default build

A 64 oz ball-lock keg, a SodaStream CO₂ tank, a compressor fridge, and a handheld tap. The parts list matches that build. The other sizes below work too.

1. Keg size. The parts list uses a 64 oz (half-gallon) keg. It carbonates quickly and fits a small fridge. A 2.5 or 5 gallon Corny keg works if you drink more and the fridge has room. The carbonator lid fits standard Corny kegs.
2. CO₂ tank. A SodaStream cylinder is easy to exchange and fine for light use. A 5 lb tank lasts longer and costs less per liter. Compare them on the CO₂ page.
3. Fridge. Use a compressor fridge that can hold 35–40°F (2–4°C). Thermoelectric coolers usually stay too warm. You will drill one hole, high on the side, for the water line.
4. Tap. The parts list includes a handheld picnic tap. A faucet mounted through the fridge needs the optional bulkhead fittings on the parts list.

Time and cost

Shopping and shipping usually takes less than a week. Assembly is about 3 hours. Parts on the list come to $431 before tax and shipping. The fridge is extra.

Build order

1. Parts
2. Water line
3. CO₂
4. Fridge
5. Safety
6. First pour

Pressure tables, tubing sizes, and the cleaning schedule live in the technical reference.