If you’ve ever wondered how a machine can turn plain water into perfectly fizzy sparkling water in seconds, you’re not alone. The science behind home carbonation is surprisingly simple — and once you understand it, you’ll appreciate why a sparkling water machine is one of the smartest kitchen investments you can make.
The Science of Carbonation
Carbonation is the process of dissolving carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas into water under pressure. When CO₂ dissolves into water, it forms carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) — a weak acid that gives sparkling water its characteristic tangy taste and fizzy sensation.
This is the same process used by commercial sparkling water brands — just done at an industrial scale. A home sparkling water machine replicates this process in your kitchen, on demand, in seconds.
What’s Inside a Sparkling Water Machine?
A home carbonator like the Bubblitz Carbonator has three main components:
- The machine body — holds the carbonating mechanism and connects the bottle to the CO₂ cylinder
- The CO₂ cylinder — a pressurised canister filled with food-grade carbon dioxide gas
- The carbonating bottle — a pressure-safe bottle (glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free PET) that holds the water during carbonation
Step-by-Step: How It Works
Step 1: Fill the Bottle with Cold Water
Cold water absorbs CO₂ more efficiently than warm water. Always start with chilled or room-temperature water for the best carbonation results.
Step 2: Attach the Bottle to the Machine
The carbonating bottle screws or clips securely onto the machine body, creating an airtight seal. This seal ensures CO₂ stays in the water rather than escaping into the air.
Step 3: Press to Inject CO₂
When you press the carbonation button or lever, a valve opens and releases a controlled burst of CO₂ from the cylinder into the sealed bottle. The gas dissolves into the water under pressure. The longer you press, the more CO₂ is injected — giving you control over your fizz level from lightly sparkling to intensely bubbly.
Step 4: Release and Enjoy
Once you release the button, the valve closes. You detach the bottle, and your sparkling water is ready. The dissolved CO₂ stays in the water as long as the bottle remains sealed.
Why Does Fizz Disappear When You Open the Bottle?
When you open the bottle, the pressure drops. CO₂ that was dissolved under pressure starts to escape as bubbles — this is called degassing. The warmer the water and the longer it’s been open, the faster the fizz escapes.
Tip: For the longest-lasting fizz, carbonate cold water and reseal the bottle immediately after pouring.
How Long Does One CO₂ Cylinder Last?
A standard Bubblitz CO₂ cylinder contains 400g–425g of food-grade CO₂ and makes approximately 40–60 litres of sparkling water, depending on your carbonation level. For a household drinking 1 litre per day, one cylinder typically lasts 6–8 weeks.
Is the CO₂ Safe to Drink?
Yes — completely. Bubblitz uses 100% food-grade CO₂, the same type used in commercial sparkling water production. The slight tangy taste in sparkling water comes from carbonic acid formed when CO₂ dissolves in water — not from any additive.
Do Sparkling Water Machines Need Electricity?
Bubblitz Carbonators (models 1–5) are fully manual — no electricity required. The carbonation is powered entirely by the pressurised CO₂ in the cylinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carbonate any liquid other than water?
We recommend only carbonating plain water. Carbonating juice or other liquids can damage the machine.
How do I control the fizz level?
Press the lever briefly for light carbonation, or hold it longer for more intense fizz.
How do I get a CO₂ refill?
Send your empty cylinder back to Bubblitz and we’ll dispatch a fresh one. Order your CO₂ refill here.
Browse our Carbonator range and start making fresh sparkling water at home today.
Make Water Cool Again. 💧
