88g vs 16g CO2 Cartridges — Which One Is Better for Soda Makers?

When it comes to soda makers, choosing the right CO2 cartridge isn’t just about size — it’s about efficiency, compatibility, and long‑term cost. Two of the most common options on the market are the 16g and 88g CO2 cartridges.
While both are designed for carbonation, their performance and suitability differ greatly depending on whether you’re making sparkling water at home or managing a beverage system for commercial use.

Quick Comparison: 88g vs 16g CO2

Summary: The 16g cartridge is compact, affordable, and ideal for home or portable soda makers.
The 88g version offers better long‑term economy and fewer refills, perfect for restaurants or large‑scale beverage operations.

Use‑Case Scenarios: Who Needs What?

• 16g CO2 Cartridges – Great for individual users or portable soda devices. These smaller cartridges are lightweight, easy to replace, and compatible with most mainstream brands.
• 88g CO2 Cartridges – Designed for professionals. Larger cartridges are better suited for bars, restaurants, or office soda systems where higher carbonation capacity is required.

Choosing the right size depends on how often you carbonate and whether convenience or output is your priority.

Compatibility with Soda Equipment

Not every soda maker is designed to handle an 88g CO2 cartridge.
While the 16g size is widely standardized, 88g cylinders may need a special adapter or connection thread to fit securely.
This is particularly important for OEM and equipment manufacturers who design proprietary soda systems.

At Alizee, we offer customized thread types and pressure specifications to ensure your cartridges fit perfectly into your machines — from consumer appliances to professional beverage dispensers.

Cost Efficiency and Refill Frequency

If your priority is long‑term operational efficiency, the 88g cartridge is a clear winner. It provides 5–6 times the CO2 volume of a 16g cylinder, which means fewer replacements and lower overall cost per liter.

However, 16g cartridges remain the preferred option for retail and private‑label markets because of their portability and lower minimum order quantities. For distributors and importers, offering both sizes covers both consumer and professional demands.

Shipping and Storage Considerations

Because CO2 cylinders are classified as pressurized containers, their transport falls under strict regulations.
The 16g cartridge offers advantages in logistics flexibility — easier to ship via air, smaller packaging volume, and less paperwork.

On the other hand, 88g cartridges may require special labeling and bulk transport handling, but they’re more space‑efficient for high‑volume commercial customers.

Customization and OEM Opportunities

One size doesn’t fit all. At AlizeeMetal, we help partners customize their CO2 cartridges — from thread types and filling gas purity to branding, logo printing, and packaging design.
Our factory ensures 100% leakage detection, high‑purity filling, and safe international shipping for all gas products.

Sustainability-minded brands may also benefit from Bubliq’s perspective on CO2 cartridges and the circular economy, which highlights the environmental value of reusability in gas systems.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose 16g CO2 cartridges if you are a portable soda maker brand, home appliance retailer, or promotional gift distributor.
  → They are compact, flexible, and ideal for small‑batch production.
• Choose 88g CO2 cartridges if you are a restaurant supplier, commercial beverage system manufacturer, or large‑volume distributor.
  → They minimize downtime, reduce refilling frequency, and improve long‑term efficiency.

No matter your choice, partnering with a trusted supplier ensures consistent quality and safety across your production line.

If you’re sourcing cartridges for soda equipment — including 8g, 12g, and 16g models — you can explore our lineup of CO2 cartridges for soda makers designed for both consumer and commercial use.