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Many people buy 12g CO2 cartridges but never know exactly how much soda they can make. Guessing leads to wasted money and wrong expectations. Here, I explain with clear numbers and real applications.
A 12g CO2 cartridge can carbonate about 1.2–1.5 liters of soda water, depending on machine efficiency and desired fizz level.
If you use soda makers at home or supply them for commercial needs, knowing this number helps you plan better. But in reality, different conditions make the outcome vary. Let’s explore why.
Why does a 12g CO2 cartridge carbonate only 1.2–1.5 liters of soda?
Many users think 12g is enough for several bottles. It is not. The science behind carbonation explains why.
Each liter of soda usually needs 8–10g CO2, so 12g only carbonates about 1.2–1.5 liters.
How much CO2 dissolves in soda water?
At standard conditions, about 1.96 grams of CO2 dissolves in 1 liter of water. But real soda needs higher fizz. Industry standards use 8–10g per liter to achieve the right taste and feel. A detailed explanation of this solubility principle can be found in ScienceDirect’s overview on carbonation.
Industry standard for soda carbonation
Commercial beverages target higher carbonation for consistent taste. Soda makers normally push more gas to achieve 2–2.6 volumes of CO2, equal to 8–10g per liter.
Why machine efficiency matters
Different soda makers lose some gas in the process. Poor seals, fast release, or old equipment waste CO2. So your actual output per 12g cartridge may be lower than expected.
| CO2 Used (g) | Soda Carbonated (L) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1.5 |
| 9 | 1.3 |
| 10 | 1.2 |
How does temperature and pressure affect carbonation levels?
Many people notice soda feels flatter in summer than in winter. The reason is simple science.
Cold water absorbs more CO2, so lower temperatures improve carbonation efficiency.
Solubility of CO2 at different temperatures
At 1–3°C, soda can hold much more CO2 than at room temperature. Warmer water releases CO2 faster, wasting part of the cartridge.
Role of carbonation pressure in soda makers
More pressure means more CO2 dissolves. Machines that allow longer injection under pressure use gas more effectively than those with quick release.
Practical tips for users
Always chill your water before carbonation. Do not shake or release gas too quickly. These steps help each 12g cartridge last longer.
| Water Temp (°C) | CO2 Dissolved (g/L) |
|---|---|
| 3 | 10 |
| 10 | 8 |
| 20 | 6 |
Is a 12g CO2 cartridge enough for commercial soda making?
At home, a 12g cartridge might be fine. In business, it is not cost-effective.
For commercial soda, larger cylinders like 425g are more practical and affordable than 12g cartridges.
Cost comparison (12g vs 425g cylinders)
A 12g cartridge carbonates about 1.3 liters. A 425g cylinder carbonates 50–60 liters. This reduces cost per liter and refill frequency.
Application scenarios
- Home use: convenient, small cartridges are fine.
- Bars and restaurants: need stable, larger tanks for daily use.
- Beverage factories: only use bulk cylinders for efficiency.
Long-term supply and logistics
Bulk cylinders lower transport costs and make storage easier. For B2B buyers, using only 12g cartridges increases logistics costs and storage volume.
| Cylinder Size | Soda Volume (L) |
|---|---|
| 12g | 1.2–1.5 |
| 60g | 7–8 |
| 425g | 50–60 |
Where to source food-grade 12g CO2 cartridges in bulk?
Not all CO2 cartridges are safe for beverages. Many are made for air guns or industrial tools.
You should buy from certified manufacturers offering food-grade CO2 cartridges with ISO and CE certifications.
When sourcing, make sure your supplier specializes in soda applications. For example, at Alizeemetal we produce CO2 cartridges designed for soda makers, all manufactured with food-grade CO2 and multiple quality inspections.
What certifications matter
Food-grade certification, ISO quality standards, and CE marks are key. These ensure purity and safety for drinking applications.
Why choose direct factory supply
Factories can offer lower wholesale prices, stable quality, and brand customization. This matters for beverage brands that need private labeling.
Alizeemetal advantage
As a factory in China with 5 production lines, Alizeemetal supplies food-grade 12g CO2 cartridges in bulk. We support free customization, strict quality checks, and export to Europe, USA, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Our wholesale-only model ensures stable supply for B2B partners.
Conclusion
A 12g CO2 cartridge carbonates 1.2–1.5 liters of soda. For bulk supply, certified factories like Alizeemetal ensure safe, cost-effective, and customizable options for global distributors.
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