Threaded vs Non-Threaded CO₂ Cartridges: Can One 16g Charger Fit All Brands?

At first glance, CO₂ chargers all look very similar. They are small, silver, and usually marked “16g.” So it is natural to assume that one charger should work with any brand or device. But in reality, this is where many users run into problems.

If you have ever bought a box of CO₂ cartridges only to find they do not fit your equipment, you are not alone. The key difference comes down to one detail that is easy to overlook: threaded vs non-threaded cartridges. Understanding this difference will save time, money, and frustration—especially for businesses that rely on stable, consistent supply.

Let’s break it down clearly.

Why Compatibility Matters in CO₂ Chargers

The CO₂ chargers find usage in various applications which include whipped cream dispensers and soda makers and beverage systems and bike inflators. The cartridge connects to the device through different methods even though both systems use the same gas.

This is where the big question comes in: Can one CO₂ charger fit all brands?

The short answer is no. And the reason has everything to do with how the cartridge is designed to connect.

What Is a Threaded CO₂ Cartridge?

The threaded CO₂ cartridge contains a neck that uses a screw mechanism for operation. You twist it into the device until it is tightly sealed. The 16g threaded CO₂ cartridge stands as the most widely available product in retail stores.

Key features of threaded cartridges include:

• They screw directly into the device
• The seal is tight and stable
• Gas release is controlled and consistent
• They are widely used in professional and commercial equipment

Because of this design, threaded cartridges are known for reliability. The system demonstrates better performance because it experiences less leakage during operational activities which require frequent use. This particular system has become the preferred choice for many cafés, bars, and foodservice businesses.

In short, if your device uses a threaded interface, you should always choose a 16g threaded CO₂ cartridge.

What Is a Non-Threaded CO₂ Cartridge?

The non-threaded CO₂ cartridge has a smooth neck which lacks any screw pattern. The device requires the user to insert the cartridge through its opening and an internal pin will puncture it.

The common selling practice shows 16 gram non-threaded CO₂ cartridges being sold as 16 gram CO₂ cartridges.

Non-threaded cartridges have three main characteristics which include their lack of screw threads and their sealing method which uses a thin metal cap and their opening mechanism which uses a piercing pin that operates from within the device. The system works with basic equipment which costs less to acquire.

Non-threaded cartridges function properly for basic and infrequent usage requirements. The system relies on its internal components for its operational capabilities. Performance degradation occurs when the pin or seal or alignment experiences any degree of misalignment.

The system has restricted compatibility because of this limitation. The device requires a non-threaded CO₂ cartridge that exactly matches its design specifications.

Can One Charger Fit All Brands? The Real Answer

The two types of cartridges, which look alike, function differently because threaded systems and non-threaded systems, which both appear the same size, cannot be used interchangeably.

That means:

• A threaded device cannot use a non-threaded CO₂ cartridge
• A non-threaded device cannot use a threaded CO₂ cartridge

The connection method is completely different. One uses a screw seal. The other uses a puncture system. The two systems cannot be combined because they will cause equipment damage in certain situations.

So while one 16g size is common, the interface type is what really determines compatibility.

How to Choose the Right 16g CO₂ Cartridge for Your Device

Before purchasing cartridges, three easy things must be checked.

Check your device manual or its markings

The device specifications will state which type of cartridges it needs, either threaded or non-threaded.

Examine the device opening

The presence of internal threads indicates that you must use a threaded CO₂ cartridge. The device requires non-threaded cartridges when you observe a smooth chamber with a pin.

Consider how often you use it

1. The threaded option provides better security for commercial purposes because it handles frequent usage needs.
2. The non-threaded option can work for people who need to use it only.
3. B2B buyers and distributors require consistent product delivery. The wrong product type leads to product returns and customer complaints and inventory loss. This is why many professional buyers standardize on 16g threaded CO₂ cartridges.

Feature	Threaded CO₂ Cartridge	Non-Threaded CO₂ Cartridge
Connection Type	Screw-in	Pierced by internal pin
Seal Stability	High	Medium
Compatibility Range	Broader	More limited
Best For	Commercial / frequent use	Light / occasional use
Common Size	16g threaded CO₂ cartridge	16 gram CO₂ cartridges non-threaded

So, can one charger fit all brands?

Not really. Because matching size requirements only constitutes part of the compatibility process which requires both interface components to match. The design of threaded and non-threaded systems creates two separate systems which have no ability to share components between them.

The threaded CO₂ cartridge provides businesses which handle supply operations and direct sales to customers with a more secure solution that lasts over time. The product delivers improved stability which enables it to work with more devices while decreasing operational issues during typical use scenarios.

Non-threaded cartridges function effectively for home users who need infrequent usage as long as their devices have been built to operate with these cartridges.The process of selecting the correct CO₂ cartridge requires precise determination of the proper cartridge type which should match the specified device. Everything becomes easier after the required solution has been established.