Different types of whipping cream dispenser chargers

Whipping cream dispensers use chargers to pressurize the cream and create the light, airy texture of whipped cream. The chargers contain nitrous oxide (N₂O), which is the gas responsible for aerating the cream and turning it into whipped cream. However, there are a few different types of chargers available, depending on the intended use and compatibility with your dispenser. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of chargers you might encounter:

Standard N₂O (Nitrous Oxide) Chargers

• Most Common Type: Nitrous Whip is the most widely used charger for whipping cream dispensers. It contains nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas, which is safe for consumption and is used to create whipped cream.
• Usage: These chargers are inserted into the dispenser to pressurize the cream and make it whip into a fluffy texture. Nitrous oxide works by dissolving into the cream, creating small air bubbles that give the cream its light and airy consistency.
• Capacity: Typically, each charger contains 8 grams of N₂O, which is enough to whip about half a pint (250 ml) of cream, depending on the fat content and the amount of cream used.

Advantages:

• Fast and easy to use.
• Produces smooth, fluffy whipped cream.
• Safe and widely available.
• Brands: Some well-known brands for N₂O chargers include iSi, Liss, and Mosa.

N₂O Chargers for Commercial Use (Larger Sizes)

• Larger Chargers: In commercial or high-volume settings, larger chargers containing N₂O are used, such as 16g, 24g, or 50g chargers.
• Usage: These chargers are used for larger dispensers, allowing chefs and caterers to whip large quantities of cream at once without having to change chargers frequently.

Advantages:

• Ideal for professional kitchens and events with high demand.
• More efficient for making large batches of whipped cream or other foams.
• Examples: 16g N₂O chargers are common for larger dispensers, and 50g chargers are used in heavy-duty machines like those used for making whipped desserts, foams, and even espumas (flavored foams).

CO₂ Chargers (Carbon Dioxide)

• CO₂ Chargers: These chargers contain carbon dioxide (CO₂) instead of nitrous oxide. While they’re less common in whipping cream dispensers, they are sometimes used for creating carbonated beverages or soda-style foams.
• Usage: In a whipping cream dispenser, CO₂ does not create the same light, fluffy texture that N₂O does. Instead, it can be used for creating carbonated foams or soda cream, which can be used in molecular gastronomy for drinks or certain desserts.

Advantages:

• Great for creating carbonated effects or fizzy foams.
• Suitable for other culinary applications beyond just whipped cream.

Limitations:

• CO₂ does not produce the same creamy, fluffy whipped texture as N₂O, so it’s not ideal for making traditional whipped cream.
• Examples: iSi CO₂ chargers for carbonated drinks or foams.