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Whipped cream dispenser purchasing advice: how to choose the right product
- What You Need to Know
- With a whipped cream dispenser, you can whip cream as well as other cold and warm liquids in seconds.
- Cream can be perfectly portioned with a whipped cream dispenser.
- To choose the right amount, you can use about 50 millilitres per person as a guideline.
- Whipped cream dispensers made of stainless steel are more expensive and heavier than aluminium or plastic models, but they are more robust.
- Usually, at least three different topping attachments are included in the delivery, as well as a pressure capsule and a cleaning brush.
The next party or a get-together for coffee and cake are on the agenda. For most hobby bakers or hosts, whipped cream always belongs on the table. This is true not only for small get-togethers, but also for large celebrations such as birthdays and weddings.
A whipped cream dispenser, also called a cream sprayer, cream maker or cream whipper, makes it especially easy to add freshly whipped cream to desserts, cakes and other pastries. Instead of buying a can of ready-made whipped cream from the supermarket before every festivity, which is to be used up quickly after the first opening, baking enthusiasts like to use a whipped cream dispenser. They use it to whip their own cream – in the required portion size and with the desired sweetness and ingredients they have selected themselves.
From classic cream topping to complex sauce recipes
Depending on the model, a whipped cream dispenser can be used to refine or prepare both cold and hot dishes. You can use it to make cream, custard and foam – called espuma by baking experts – or warm liquids such as sauces and soups. It is possible, for example, to create delicious chocolate mousse, to refine cakes with cream you have whipped yourself or to perfect sauces individually with espuma foam. Just as popular is the refinement of ice creams and milkshakes.
Cream siphon – spray overhead
Whipped cream dispensers are also called cream siphons. A siphon is actually a container from which carbonated liquid is tapped or sprayed – but unlike the whipped cream dispenser, it is not sprayed upside down.
Structure of whipped cream dispensers
In principle, cream dispensers are constructed similarly to the disposable models from the supermarket. However, there are some differences in terms of construction and use: whipped cream dispensers consist of the liquid container, a sealing ring and a lid with a screw cap. On the lid there is a push button or a lever, a dosing valve and an inlet valve with a pressure capsule. The pressure capsule is a cartridge filled with gas. In addition, the scope of delivery includes a garnishing attachment or even several attachments that are screwed onto the dosing valve.
What matters when buying
The more and more frequently you prepare cream, the higher the filling quantity should be and the higher the quality of the materials of the whipped cream dispenser should be. In addition to these criteria, you should also pay attention to the handling and the number of gas cartridges supplied. It is also advisable to consider what you want to use the whipped cream dispenser for: Many models are suitable for hot food, others are only designed for cold liquids. This information can be found in the manufacturer’s specifications. Many suppliers even specify a maximum temperature in degrees Celsius.
Filling quantity: Approx. 50 millilitres per person
Depending on how many portions of cream you want to serve, you should choose a smaller or larger filling quantity. Approximately 50 millilitres per person is a good guideline. Common fill quantities for whipped cream dispensers are 250, 500 and 1,000 millilitres. The former is suitable for a small coffee party at home with about five people.
With a filling quantity of 500 millilitres, you can plan for a few more people. It is ideal for a small party or for serving cream on several days in a row. Since the cream in the dispenser can be stored for several days, this version is also suitable for storage. Filling quantities of one litre or more are more suitable for catering businesses that create large quantities of cream or sauce every day.
In principle, this results in four times the volume. For example, if you take 500 millilitres of cream liquid, you get 2 litres of cream. That would be enough for about ten people or several small gatherings for coffee.
Material: stainless steel, aluminium or plastic
As a rule, whipped cream dispensers are made of one of the following three materials: stainless steel, aluminium or plastic. Products made of robust stainless steel are recommended because they are of the best quality. They can be used the longest and usually last for many years. However, they cost a little more and are heavier than whipped cream dispensers made of lightweight aluminium. However, aluminium models have the disadvantages that they scratch more quickly and are less durable. Plastic models are also not recommended, as their lifespan is even shorter.
Handling: Push button or lever
To spray the cream, press either a push button or a lever, depending on the model. The latter allows for particularly easy and targeted dispensing, while fine-tuning requires a lot of fingertip feeling with a whipped cream dispenser with a push button. For delicate decorations, it is best to choose a version with a lever. This is also usually easier to hold.
Accessories: Garnishing attachments, cleaning brush and cartridges
Storing the gas cartridges
When storing, make sure that the gas-filled capsules are not exposed to direct sunlight. If they are under too much pressure, which can be caused by heat, they risk bursting.
Depending on the manufacturer, accessories such as gas cartridges, garnishing attachments or a cleaning brush are supplied directly. At least one gas cartridge, also known as an N20 cartridge, should be included with every initial order, otherwise you will not be able to start using the appliance immediately. Some models come with more than one cartridge. The matching cream capsules or gas cartridges should always be subsequently purchased from the manufacturer: Only the original capsules guarantee a good result. Make sure that the capsules have a TÜV seal of approval. As a more environmentally friendly alternative, there are even reusable capsules made of stainless steel.
The garnishing attachments are either simple or shaped like flowers or stars. Many manufacturers supply at least three different attachments.
A cleaning brush helps you to clean the product properly after use – especially the small parts. Otherwise, bacteria can quickly colonise. Some models are even suitable for the dishwasher. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dimensions and weight: common examples
Whipped cream dispensers made of stainless steel are heavier than versions made of aluminium or plastic. However, dimensions and weight also depend on the filling quantity. The following specifications are common, for example:
| Weight in grams | Dimensions in centimetres | Material | Filling quantity in litres |
| 700 | 9.5 x 9.5 x 32.5 | Aluminium | 0.5 |
| 948 | 10.2 x 10.2 x 35.6 | Stainless steel | 0.5 |
| 1,240 | 10.3 x 11.1 x 33.9 | Stainless steel | 1.0 |
Function and use: step by step
To make the cream stiff, whipped cream dispensers work with the propellant gas nitrous oxide (N2O), better known as laughing gas. The gas is contained in the gas cartridge or pressurised capsule. The mechanism and application work as follows. 1:
1. Fill with liquid
Unscrew the cap and fill the liquid container with cream. It is best to use cream products with a fat content of 30 percent. Products with a different fat content are also suitable, but they change the firmness of the cream. The higher the fat content, the firmer the cream. A filling line indicates how full the container may be. When screwing on the lid, make sure that the sealing ring between the container and the lid is properly seated.
2. Release gas
After filling, screw the lid of the container on tightly. Next, the gas cartridge comes into play. This is screwed into the capsule holder provided and mounted on the whipped cream dispenser. Press the lever to release the gas. If you listen carefully, you can hear a soft hissing sound. This means that the gas is now passing from the cartridge into the liquid container. As soon as the noise is no longer audible, you can remove the capsule; it then no longer contains any gas. For the next use, take a new gas cartridge. 3.
3. Shake
Now shake the whipped cream dispenser a few times – usually three to five times. The cream becomes stiff and can be served. Now the portioning is done by means of the attached spout. Make sure that you hold the whipped cream dispenser upside down during garnishing. If the cream is not yet properly firm, shake the dispenser again.
4. Finishing
You can store the whipped cream in the refrigerator for a few days. When the container is empty, remove the pressure capsule – the remaining pressure will escape. Unscrew the head and clean the individual parts of the whipped cream dispenser with warm water. Allow the individual parts to dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Further tips for use
To benefit from the cream dispenser for as long as possible, clean it thoroughly after each use. It is also recommended that you do not store the whipped cream for longer than a week. You can read about what else you need to consider in the following.
What is the shelf life of whipped cream?
Since the whipped cream is hermetically sealed in the whipped cream dispenser after users have added the gas and shaken the container, it can safely remain in the refrigerator for a few days without spoiling. Many manufacturers inform that the cream will even keep for a whole week if it is kept cool. Whipped cream in dispensers is sometimes used for up to two weeks. However, this should be treated with caution, as there is no guarantee that the product will still be edible. To be on the safe side, stick to the specification of a maximum of seven days.
Can I also process solid ingredients in the cream siphon?
We strongly advise against using and processing solid foods in a whipped cream dispenser. It is not designed for this. Instead, use it for making cream, mousse, espuma or other toppings. Provided the product is also suitable for processing hot dishes, you can also use it for sauces, creams or soups.
Care and cleaning tips
Products made of stainless steel are usually dishwasher safe. However, to be on the safe side, take a look at the instructions for use beforehand. After all, whipped cream dispensers consist of various small parts that may not all be cleaned in the machine.
Models made of aluminium or plastic should not be put in the dishwasher. For care and cleaning, use specially made brushes, warm water and, if necessary, a gentle washing-up liquid. In particular, you should thoroughly clean the spouts through which the cream is sprayed out after each use. This is where food residue quickly settles, which encourages bacteria build-up. Disassemble the whipped cream dispenser into its individual parts before you start cleaning it. Allow all parts to dry thoroughly before reassembling the product.
How to rectify any faults
Some problems with whipped cream dispensers are common and easy to solve. If defects or malfunctions occur that cannot be solved with the following tips, it is best to contact the manufacturer. You may still have a guarantee on the product.
The whipped cream is not firm enough
If the whipped cream is not properly firm or even still completely liquid after shaking, there may not be enough gas in the capsule or the cartridge may not be inserted properly. Check this and always use the gas capsules recommended by the manufacturer. Also make sure that you do not exceed the specified filling line. If necessary, also check the sealing ring located between the liquid container and the head. If there is minimal leakage here, the consistency may be uneven.
The whipped cream is not cold
If it is important to you that the whipped cream is cold at serving time, you should store the gas capsules in the refrigerator beforehand. This way you ensure that the cream is cold when you serve it. You can also store the liquid cream in the refrigerator beforehand.
The whipped cream dispenser is leaking or no longer works
If the whipped cream dispenser leaks or does not work at all, first disassemble the product. Check the individual parts to see if any cream residue from the last time it was used has not been removed properly or if the appliance is perhaps even completely clogged. Clean the parts again thoroughly with warm water and a brush designed for this purpose. In the next step, check the seals. If they are old and porous, replace them. The seals may not be seated properly. Also check the gas cartridge, it may be defective. To find out if the cartridge is leaking gas unintentionally, hold it under a jet of water.
