Buying guide for best cream dispensers
Whether you’re enjoying a bowl of ice cream or a piece of cake, homemade whipped cream is the perfect topping for any dessert. Instead of using your stand mixer or whipping it by hand, though, you can make the process even easier by investing in a cream dispenser for your kitchen.
A cream dispenser is a kitchen tool that turns heavy cream into a light, airy foam that you can put on your desserts. It uses a nitrous oxide cartridge to create pressure inside the dispenser, which turns the liquid into a foam or mousse. You simply fill the dispenser with the cream, pull the trigger so the nitrous oxide is released, and the liquid is automatically whipped. A cream dispenser doesn’t just make whipped cream, though — it can create mousses, sauces, infused olive oils, infused cocktails, and other infused beverages, too.
But before you buy, you’ll need to decide on the right capacity, cartridge compatibility, and other features to make sure your dispenser is as easy to use as possible. To learn more, read on. When you’re ready to buy, take a look at our top picks.
Key considerations
Materials
Cream dispensers are generally made of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel. While all three types work effectively, the frequency with you which you plan to use the dispenser, as well as your budget, may make one material a better choice than the others.
Plastic cream dispensers are the most affordable option, which makes them an ideal budget-friendly choice if you don’t plan to use your dispenser that often. However, they aren’t as durable as metal dispensers, so you have to take more care when using and cleaning the tool. You may have to replace a plastic dispenser more quickly as well.
Both aluminum and stainless steel cream dispensers offer impressive durability, which is why they generally have a higher price tag than plastic models. Many home cooks prefer stainless steel dispensers, though, because they can handle both hot and cold liquids and are dishwasher-safe. Aluminum models must be hand-washed and can only be used with cold liquids.
Capacity
The amount of liquid or heavy cream that a cream dispenser can hold determines how much whipped cream you can make in each batch. The most common size for a cream dispenser is one pint, which can produce up to four pints of whipped cream or approximately 16 servings.
You can also find half-pint dispensers, which produce approximately eight servings, and one-quart models, which can make up to 32 servings of whipped cream.
Cartridge compatibility
Cream dispensers use a nitrous oxide cartridge to quickly and easily turn heavy cream into whipped cream. Check the product specifications for any dispenser you’re considering to see whether you must use a replacement cartridge from the manufacturer or if they’re compatible with a wider range of cartridges.
Keep in mind that some cream dispensers can also be used with carbon dioxide cartridges, which means you can use them to add carbonation to liquids and create your own soft drinks and sparkling water.
"Nitrous oxide can lose potency after five or more years, so make sure to always use a fresh cartridge in your dispenser for the best results."
STAFF
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Features
Decorative nozzles
Cream dispensers typically feature a wide, round nozzle that dispenses the cream in a straight line the way a can of commercially whipped cream does. However, some models include additional decorative nozzles, which allow you to create attractive patterns when you dispense the cream onto a cake or other dessert. Some dispensers only include a single decorative nozzle, while others provide up to four. Some decorative nozzle options you may find with a cream dispenser include:
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Star
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Tulip
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Leaf
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Cross
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Lotus
Injector tips
A cream dispenser isn’t just effective for dispensing whipped cream on the top of your favorite desserts. You can also use the tool to inject cream, custard, or other fillings into baked goods — you can even use it to infuse fruits with alcohol and other ingredients. Opt for a dispenser that includes injector tips, which are typically available in multiple sizes depending on how thick the filling you plan to use is.
Rubberized grip
While a cream dispenser makes it so quick and easy to whip cream that your hand usually won’t get tired holding it, it’s still a good idea to choose a model with a rubberized or silicone grip. That allows you to get a good hold on the dispenser so you don’t have to worry about it slipping or falling out of your hand while you’re working.
Ease of cleaning
Cream dispensers can be tricky to clean because there are so many nooks and crannies. Stainless steel models are often dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup a breeze. Some models include cleaning brushes to make cleaning out the canister and nozzles much easier.
Cream dispenser prices
Inexpensive: Cream dispensers vary in price based on the material, size, and number of nozzles. The most affordable cream dispensers are made of plastic. They usually cost between $15 and $30.
Mid-range: Aluminum cream dispensers typically fall in the middle of the price range. They generally cost between $23 and $62.
Expensive: The priciest cream dispensers are made of stainless steel, so they’re extremely durable and often dishwasher-safe. They usually cost between $45 and $140.
Tips
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For the best results, make sure that the heavy cream you add to your dispenser is well chilled.
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Cream dispensers usually have a fill line that indicates how much liquid you should add to the canister. Never fill the dispenser past that line or it may not be able to whip properly.
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Most cream dispensers have to be shaken at least eight to 10 times to combine the gas with the liquid before you press the lever or trigger to dispense the whipped cream.
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If you find that your whipped cream is too soft, shake the dispenser again before dispensing more.
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When cleaning your cream dispenser, make sure to disassemble the entire device to rinse away residue from all of the dispenser’s nooks and crannies.
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If you’re not sure whether the canister from your cream dispenser can go in the dishwasher, wash it by hand to be safe.
FAQ
Q. Can I leave cream inside a cream dispenser for later use?
A. Yes, any cream that you don’t use can be left inside the dispenser and refrigerated for later use. The cream will stay fresh until the best-by date on its packaging, but most users find that you’ll get the best whipped cream if you use it within a week of adding it to the dispenser. For the best results, make sure to store the dispenser on its side in the refrigerator, too.
Q. Why is the whipped cream runny when it comes out of my cream dispenser?
A. In most cases, it’s an issue with the cream that you’re using. Make sure to use a heavy whipping cream that contains at least 32% fat and is properly chilled. Check that you haven’t overfilled the canister past the fill line, too. Otherwise, the nitrous oxide chargers or cartridges may not be fresh enough or you may need to use another charge to make sure it has enough gas.
Q. Can I put hot liquids in my cream dispenser?
A. It depends on your cream dispenser, so check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine whether you’re able to whip hot liquids. A dispenser usually requires silicone gaskets and a stainless steel canister to be able to handle hot liquids.
