Cream chargers are small pressurised canisters containing food-grade nitrous oxide, E942. They are designed for use with a compatible whipped-cream dispenser to aerate cream and other suitable culinary preparations. The charger supplies the gas; the dispenser holds and dispenses the food. Always follow the instructions and capacity limits for the exact charger and dispenser.
What can cream chargers be used for?
Whipped cream
Whipping cream is the most familiar use. In a compatible dispenser, nitrous oxide dissolves into the cream under pressure. When the cream is dispensed, the gas expands and creates a light texture. Follow your dispenser manufacturer’s instructions for filling, charging and cleaning.
Culinary foams and mousses
Chefs also use suitable dispensers to prepare sweet or savoury foams and some mousse-style toppings. The ingredients and technique must suit the particular dispenser; strain mixtures where its instructions require it to avoid blocking the nozzle.
Rapid flavour infusions
Some dispensers support rapid culinary infusions, such as herbs or fruit in a suitable liquid. Check the manufacturer’s guidance before attempting an infusion, because not every dispenser or ingredient is suitable.
Small chargers and larger cylinders are different systems
Small 8g cartridges and larger N2O cylinders use different systems. A charger must be compatible with the dispenser and any regulator or adapter specified by its manufacturer. Do not try to fit a cartridge or cylinder to equipment designed for another format. Browse the cream chargers range for current products and specifications.
Use and store them safely
- Read the instructions supplied with both the charger and the dispenser before use.
- Do not overfill the dispenser or exceed its recommended number of chargers.
- Keep chargers away from heat and direct sunlight; never puncture or heat a charger.
- Release pressure as instructed before opening the dispenser. Never point its nozzle at a person.
- Never inhale nitrous oxide. These products are for legitimate culinary use only.
For practical steps, see our guide to using cream chargers. After use, follow the product instructions and check your local council’s recycling rules. Never puncture, crush or place a cartridge in recycling unless the applicable product and council guidance confirm that it is fully empty and accepted. Read the full cream charger disposal guide.
Are medical and automotive uses the same thing?
No. Nitrous oxide has applications outside catering, but a culinary cream charger is not medical equipment or an automotive nitrous system. This guide is about food preparation with appropriate catering equipment, not those other uses.
