It is not uncommon for people to feel apprehensive about using cream chargers also known as nangs and dispensers because it involves using nitrous oxide gas. However, once you understand the science behind how the chargers work, it becomes much less scary.
The nitrous oxide cream charger simply lets you inject the gas into the cream. We will take a look at this in more detail below.
How Does A Cream Charger And Dispenser Work?
The cream will be placed in the bottle of the dispenser and this will be made airtight when the head is screwed down. Eight grams of gas are contained in the charger and this gas pressurizes the liquid and forces the nitrous oxide to become dissolved in it.
If you need to make adjustments to the recipe, then this will need to be done while the cream is still warm. This means that the gas will be able to penetrate the liquid at a molecular level. The contents of the dispenser will be propelled out when the trigger is pulled, and the pressurized nitrous oxide will expand simultaneously.
When you are using a cream charger you will need to ensure that a thickening agent is added to the cream.
Is Using A Cream Charger The Same As Using A Soda Siphon Cartridge?
The fundamental principles of how a soda siphon cartridge works is basically the same as a cream charger. However, there are some key differences between the two, and these differences occur because of the gas that is used. A soda siphon uses carbon dioxide which behaves very differently from nitrous oxide. Some of the major differences between the two gases are listed below.
Carbon dioxide is more soluble in water. This is how bubbles are produced in a bottle or can of fizzy soda and also why there are no bubbles in the by products of making whipped cream.
There is no acidity in nitrous oxide. This means that it doesn’t affect the flavor of the cream in any way. This is why it is also used in the production of other food products such as sweets and confectionery.
When it is held under pressure nitrous oxide will dissolve in fat. This is why it is so effective at whipping cream that has a fat content of 28% or more.
Pro Tips For Using A Whipped Cream Charger And Dispenser
Make sure that you leave enough time for the gas to be infused with the cream within the canister.
Shake the contents of the dispenser before you serve to ensure that the gas has been distributed evenly.
Check the nozzle of the dispenser on a regular basis to ensure that it does not become blocked.
Have fun experimenting with the different creams you can make by adding flavors to the mix.
Make a healthier version of whipped cream by reducing the amount of fat and sugar that you use in the recipe.
