Cream whippers and culinary siphons

A culinary siphon (cream whipper) is a pressurised container that turns a liquid mixture (cream, custards, sauces or purées) into light foams and mousses using N2O gas chargers: you pour the preparation into the canister, screw in the charger, and within seconds you get a foam up to 4 times the original volume of the mixture. In this category you'll find cream whippers from Lacor, ISI and Ibili, along with compatible chargers, nozzles and accessories.

Types of cream whippers

Stainless steel cream whippers, for hot and cold use

Stainless steel cream whippers are the right choice if you also want to work with hot foams. The ISI Gourmet Whip Plus, designed for professional use, has a stainless steel body and head, a silicone protector and a fixed dosing valve, and can be kept warm in a bain-marie up to a maximum of 70°C; it's available in 0.25, 0.5 and 1 litre sizes and comes with a straight nozzle and a tulip nozzle. The Lacor Epicure siphon, made from 18/10 stainless steel, withstands higher temperatures than other models. And the Lacor professional siphon (references 68404 and 68405), with a 1/2 or 1 litre canister, is designed for cold or lukewarm foams and creams, both sweet and savoury.

Cream whippers for cold preparations

The Lacor Green and Black siphons, in two colours and two capacities, are designed for cold creams, foams and sauces. These models must not be filled above the fill line or heated in a bain-marie; for foams that need more heat, choose a stainless steel siphon.

Siphon chargers: N2O and CO2

N2O chargers are the ones that whip up foams, creams and mousses. ISI's professional chargers hold more gas in practically the same volume as the older ones, with higher pressure and better performance; the dosage stays the same: one charger for the 1/4 and 1/2 litre siphons, and two chargers for the 1 litre one. Ibili's CO2 chargers, sold in packs of 10 and 24 units of 8 grams, are used to carbonate drinks and soft drinks: they are not interchangeable with N2O chargers.

Nozzles and accessories for siphons

The set of 5 Lacor nozzles is an original replacement part from the brand. ISI's needle nozzles (11 cm long ones in Ø 3 and 5 mm, and short 3-4 cm ones) let you fill canapés, inject liquids into meat and marinate. And the Air Kit accessory sets have a universal connector that fits most siphon brands (iSi, Ibili, Tellier, Mosa, Kayser, Whip-it, Mastrad and more), with injector needles and a spaghetti nozzle for fillings, jellies and decorations.

How to choose your cream whipper

For home use, a 0.25 or 0.5 litre siphon covers desserts and plate decoration; for catering, the 1 litre size yields more servings per charger. If you're going to serve hot foams (parmentier, sabayon, sauces), the body needs to be stainless steel. Complete your creative kitchen kit in prepare and decorate, baking utensils and kitchen blowtorches.

Frequently asked questions about cream whippers

What is a cream whipper used for?

For whipping cream and making foams, mousses and sweet or savoury creams from a liquid mixture: you fill the canister, add an N2O charger, and within seconds you get a foam up to 4 times the original volume.

What chargers does a cream whipper need?

N2O chargers: one for the 1/4 and 1/2 litre siphons and two for the 1 litre one. CO2 chargers, such as Ibili's 8-gram ones in packs of 10 or 24, are for carbonating drinks, not for foams.

Can a siphon be used for hot preparations?

Only if it's made of stainless steel, such as the ISI Gourmet Whip Plus, which can withstand a bain-marie up to 70°C, or the Lacor Epicure in 18/10 stainless steel. Cold-use siphons, such as the Lacor Green and Black, must not be heated or filled above their fill line.

What siphon capacity should I choose?

0.25 or 0.5 litres for home cooking and 1 litre for catering. The ISI Gourmet Whip Plus is available in all three sizes: 0.25, 0.5 and 1 litre.

Do the accessories fit any siphon brand?

Nozzles are usually specific to each manufacturer (the set of 5 Lacor pieces is an original replacement part from the brand), but the Air Kit sets have a universal connector compatible with iSi, Ibili, Tellier, Mosa, Kayser and other brands.