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Whipped cream chargers are safe as long as you follow a few key rules. Use them for their intended purpose - to help make delicious whipped cream, foams, and infusions. Handle them correctly and carefully. And make sure you only buy quality, certified products so there are no nasty surprises.

This blog post isn’t intended to scare you. We just want to share our best safety tips for using whipped cream chargers so you can shake off any nerves and get to creating tasty treats and desserts.

1. Understand Whipped Cream Chargers

It helps to know precisely what whipped cream chargers are and how they work. The more knowledge you have, the more likely you are to use them safely.

Whipped cream chargers are small canisters of pressurised nitrous oxide that fit into whipped cream dispensers. The dispenser punctures the canister to release the gas and when you shake the dispenser, the N2O combines with the cream inside. This causes a chemical reaction that gives the cream a foam-like consistency.

Whipped cream dispensers can be used at home or in a restaurant easily and safely as long as you know what you’re doing.

2. Only Choose Quality Chargers

You need to get food-grade, authentic whipped cream chargers from reputable brands. Otherwise, you run the risk of purchasing a counterfeit as unfortunately, people do sell fake nitrous oxide canisters online.

The problem with these counterfeit products is they don’t undergo the same safety testing as legitimate chargers. They may also be made from low-quality materials, so can be damaged more easily leading to accidents.

You can tell if a product is legit by looking at the information on the packaging and markings on the canisters. Quality whipped cream chargers will have a manufacturer’s marking and certification number engraved, for example.

3. Store Whipped Cream Chargers Properly

Whipped cream chargers should be stored in a cool, dry place. This is because the gas may lose its quality if exposed to high temperatures. Thus, it’s a good idea to place canisters on a shelf, away from sunlight and the heat of the kitchen. This also means they’re out of the way of children and pets, etc.

It’s important to note that nitrous oxide isn’t flammable. Yet, it supports combustion in the same way oxygen supports combustion. This means it’s wise to keep nitrous oxide away from open flames.

4. Check for Damage

Before using whipped cream chargers, check each canister for signs of damage such as dents or cracks. Also note that whipped cream chargers should never be punctured by anything other than the whipped cream dispenser you insert it into. 

Dents, cracks, and punctures may cause nitrous oxide to leak and if you inhale the gas you may become ill.

5. Handle the Charger Correctly

When you handle whipped cream chargers responsibly, you greatly reduce the risk of accidents. First, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure you use the canister correctly and install it in the dispenser safely.

Don’t place too many chargers into the dispenser or charge your whipped cream dispenser too heavily. This could lead to the dispenser becoming highly pressurised and dangerous.

Removing the dispenser head while the bottle is still charged is another no-no. If you want to clean the dispenser, make sure any residual gas in the main bottle of the dispenser is released first by simply holding down the lever.

6. Dispose of Chargers Responsibly

You shouldn’t dispose of whipped cream chargers in your regular bin. Instead, research a local recycling facility where you can dispose of capsules safely and in an eco-friendly manner. Quality whipped cream chargers are made from 100% recyclable stainless steel.

To ensure safe disposal, also make sure you rid the canister of any pressurised gas. Rinse and clean canisters before taking them to be recycled. These measures will make the canisters safer to handle once they’re out of your possession.

Also, bear in mind that most manufacturers will have specific instructions for disposing of their products. So read the manufacturer’s safety guide in case there are special steps they advise you to take.

7. Use the Right Whipped Cream Dispenser

Make sure you choose a whipped cream dispenser that’s designed for use with N2O capsules. Similarly, ensure you have compatible capsules for your dispenser. 

As mentioned, the dispenser can become highly pressurised. This means using incompatible canisters that for example don’t fit correctly could cause an accident. Another safety tip to remember is to never reuse or try to refill an old whipped cream charger. Inserting a new capsule is the safest option.

When charging your whipped cream dispenser, make sure you point the nozzle away from yourself and anybody else. As tempting as it is to squirt a friend with whipped cream, the dispenser is quite powerful and could cause eye damage.

8. Never Inhale Nitrous Oxide Directly

Inhaling nitrous oxide directly is very risky. If you take in just a little gas, it can result in nausea, vomiting, and dizziness which are, of course, pretty unpleasant results. If you take in too much nitrous oxide by inhaling it directly, it can deprive your body of oxygen which can be fatal.

Again, you should only use N2O capsules for their directed purpose in making creams and foams. Use your whipped cream dispenser in a well-ventilated area to make certain you don’t inhale any of the gas.

9. Be Aware of Allergies and Health Concerns

If you use a whipped cream dispenser in a restaurant or at home, make sure guests are aware of the ingredients and the process involved. Lots of people are allergic to dairy and may be allergic to other ingredients present. Also, some people may have an allergic reaction to N2O.

We must also mention that you shouldn’t consume whipped cream in excess for health reasons, only as part of a balanced diet.

Final Word

Are whipped cream chargers safe? Yes, as long as you insert, handle, use, and dispose of them in the right ways. Whipped cream dispensers that utilise N2O chargers are handy kitchen tools that save time and money while producing professional-looking whipped cream.