Once upon a time, whipped cream required a sturdy arm and a lot of stirring. It’s little wonder grocery store options (and even the stuff in a tub), took off. But if you’re limiting yourself to cans from the store, you’re missing out. Homemade whipped cream is not only way tastier, but it’s also more versatile. While you can whip cream by hand or with an electric mixer, by far the quickest way to whip cream at home is with a dispenser.
Many dispensers go way beyond just whipped cream: Depending on the model, you can also put other liquids in the canister to make foams, whipped icing, mousse, and more. For fans of fine dining, a single canister can open up a world of foods once only available at five-star restaurants. But even if you just want to make your ice cream sundaes a little more special, a whipped cream dispenser is worth adding to your kitchen tools.
A good whipped cream dispenser comes down to the whipped cream it produces, so we tried out the top-rated options in our home kitchens, to evaluate each on quality, performance (including the taste and texture of the final product), ease of use, ease of cleaning, and extra features.
Best Overall
iSi Cream Profi Whip
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- Pint-size container fits the fridge
- Durable stainless steel body
- Easy to operate
- No cover for the nitrous port
If you’re looking for a professional-quality cream whipper that will last for years, look no further than the iSi Cream Profi Whip, which earned our best overall award after thorough testing. Let’s start with the design. The head and body of this dispenser are made from top-notch stainless steel. There’s a removable piston and a silicone seal with a quick-release tab, so you can clean every little space quickly and easily. Since stainless steel won’t stain, retain odors, or react with acidic foods, you can leave your lemon mousse mixture chilling in the container in the fridge with no worries about oxidation or off-flavors.
When we tested this canister with plain and flavored whipped cream, the results came out fluffy, and the process was quick. If you are looking for a denser whipped cream, we found you could simply do some additional shaking. We particularly like the professional quality of the design and build and found it worthy of its price tag.
This includes a decorator tip with stainless steel threads for secure attachment and a cleaning brush. It is entirely dishwasher-safe, but it is also easy to rinse clean and wash in warm soapy water. For professional use, it is NSF-certified.
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 1 pint (16 ounces) | What’s Included: Charger holder, three decorator tips (star, tulip, and straight), and a cleaning brush
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Best Budget
Impeccable Culinary Objects (ICO) Professional Whipped Cream Dispenser
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- Easy to clean
- Two-year warranty
- Plastic nozzle tips are textured
- Charger handle is difficult to attach
Quick and easy to use, this whipped cream dispenser can turn 1 pint of liquid cream into more than 2 quarts of fresh whipped cream. In our home tests, we turned 12 ounces of heavy cream into double or almost triple that amount of whipped cream. You can then store it in your fridge for up to two weeks. The dispenser is made with top-quality, TUV-certified aluminum, which means it’s both lightweight and durable. Plus, it’s backed by a two-year warranty for added insurance.
It comes with three decorator nozzles and can be used for sauces, soups, infused liquors, and more. We noticed that the ICO dispenser easily produces silky smooth and stable whipped cream, making it even more fun to play with the different nozzle styles. The nozzles were easy to change while the canister was in use because the decorative tips are textured for an easy grip while screwing into place and removing.
The charger handle is made of a more substantial plastic than some competitors, but we found it more difficult to attach and remove from the dispenser. It’s compatible with any N20 cartridge, giving you lots of flexibility. The ICO Aluminum Whipped Cream Maker Dispenser comes at a bargain price, too. The included small brush makes cleaning the nozzle tips easy if any ingredients want to stick, and a long-handle dish brush makes cleaning the inside of the canister easy.
Material: Aluminum | Capacity: 1 pint (0.5 liters) | What’s Included: One plastic charger holder, three plastic decorator tips, one cleaning brush, and instruction manual
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Best for Gifting
Gorgeous Kitchen Professional Whipped Cream Dispenser
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- Makes pristine whipped cream
- Includes spoon for coffee or tea
- Easy to clean
- Box shows different parts than what’s included
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for aspiring pastry chefs, newlyweds, foodies, or coffee lovers in your life, the Gorgeous Kitchen Store Professional Whipped Cream Dispenser is both practical and fun. In addition to three decorating tips, it comes with a charger holder, a cleaning brush, and a bonus stainless steel coffee spoon (supplies may be limited), so all you have to do is purchase the N20 cartridges, and you’re on your way to gourmet whipped cream-topped creations.
The 1-pint dispenser is made of high-quality aluminum, so it’s lightweight, and we were impressed with the luxurious whipped cream that it produces. The dispenser was able to handle both plain and heavier creams, as well as homemade nitro cold brew coffee.
Fans of signature coffee beverages are in for a special treat with this dispenser. The nitro cold brew this dispenser produced while testing wasn’t quite as thick as a coffee shop version because the canister lacks the intense pressure of an industrial nitrogen tank. However, the cold brew we made still came out with a smooth viscose texture and silky bubbles that added a little something extra to morning coffee.
The Gorgeous Kitchen Store dispenser was easy to clean by hand, without too many additional parts.
Material: Aluminum | Capacity: 1 pint | What’s Included: Three plastic decorating nozzles, charger holder, one stainless steel spoon, and a cleaning brush
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Best Mini
ZOEMO Professional Whipped Cream Dispenser
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- Convenient small size
- Lower price
- Lighter than stainless steel models
- Hand-washing recommended
- Less effective whipping denser ingredients
This cute little 0.5-pint whipper takes less storage space than larger models, but it still produces plenty of whipped cream for chilled family desserts. If you’re serving a lot of guests, just refill, recharge, and keep dispensing. It’s made from aluminum and includes three different plastic decorating tips to make your desserts look pretty. Since aluminum is lightweight, and this is just a 0.5-pint dispenser, it’s easier to hold than heavier whippers.
In tests, plain whipped cream came out feather-light and extra aerated. However, the ZOEMO dispenser struggled to whip denser chocolate whipped cream. Only one nitrous oxide charger should be used with this canister size, and we found it’s best to stick with regular creams flavored with extracts and smooth juices.
We also gave a batch of homemade nitro cold brew a try since this dispenser is the perfect size for one cup of cold brew. After shaking the canister vigorously for almost a minute, the dispenser produced a delicately bubbly and satisfying home nitro cold brew. We also found that the dispenser was easy to disassemble and wash by hand with warm, soapy water.
Material: Aluminum | Capacity: 0.5 pint | What’s Included: Three decorating tips and one cleaning brush
Best for Decorating
Otis Classic Whipped Cream Dispenser
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- Seven different tips and injector options
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Whips heavier creams
- Lots of small parts
- Only canister body is dishwasher-safe
Bring your whipped cream flourishes to a new level with this commercial-grade whipper that includes seven different tip styles. This is made from food-grade stainless steel that won’t stain or react with acidic foods, so your lime mousse can be refrigerated in the whipper without worries about oxidation or off-flavors. While testing, we also noticed that this dispenser whipped regular whipped cream and a denser chocolate whipped cream with ease.
The Otis dispenser includes six interchangeable colored silicone bands for a secure grip. If you’ve got more than one whipper, you can use the bands to color-code the containers to know which one has the chocolate mousse, lemon mousse, or sweetened whipped cream. We think these bonus features really put it a notch above the competition.
The tips include three decorating nozzles for making fancy whipped cream designs and four injector nozzles—which our tester noted were all made of metal and much sturdier than the plastic nozzles included in other sets. The injector nozzles are especially handy for filling cannolis, eclairs, doughnuts, or cupcakes with whipped cream or mousse. A cleaning brush for the nozzles is also included.
When we finished using the Otis dispenser, the entire thing was easy to disassemble for washing. The stainless steel body canister is dishwasher-safe, but all other parts should be hand-washed.
Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 1 pint (16 ounces) | What’s Included: Three stainless steel decorating tips, four injector nozzles, six colored silicone grips, charger holder, storage cap, and a cleaning brush
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the NSF-certified iSi Cream Profi Whip because it gives you the same high-quality performance you see from dispensers in coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and pastry shops. We also recommend the Otis Classic Stainless Steel Whipped Cream Dispenser thanks to its interchangeable nozzles, secure silicone grip-bands, and ability to handle denser whips.
How We Tested
We tested these whipped cream dispensers in regular home kitchens so that we could rate each one on quality, performance, ease of use, ease of cleaning, and any other additional features. We spent hours with the dispensers, making batches of both plain whipped cream as well as flavored concoctions and even nitro cold brew, disassembling them, cleaning them, and filling them back up again. We then wrote up feedback on everything we liked and didn’t like.
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What to Look for in a Whipped Cream Dispenser
Capacity
Many whipped cream dispensers will hold about a pint of liquid, though you can find half-pint canisters as well. Once a canister is discharged into the dispenser, you cannot refill it, though you can save some for later. If you only want occasional whipped cream for hot cocoa, a half-pint canister will probably suit your needs and keep you from having to pour out old cream. However, if you have bigger projects or a larger household, the pint might be perfect. If you’re not sure which makes sense, think about how long it typically takes you to work through a can of whipped cream from the store. Most store-bought canisters contain a little under half-pint of whipped cream. Keep in mind a pint of cream will make far more than a pint, by volume, of whipped topping once the nitrous oxide is added.
Material
Dispensers are typically made of metal, though they may have plastic or other materials on the exterior. Stainless steel is preferred for longevity and ease of cleaning, though aluminum can be a budget-friendly option. You can also find insulated canisters if you need to keep the contents warm or cold; these use a double-walled vacuum seal that helps the contents maintain their temperature longer. This is a nice-to-have feature but not strictly necessary unless you anticipate needing to keep the contents cold outside of the fridge for a long time, such as while you’re decorating. If you plan on using the dispenser for warm foams, insulation will also keep the outside of the canister cool to the touch.
Ease of Use
There are a few things to consider when thinking about ease of use: how easily a new cartridge of nitrous oxide is to insert, how quickly it can be whipped (sometimes in as little as four shakes), and how easy the handle is to squeeze and guide. If you want to use a dispenser to decorate, not just to add some creamy topping, you’ll certainly want to consider the comfort of the handles, bottle, and arm lever.
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Versatility
In addition to whipped cream and other chilled toppings, some dispensers can also whip warm toppings to make foams and whips. If you want to experiment with more than just whipped cream, look for a dispenser that is safe to use with both hot and cold liquids.
Storage
Depending on the material and design, some canisters are designed to hold a charge for up to two weeks. Others only guarantee to maintain pressure for a few days. If you want to have whipped cream on hand for regular use, consider one that can be stored longer.
Price
A whipped cream dispenser will eventually pay for itself with regular use, but it can still be a sizable investment. Higher-end, restaurant-grade whips can be pricey, but budget-minded ones made from aluminum are also available for less.
Maintenance
Dispensers need to be cleaned between uses. Many are dishwasher-safe and can be cleaned that way. If you don’t have a dishwasher, you may want a bottle brush to really clean it. Smaller parts, like the tips, may also need to be hand-washed. Cleaning the nozzle may also require removing the smaller parts, like the gasket, to get it fully cleaned. These can be hand-washed with soapy water or placed in the dishwasher inside somewhere safe, like in a silverware basket, to keep it from getting lost. Once the cleaned parts are dried, you can reassemble your dispenser and store it for future use.
Accessories
Tips
Tips for whips work much the same way tips on an icing bag work: They influence the size and shape of the dispensed foam or whip. Some dispensers come with additional tips, and companies may also sell tips that fit onto the dispenser.
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Cartridges
You can’t use a whip without a nitrous oxide (N20) cartridge. These tiny cartridges have gas under high pressure that is released into the dispenser. Refill cartridges vary in price, depending on how many you buy. In general, they’re cheaper bought in bulk. Made from steel, they can be recycled after each use.
Cleaning Kits
Some dispensers come with a bottle brush or smaller brushes for cleaning the nozzle. If not, you may want to consider getting some brush heads to clean the canister between use, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher.
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FAQs
How do you use a whipped cream dispenser?
In general, using a whipped cream dispenser is pretty straightforward. Simply, pour the cream into the can, add the nitrous oxide cartridge, and dispense the cream after a few shakes.
How do whipped cream dispensers work?
Whipped cream canisters work much the same way as disposable grocery store cans do: Nitrous oxide gas in the canister is forced into the cream under pressure, creating a whipped texture. But instead of discarding the can when you are done, you simply load in a new cartridge of nitrous oxide.
How do you make nitro cold brew with a whipped cream dispenser?
Making nitro cold brew at home is easy with a whipped cream dispenser and N2O cartridges. It won’t be quite as dense as a nitro cold brew from the coffee shop, though, because coffee shops use industrially pressurized nitrogen tanks and cold brew kegs to create that luxuriously creamy cold brew. Still, you can get pretty close at home. Make sure to dilute your concentrated cold brew first, then pour 1 cup to 1 pint of cold brew into the canister. Charge with one N2O cartridge and shake the canister vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute. Slowly dispense into a glass and enjoy! For best results, prepare and chill your cold brew the night before you want to infuse it.
