Whipping Up a Storm: The Debate on the Value of Whipped Cream Dispensers
Are you a passionate cook or baker looking to create enticing desserts or cakes? Then you must have certainly heard of whipped cream, an essential ingredient in most sweet treats. While there are various methods to make whipped cream, a whipped cream dispenser has gained tremendous popularity among professionals and home cooks alike. However, not everyone is convinced about the value of using a whipped cream dispenser. In this article, we delve deeper into the debate on the value of whipped cream dispensers and explore the reasons why you should consider using one for your culinary creations.
What are Whipped Cream Dispensers?
Whipped cream dispensers are kitchen tools that use charger cartridges filled with nitrous oxide to aerate and whip cream. Most dispensers are made of stainless steel, and they come in various sizes ranging from half to three litres. They have a nozzle at the top that allows users to dispense the whipped cream by pressing a lever. The cartridges containing nitrous oxide provide enough pressure to force the cream through the nozzle, creating a smooth and fluffy whipped cream.
How Whipped Cream Dispensers Work
Whipped cream dispensers use nitrous oxide cartridges, which rapidly whisks the cream. The gas dissolves into the cream, forming tiny bubbles that expand and become stable due to the pressure from the dispenser. The expansion of the gas and the force of the dispenser creates a smooth and fluffy whipped cream. This process allows the whipped cream to last longer than if it were whipped by hand.
Benefits of Whipped Cream Dispensers
Using a whipped cream dispenser offers various benefits than just the fact that they make it easier to whip cream. Some of the key advantages of using a whipped cream dispenser include:
Consistency and Quality:
Using a whipped cream dispenser ensures that the cream is of a consistent quality every time. Unlike hand or mixer whipping, the dispenser gives a uniform and stable texture. The whipped cream is also airless, smooth and creamy, making it the perfect accompaniment for coffee, pies, cakes, and other desserts.
Easy to Use and Fast:
Whipped cream dispensers are easy to use, and the process of whipping cream takes only a few minutes, unlike the tedious and time-consuming task of whipping by hand. The dispensers can be filled with cream, stored in the refrigerator, and whipped right before serving, making them ideal for busy situations.
Hygienic and Sanitary:
Hygiene is crucial when it comes to food preparation, and whipped cream dispensers offer an edge over other methods of whipping cream. The dispensers are airtight and easy to clean, ensuring that the cream remains fresh for a more extended period. The airtight seal also helps to keep germs and bacteria at bay.
The Debate on the Value of Whipped Cream Dispensers
As with any technological advancement, there is always a debate on whether it’s worth using a whipped cream dispenser or not. On the one hand, whipped cream dispensers simplify the process of creating whipped cream, and they produce consistently excellent results. On the other hand, some people argue that using a whipped cream dispenser takes away the ‘art’ of creating whipped cream, and that using one is ethically questionable.
The Ethical Debate:
In this era of climate change and environmentalism, the use of whipped cream dispensers has come under scrutiny. Nitrous oxide, the gas used in the cartridges, is a greenhouse gas that is said to contribute significantly to climate change. Critics argue that employing the use of such cartridges, which are disposable, is not environmentally sound.
The ‘Art’ Debate:
To some purists, using a whipped cream dispenser takes away the joy and art of creating whipped cream. According to them, the texture and consistency of whipped cream created by hand or mixer is never the same as that created using a dispenser. Detractors of whipped cream dispensers argue that it robs people of the experience of creating whipped cream, finding the perfect consistency, and achieving the ideal peaks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whipped Cream Dispensers
To help you understand whipped cream dispensers better, here are some frequently asked questions:
How do you clean a whipped cream dispenser?
Cleaning a whipped cream dispenser is a simple process. Dispensers come with a detachable nozzle, and you can easily remove it to wash it in warm and soapy water. After washing, rinse the nozzle and dispenser with clean water and let them air dry. You can also use a brush to reach into tight spaces in the nozzle.
Can I use whipped cream dispensers for other tasks?
Yes, you can use whipped cream dispensers for other tasks such as making butter, foams or mousses, chocolate mousse, sauces, and more. Whipped cream dispensers have become a versatile tool in the kitchen since they allow the user to create a wide range of dishes that require aerated liquids.
Do I always have to use nitrous oxide cartridges in whipped cream dispensers?
Nitrous oxide cartridges are the most commonly used cartridges in whipped cream dispensers. However, CO2 cartridges can also be used, although the results will not be the same. CO2 cartridges are typically used to create carbonated drinks for people who want to add fizz to their drinks.
Can whipped cream be stored in a whipped cream dispenser?
Yes, whipped cream can be stored in a whipped cream dispenser. The whipped cream dispenser comes with an airtight seal that can keep the contents fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Whipped cream dispensers have revolutionized the way whipping cream is done. They have made it easier and faster to create whipped cream that is smooth, creamy and of a consistent quality every time. While there may be debates on the value of using whipped cream dispensers, the benefits they offer are enormous. They are hygienic, easy to use, and fast. They also create whipped cream that maintains its textures over time. Give a whipped cream dispenser a shot today, and you might never go back to the traditional methods of whipping cream again!