Cream can be not only an additive to dishes and drinks, but also can decorate many delicacies, and all that is needed is to whip them. In this article we will talk about such a device that helps to do this - about a siphon for whipping cream.
What it is?
The siphon, which is also sometimes called a culinary creamer, is a container in the form of a thermos that saturates liquids and products with gases, as a result of which they become “air”.
The siphon consists of a body, a metal flask, a silicone tube, a threaded cap, and a dispenser. Varieties of models are available in volumes of 0.5 liters and 1 liter. Production material is plastic (for cheap models), aluminum and stainless steel (for high-quality models).
You can whip not only cream, but also many other products. Quite famous “carbonated” fruit is grapes served with seafood.
Siphon is an attribute of professional, including molecular cuisine. In addition, this device is widely used in the confectionery industry and in coffee houses.
Features
It is worth noting that a siphon for whipping cream, you can also cook soda, creams and other drinks with foam.
Before starting the process, the siphon must be filled with a gas cylinder. The capacity of each cylinder is 8 grams. Thanks to them, pressure is created inside the tank. Be sure to know that:
- if you want to make a carbonated drink, you must use carbon dioxide;
- nitric oxide is used to foam or marinate.
A 1 liter siphon requires 2 cylinders.
As noted above, kremer is actively used in molecular cooking.A striking example of such a model is the iSi siphon. Its main capabilities are that it knows how to make aerated soups, crispy dough and other baked foams, carbonated spheres. This creamer was a breakthrough in cooking, as it allowed us to completely change the look and taste of our familiar foods and dishes.
It is worth mentioning separately siphons with vacuum insulation, which are able to maintain one temperature for up to 6 hours and are very convenient when traveling.
How to use?
It’s easy to get whipped cream in a siphon. It is only necessary to carry out sequential actions.
- Pour the cream into the creamer. Do not overfill the tank, it is better to underfill.
- Close cover tightly.
- Now you need to fill the siphon with a cylinder of nitric oxide. For a thicker foam, you need to refill 3 cylinders, but for those who want to get a little foam, one cartridge can be dispensed with.
- Shake the container for 10 seconds.
- After this, you need to turn the kremer down with a lid and press the handle to form a foam.
- Open the siphon and check the resulting foam.
If you want a thicker foam, then you need to fill the kremer with another bottle. The use of more than 3 cylinders is not recommended. Otherwise, it can lead to unpredictable consequences.
The number of cylinders needed to fill the siphon depends on the fat content of the whipped product. The fatter the product, the more cylinders are needed. As a rule, the maximum quantity per 1 liter is 3 cylinders. Gas cylinders must be purchased separately. They are sold in 10 pieces. You can order them both from the same manufacturer from which the siphon was purchased, as well as in other specialized stores. On average, the price for 10 pieces of cylinders reaches no more than 50 rubles.
Be sure to tightly close the lid and create a tight container. In the absence of tightness, nitric oxide will come out. This can be understood by the specific whistle produced by the siphon.
How to choose?
Since the siphon is most often purchased for long-term use, it must be of high quality. This characteristic distinguishes products of well-known brands. A good creamer costs an average of 8 thousand rubles. He will pay for this amount in a short time, but he will diversify the menu very well.
A wide variety of siphons in the modern market of cookware for professional cooking is also characterized by the presence of heat-resistant models. They are “marked” with a red line around the circumference of the case. Siphons that can only be used for cold foods are marked with either a black line or this is only spelled out in the instructions.
As a rule, siphons are produced only in volumes of 0.5 liters and 1 liter, which was noted above. Therefore, for large volumes, it is possible to purchase only a 1-liter capacity.
When buying a siphon, you must check it for gas leaks from the tank. If there is no leak, then there will be no characteristic hiss with the valve closed.
For professional kitchens, it is best to purchase a model in the color of the interior or the rest of the dishes.
Useful Tips
If, after using the creamer, the cream remained liquid and even began to leak from the tank, then this indicates an insufficient number of installed cylinders with nitric oxide.
Kremer should always be kept head down, because only in this way is it possible to press a liquid into a gas.
Only cream 32-36% is suitable for use in a siphon. Too fatty foods may become too thick afterwards. Cream 36% fat is recommended to shake 3-4 times.
If there is gas in the siphon, the foam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
It is necessary to tighten the decorative nozzle tightly. Otherwise, there is a high probability of gas leakage from the tank.
A brief overview of well-known manufacturers
The championship among siphon manufacturers is already occupied by the aforementioned iSi brand. The main office of the company is in Austria, the date of foundation - 1961.The products are distinguished by a special anti-corrosion housing and a high-strength bulb. Available siphons come complete with nozzles and a brush. All parts are protected by silicone.
Siphons practically do not break; they can be washed in a dishwasher.
Another Austrian brand that guarantees quality is Kayser. It differs by a slightly simpler configuration, but is practically not inferior in quality. It will cost 2-3 thousand rubles cheaper than iSi.
It's no secret that Chinese siphons are of poor quality, but for rare or home use it is quite possible to purchase such a model. They come in a wide variety - from the cheapest of plastic to stainless steel models. Do not neglect them if the siphon is not an important part of your professional activity as a cook or pastry chef.
Just one of the Chinese models of medium quality are siphons O! range. The body is made of aluminum. Included are several nozzles. Typically, such models cost about 2 thousand rubles. They will diversify the menu perfectly, which will be especially welcome for the children.
See how to make whipped cream using a cream siphon in the next video.
