10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Chargers

MagicWhip Featured Articles


When it comes to cream chargers, people often have a lot of questions – from safety and legality to sizes and proper usage. In this article, we’ll answer the 10 most common questions to help you understand everything you need to know about cream chargers.

1. Are all whipped cream chargers the same size?

Not at all. There are actually several types of Cream Chargers which have their own purposes. For example, most people are familiar with the tiny 8g cartridge chargers, which are used at homes.

In a commercial kitchen, you need bigger and more efficient chargers, like 615g or 640g chargers that can potentially replace dozens of smaller ones and helps you save time, reduce wastage and most importantly a more efficient kitchen with less stress for staff. This difference in size is the main reason why professional kitchens prefer larger chargers over the standard small ones.

2. Are whip cream chargers illegal?

In one word – NO, whip cream chargers are not illegal. You can use the chargers for its intended purpose as in using it in the kitchen.

But, because of the possible misuse of Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) in some regions you’ll need valid business credentials or have to be over 18 to make the purchase, especially in bulk quantities. So, do check out your local rules before purchasing.
If you’re a restaurant or cafe looking to purchase from a reliable provider, you can get legal chargers online from MagicWhip, which has the chargers Food Grade Certified under European Standards. As long as you are buying from a trusted supplier and for the right use, you are well within the law.

3. What gas is used in cream chargers?

Cream chargers contain Nitrous oxide (N₂O) which is a colourless, tasteless and non-flamable gas, which is commonly known as laughing gas. This has the capacity to dissolve under pressure and helps you to whip cream into a fluffy texture.

At Magic Whip, we have chargers which are professionally made with food-grade N₂O under strict supervision for purity and consistency, making it a great choice for chefs, and professional restaurants. It’s this same gas that allows you to create consistent, high-quality whipped cream every single time.

cream charger

4. What is an N₂O cream charger?

N₂O Cream chargers are a steel cylinder filled with Nitrous Oxide which are used to whip cream when attached to a dispenser. It helps create fluffy stable texture cream and could help professionals save time and reduce interruptions when working in busy hours.

Ideally using a 615g/640g charger can help avoid replacing dozens of small cartridges and the high capacity N₂O chargers are a great addition to a kitchen. They are designed to make food preparation faster, smoother, and more reliable in professional settings.

5. How much nitrous is in a cream charger?

A small classic home use charger has 8g of N₂O per cartridge, that potentially could help you do a few servings. If you’re looking for a more efficient charger you’ll need a 615g or 640g charger which helps in less swapping and reduces packaging waste.

A Large MagicWhip charger, has about the quantity of 80 small cartridges in one. During busy mornings, these big chargers and lifesavers; no stopping for any replacements in between. This efficiency is exactly why many restaurants have shifted to large-capacity cylinders.

6. Difference between a Nitro charger and a cream charger?

The main difference is the gas type. A cream charger contains nitrous oxide (N₂O) to whip cream and create foams, while a Nitro charger contains nitrogen (N₂), commonly used for beverages like nitro cold brew coffee.

Nitrous oxide provides volume and stability to creams, whereas nitrogen gives a silky, cascading effect to drinks. MagicWhip specializes in N₂O cream chargers, ideal for creating fluffy whipped cream or culinary foams in a professional kitchen. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right charger for your specific needs.

7. Is it possible to refill cream chargers?

No, cream chargers are single-use containers and cannot be safely refilled. Refilling could be dangerous and compromise the quality of the gas. Once empty, small chargers should be recycled responsibly.

Most professionals use MagicWhip’s 615g and 640g cylinders. These work with a pressure regulator system, offering extended use without frequent replacements. This reduces waste, lowers costs, and improves efficiency in professional kitchens. So instead of refilling, switching to larger cylinders is the safer and smarter choice.

8. Is ID required to buy cream chargers?

Yes. In most areas, buyers must be 18 or older due to nitrous oxide regulations. Businesses may also need to provide commercial credentials when placing an order.

MagicWhip operates as a B2B supplier, selling directly to restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses. Ensuring proper documentation allows you to purchase safely and legally while maintaining a consistent supply of professional-grade cream chargers. This ensures the chargers remain in the right hands and used for their intended purpose.

9. How to tell if a cream charger is empty?

For small cartridges, it’s simple — they feel lighter and won’t release gas when pierced. If your dispenser shows no pressure, the cartridge is empty and should be recycled.

For larger cylinders like MagicWhip’s, usage can be monitored via a pressure regulator system. Once no gas flows into the dispenser, the cylinder is empty. This makes it easy for kitchens to track usage and avoid running out during service. Having a regulator makes monitoring far easier compared to guessing with small cartridges.

10. How to activate cream chargers?

For a small 8g charger – Insert the charger to the dispenser, pierce the seal, shake the dispenser and it’s ready to serve, no complication, just a simple process for home usage.

If you’re using a 615g/640g charger – there is a slight difference – first attach the pressure regulator, then connect to the dispenser, release the gas for 3-5 seconds, shake well to mix the cream and gas, tada – it’s ready to serve. The result is a smooth, stable whipped cream, perfect for busy cafés, bakeries, and catering events. Once you’ve tried the larger chargers, you’ll notice just how much smoother and faster service becomes.