Cream can be not only an additive to dishes and drinks, but also able to decorate many delicacies, and all that is needed for this is just to beat them. In this article we will talk about such a device that helps to do it - about the siphon for whipping cream.
What it is?
A siphon, which is also sometimes called a culinary cremer, is a container in the form of a thermos that saturates liquids and products with gases, as a result of which they become “airy”.
The siphon consists of a body, a metal flask, a silicone tube, a threaded cap, a dispenser. Varieties of models are available in 0.5 liters and 1 liter. The material of manufacture is plastic (for cheap models), aluminum and stainless steel (for high-quality models).
It is possible to shake up not only cream, but also a set of other products. Quite a well-known "carbonated" fruit - 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 coffee shops.
Features
It is worth noting that siphon for whipping cream, you can also prepare 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 for foaming or pickling.
For a 1 liter siphon, 2 bottles are required.
As already noted above, creamer is actively used in molecular cooking. A striking example of such a model is the iSi siphon. Its main features are that it can make aerated soups, crispy dough and other baked foams, aerated spheres. This creamer was a breakthrough in cooking, as it allowed us to completely change the look and taste of the products and dishes we were used to.
It is worth mentioning the siphons with vacuum insulation, which are able to maintain one temperature for up to 6 hours and are very convenient for departures.
How to use?
Getting whipped cream in a siphon is easy. You only need to perform sequential actions.
- Pour into cremer cream. Do not overfill the capacity, it is better to underfill.
- Close the lid tightly.
- Now it is necessary to fill the siphon with a nitrogen oxide bottle. For a thicker foam, you need to fill 3 bottles, but for those who want to get a little foam, it is quite possible to do with one cartridge.
- Shake the container for 10 seconds.
- After this, it is necessary to turn the cremer down with the 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 creamer fill with another balloon. It is not recommended to use more than 3 cylinders. Otherwise, it may lead to unpredictable consequences.
The number of cylinders required for refilling the siphon depends on the fat content of the product being whipped. The fatter the product, the greater the number of cylinders needed. As a rule, the maximum amount per 1 liter is 3 bottles. Gas cylinders must be purchased separately. They are sold for 10 pieces. You can order them both from the same manufacturer, which purchased the siphon, and 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. You can understand this 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 differs products of famous brands. A good kremer on average costs 8 thousand rubles. It will pay for this amount in a short time, but it will perfectly diversify the menu.
A large variety of siphons in the modern market of kitchenware 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 body. Siphons, which can only be used for cold products, are marked either with a black line, or this is written only in the instructions.
As a rule, only 0.5 liter and 1 liter siphons are produced, as noted above. Therefore, for large volumes it is possible to purchase only 1-liter capacity.
When buying a siphon, you need to check it for gas leaks from the tank. If there is no leakage, then there will be no characteristic hiss with the valve closed.
For professional kitchens, it is best to purchase a model to match the color of the interior or the rest of the dishes.
Useful tips
If after the use of cremer cream remained liquid and even began to flow out of the tank, this indicates an insufficient number of installed cylinders with nitrogen oxide.
Kremer should always be kept headfirst, because only in this way gas can be injected with liquid.
For use in the siphon suitable only cream 32-36%. Too fat product may become too thick after. 36% fat cream is recommended to shake 3-4 times.
Foam in the presence of gas in the siphon can be stored in the refrigerator up to one week.
It is necessary to fasten a decorative nozzle tightly. Otherwise, there is a high probability of gas leakage from the tank.
Overview of reputable manufacturers
The championship among the producers of siphons is already occupied by the aforementioned iSi brand. The company is headquartered in Austria, founded in 1961. The products have a special anti-corrosion housing and high-strength bulb. Produced siphons come complete with nozzles and a brush. All parts are protected by silicone.
Siphons practically do not fight, they can be washed in the dishwasher.
Another Austrian quality brand is Kayser. Differs slightly more simple configuration, but almost not inferior in quality. It will cost 2-3 thousand rubles cheaper than iSi.
It is 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 are the most diverse - from the cheapest plastic to stainless steel models. Do not neglect them, if the siphon is not an important part of your professional work as a cook or pastry chef.
Just one of the Chinese models of average quality are siphons O! range. The basis of the body is aluminum. Included are several attachments. Usually such models cost about 2 thousand rubles. They perfectly diversify the menu, which children will be especially glad of.
For information on making whipped cream using a cream siphon, see the following video.
