8g N2O Cream Chargers

What are 8g N2O cream chargers?

An 8g cream charger is a sealed steel bulb filled with about 8 grams of pure, food-grade nitrous oxide (N2O). You place it in a cream whipper, and a pin pierces the seal to release the gas. The N2O mixes with the fats in your cream and forms a light foam. When you press the lever, the pressure pushes out smooth, fluffy whipped cream.

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas with a slightly sweet smell. In food, it is known by the additive code E942. It has been used as a whipped cream propellant in kitchens for decades because it does not add any taste of its own. That means your cream, sauce or foam still tastes exactly the way you made it.

Buying guide: how to choose your 8g cream chargers

Not all chargers are made to the same standard, so a few simple checks help you buy well.

1. Pick a genuine, trusted brand. Stick to known names like iSi, Mosa and Liss. Good brands are electronically weighed and filled, so each bulb holds the right amount of gas. Cheap, unbranded bulbs can be underfilled or leave an oily aftertaste.

2. Check the gas is food-grade. You want pure, food-grade N2O (E942). Food-grade gas is clean and safe for whipping cream. Never use gas that is sold for any other purpose.

3. Match the charger to your dispenser. Standard 8g chargers have a non-threaded neck. They fit most 0.25L, 0.5L and 1.0L cream whippers from brands like iSi, Mosa, Liss, Whip-It! and Kayser. If your dispenser needs a threaded charger or a large cylinder, an 8g bulb will not fit.

4. Choose the right pack size. Buy a small pack for home use and a bulk pack for a cafe or catering kitchen. Bulk packs usually cost less per charger. There is more on this in the single vs bulk section below.

Key features and specs

• Gas: about 8g of pure, food-grade N2O per charger (some brands, like iSi, hold 8.4g for a little extra volume).
• Purity: leading brands use high-purity nitrous oxide with no oily residue or metallic aftertaste.
• Casing: made from 100% recyclable steel, non-refillable, and coated to resist kitchen moisture and rust.
• Pressure: the gas sits under high pressure (Mosa quotes around 60 bar / 900 psi), and the steel is built to hold far more than that for safety.
• Fit: a universal, non-threaded neck works with standard 0.25L, 0.5L and 1.0L whippers.
• Yield: one 8g charger whips up to about 0.5 litres of cream, and can raise it to two to six times its starting volume.
• Made for food: classed as a food product and sold for culinary use only.

Brands we stock

iSi (Made in Austria). iSi Professional chargers hold 8.4g of pure food-grade N2O. Each one is electronically weighed and tested, so you get a steady result every time. They are made from 100% recyclable steel and can whip up to 20% more servings than a standard charger.

Mosa (Made in Taiwan). Mosa is one of the world's largest charger makers. Its chargers hold pure food-grade N2O, use a zinc coating to stop rust, and are made from 100% recyclable steel. Mosa recommends storing chargers below 50°C (122°F).

Liss. Liss is a popular European brand of standard 8g chargers filled with food-grade N2O. They fit almost every cream whipper on the market.

SmartWhip and Fast Gas (large cylinders). If you run a busy kitchen, you may prefer a big cylinder instead of many small bulbs. A SmartWhip cylinder holds 615g to 640g of food-grade N2O (E942) and is pressure tested at 165 bar. A Fast Gas cylinder holds around 640g, which is roughly the same as 75 or more standard 8g chargers. Both use a pressure regulator so you can control the flow.

Single pack or bulk: how much should you buy?

Your choice depends on how often you whip cream, how much storage you have, and your budget.

Home or light use (single pack).

Around 10 to 50 chargers.

Low upfront cost.

Easy to store in a kitchen drawer.

Best for home bakers and small cafes.

Commercial or catering use (bulk pack).

100 to 600 chargers or more.

Lower cost per charger.

Fewer reorders and less packaging waste.

Best for restaurants, bars, bakeries and caterers.

As a rough guide, the more you buy, the less you pay per charger. Prices still vary by brand, delivery and any offers.

How to use an 8g cream charger

• Fill the whipper. Pour cold cream into your dispenser. Do not overfill, and leave room for the gas.
• Seal it. Screw the lid on tightly so no gas escapes.
• Add the charger. Put one charger in the holder, then screw it onto the whipper until you hear a hiss.
• Shake. Shake the whipper a few times to mix the gas with the cream.
• Dispense. Hold the nozzle down and press the lever for smooth whipped cream.
• Store leftovers. Keep the filled dispenser upright in the fridge.
• Recycle. Remove the empty charger and recycle the steel with your everyday cans and tins.

Safe storage

Store your chargers in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Keep the temperature below 50°C (122°F). Keep them away from open flames, heat, and sharp objects that could dent or pierce the steel. Always keep chargers out of the reach of children.

UK law and responsible use

In the UK, nitrous oxide is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This came into force on 8 November 2023. The law targets misuse, but it clearly allows legitimate uses, including food and catering. This means you can still buy 8g cream chargers for whipping cream and other kitchen tasks. You do not need a licence for normal culinary use.

A few simple rules apply:

You must be 18 or over. Sellers must check your age, and you may need to show valid ID on delivery.

Food use only. Chargers must be bought and used for preparing food and drinks. It is against the law to sell or use nitrous oxide for inhaling.

Buy from a responsible supplier. Choose a seller with clear contact details, company information and proper age checks.

We take these rules seriously and sell only for genuine food and catering use.

FAQs

Do 8g N2O chargers fit all cream whippers?

Standard 8g chargers have a universal, non-threaded neck. They work with most 0.25L, 0.5L and 1.0L whippers, including iSi, Mosa, Liss and Kayser. They do not fit dispensers that only take threaded chargers or large cylinders.

What is the legal age to buy 8g cream chargers in the UK?

You must be at least 18. Retailers must check your age, and delivery may need a signature and valid photo ID.

Are cream chargers legal to buy in the UK?

Yes. Nitrous oxide is a Class C drug, but food-grade cream chargers bought for culinary use are allowed under the law. It is illegal to sell or use them for inhaling.

How much cream does one 8g charger make?

One 8g charger whips up to about 0.5 litres of cream. You can expect two to six times the starting volume, depending on your cream and dispenser.

What is the difference between a cream charger and a soda charger?

Cream chargers hold nitrous oxide (N2O) to whip cream and make foams. Soda chargers hold carbon dioxide (CO2) to add fizz to water and drinks. They are not the same and are not swappable.

How should I store unused chargers, and how long do they last?

Keep them in a cool, dry place below 50°C, away from heat and sharp objects. Because the steel bulbs are sealed, the gas stays stable for a long time. Damp storage over many years can rust the steel and affect the seal, so keep them dry.

Should I buy 8g chargers or a large cylinder?

Choose 8g bulbs for home use or light use. Choose a large cylinder, like SmartWhip or Fast Gas, if you whip a lot of cream and want fewer changes and less waste.