Yes, totally familiar with it. In fact, I've pondered this very question Many Times! (Certain minds do think alike, don't they?) I think it's a great idea personally, and hope you will try it out so I have a first-hand review. If you liked it, I would get one in a heartbeat.

I always seem to have the cream, and if I could manage a nice presentation without getting out my mixer and a pastry bag/tip, I think I could become a whipped cream dispenser advocate.

Uhhhh.....yessss....I have experience with a whipped cream dispenser.... Once when I was a very little girl, I was watching my grandfather squirt some whipped cream on some ice cream....and.....yes! I got a face full of whipped cream!

Well -- it was an experience!

(I'm keeping my mouth shut. For once. Don't expect me to stay quiet again)

One of my friends has a business selling a food product at fairs, and she bought several whipped cream canisters to use in conjunction with that. She loves them, and hers get pretty heavy use.

EJ, Believe me, I debated about posting thinking it might bring out...well some less than wholesome experiences so I appreciate your silence LOL!!

Claire, It's weird how in-sync we are.

Teresa, Beau has had a squirt or two in his face!

Maureen, Thanks for the validation. I'm sure your friend had a professional model, which is pricey.

Cathy

I have one. Ours is a different brand than the one in the link: iSi. It works well. I've been told that whipped cream out of one won't stay whipped as long as cream whipped the usual way - but I don't know if that's true as we generally use it to put whipped cream on something right before eating.

The basic principle is the same as the stuff you buy in the can - nitrous oxide gas under pressure in the container is mixed in with the cream and expands to "whip" it on the way out. You put in cream and perhaps some vanilla extract and powdered sugar, charge it with the gas capsule, shake. Then dispense whip cream where ever you want it. (I put that in for jessy)

Note that if you want to buy the gas charges in the store, you have to ask for them - they are kept behind the counter (at least in this state) because nitrous oxide = laughing gas and it can be abused. You don't want to use a carbon dioxide canister by mistake which is made for the soda dispenser and looks about the same. We did that once and it produces funny whip cream - kind of has that little bit of sting that soda has.

I am a child of the 70's. Of course I have had experiences with whipped cream dispensers. I've heard they work well for whipped cream, too.

jo

I've often thought of buying one since the kids like whipped cream on their hot chocolate, waffles and pancakes. I thought, though, that I had read somewhere that the cartridges expire pretty quickly after initiating them. So, I got the impression I couldn't use it up quick enough to make it worth it. I would really love to have one, though! I do have one of those plastic ones that you put whipped cream in and it has interchangeable tips to make different designs. It's to much effort for how quickly the results get eaten! LOL!

I have one, and use it often, it works great, even after part of the tip got chopped in the garbage disposal. I find the cream keeps in the dispenser in the fridge quite a while. It is a handy thing to have in your collection.

No, actually she didn't buy a professional-grade one, Cathy. She's cheap. I figured since the regular ones stood up to all that use, it was probably a good recommendation. I'll see if I can find out where she got hers.

I have one - stainless steel but not as expensive as the one you linked - I wish I could remember the brand. Use it all the time - no problems - love it

This is encouraging news. You know me, I don't want any useless, single-use gadgets LOL!

I will give it a few days in case there are more suggestions and feedback, then I will make a decision.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Oh yes, I have the whip-it, in red. I've had it about four years and love it. I like it because I just use 1 T. powdered sugar to a pint of cream and it keeps in the fridge after whipped for a week or two.

I use mine alot this time of the year when I am taking meals to the field during harvest.

Mustangs: I'm so glad you posted this question. I've been wondering the same thing. Thanks to all for your input. Thanksgiving and mounds of cream on pumpkin pies are on the horizon.

So...Here's what I want to know. Where do you find the cartridges for these? What store would have them?

Any store that sells the ISI canister for whipping cream should also carry the cartridges. They may have them under cover to prohibit illegal use by minors, so ask if you don't see them in plain view.

Teresa

momto4kids, the dispenser I have keeps the charge fine stored in the fridge - if it gets dumped out, it is because the whipped cream is getting to old to be comfortable using it.

The dispenser has rubber gaskets that are part of the seal. If the gaskets get too old and stiff, it won't hold a charge well and you might have to replace them. I think we had to do that once over the years.

I asked because I saw a cannister at my local Tuesday Morning, but didn't make a purchase because I didn't know where to purchase the cartridges. (This isn't something they would ever carry, as it's mostly close-outs.) Can you name some stores I could walk into that would carry these?

Cathy, buy one. Ray will thank you for it. :)

Peppi

"Gourmet" stores that carry a bazillion gadgets, cookware, fancy foods, etc. will probably have both the canisters and the cartridges. You could also call around to restaurant supply stores. Also, call William Sonoma or Sur La Table if you have them in your area.

Peppi, This is too funny that you should say that. I don't usually check the email replies box when I post but did this time. So, just a few minutes ago Ray came into the bedroom and asked me about all the "whipped cream experiences" emails!! He said was afraid to read them but wanted to know if I had joined some ??? forum. I LMAO!!

Cathy, funny you should ask this. DH got me the ISI whipped cream dispenser for my birthday earlier this year....yeah I know! LOL! Well, I DID ask for one...

Ahem.

I LOVE it! DH ordered ours from King Arthur Flour and it came w/a little cookbook for making mousse, custards and such...you just add the ingredients to the can, add the cartridge, shake, and instant desert! We bought the gas cannisters at W&S after the fact.

It will get much use this holiday season!

My interest in this gadget has reignited! I'm off to look for a good deal now! Thanks everyone! If I find something, I'll post it!

If you can't find a local source, Amazon has the charges (cartridges) and they are on Prime. Kitchen stores should have them too. Just remember that you may have to ask a clerk for them - they aren't on the shelf here because of the nitrous oxide abuse issue.

Okay, with your help, I have determined that this gadget is a necessity. Now, how about the size? I don't think I need a large container as it's mostly for Beau's desserts and occasional hot drinks.

Those who have a dispenser, what are your thoughts with regards to size?

Thanks for your silence EJ! LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: 1/2 Pint Dispenser

I think the pint size would be more useful. I don't think they actually hold a pint of cream, but instead make a pint of whipped cream. Considering what the charges cost, I'd rather make a little more than less, and think for a two-week holding pattern, would make the most sense for me.

OK, you made me do it. I'm ordering one too.

(Enabler.)

The link below is a funny yet helpful review of the dispenser.

Claire, Enabler yeah, paybacks are he((.

Cloud, the review talks about the cartridges.

Here is a link that might be useful: Dispenser

The size on the iSi one is the amount of unwhipped cream that you put into it - not the amount of whipped cream that it makes. If you are getting it just so the kids can put modest amounts of whipped cream on their hot cocoa, the half pint might work better (be emptied before the cream gets too old) but the pint model is more economical if you will use the cream up since you get more whipped cream from one charge.

In California, I haven't found it quite as hard to buy the cartridges as the reviewer did in Virginia. I didn't have to sign for them and I have been able to buy more than one box at a time. Mine haven't lost their oomph in a year. Maybe I'll need to try using some - as my kids are grown up and we try to not indulge in whipped cream often, we haven't been using the dispenser and I have some pretty ancient cartridges.

I can also reassure you that nothing exciting happens if you use a CO2 cartridge by mistake - the whipped cream just tastes a little fizzy.

What a fun gadget Cathy! I'd get the bigger one if it was me. I DON'T need this...nope I really don't...not going to buy it no way! Mmmm Christmas is just around the corner...maybe I'll drop a hint. LOL!

I'm sure you and the grands will have fun with this!

David

Cathy, I think you meant paybacks are he( ). In my case, the rounder version is more appropriate you see.

Well, I've gone and done it. It's ordered, and with extra cartridges; 24 to be exact. I don't find ordering things on-line problematic, and do a lot of things this way like Blue Air filters, vacuum bags, etc. because I can simply get a better deal. It's also helpful not having to run around to find things!

Cloud Swift, thanks for giving me a clue. Apparently I got bad information from my ''clueless'' gourmet kitchen store employee who was making a (very little) effort to be helpful.

David, join the band my friend. A Lakeguy needs a cream whipper. Thinking of all the things you could use it on between now and Christmas!

You know... I didn't know I NEEDED one of these things till I opened this thread. You people are a bunch of enablers ;-)

Anyways, which one are y'all getting? Seems like you've done the research and I want to take advantage of it. I'm going to put one of these on my wishlist although if truth be known it's dh and ds who eat most of the whipped cream in this house. I do see lots of potential for it in other aspects of my life though

My mother has a couple of those dispensers. She brought some back from a visit to Germany at least 20 years ago. We use them all the time when we have dessert at her house. I love them, but haven't gotten around to getting one for myself.

I think she gets her cartridges at the hardware store.

They work really well, and make whip cream in seconds. Just remember to hold it completely upside down before pulling the trigger. Especially if it's not completely full. Otherwise, it can splatter a bit.

I got so caught up in this thread, that I went and placed an order through Amazon, all excited, and then just before I confirmed the order, I canceled it. I would love one of these, but I just don't NEED it. Whew. Almost fell into my old ways there Cathy.
Sherry

An ad from our local food gourmet shop showed up today with that exact product. They said the cream should stay fresh for 10 days and they are selling it for 59.99 + N20 charges for 9.99. So, if you do get one, beaware of the time and additional charges for the cartidges.

I am encouraged by all the interest and validation.

Sherry, Your strength is compelling but my motivation is Beau's love of whipped cream. Maybe I can tell him that's what Grammy wants for Christmas.

Mariend, Thanks, as part of the research, I have been considering the shelf life and additional expense for cartridges.

Methinks I need one for my toolbox.

I just spent 15 minutes searching for a "Whipped cream squirter" series of pictures....taken around my dining room table...about the same time as the spoon hangings and the wine charm incidents!
I'll find it yet!!
Yeah....they are fun...and a good thing....but don't let your "kids" play with them....even if they are over 30!
Linda C

Fante's has them, listed under Whipped Cream

Thanks Lou. I ordered from Fante's and some N20 cartridges after swearing I was over 18. Well, barely.

Cathy, we're too late. Peppi, Sherry and I were going to do an intervention before you bought another gadget.

If we hadn't drank quite so much wine, we'd probably have been on time to save you, LOL.

Annie

Annie, I just got off the phone with Peppi and Sherry, I was hoping to catch the three of you in party mode. I heard a recap of your weekend together, a true foodie weekend.

Thanks for thinking of my pocket book and my pantry storage space, but alas too late.

Cathy