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The Best Cream Whippers

A perfect swirl of whipped cream can be the crowning gem atop your dessert—if you have a good cream whipper.

Top Pick

  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

WinnerISI Gourmet Whip

Testers thought this whipper’s shorter stature, rubber grip, and responsive lever made for effortless control, and both novices and pros easily piped fluffy, uniform rosettes. Grips on the handle and neck made refilling and cleaning speedy.
Model Number: 1603 01Height: 7.75 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $99.27
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Testers thought this whipper’s shorter stature, rubber grip, and responsive lever made for effortless control, and both novices and pros easily piped fluffy, uniform rosettes. Grips on the handle and neck made refilling and cleaning speedy.
Model Number: 1603 01Height: 7.75 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $99.27

What You Need to Know

There are few desserts that aren’t improved by a swirl of fresh whipped cream. But if you want to make your own, you have to haul out a mixer or, worse, whisk until your arm goes numb. Luckily, there is an easier way to make homemade whipped cream: Use a cream whipper, a pressurized canister powered by nitrous oxide. You simply fill the canister with heavy cream, twist on a single-use nitrous oxide charger (sold separately for about $0.50 a pop), shake to distribute the gas, and press a lever to pipe out swirls and rosettes. Beauty doesn’t come cheap, however—many cream whippers retail for upwards of $100.00. Are cream whippers worth the expense?

Eager to find out, we rounded up nine cream whippers and used each to pipe a pint’s worth of 2-inch whipped cream rosettes using every included decorating tip. We also had five testers—men and women, lefties and righties, pros and novices—use and evaluate each whipper. We used branded chargers if a product’s manual specified to do so; otherwise, we stuck with generic chargers.

Testers immediately zeroed in on the appearance of the whipped cream. Only a few whippers made swirls that were uniform, fluffy, and detailed; most produced misshapen, gloppy rosettes that looked jagged, uneven, and almost curdled. At first we suspected that the decorating tips were the culprit. Each whipper came with between one and three (most had three) tips of varying widths for producing swirls of different designs. While a few models had tips with narrow openings that clogged and sputtered when we used them, most had tips that appeared so similar in shape and size that they could almost be interchangeable.

Instead, we found that the unattractive, blobby rosettes were a result of testers having trouble gripping the canisters and using the dispensing mechanisms. Testers of all sizes preferred shorter canisters, which were easier to move and angle when dispensing the cream. Our favorite whippers were 7.5 and 8.3 inches from top to bottom—as much as 2 inches shorter than some of the more unwieldy canisters.

tester making cream rosettes into drawn circles with a cream whipper
Ease of control—or lack thereof—turned out to be a major factor in the performance of the whippers, with testers preferring smaller canisters over the often unwieldy larger models.

Testers also disliked whippers with levers that were difficult to push or hard to reach. One model with a button instead of a lever was immediately singled out as hard to control. To use the rest of the whippers, you wrap your hand around the head of the canister and press a lever with your fingers to dispense the cream. The distance of this grip ranged from 3.6 to 4.2 inches, depending on the whipper. And while ½ inch might seem insignificant, for some testers it made the difference between complete control and grasping by their fingertips. Testers struggled to control hard-to-grip, heavy, or sticky levers; this lack of control resulted in blobby, unattractive rosettes. Top-performing products had smaller, more secure grips that allowed more leverage to dispense cream slowly and evenly and make perfect, detailed swirls. Our favorite whippers also had rubber grips for an even sturdier, slip-free hold.

Finally, we evaluated how easy each model was to load, charge with gas, empty, and clean and how easy it was to change tips. Some whippers had finicky inner pieces that moved around when we changed tips or slippery, hard-to-turn handles that made recharging difficult. We preferred products with grippy rubber or plastic handles, sturdy gaskets that stayed in place, and tips that easily screwed onto the nozzle. We also gave an edge to whippers that were dishwasher-safe.

Ultimately, we concluded that the convenience of a good cream whipper is worth paying more for: It not only makes it easy to create professional swirls and dollops of whipped cream but can also can hold cream for several days in the refrigerator. Our top two options were the only models that produced consistent, flawless results. Our favorite, the iSi Gourmet Whip, made perfect, restaurant-worthy rosettes and was sturdy and comfortable for pros and novices alike (note that iSi also makes our lowest-ranked whipper, so check the model numbers when purchasing).

The Tests

  • Load, charge, and dispense 1 pint of cream with each decorating tip
  • Time how quickly cream dispenses at full force
  • Weigh cream dispensed and compare to amount of cream left in canister
  • Pipe 2-inch rosettes using each decorating tip
  • User testing with men and women, lefties and righties
  • Run through the dishwasher or wash by hand 10 times
  • Store loaded with cream in a refrigerator for 10 days


How We Rated

  • Comfort: Testers of different sizes, genders, and dominant hands evaluated how comfortable and sturdy the whippers were to hold and maneuver. Products lost points if they were slippery, awkwardly designed, or had hard-to-reach levers.
  • Control: We observed the sensitivity and responsiveness of each product’s levers or buttons. Whippers received full points if they dispensed in slow, even, steady streams.
  • Dispensing: Testers evaluated the appearance of the cream after dispensing, noting how easily each whipper made attractive, uniform 2-inch rosettes. Products lost points for cream that looked curdled, messy, or inconsistent.
  • Ease of Setup: We assessed how easy the whippers were to load with cream, charge, change tips, and empty. Top scores went to products that were intuitive and quick to set up and disassemble.

  • Short, tapered canister
  • Rubber grip around neck
  • Comfortable, responsive lever that’s easy to push and hold
  • Three different decorating tips with wide openings
  • Dishwasher-safe

Everything We Tested

Good 3 Stars out of 3.
Fair 2 Stars out of 3.
Poor 1 Star out of 3.

Highly Recommended

  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

WinnerISI Gourmet Whip

Testers thought this whipper’s shorter stature, rubber grip, and responsive lever made for effortless control, and both novices and pros easily piped fluffy, uniform rosettes. Grips on the handle and neck made refilling and cleaning speedy.
Model Number: 1603 01Height: 7.75 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $99.27
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Testers thought this whipper’s shorter stature, rubber grip, and responsive lever made for effortless control, and both novices and pros easily piped fluffy, uniform rosettes. Grips on the handle and neck made refilling and cleaning speedy.
Model Number: 1603 01Height: 7.75 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $99.27

Recommended

  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

MOSA Professional Whipper 0.5 Liter

This whipper’s lever was easy to grasp, and testers praised its steady flow and attractive piping. Its canister was smaller, with a secure rubber grip, making it simple to maneuver. Its wider decorating tips made rosettes that were perfectly fluffy. Our one gripe was that its narrowest tip produced a skinny, shaggy stream of cream.
Model Number: CSS2Height: 8.3 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $69.00
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
This whipper’s lever was easy to grasp, and testers praised its steady flow and attractive piping. Its canister was smaller, with a secure rubber grip, making it simple to maneuver. Its wider decorating tips made rosettes that were perfectly fluffy. Our one gripe was that its narrowest tip produced a skinny, shaggy stream of cream.
Model Number: CSS2Height: 8.3 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.6 inPrice at Time of Testing: $69.00

Recommended with reservations

  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

Impeccable Culinary Objects (ICO) Aluminum Whipped Cream Dispenser

This taller whipper felt unwieldy in smaller hands, but its lever was responsive and light, allowing us to make detailed, attractive rosettes. Its plastic handle screwed off easily for recharging, and cleanup was effortless in the dishwasher. The smallest of its three decorating tips was a bit too narrow, resulting in splattered, misshapen rosettes.
Model Number: ICO001Height: 8.7 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.1 inPrice at Time of Testing: $29.99
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
This taller whipper felt unwieldy in smaller hands, but its lever was responsive and light, allowing us to make detailed, attractive rosettes. Its plastic handle screwed off easily for recharging, and cleanup was effortless in the dishwasher. The smallest of its three decorating tips was a bit too narrow, resulting in splattered, misshapen rosettes.
Model Number: ICO001Height: 8.7 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.1 inPrice at Time of Testing: $29.99
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

Liss Professional Cream Whipper

Unlike the tapered shape of other products, this whipper was curved like a cocktail shaker. Though large-handed testers easily gripped its wide, bulb-shaped top, smaller testers struggled to reach and often used two hands. We piped nearly perfect rosettes when we used its wider decorating tip, but its narrower tip occasionally clogged.
Model Number: 4003Height: 8.2 inNumber of Tips: 2Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.99 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.2 inPrice at Time of Testing: $115.90
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Unlike the tapered shape of other products, this whipper was curved like a cocktail shaker. Though large-handed testers easily gripped its wide, bulb-shaped top, smaller testers struggled to reach and often used two hands. We piped nearly perfect rosettes when we used its wider decorating tip, but its narrower tip occasionally clogged.
Model Number: 4003Height: 8.2 inNumber of Tips: 2Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $31.99 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.2 inPrice at Time of Testing: $115.90
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

MOSA Culinary Whipper 0.5 Liter

Whipped cream looked attractive and fluffy when piped from this whipper’s two wider tips, but cream clogged and sputtered through its smallest tip. While larger testers could comfortably grip its tall canister, smaller hands struggled to press its stiff lever (some had to use both hands). We liked its grippy plastic handle.
Model Number: CCA2Height: 9.5 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.1 inPrice at Time of Testing: $39.99
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Whipped cream looked attractive and fluffy when piped from this whipper’s two wider tips, but cream clogged and sputtered through its smallest tip. While larger testers could comfortably grip its tall canister, smaller hands struggled to press its stiff lever (some had to use both hands). We liked its grippy plastic handle.
Model Number: CCA2Height: 9.5 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4.1 inPrice at Time of Testing: $39.99

Not Recommended

  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

Useful UH-A112 All Metal Whipped Cream Maker 1/2 Liter Canister Whipper

This whipper looked like a clone of the Mosa Culinary Whipper, with the exception of its hexagonal metal handle, which was painful to twist. It had many of the same issues as the Mosa: a sticky lever, a sputtering narrow tip, and a slippery grip. An added gripe: Only its canister is dishwasher-safe; other parts have to be washed by hand.
Model Number: UH-A112Height: 9.25 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: Canister onlyPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.75 inPrice at Time of Testing: $36.97
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
This whipper looked like a clone of the Mosa Culinary Whipper, with the exception of its hexagonal metal handle, which was painful to twist. It had many of the same issues as the Mosa: a sticky lever, a sputtering narrow tip, and a slippery grip. An added gripe: Only its canister is dishwasher-safe; other parts have to be washed by hand.
Model Number: UH-A112Height: 9.25 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: Canister onlyPrice of Chargers: $45.39 for 100 generic chargers ($0.45 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 3.75 inPrice at Time of Testing: $36.97
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

Whip-It! Stainless Steel Whipped Cream Dispenser

While we liked this whipper’s short stature and rubber grip, testers were frustrated by the flimsy design of the nozzle, which had to be held in place whenever we changed tips so it wouldn’t fall into the cream. Its sticky lever was intermittently responsive, and testers struggled to control the cream, which emerged gloppy and misshapen.
Model Number: SSPLUS-71SHeight: 8 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $26.95 for 50 branded chargers ($0.54 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4 inPrice at Time of Testing: $57.99
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
While we liked this whipper’s short stature and rubber grip, testers were frustrated by the flimsy design of the nozzle, which had to be held in place whenever we changed tips so it wouldn’t fall into the cream. Its sticky lever was intermittently responsive, and testers struggled to control the cream, which emerged gloppy and misshapen.
Model Number: SSPLUS-71SHeight: 8 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $26.95 for 50 branded chargers ($0.54 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4 inPrice at Time of Testing: $57.99
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

Whip-It! Pro Whipped Cream Dispenser

Though we liked this whipper’s grippy rubber exterior, users with smaller hands still struggled to hold this tall canister. Cream repeatedly clogged and sputtered around the nozzle, and we frequently had to clean frozen cream from the inner gaskets. The canister was scratched down to the metal after just three trips through the dishwasher.
Model Number: SVPRO-05Height: 9.3 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $26.95 for 50 branded chargers ($0.54 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4 inPrice at Time of Testing: $32.98
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Though we liked this whipper’s grippy rubber exterior, users with smaller hands still struggled to hold this tall canister. Cream repeatedly clogged and sputtered around the nozzle, and we frequently had to clean frozen cream from the inner gaskets. The canister was scratched down to the metal after just three trips through the dishwasher.
Model Number: SVPRO-05Height: 9.3 inNumber of Tips: 3Dishwasher-Safe: YesPrice of Chargers: $26.95 for 50 branded chargers ($0.54 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: 4 inPrice at Time of Testing: $32.98
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup

ISI Easy Whip Plus

Once assembled, this whipper’s upright decorating tip and skinny frame resembled a Reddi-wip container. It has a button instead of a lever, which afforded almost no control, so cream squirted wildly and rosettes looked jagged and uneven. Testers lamented its solitary decorating tip, which often fell off if not pushed solidly into place. It’s also not dishwasher-safe.
Model Number: 1540Height: 9.3 inNumber of Tips: 1Dishwasher-Safe: NoPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: n/aPrice at Time of Testing: $61.35
  • Comfort
  • Control
  • Dispensing
  • Ease of Setup
Once assembled, this whipper’s upright decorating tip and skinny frame resembled a Reddi-wip container. It has a button instead of a lever, which afforded almost no control, so cream squirted wildly and rosettes looked jagged and uneven. Testers lamented its solitary decorating tip, which often fell off if not pushed solidly into place. It’s also not dishwasher-safe.
Model Number: 1540Height: 9.3 inNumber of Tips: 1Dishwasher-Safe: NoPrice of Chargers: $31.97 for 50 branded chargers ($0.64 per charger)Distance to Reach Lever: n/aPrice at Time of Testing: $61.35

*All products reviewed by America’s Test Kitchen are independently chosen, researched, and reviewed by our editors. We buy products for testing at retail locations and do not accept unsolicited samples for testing. We list suggested sources for recommended products as a convenience to our readers but do not endorse specific retailers. When you choose to purchase our editorial recommendations from the links we provide, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices are subject to change.

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