Creamer - bartender's tool

Complex cocktails, whipped cream, and mousses are prepared using a special device - a creamer. It saturates liquids with gas bubbles, creating a light foamy structure. To choose a good bar creamer, you need to study the features of this useful equipment.

What is a creamer?

The structure of the device resembles a traditional siphon. The metal body contains a container for liquids. On top there is a socket into which a can of compressed gas is inserted. The creamer lid is equipped with two valves - one allows compressed gas inside, the second serves to exit the finished product.

To prepare whipped cream or a carbonated drink, simply fill the container and screw on the lid or shake the body. The inventory greatly simplifies the bartender’s job, especially when there are a lot of orders. The device helps you quickly prepare cocktails and decorate glasses with beautiful caps of whipped cream.

A creamer differs from a regular siphon in that it can process solid products - fruits, vegetable purees. Whisking turns the contents of the bowl into a foamy mass. Thanks to this, you can prepare deep-fried dough, sauces, creams and bitters. Professional models help marinate vegetables, meat, and fill baked goods with cream fillings.

A pastry siphon is an indispensable tool in a bar where coffee, milkshakes, and mousses are prepared. Whipping gives the drink a contrasting texture and enhances the flavor of the ingredients. Popular molecular cuisine restaurants use the device to prepare espumas - foamed liquid dishes.

History of appearance

Once upon a time, making whipped cream required a strong hand and a lot of patience. I had to beat it with a whisk, by hand. The process was tedious and the results were not always as expected. If you don't mix it hard enough, the foam will settle quickly; if you overdo it, the cream will turn into butter. The mixer does not make whipping much easier, since the foam turns out to be fragile.

In the 1930s, British engineers developed a device called a creamer. The device was a confectionery siphon that gave liquids a stable, foamy texture. The name creamer comes from the English word cream - cream.

Initially, confectionery siphons were used to beat dairy products containing a lot of fat. Modern creamers are used to carbonate any liquid that is thick enough to hold air bubbles - juices, milk, fruit pulp.

Principle of operation

The confectionery siphon consists of five parts:

• a metal container into which liquid ingredients are poured;
• a head equipped with a rubber gasket that prevents gas from escaping;
• a lever, when pressed, the finished drink comes out;
• capsule holder for gas cartridges;
• valve for decorative nozzles.

To quickly whip up a liquid, you need compressed gas. It enters the housing under high pressure. Typically carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide is used. The second option is more popular because it creates more lush foam. Nitrogen carbonation prevents the growth of bacteria inside the creamer and prevents the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Nitrous oxide dissolves better in fat, so products with a fat content of 27-40% whip faster.

Types of creamers

There are three types of pastry siphon:

• homemade - made from plastic. Used for whipping cream, mousses, and carbonating drinks;
• semi-professional - also made from plastic. Focused on small bars and cafes. Functions for preparing molecular dishes are not provided.
• professional – made entirely of stainless steel. It has a large capacity - 1-5 liters. Equipped with a thermo function that allows you to change the temperature of the product. Can be used for preparing hot drinks, soups, purees. Charges with heat-resistant cartridges.

The models also differ in their external design – the shape of the lever, the presence of shaped attachments. Sometimes manufacturers supply the device with a set of shaped dispenser tips.

The first thing to consider is the material of the product. The bartender's tool must be durable, so choose a stainless steel creamer. The plastic case is suitable for home use only.

The second criterion is the volume of the bowl. For bartenders who prepare a lot of cocktails, a 1-5 liter capacity is more suitable. At home it is more convenient to use a 0.5 liter cup.

The number of gas cartridges is of great importance. A standard cartridge contains 8 g of gas. For a 0.5 liter creamer you will need one can. Liter models are charged with two cartridges at once.

When choosing, you must also take into account the purpose of using the device. If you are only going to make cocktails, buy a homemade or semi-professional creamer. Cooking hot dishes is impossible without a multifunctional appliance equipped with thermal protection.

It is important to pay attentionPay attention also to the number of attachments. A bartender who creates beautiful cocktails will find curly tips useful.

Popular creamer manufacturers

Confectionery siphons are produced by companies specializing in bar equipment. Five brands enjoy a positive reputation on the Internet:

• APS is a famous German cookware manufacturer. Offers semi-professional culinary siphons with a volume of 0.8 - 1 liter. The products are durable, easy to use, and elegant in design;
• Paderno is an Italian company that produces bar accessories. Represents more than 10 models of professional creamers and thermal beaters. It also produces related products - sets of nozzles, thermal protection, cartridges;
• Ilsa is an Italian brand with half a century of experience in creating kitchen equipment. The products are aimed at expensive restaurants. Creamers are made of stainless steel, copper, bronze, complemented by gold-plated elements;
• ProHotel is one of the best Chinese manufacturers of bar equipment. Offers inexpensive semi-professional stainless steel creamers. The volume of devices is from 0.25 to 1 liter.
• Lumian is an Italian company that produces tableware. The main advantages of the product are ergonomics and elegant design. The manufacturer uses aesthetic materials, including brushed stainless steel, bronze, and copper.

To buy a suitable creamer, consider the characteristics of your establishment. The higher the popularity, the more functions the device should have.