What Types of N2O Cylinders Are Available? A Complete Guide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) cylinders—commonly known as cream chargers—come in various sizes, materials, and capacities. Choosing the right type depends on your usage: from rapid foaming to commercial food service or medical applications. Here's a guide to the most common cylinder types.

1. 8 g Small Cartridges

Description: Compact steel or aluminum cartridges (~6.3 cm × 1.8 cm), filled with ~8 g of N2O.

Use case: Perfect for home kitchens or beverage shops that need quick, single-use gas for creams, foams, or infusions.

Benefits: Portable, convenient, and compatible with standard cream whippers.

2. Carbon Steel Cylinders (0.52 L – 4.5 L)

Sizes: Range from ~0.52 L small refillables to 4.5 L commercial-scale tanks.

Working pressure and filling ratios:

At 110 bar: filling ratio ~0.62

At 120 bar: filling ratio ~0.68
– Typical filling ratio is 0.75 in temperate regions, dropping to 0.67 in warmer climates

Use case: Ideal for cafes, bakeries, extended commercial use.

Benefits: Durable, cost-effective, handles high pressures well.

Considerations: Heavier than aluminum; requires a regulator and handles refilling logistics.

3. Aluminum Alloy Cylinders (0.3 L & 0.95 L)

Sizes: Commonly available in 0.3 L and 0.95 L (≈640 g capacity) formats.

Advantages:

About 30% lighter than comparable steel tanks .

Higher thermal conductivity helps maintain cooler temperatures during use

Use case: For mobile setups (pop-ups, food trucks) or kitchens needing portability and precise temperature control.

Trade-offs: Higher upfront cost and slightly lower durability compared to steel tanks.

4. Large Industrial & Medical Grade Cylinders (40 L – 47 L)

Types: Industrial-grade and medical-grade N2O supplied in large steel cylinders (40 L, 45 L, 47 L), varying by region.

Use case: For industrial processes, hospital settings, or bulk redistribution. Typically fitted with Y-tube manifolds, ISO tanks, or ISOTOPE containers for transport and bulk refilling

Considerations: Require specialized storage, transport protocols, and safety certification due to size and pressure.

Cylinder Comparison Table

Choosing the Right Cylinder

For home or light commercial use, start with 8 g cartridges for simplicity and portability.

For regular cafe or bakery operations, choose carbon steel cylinders (0.95–4.5 L); they blend cost and capacity well.

For mobile or outdoor setups, lightweight aluminum cylinders (0.3–0.95 L) offer convenience at a premium.

For medical or industrial bulk needs, large cylinders (40 L+) are necessary, but also require robust infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

Understanding the types, materials, and capacities of N2O cylinders is crucial for selecting the right equipment to boost efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

At Champion Whip, we offer a full range of food-grade nitrous oxide cylinders, from standard 8 g chargers to professional steel and aluminum tanks, backed by purity certifications and global shipping solutions.

Reach out today to find the perfect N2O solution for your kitchen, café, or production facility.