Welp MagazineIf you use whipped cream on a regular basis for desserts or fancy drinks, there’s no better investment than a whipped cream dispenser: they’re affordable, easy to use, and provide consistent results so that you can ensure quality with every press of the button. The best products on the market use extra large canisters of nitrous oxide, but this also means that they require some additional equipment to function properly.
Maintaining safe operations should be every restaurateur’s primary objective, especially as industrial culinary equipment can be incredibly dangerous when not kept in good condition. You may believe that this refers only to industrial ovens or deep freezers, but even a cream changer can cause issues if it does not come from a qualified manufacturer and is not handled properly.
Large cream chargers must have pressure regulators as a safety feature, and those regulators should also have pressure gauges to ensure that you can keep an eye on the PSI inside the canister. However, in order for this gauge to perform its job, it needs to be maintained and checked regularly for flaws. Today, we’ll discuss how to care for a pressure regulator gauge for whip it canisters so that you can be assured of safety every time.
Clean all components of the cream charger regularly, including the pressure gauge
A good kitchen is sparkling clean, but you might overlook small equipment like whipped cream dispensers during your regular sanitizations. This can be a dangerous mistake, especially if you fail to clean and calibrate the gauge: if the whippit canister is overpressurized, it could explode, seriously injuring anyone in its path.
To start, close the regulator valve so that it is not drawing from the canister, then release all the gas in the system so that the pressure gauge reads zero. Disconnect all the components, including the nitrous oxide canister, the whipped cream dispenser, and the regulator. Gently unscrew the pressure gauge from the rest of the regulator.
Once everything has been disarticulated, use a soft cloth to clean all the connections, including between the regulator and the gauge. You need to remove any dirt, oils, or grease that may have entered these holes, as they can prevent you from getting a good seal. Do not use scrubbing brushes or any abrasive cleaners, because this can cause loose connections. Refer to the instruction manual to see what cleaning solutions it suggests; if it doesn’t give any advice, don’t use anything.
Check for damage, and only use lubricants if the manufacturer recommends it
While everything is disconnected, give each component a careful examination to ensure that there are no cracks, flaws, or warping. Connections that are overtightened may begin to crack or dent, and this can damage the entire system if not kept in check. Should you notice any issues, get in contact with the manufacturer to order new components, and never use any part that is damaged.
You should also never use lubricants on the valves unless the manufacturer recommends them because this can make it difficult to connect things and may lead to damage over time. If you feel like lubricant is necessary because you can’t screw a valve in, this means that you need to replace that part of the system.
Calibrate the gauge according to the instruction manual
Just like with scales and other measuring equipment, gauges can begin to drift over time, no matter how well constructed they are. Every pressure gauge is a little different: some can be calibrated using attached adjustment screws, while others will need to be taken to a professional and recalibrated. Refer to the instruction manual to see exactly how to perform this and create a schedule for recalibration.
If yours can be adjusted without professional assistance, then you should perform this maintenance at the same time that you clean it. For those that need to be sent in and recalibrated elsewhere, plan to have it looked over once every six months, and don’t hesitate to send it in sooner if you suspect a problem.
Store the entire system in a cool, dry place away from sunlight
It’s easy to think of a cream charger as nothing more than a regular household device, but it needs to be cared for properly, as it is a complex system that can be dangerous if not handled in the right way. As such, you must always keep the canister upright and store it inside, well away from heat sources or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Dips in atmospheric pressure and temperature can begin to affect the gauge’s accuracy, as can humidity, so you need to place this device in as stable an environment as possible. Always refer to manufacturer instructions if you have doubts about how to properly store a cream charger system.
Cream chargers are an excellent way to give great service to your guests, and a pressure gauge keeps everyone involved safe by maintaining consistent pressure and allowing you to adjust as necessary. To get the best out of your pressure gauge, give it regular maintenance and store it properly; this way, you can enjoy this excellent product for years to come.
