The gas we use to make our Nitro Cold Brew changes its effect and defines its texture and creates the signature mouthfeel. It plays an important role to enhance the coffee experience that coffee lovers enjoy each sip. Both, N₂ chargers (nitrogen) and N₂O chargers (nitrous oxide) are popular in culinary and beverage applications. But both have different characteristics, levels of solubility and sensory impact.
This guide explains the differences between N₂ and N₂O chargers, how each works with cold brew coffee, and which is best for creating an authentic nitro coffee experience.
What Are Nitro Drinks?
Nitro drinks are beverages infused with nitrogen gas, most famously nitro cold brew coffee. Unlike traditional iced coffee, nitrogen cold brew is infused with tiny nitrogen microbubbles, transforming its texture, flavor profile, and appearance.
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Texture: Silky, creamy, and full-bodied.
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Flavor: Reduced acidity with a naturally sweet finish.
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Visual Appeal: Cascading microbubbles and a dense, frothy head that resembles a Guinness stout.
The magic behind this effect lies in the type of charger and gas used.
Understanding N₂ (Nitrogen) Chargers
Characteristics of N₂ Chargers
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Gas Composition: Pure nitrogen gas (N₂).
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Solubility: Water-soluble, making it suitable for coffee, tea, beer, and cocktails.
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Texture & Bubbles: Produces tiny microbubbles that create a smooth, velvety, and creamy texture.
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Flavor Impact: Enhances natural flavors without adding sweetness or acidity.
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Charger Size: Typically 2g nitrogen chargers used in systems like NitroPress.
Applications of N₂ Chargers
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Create Nitro Cold Brew Coffee with classic cascading effect and creamy foam head.
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Make smoother Nitro Tea with enhanced flavor clarity and full body texture.
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Use a nitro coffee dispenser in a cocktail for a luxurious drinking experience.
Understanding N₂O (Nitrous Oxide) Chargers
Characteristics of N₂O Chargers
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A single molecule of nitrous oxide (N₂O) is composed of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
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Highly soluble in fats and organic solvents, making it ideal for dairy based applications.
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Best used in cream chargers and dispensers, the gas releases pressure that pushes the cream out and creates a light, foamy texture.
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Tastes sweet in flavor, especially when added in coffee.
- Standard 8g N₂O cartridges used in cream whippers and foaming canisters.
Applications of N₂O Chargers
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Use it when you need light, airy textures in desserts and savory dishes.
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Add a slight touch of sweetness and to create a creamy head on top.
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You can also add mint leaves to a drink with a nitro or cream charger. The gas pressure helps the drink absorb the flavor much faster.
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Use cold brew coffee chargers to add a smooth, cascading nitrogen effect.
Equipment and Methods
For Nitrogen Cold Brew (N₂)
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Use portable 2g nitro chargers with a Nitro Press or Nitro Coffee Maker to brew nitro coffee at home.
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Mini or large kegs with nitrogen tanks help keep nitro cold brew flowing smoothly.
Method (Nitro Press Example):
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Fill the dispenser with cold brew coffee.
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Charge with pure N₂ cartridge.
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Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
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Dispense into a glass and enjoy the cascading ribbons and creamy head.
For N₂O Infusion
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Cream Whippers: Standard 8g nitrous oxide chargers. For those looking to purchase these in bulk, deals can often be found on overstock products like the SupremeWhip 8.2g N20 chargers:
Method: Add cold brew coffee, charge with N₂O, shake, and dispense. As a result, you will get foamy, slightly sweet and frothier than nitrogen-infused coffee.
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Feature |
N₂ (Nitrogen) Chargers |
N₂O (Nitrous Oxide) Chargers |
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Gas Type |
Pure nitrogen gas |
Nitrous oxide gas ("laughing gas") |
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Solubility |
Water-soluble |
Fat-soluble |
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Bubble Size |
Tiny microbubbles |
Large, frothy bubbles |
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Texture/Effect |
Smooth, velvety, cascading ribbons with creamy head |
Big foam, frothy, settles into thick head |
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Flavor Impact |
Neutral, enhances natural flavors |
Adds slight sweetness |
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Primary Use |
Nitro cold brew, tea, beer, cocktails |
Whipped cream, foams, espresso martinis |
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Charger Size |
2g |
8g |
Liquid Nitrogen vs N₂ Chargers
Some may confuse liquid nitrogen with N₂ cartridges. While both involve nitrogen, their applications differ:
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Liquid Nitrogen: Used in the culinary world to instantly freeze foods due to its extremely low temperature (-320°F).
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N₂ Chargers: Small cartridges used for safely infusing nitrogen into beverages like nitro cold brew.
Why N₂ is Recommended for Nitro Cold Brew
For authentic nitro coffee, N₂ is the clear choice. It provides:
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Dense, creamy foam head.
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Cascading microbubbles for visual appeal.
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Smooth, velvety mouthfeel without added sweetness.
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True nitrogen cold brew experience, just like café quality.
While N₂O chargers work for foamy textures or when a sweet hint is desired, they don’t replicate the silky, cascading ribbons that define nitro coffee.
Final Thoughts
N₂ and N₂O chargers serve different culinary purposes, especially when it comes to making different beverages. However, N₂ chargers are the more suitable options when you need to make nitro cold brew coffee. It helps you to get a creamy texture, cascading effect and natural flavor.
The people who love making and drinking their beverages at home, from the nitro coffee dispenser or portable NitroPress system is the most reliable option. It helps them to create a barista quality nitro cold brew. Meanwhile, N₂O chargers shine in whipped cream, culinary foams, and cocktails.