The cream whipper usually consists of a canister made of metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel) or plastic, a lid with a nozzle, and a charger holder. To use the cream whipper, whipped cream or other ingredients are poured into the canister. Then, a charger containing nitrous oxide is inserted into the holder and punctured, allowing the gas to dissolve into the cream. This pressurizes the canister, causing the cream to expand and become aerated when dispensed through the nozzle.