iSi
ActiveOverview
iSi Culinary is an Austrian brand specializing in pressurized gas tools for culinary applications, including whippers, soda siphons, and cream chargers, used by professional and home chefs for foams, sauces, and beverages.123 Part of the iSi Group, it focuses on the culinary division while the group also operates in automotive and components sectors, with products sold in over 90 countries.14 Notable for its role in molecular gastronomy, particularly through tools popularized by chef Ferran Adriá for espuma foams.3
History
Founded in Vienna in 1867 as a manufacturer of medical supplies, the company evolved through mergers and expansions, entering the siphon business and later airbags.34 It pivoted to culinary tools inspired by French cuisine and molecular gastronomy, with Ferran Adriá using its whippers to develop espuma techniques at elBulli.3 Now in its fifth generation of family ownership under CEO Christian C. Pochtler, it maintains production in Vienna under strict quality guidelines.34
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Whippers (pressure dispensers for foams and sauces) | Professional and home culinary foaming tools | $100 - $300 |
| Soda Siphons (for carbonated beverages) | Home and bar carbonation systems | $80 - $200 |
| Nitro Systems (nitrogen infusion for coffee and drinks) | Specialty beverage infusion tools | $150 - $400 |
| Cream Profi (whipped cream dispensers) | High-capacity professional cream whippers | $200 - $500 |
Manufacturing
Culinary products are manufactured in Vienna, Austria, adhering to strict quality guidelines.13 Additional locations for the iSi Group include Changshu (China), Solingen (Germany), Fairfield (USA), and others in Hungary, Mexico, Thailand.1
Notable Products
- iSi Profi Whip - Professional stainless steel whipper for espumas, foams, and sauces used in molecular gastronomy.
- iSi Soda Siphon - Durable siphon for creating hand-crafted sodas and carbonated drinks.
- iSi Nitro - Nitrogen charger system for infusing coffee, stout, and other beverages.
- iSi Cream Profi - 12 oz professional dispenser for high-volume whipped cream production.
- N2O Chargers - Food-grade nitrous oxide chargers compatible with iSi dispensers.
Reputation
iSi is regarded by chefs and enthusiasts as a leader in durable, dependable culinary whippers and siphons, with strong ties to molecular gastronomy pioneers like Ferran Adriá.3 Professionals value its quality, safety, and 150-year Austrian heritage.23 Some note high replacement costs for parts, though durability is generally praised.3
Sources (8)
- https://isi.com/career/isi-as-employer
- https://culinary.isi.com/en-GB/culinary
- https://www.katom.com/learning-center/isi-company-history.html
- https://isi.com
- https://culinary.isi.com/en-GB/career/footer/imprint
- https://www.isiculinary.com.au/about-isi-culinary-cream-chargers-n2o-wholesale-australia
- https://culinary.isi.com/en-GB/culinary/product-support/manualsoverview
- https://culinary.isi.com/en-US/culinary/footer/faq