The Inevitable Question
You've got a Nitrosurge device but can't find Nitrosurge cans anywhere. Or maybe you've got regular Guinness Draught cans in the fridge and you're curious. Either way, you're wondering: "Can I just use regular widget cans with my Nitrosurge?"
We put it to the test.
Why This Matters
Nitrosurge cans can be harder to find than regular Guinness Draught. Many shops stock the widget cans but not the Nitrosurge-specific ones. If you own the device, you want to use it - even when proper cans aren't available.
The Theory
Regular Guinness Draught cans contain a plastic widget that releases nitrogen when you open the can. The pressure drop triggers the widget to shoot nitrogen through the beer.
Nitrosurge cans have no widget. They're designed so the Nitrosurge device does all the nitrogen activation via ultrasonic technology during the pour.
Using regular cans with Nitrosurge means double activation:
- The widget activates when you open the can
- The Nitrosurge activates as you pour
In theory, this could either enhance the effect, do nothing useful, or cause problems.
Our Test
We tested regular Guinness Draught cans (with widget) using the Nitrosurge device and compared against:
- Nitrosurge cans with Nitrosurge device
- Regular cans poured normally
- Regular cans poured with Nitrosurge activation
Test Conditions
- All cans at same temperature (4°C)
- Same glasses
- Same pouring technique
- Fully charged Nitrosurge device
The Results
Regular Can + Nitrosurge
What Happened:
When we attached the Nitrosurge to a regular widget can and poured:
- Significant over-foaming
- Excessive head that collapsed quickly
- Thinner body than normal
- Wasted beer from overflow
Warning
The Nitrosurge on regular widget cans produces too much foam. The widget has already broken out the gas, and the Nitrosurge releases even more. The result is a glass of mostly collapsed foam and a thinner, flatter pint.
Comparison Table
| Method | Cascade | Head | Taste | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrosurge can + Nitrosurge | Excellent | Excellent | Great | 9/10 |
| Regular can + Nitrosurge | Poor | Over-foamed | Thin | 4/10 |
| Regular can alone | Good | Good | Great | 7/10 |
Key Findings
- Worse than doing nothing: Unlike the Surger, using regular cans with Nitrosurge actually makes things worse
- Over-foaming is severe: The dual activation releases too much gas
- Thin, flat result: Once the foam settles, you're left with less creamy Guinness
- Not recommended: The basic hack doesn't work with Nitrosurge
The Needle Method (The Better Hack)
If you're determined to use regular cans with your Nitrosurge, there's a workaround that actually produces good results: depressurise the can first to keep the widget dormant.
The Theory
The widget inside a Guinness can activates because of the sudden pressure drop when you open it. If you release the pressure slowly through a tiny hole first, the widget stays inactive. This leaves the beer in a state similar to Nitrosurge cans - ready for the device to handle all the nitrogen activation.
What You Need
- A clean sewing needle, thumbtack, or pin
- Cold regular Guinness Draught cans (4°C or colder)
- Your Nitrosurge device
- Patience
How To Do It
Chill Your Can
Ensure the can is properly cold - at least 24 hours in the fridge. This is crucial for the hack to work safely.
Pierce the Can
With the can upright, carefully pierce a tiny hole near the top of the can, just below the rim and above the liquid line. Use a sewing needle or thumbtack.
Let the Gas Escape
You'll hear a gentle hiss as the pressure releases slowly. This should take 30-60 seconds. Do not rush this step.
Wait for Silence
Keep the can upright until the hissing stops completely. The can is now depressurised and the widget should remain dormant.
Open and Attach Nitrosurge
Open the can normally - you'll notice much less fizzing than usual. Attach your Nitrosurge device to the can opening.
Pour with Activation
Press the Nitrosurge button and pour as you normally would. The device will create the surge effect, just as it would with proper Nitrosurge cans.
Pro Tip
Pierce the can while it's upright and very cold. Aim for the area just below the rim where there's air, not liquid. The gas will escape cleanly without any beer spraying out.
Needle Method Results
| Method | Cascade | Head | Taste | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrosurge can + Nitrosurge | Excellent | Excellent | Great | 9/10 |
| Needle method + Nitrosurge | Very Good | Very Good | Great | 8/10 |
| Regular can + Nitrosurge | Poor | Over-foamed | Thin | 4/10 |
| Regular can alone | Good | Good | Great | 7/10 |
The needle method produces noticeably better results. The cascade is dramatic, the head is creamy and domed, and the body is properly smooth. It's not quite as good as using proper Nitrosurge cans, but it's close.
Why It Works
By depressurising the can slowly, the widget never activates. The nitrogen stays dissolved in the beer, waiting for the Nitrosurge's ultrasonic technology to release it properly. You're essentially converting a widget can into a Nitrosurge can.
Warning
This method involves sharp objects and pressurised cans. Take care when piercing. Never attempt this with a warm or shaken can - the pressure will be higher and the gas will escape violently. Always keep the can upright when piercing.
Tips for Success
Temperature Is Critical
- Colder is better for the needle method
- Warm cans have higher pressure and are riskier to pierce
- A properly cold can (3-5°C) will depressurise gently
Pierce in the Right Spot
- Aim for the very top of the can, just below the rim
- Pierce above the liquid line (the can isn't completely full)
- Keep the can perfectly upright during piercing
Don't Rush
- Let all the gas escape before opening
- A rushed job means the widget might partially activate
- 60 seconds of patience saves your pint
Should You Try It?
Yes, if:
- You already own a Nitrosurge
- You can't find Nitrosurge cans in your area
- You're comfortable with the needle technique
- You want near-Nitrosurge results from regular cans
No, if:
- You're buying a Nitrosurge specifically for this hack
- You're not comfortable piercing pressurised cans
- You expect identical results to proper Nitrosurge cans
- Regular widget pours satisfy you
Did you know?
The needle method takes extra effort, but it genuinely works. If Nitrosurge cans are unavailable in your area, this hack makes owning the device worthwhile.
The Verdict
Does using regular cans work? No - the basic approach makes things worse.
Does the needle method work? Yes - with noticeably good results.
Is it worth it? If you can't get Nitrosurge cans, the needle method is your best option for using the device.
Recommendation: Never use regular widget cans directly with Nitrosurge - you'll get a thin, over-foamed mess. If you want to use regular cans, the needle method is essential. It adds 60-90 seconds to your prep time but delivers results close to proper Nitrosurge cans.
Alternatives to Consider
If this all seems like too much effort:
- Order Nitrosurge cans online - Often available even when local shops don't stock them
- Master the widget pour - Regular cans with good technique produce a great pint
- Try the Surger - If you can find one, it's more forgiving with regular cans than the Nitrosurge
- Visit a pub - Sometimes fresh draft is worth the trip
Want to learn the proper Nitrosurge technique? Read our complete Guinness Nitrosurge guide.
