The Question Everyone Asks
Surger-specific cans can be hard to find. Inevitably, Surger owners wonder: "Can I just use regular widget cans with my Surger?" We put it to the test.
The Theory
Regular Guinness cans contain a widget that releases nitrogen when opened. The Surger uses ultrasonic waves to create nitrogen activation. In theory, combining both could either:
- Enhance the effect (double activation)
- Do nothing (widget already activated)
- Cause problems (over-foaming)
Our Test
We tested regular Guinness Draught cans (with widget) using the Surger unit and compared against:
- Surger cans with Surger unit
- Regular cans poured normally
- Regular cans poured with Surger activation
Test Conditions
- All cans at same temperature (4°C)
- Same glasses
- Same pouring technique
- Fresh Surger unit with new batteries
The Results
Regular Can + Surger Activation
What Happened:
When we poured a regular widget can into a glass and placed it on the Surger, we observed:
- Moderate additional cascade effect
- Slightly improved head density
- Some risk of over-foaming if can was agitated
Did you know?
The Surger did produce a visible secondary surge in regular cans, but the improvement was modest - the widget had already done most of the work.
Comparison Table
| Method | Cascade | Head | Taste | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surger can + Surger | Excellent | Excellent | Great | 9/10 |
| Regular can + Surger | Good | Good+ | Great | 7/10 |
| Regular can alone | Good | Good | Great | 7/10 |
Key Findings
- Marginal improvement: The Surger does add a small boost to widget cans
- Not dramatic: Don't expect a transformation
- Risk of mess: Over-foaming is more likely
- Taste unchanged: The beer itself tastes the same
Should You Try It?
Yes, if:
- You already own a Surger
- You can't find Surger cans
- You want a slightly enhanced presentation
- You're careful about temperature and pouring
No, if:
- You're buying a Surger specifically for this hack
- You expect dramatic improvement
- You don't want to risk over-foaming
Warning
This hack provides marginal benefit. If the only reason you're buying a Surger is to use with regular cans, save your money - the improvement isn't significant enough to justify the cost.
Tips If You Try It
If you want to attempt the hack:
Pre-Activation Method
- Open the can
- Wait 10-15 seconds for widget to settle
- Pour into glass
- Activate Surger once
Key Precautions
- Keep cans very cold
- Don't shake or agitate before opening
- Use only one Surger activation
- Have a towel ready for potential overflow
The Needle Method (Advanced)
There's a more involved hack that yields better results: piercing the can to release pressure without activating the widget.
The Theory
The widget activates when you open the can because of the sudden pressure drop. If you release the pressure slowly through a tiny hole first, the widget stays dormant. This leaves the Guinness in a state similar to Surger-specific cans - ready for the Surger to do all the nitrogen activation.
How To Do It
- Get a clean needle or pin - A sewing needle or thumbtack works
- Pierce near the top of the can - Just below the rim, above the liquid line
- Let the gas escape slowly - You'll hear a gentle hiss lasting 30-60 seconds
- Wait until the hissing stops - The can is now depressurised
- Open the can normally - The widget should remain inactive
- Pour and activate - Use the Surger as you would with proper Surger cans
Pro Tip
Pierce the can while it's upright and cold. The gas will escape without any liquid if you pierce above the fill line.
Results
| Method | Cascade | Head | Taste | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surger can + Surger | Excellent | Excellent | Great | 9/10 |
| Needle method + Surger | Very Good | Very Good | Great | 8/10 |
| Regular can + Surger | Good | Good+ | Great | 7/10 |
| Regular can alone | Good | Good | Great | 7/10 |
The needle method produces noticeably better results than simply using regular cans with the Surger. The cascade is more dramatic and the head denser because the Surger is doing the activation rather than the widget.
Warning
This method involves sharp objects and pressurised cans. Take care when piercing, and never pierce a warm or shaken can. The needle method works but adds complexity - weigh whether the improvement justifies the effort.
The Verdict
Does the basic hack work? Technically, yes.
Does the needle method work? Yes, with better results.
Is it worth it? The needle method gives meaningful improvement. The basic hack is marginal.
Recommendation: If you have a Surger and can't find proper cans, try the needle method for best results. The basic approach (regular can + Surger) works in a pinch but the improvement is minimal. If neither appeals, the standard widget pour gets you most of the way there without any equipment.
Better Alternatives
If you want better-than-can Guinness at home, consider:
- Guinness Nitrosurge - Newer device with its own special cans (also widget-free, but more widely available than Surger cans)
- Proper technique - Master the widget pour with regular cans
- Find a good local - Sometimes fresh draft is worth the trip
Want the proper Surger experience? Read our complete Guinness Surger guide.
