Kegerator Tank

CO2 vs Nitrogen: What’s Better for Draft Beer?

Flat foam? Metallic taste? Pressure that just won’t hold? Choosing the wrong gas can ruin the draft beer experience—and hurt your brand’s reputation.

CO2 is ideal for most beers because it provides natural carbonation and balance. Nitrogen works best for certain stouts and ales, giving a creamy texture with less fizz.

Let’s get this clear—there’s no one-size-fits-all gas for beer. Whether you run a bar, distribute draft systems, or supply refillable tanks, the right choice depends on what beer you’re pouring and who your customers are.

What’s the difference between CO2 and Nitrogen in beer dispensing?

Too fizzy? Too flat? That’s the gas mix at work. The wrong one can mean waste, refunds, and unhappy customers.

CO2 carbonates and preserves beer naturally. Nitrogen gives a dense, smooth pour but doesn’t carbonate. Each gas creates a different drinking experience.

CO2: The standard for most beers

Feature	CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
Use Case	Lagers, IPAs, most commercial beers
Function	Provides natural carbonation and push pressure
Taste Impact	Slightly acidic, enhances crispness
Equipment Required	CO2 tank + regulator + keg coupler
Cylinder Options (B2B)	5lb, 10lb, 20lb food-grade aluminum cylinders

CO2: The standard for most beers

Feature	Nitrogen (N2)
Use Case	Stouts, porters, nitro coffee
Function	Adds pressure without carbonation
Taste Impact	Smooth, creamy mouthfeel
Equipment Required	Nitrogen tank + stout faucet + nitrogen regulator
Cylinder Options (B2B)	40 cu ft, 60 cu ft steel cylinders

When should you choose CO2 over Nitrogen?

Ever had a lager poured with nitrogen? It tastes dead. Wrong gas, wrong result.

CO2 is the go-to gas for most beer types and is easier to manage for beginners. Nitrogen is a specialty choice for visual appeal and mouthfeel in select brews.

When CO2 is better

Commercial beer dispensing: Standard for bars, restaurants
Homebrewing setups: Easier to control carbonation levels
Portable draft systems: Lightweight CO2 tanks are ideal for events

When Nitrogen wins

Stout-heavy menus: Guinness-style beers shine with nitrogen
Coffee shops: For nitro cold brew systems
Premium experience: Adds visual drama and texture

Can you mix CO2 and Nitrogen for draft systems?

Too flat with one, too fizzy with the other? Some drinks need both.

Yes, you can blend CO2 and Nitrogen to create a custom gas mix—commonly 75% nitrogen and 25% CO2—for a balanced pour in nitro beers.

Common Nitrogen/CO2 blends:

Ratio	Best For	Tank Type
70/30 or 75/25	Nitro stouts, nitro ales	Pre-mixed gas cylinders
60/40	Some craft lagers	Custom gas blender setups

Alizee offers:

Custom pre-filled gas blends
Dual-line regulators for hybrid systems
Bulk supply for bars and brewers

Which is more cost-effective for business?

Margins matter. Overpressure, waste, or customer returns all eat into profits.

CO2 is generally cheaper and more widely used. Nitrogen systems are more expensive up front but may add value for premium drinks.

Cost comparison:

Item	CO2	Nitrogen
Cylinder refill price	Lower	Higher
Initial system setup	Cheaper	Higher (special faucets)
Use frequency (per keg)	1 CO2 tank = 6–8 kegs	1 Nitrogen = 4–6 kegs
Return on investment	Faster	Slower, but adds value

If you’re a distributor or bar owner buying cylinders wholesale, Alizee offers competitive B2B rates for both CO2 and Nitrogen systems, with customization available for your market needs.