Store fuel in the safest way possible using our guide. Gas fuel is an incredibly important part of our lives. Many things can’t run without gas, from generators, lawn tractors, and weed wackers to vehicles and recreational equipment. And that’s why having extra fuel stored at all times is vital. In today’s comprehensive guide, we will be looking at:
- The best gas cans for your needs;
- The most durable metal cans;
- The most affordable plastic gas cans;
- Features you have to look out for when buying a gas can;
- The different types of gans, and the pros and cons of each one;
- And a whole lot more!
Being business owners ourselves, my colleagues and I always make sure we have enough gas stored so that even in times of emergencies and blackouts, we can still use our generators to run our businesses. Over the years, we’ve tried so many gas containers in search of the best ones. If you want to know our findings, just keep reading!
Best Gas Can
Best Gas Can For Long Term Storage – Editor’s Choice Award
Justrite 5 Gallon Red AccuFlow Galvanized Steel Type II Vented Safety Can
- Material: Alloy steel
- Size: 5 gallons
- Item Weight: 8.74 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.9 x 11.7 x 10.9 inches
- Brand: Justrite
Overall Score:
98
The Bottom Line:
Justrite 5 Gallon Red AccuFlow Galvanized Steel Type II Gas Can is perfect for anyone willing to invest in a top-notch long-term gas storage that packs many features.
What’s Good
- Sturdy and durable
- Ideal for long-term storage
- Has Safe-Squeeze trigger for more controlled pouring
- Includes a flame arrestor and flexible 9-inch hose
- CARB-compliant
What’s Bad
- Pricey
Summary
As far as metal gas cans go, you can’t go wrong with Justrite 5 Gallon Red AccuFlow Galvanized Steel Type II Gas Can. The galvanized steel construction provides high durability and longevity, while the powder coating helps keep off things like rust, making it perfect for long-term storage.
This 5-gallon gas can boasts special features, such as a Safe-Squeeze trigger handle for fast and precise pouring that saves you tons of time and a fill port with an ergonomically designed lift lever that makes pouring a piece of cake.
That’s not all…
The unit also includes safety features such as a stainless steel flame arrester that prevents flashback ignition, a self-closing lid, and a 9-inch flexible hose that offers more control when pouring into small openings.
As for safety standards, it is CARB-compliant, FM- and UL/ULC-approved, and meets OSHA and NFPA Code requirements.
Admittedly, it’s on the pricey side, which might make some people hesitate to try this out, but we can assure you that it’s our Editor’s Choice for a reason: Its awesome features, longevity, and durability make it the ultimate metal gas can for us.
Related: Survival Garden Layout
Best Budget Gas Can – Best Value Award
No-Spill 1415 1-1/4-Gallon Poly Gas Can
- Material: HDPE Plastic
- Size: 1.25 gallon
- Item Weight: 12 ounces
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 10 inches
- Brand: No-Spill LLC
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
No-Spill 1415 1-1/4-Gallon Gas Can is a great option for anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of money on a high-quality gas can.
What’s Good
- Affordable
- Good value for money
- Features Push Control Button and auto-shutoff feature to prevent spilling and overflow
- Has Flame Mitigation Device installed for safety
- Wide, stable design
- EPA-approved and CARB-compliant
What’s Bad
- The 6-inch hose is sold separately
Summary
Worried about spills and overflow? You don’t have to with No-Spill 1415 1-1/4-Gallon Poly Gas Can.
True to its brand name, this gas container is packed with features to prevent spilling and overflow, such as the Push button control that you simply have to push and release to dispense fuel, and the auto-stop feature that senses when the tank reaches its capacity then cuts off the flow of fuel at once.
Very cool, right?
Aside from those, it also features nice viewing stripes on the front and back of the can to indicate fuel level and a large opening for easy filling and mixing of gas. With its wide and stable design, you won’t have to worry about the can tipping over.
Oh, and did we already mention that it also includes a Flame Mitigation Device for added safety and a 7/8-inch funnel spout that can fill even the smallest equipment?
As if that’s not enough…
This gas can is also very affordable, especially when considering its many features. There’s no argument that it’s deserving of our Best Value Award!
Related: Best Survival Books
Best Gas Can For Boats – Top Pick Award
Scepter USA 6792 Duramax 14 Gallon
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene
- Size: 14 gallons
- Item Weight: 19 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.2 x 12.7 x 33.8 inches
- Brand: Scepter
Overall Score:
94
The Bottom Line:
This wheeled gas can is designed for maximum portability, ideal for recreational, commercial, and industrial purposes.
What’s Good
- Very portable
- Large capacity
- Great for recreational, commercial, and industrial purposes
- Patented MaxFlo Siphon Pump avoids spillage
- Easy to store
- Comes with sturdy wheels and an ergonomic handle for easy transport
- Dent, corrosion, and rust resistance
- Includes a 10-inch long hose
- UN- and DOT-approved
What’s Bad
- The valves can be difficult to turn when new
Summary
If what you’re looking for is a portable gas can for recreational activities such as boating and camping, or commercial and industrial applications, our Top Pick, the Scepter USA 6792 Duramax 14 Gallon Flo-N-Go Fuel Caddy, got your back!
Designed to transport fuel, it comes with sturdy 6-inch wheels for maximum portability and a heavy-duty top handle that makes it easy to lift and move the can even on rough ground.
Refill your generators, lawn tractors, boat engines, and ATVs quickly and easily with its patented MaxFlo pump handle that prevents spills and overfills, and a 10-inch fuel hose, which you can use to dispense fuel without the need to lift the container off the ground.
With its large capacity of 14 gallons, you can be assured that you won’t run out of fuel wherever you are.
Related: Best Survival Backpack
Best Gas Can For Generators
Eagle UI-50-FS Red Galvanized Steel Type I Gasoline Safety Can
- Material: Galvanized steel
- Size: 5 gallons
- Item Weight: 5.25 pounds
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 12.5 x 13.5 inches
- Brand: Eagle
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
This gas can is suitable for storing extra fuel for generators.
What’s Good
- Made of durable material
- Very easy to use
- Built for long-term fuel storage and to withstand temperature changes
- Features a comfort grip Trigger release and a spring closing lid
- CARB, OSHA, and NFPA compliant
- UL and ULC listed, FM-approved
What’s Bad
- Not for car use
Summary
If you have a generator, of course, you have to make sure that you have enough fuel stored for it at all times. The question is, what’s the best gas container for doing that?
Say hello to Eagle UI-50-FS Red Galvanized Steel Type I Gasoline Safety Can with Funnel.
Built for long-term storage, this gasoline safety can is made from hot-dipped 24-gauge galvanized steel, which gives it long-lasting durability. Even with frequent temperature changes, you won’t have to worry about it swelling or shrinking, as it can withstand those.
We also love the extra features that allow for ease of usage, such as the patented comfort grip Trigger release with spring closing lid and fixed handle for no-fuss dispensing, and that it comes with a yellow funnel that you can attach or detach as needed.
Best Long Lasting Gas Can
Midwest Can 5600-4PK Gas Can
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene
- Size: 5 gallons
- Item Weight: 11.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 24 x 21 x 10 inches
- Brand: Midwest Can
Overall Score:
86
The Bottom Line:
Excellent work boots with the perfect style quotient
What’s Good
- Excellent durability and longevity
- The set holds a lot of fuel overall
- Features two handles for easy handling
- Has an auto shut-off feature
- CARB, and EPA compliant
What’s Bad
- Not the easiest to use
Summary
If storing for emergency preparedness is your concern, you want to make sure that it’s made from durable material that can last for a long time, that it has a high capacity to store a lot of fuel, and you can easily move it when needed in case of emergencies.
In our opinion, this set of 4 Midwest Can 5600-4PK Gas Cans is certainly up to the task.
Sure, you can buy something with a bigger capacity, but that would be too heavy to move around when filled. Because this one is a set of 4 5-gallon cans, you’re getting 20 gallons of fuel in reserve, and you can still lift and move them easily when needed.
Speaking of which…
These cans have two handles for easy handling when pouring or carrying them with someone. They’re made from durable HDPE, so you can be sure that they will last for a long time.
We also appreciate the auto shut-off feature when the tank is full.
Best Capacity Gas Can
20 Liter (5.2 Gallon) NATO Jerry Can for Gas
- Material: Cold-rolled steel
- Size: 5.2 gallons
- Item Weight: 12 pounds
- Dimensions: 6½ x 13½ x 18½ inches
- Brand: Wavian for NATO
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
This gas can is a great investment for anyone looking for a premium-quality, leak-proof gas storage with a large capacity that passed many safety standards and is manufactured by a trusted brand.
What’s Good
- Extremely well-built and sturdy
- Large capacity of 20 liters
- Leak-proof
- Includes an internal breather pipe for seamless pouring
- The spout works on most gasoline vehicles and most diesel and equipment tanks
- Has three handles
- OSHA, EPA and CARB compliant
- Passed ASMT, NFPA, and DOT standards
- Made by a trusted, established brand
What’s Bad
- Because of its shape, it can tip over easily
Summary
If capacity and build quality are your main priorities when choosing a gas can, this bad boy is for you.
You can be sure of its superior durability with its 0.99 mm steel construction and internal rust-proof Rezol lining.
Its large 20-liter capacity won’t leave you running out of fuel anytime soon.
No more chug and glug when pouring as this features an internal breather pipe for smooth pouring without splashing gas.
You won’t have to worry about any leak either, no matter how you position the container, with its leak-proof bayonet closure and a cap with a locking pin, ensuring no one can accidentally open it.
On top of that…
It comes with a three-handle configuration for easy carrying and handling.
Overall, this 20-liter gas container packs a serious punch, making it worth it to invest in.
But then again, we didn’t expect less from the manufacturer who has supplied NATO countries for over 75 years!
Best Design Gas Can
No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can
- Material: HDPE
- Size: 5 gallons
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 11 x 14.3 inches
- Brand: No-Spill LLC
Overall Score:
86
The Bottom Line:
This smartly designed gas container provides a non-fussy, uncomplicated way to fill and pour fuel.
What’s Good
- Clever design for optimum convenient usage
- Leak-proof
- Has a large opening and rear handle
- The wide, boxy design makes it stable
- EPA and CARB compliant
What’s Bad
- No see-through viewing window like the 1.25-gallon model
- The cap can be difficult to unscrew because of its large teeth
Summary
Smart, no-spill design is the focal point of the No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Gas Can.
Unlike with other plastic cans, you don’t have to be a contortionist to be able to use this safely while filling a fuel tank.
With its well-designed filling mechanism, there’s no risk of the fuel spilling all over. All you have to do is press the Push Button control and let it do its job.
You don’t even have to check to see if the gas tank is already full; the gas can’s auto cut-off feature will ensure that you won’t overfill the tank (Okay, you still need to check just to be sure, but you get the point…).
The large neck opening and the rear handle make filling and pouring easier than ever.
It literally couldn’t be easier.
Furthermore…
This gas container also boasts a fast fuel flow rate of 3 gallons per minute, which is probably the fastest fuel rate in the industry.
Best Material Gas Can
Surecan Gas
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 2.2 gallons
- Item Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 10 inches
- Brand: Getting Fit
Overall Score:
90
The Bottom Line:
SureCan Gas Can is the ultimate gas container for anyone who prioritizes great material, durability, and sturdiness.
What’s Good
- Made from durable plastic material
- Extremely sturdy with a 6-layer design and thick walls
- Featuring a thumb-trigger for more controlled and easy pouring
- Includes a flexible spout
- Child-proof cap with a locking tab
- Stable and doesn’t tip over easily even when filled
- EPA, CARB, and DOT compliant
What’s Bad
- Takes quite a while to empty
- Thick walls make it hard to see the level of fuel
Summary
Sturdy and intelligently designed, SureCan Gas Can is one of the most popular gas cans for a reason.
Its 6-layer design and thick, solid plastic walls make it more robust and more able to withstand extreme elements than most gas cans in the market today.
Unlike other gas cans, this gas container is so stable that it won’t tip over even after being filled with gas.
One of its smart features is the thumb-trigger that easily lets you control fuel flow while avoiding accidental spills through the safety release feature. The ergonomic handle at the top and the cleverly placed hand grips on the container’s bottom also help in easy handling while fueling.
Say goodbye to awkward positions when fueling your tank with the included flexible rotating spout that can rotate down to more than 180 degrees to fit into whatever equipment you’re using it at.
Have curious children around? Fret not, as its child-proof cap has a locking tab that keeps it from accidentally coming off.
Best No Spills Gas Can
No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can
- Material: HDPE
- Size: 1.50 gallons
- Item Weight: 1.08 pounds
- Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 11 inches
- Brand: 13 x 13 x 11 inches
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
From the brand that specializes in spill-free gas cans, No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Gas Cans allow you maximum control and hassle-free pouring while preventing spills and overfills.
What’s Good
- Features a Push control button, spill-proof nozzle, and auto-stop feature for a spill- and overflow-free experience
- Fastest flow rate in the market
- Has viewing windows on the front and back to indicate fuel amount
- EPA, CARB, and CPSC compliant
- Child-proof
What’s Bad
- Doesn’t include a spout extension
Summary
We all hate messy spillage when fueling our equipment. Not only does it waste precious fuel, but it also harms the environment.
Say no to those with No-Spill Gas Cans.
One of the best gas cans in the market when it comes to preventing spills and overflows, these gas cans feature an easy-to-use Push button control that you simply have to press to pour gas and let the auto-stop feature do its magic of sensing when the tank is already full, and it will automatically cut off the fuel.
No more guessing on how much fuel is remaining inside the container, as the see-through window strips on the front and back allow you to see the amount of fuel inside.
The wide opening allows you to easily fill the can at the gas station, while the wide base design offers stability.
Made with heavy-duty polyethylene plastic material, these gas cans will last you a long time.
Best Gas Can For Military
Wavian USA JC0020BLVS Authentic NATO Jerry Fuel Can
- Material: Cold-rolled steel
- Size: 5.3 gallons
- Item Weight: 4 ounces
- Dimensions: 6½ x 13½ x 18½ inches
- Brand: Wavian USA
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
Wavian USA Authentic NATO Jerry Fuel Can is an incredibly sturdy, rugged military-grade gas can ideal for heavy-duty.
What’s Good
- Military-grade
- Exceptionally sturdy and robust
- Fast flow rate
- Rust-proof
- OSHA, EPA and CARB compliant
- Passed ASMT, NFPA, and DOT standards
What’s Bad
- Heavy especially after filled
- Expensive
Summary
If you’re looking for the toughest of the tough gas can, look no further than the Wavian USA Authentic NATO Jerry Fuel Can.
Made by the same manufacturer that has been supplying NATO countries Steel Jerry Cans since the first world war, you can be assured of its unmatched sturdiness and hardiness.
Constructed from 0.99mm cold-rolled steel, this military-grade gas can is anti-corrosive and alcohol-resistant, with an interior lined with rust-proof Rezol.
Some of its unique features include a three-handle configuration that makes it easy to carry and handle multiple cans at once, a bayonet closure that ensures there won’t be any leak no matter how you position the can, an internal breather pipe for guaranteed splash-proof pouring, and a locking pin on the cap to avoid accidental opening.
Buyers Guide: How To Choose The Best Gas Can
What are the different types of Gas Cans
Standard
Standard gas cans are commonly found in residences and on gas stations. Although they can come in plastic or metal material, the plastic ones are the most common. Because they’re mostly used as gas storage for homeowners, they don’t need to follow strict regulations.
Safety Cans
Made from metal and have a capacity of no more than 5 gallons, safety cans are commercial-grade and have to adhere to strict safety standards. They are required to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Department of Transportation (DOT), National Flame Protection Association (NFPA), and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements before being used commercially. They also have to have a spring-closing lid and a spout cover designed to relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
More durable and long-lasting than their standard counterpart, safety cans come in two types: Type I and Type II Gas cans.
Features to look out for
Safety features
It’s ideal if the gas can has some added safety features for maximum safety, such as a self-closing lid or a built-in flame arrestor.
Spill-free features
It’s important to look for a gas can that promotes spill-free pouring. Spills and overflows waste fuel and also harm the environment.
Durability
Considering that most people will use gas cans for storing gas for long periods of time or will use them outdoors, you must choose a highly durable and sturdy gas can that can handle rough weather conditions and seasonal temperature changes. Metal cans have an advantage here, but most plastic cans can also be extremely durable.
Top Tips
- Always make sure that the gas can you’re buying meets the safety standards set by regulatory bodies such as OSHA, NFPA, DOT, and EPA.
- Store your gas can properly. Keep it out of reach of children and at least 50 feet away from ignition sources.
- It can be dangerous to store gasoline or diesel fuel inside your house. Store them instead in a detached shed or a secure outbuilding.
- Metal fuel cans are better than plastic ones for long-term storage.
Are metal or plastic gas cans better?
Each type has its pros and cons. Metal gas cans are usually stronger, more durable, and built for long-term storage, but they can also be heavy, expensive, and prone to rusting. On the other hand, plastic gas cans aren’t the sturdiest and can degrade over time, but they’re also less expensive, more lightweight, and won’t explode when there’s a fire. Which one is better will just depend on the individual and their needs.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 gas cans?
Type 1 gas cans use one opening for filling and pouring, while Type 2 gas cans have two openings, one for filling and one for pouring fuel into gas tanks.
Is it safe to store gasoline in a hot garage?
It can be, as long as you take the necessary precautions to ensure safety. First off, choose a gas storage container that has a safety lock and a tight lid. Then make sure that the container is positioned in a way that it won’t be tipped over easily. And, of course, keep it from direct sunlight and other sources of heat.
Value for Money
We know the struggle of looking for a great gas can that’s worth your hard-earned money. And that’s why here, we’re giving you our ranking of what we think are worth investing in and also which will give you more than you will pay for.
Value for Money Ratings
Capacity
How much capacity you choose will depend on your needs, but we think that generally speaking, the larger the capacity, the better.
Capacity Ratings
Built Quality
We’re talking overall construction, design, and quality of materials here.
Built Quality Ratings
Durability
Durability is important in all things, but even more so when it comes to gas cans. A reliable gas can is durable, sturdy, and resilient to temperature changes.
Durability Ratings
Features
It’s great when a gas can has lots of nice features that make usage easier and maximize safety.
Features Ratings
Our Final Verdict: Best Gas Can Rating
Best Overall Score
Conclusion: Best Gas Can
There you go!
Seeing our Editor’s Choice, the Justrite 5 Gallon Red AccuFlow Vented Safety Can, at the top of the list doesn’t surprise us; even after trying out so many gas cans, it’s still our go-to when it comes to safety cans.
That said…
Our Best Value and Top Pick Awardees ain’t no slouches either.
If you want an affordable gas can that doesn’t leave out important features, the No-Spill 1415 Gallon Poly Gas Can is the one for you. But if portability is on top of your criteria, the Scepter USA 6792 Duramax Gas Can is your guy.
Everything in our list is great cans; you just have to pick the perfect one for your needs.
We hope that we’ve helped you choose through this article.
Now it’s your turn!
Have you picked one yet? Let us know!