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The 7 Best Gas Cans of 2024

Sturdy containers for safe storage and easy dispensing

In This Article

In This Article

The 5 Best Gas Cans

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

A gas can is the best way to store, transport, and dispense gasoline. Plastic gas cans are lightweight and convenient, while metal gas cans are more durable but heavier and more expensive.

The best gas cans have usability features like comfortable handles and flexible spouts to prevent spills, so you won't need to clean gasoline out of your clothes. They also have safety features like pressure relief valves, automatic shutoff valves, and child-resistant caps.

Tim Love, Senior Director of Logistics Operations at Carson, recommends metal gas cans because they’re more durable and carry a lower risk of static electricity sparking a fire when dispensing fuel. Plastic cans with safety spouts and flame arrestors provide added safety, but plastic is easier to damage than metal.

With that in mind, we researched both plastic and metal gas cans in a variety of sizes and capacities to find the best options for every situation.

What We Like
  • Long spout and flow control

  • Integrated flame mitigation

  • Child-safety cap with on-can cap holder

What We Don't Like
  • Lifting and tilting can be cumbersome

The Briggs & Stratton GarageBoss Press 'N Pour Can is our favorite gas can because it features durable construction, a long spout with flow control, and vital safety features like integrated flame mitigation and a child-safety cap. It can be cumbersome to lift and tilt when fully loaded, but the long spout makes it easy to deliver the gas where it needs to be with minor spillage.

This gas can is made of durable plastic that's compliant with CARB (California Air Resources Board) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) emissions standards. You can choose from a 2.5- or 5-gallon capacity, both of which are good for gas-powered lawn equipment like chainsaws, large generators, and commercial machinery.

We like how easy it is to pour and control the flow with the push-button dispenser—no twisting or anchoring necessary. Once you're done, just release the button to stop dispensing. If you're using it for larger machines, you can unscrew the spout extension to access a faster flow rate. This allows you to pour more quickly and empty the can without spills.

The GarageBoss has a few other notable features, including integrated flame mitigation technology that lowers the chances of certain types of fires and explosions. It also includes a child-safety cap that prevents tampering, keeps fumes from escaping, and minimizes spills. The can even has a built-in cap holder, so you don't need to worry about setting the cap down and losing track of it because it's always right there.

Capacity: 2.5–5 gallons | Material: Plastic | Features: Push-button dispenser, long spout, precise flow control, dust cap holder, flame mitigation

What We Like
  • Durable, low-emission thermoplastic

  • Easy lifting and user-friendly dispensing

  • Child-safe, flame-mitigating design

What We Don't Like
  • Can be tricky to fill

Easy Can is a basic gas can with some essential safety features, which is why we recommend it as a lower-cost option. It's usually priced about 30 percent less than the 2.5 gallon version of the Stens No-Spill can (our best spill-resistant pick). It isn't quite as spill-resistant, but it does have an Easy On, Easy Off nozzle that's both accurate and high volume.

This sturdy fuel can is made of polyethylene (PE), a high-strength thermoplastic you can count on to hold up for many years. And since it's compliant with EPA and CARB environmental standards, you can have peace of mind knowing it won't emit harmful chemicals. It has a patented nozzle with user-friendly push-button dispensing, making it easy to add fuel to all types of lawn equipment and machinery without spills or drips.

This 2.5-gallon container is a good option for those who find 5-gallon cans too heavy to lift and tilt. It boasts a fast flow rate of up to 3 GPM (gallons per minute). We also appreciate the safety features, which include a child-resistant design and an integrated FMD (flame mitigation device). The flame mitigator helps minimize the chance of certain types of fires and explosions.

While this can makes short work of dispensing fuel, filling the can itself can be tricky because the FMD is located right at the opening. With that in mind, filling the can as slowly as possible reduces the chances of splashing or spillage, neither of which are concerns when dispensing from the can.

Capacity: 2.5 gallons | Material: Polyethylene | Features: Patented nozzle, flame mitigator

What We Like
  • Resists rust, corrosion, and extreme temps

  • Easy pouring with comfort trigger and funnel

  • Meets various third-party safety criteria

What We Don't Like
  • Largest size is cumbersome

  • Lead exposure warning

This fuel can is made of powder-coated, 24-gauge galvanized steel, an exceptionally durable material that resists rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. It's pricier than most plastic gas containers, but you can expect the leak-tested design to last several years—maybe even decades. It comes in a few sizes, ranging from 1 to 5 gallons. Although the largest container can be a bit cumbersome to lift, the sturdy handle on top helps. There's also a patented "comfort-grip" trigger and a thermoplastic funnel, which makes it easy to dispense the fuel exactly where you want it to go.

One thing to note is that this product has a Proposition 65 warning about potential lead exposure. However, the manufacturer says it's been tested and approved for safety by multiple third-party organizations, including UL Solutions and FM Approvals. As a Type I safety can, it meets OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) Code 30 requirements for flammable and combustible liquids. This well-made metal gas can also has a flame arrester screen for additional safety.

Capacity: 1–5 gallons | Material: Galvanized steel | Features: Patented trigger release, funnel, flame arrester screen

What We Like
  • Prevents spills, leaks, or drips

  • Thumb-controlled pouring

  • Dual handles for easy lifting and tilting

What We Don't Like
  • Narrow fill opening

As the name suggests, the No-Spill 1450 Gas Can promises never to spill. This fuel container is made of highly resilient, long-lasting polyethylene thermoplastic. It's molded and fused with minimal seams to ensure liquids don't seep through, and the material holds up remarkably well in extreme temperatures.

Beyond the sturdiness of the can itself, the spill-free design is all contained in the spout and nozzle. Despite the fast flow rate of up to 3 gallons per minute, the push-button nozzle gives you complete control over how much you want to dispense. Flow stops the moment you release the button, so you don't need to worry about spills, splashes, or dribbling.

This can works flawlessly when fueling openings that are easy to reach, but the nozzle is very short. If you need to fuel a boat, off road vehicle, or anything else that has a hard-to-reach opening, consider picking up the 6-inch Flex Spout Extension. It doesn't interfere with the no-spill spout function, but it does make it much easier to fuel troublesome equipment.

Unlike most other portable gas cans, this one includes handles on the top and side, making it easy to lift, tilt, and position in different ways. In addition to eliminating accidental overflows and drips, it doesn't leak. But since the fill opening is on the narrower side, you just want to be careful and go slow when refilling the container with fuel. In terms of safety, the No-Spill Can meets CARB and EPA emissions standards and is compliant with the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission).

Capacity: 2.5–5 gallons | Material: Plastic | Features: Push-button dispenser, fast flow rate, automatic stop

What We Like
  • Safety trigger with precise pouring

  • Prevents static spark and flashback ignition

  • Extremely durable with 10-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Pretty large

The Justrite AccuFlow Safety Can is our favorite gas can in terms of safety features. Made of powder-coated, 24-gauge galvanized stainless steel, it's incredibly sturdy and resistant to corrosion, rust, and extreme temperatures. It features the brand's Safe-Squeeze trigger and a flexible 9-inch hose to allow for controlled, precise dispensing into small openings while preventing static sparks in the event grounding wire is used. There's also an integrated stainless steel flame arrester designed to prevent flashback ignition.

This gas can has two openings, which further improves safety. One opening is for targeted pouring, and the other has an ergonomic lift lever that makes filling up without spilling a breeze.

Justrite Safety cans are available in a few sizes and colors, which is useful if you store more multiple fuel types in the same location. This gas container is third-party tested and certified by UL Solutions, FM Approvals, and TÜV SÜD and meets NFPA and OSHA safety requirements for fuel storage.

This can is more expensive than most portable options—it's twice the price of the plastic SureCan Type II (our pick for industrial use)—but it's well worth the investment from a safety standpoint. The manufacturer also provides a long 10-year warranty, but you're unlikely to need it with such durable construction.

Capacity: 1–5 gallons | Material: Galvanized steel | Features: Safety trigger, 9-inch hose, flame arrester, targeted pouring

What We Like
  • Hassle-free, controlled dispensing

  • Fast flow rate without spills or drips

  • Dual handles for easy maneuvering

What We Don't Like
  • May leak when filled to the brim

The Scepter SmartControl Gas Can is the best option if you're looking for a basic can that just works without any hassle, which is why it's our recommendation for the best user-friendly gas can. Made to minimize frustration, the hassle-free design has a squeeze-controlled dispenser and the brand's SmartControl spout with an integrated air vent that lets you get the exact flow rate you want for the tank you're filling. You can pour it slowly if necessary or as fast as 3 gallons per minute without worrying about spills or drips.

This can does have the unfortunate tendency to leak when filled all the way to the brim, but that's easy enough to avoid. Best practices are to avoid filling a gas can anyway since gas expands as temperatures increase. Filling beyond about 95 percent of capacity can result in spillage, even in cans that aren't prone to spills or leaks.

We like that the SmartControl Can has two handles (one on top and one on the back), which makes it easier to lift and tip without losing control. This portable fuel container is intended for refilling gas-powered yard equipment and tools, like riding lawnmowers, rototillers, and chainsaws, as well as motorcycles, campers, ATVs, boats, and other recreational vehicles. It also meets EPA and CARB emissions standards and ASTM safety criteria for fuel containers.

Capacity: 5 gallons | Material: Plastic | Features: Squeeze pour, SmartControl spout, fast flow rate, rear handle, flame mitigation

What We Like
  • Large capacity for commercial equipment

  • Flexible rotating spout with flow control

  • Meets third-party and government safety criteria

What We Don't Like
  • May leak around swivel spout

If you need something for more intense use than basic backyard refueling, we recommend the SureCan Type II. Made of high-density polyethylene, this big gas can is extremely durable and suitable for storing in various commercial, industrial, and agricultural facilities, like a warehouse, commercial garage, or barn. It has a 5-gallon capacity, which is perfect for filling machines, tractors, and equipment with larger tanks.

This can is exceptionally easy to use, with a flexible spout that swivels 180 degrees, allowing for easier access to the fill location, and the thumb-release trigger lets you control the flow. When you're done dispensing, just pull back the trigger and release the button to stop the flow before tilting it back upright. You might notice some minor leaking around the swivel spout, but the container generally does a good job of eliminating spills.

Unlike Type I cans, which have just one opening, this Type II safety can has two openings. One is for filling, and the other is for pouring—the fill opening also acts as a vent when you're dispensing fuel. The SureCan is third-party tested by FM Approvals and accepted by the EPA and CARB for emissions safety. It also meets OSHA criteria for occupational safety and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations for fuel storage and dispensing.

Capacity: 5 gallons | Material: Polyethylene | Features: Rotating spout, thumb-control trigger, self-ventilating design

The best overall gas can is the Briggs & Stratton GarageBoss Press 'N Pour Gas Can, which has a long spout, controlled flow, integrated flame mitigation, and a child-safety cap. If you need the additional safety and durability of metal, we highly recommend the Eagle UI-10-FS Type I Galvanized Steel Safety Can (our best metal pick).

What to Look for in a Gas Can

Size

Gas cans usually have capacities ranging from 1 to 5 gallons. As with the No-Spill 1450 Poly Gasoline Can (our best spill-resistant pick), some are available in multiple sizes. A 5-gallon container could be necessary when filling larger tanks or multiple machines, but a 2.5-gallon can might be easier for some people to lift and tilt.

Material

Most gas cans are made of plastic or metal. "We recommend metal gas cans for their durability, fire resistance, and reduced risk of sparks from static electricity while dispensing," says Love. 

The Eagle UI-10-FS Type I Galvanized Steel Safety Can (our best metal pick) is an excellent choice for those looking for a metal container. That said, a polyethylene (PE) thermoplastic option like the Easy Can Gasoline Can (our best budget pick) be a good option as well, and it'll often be more affordable than steel.

Nozzle Type

Pay attention to the nozzle type when browsing gas cans. As with the Briggs & Stratton GarageBoss Press 'N Pour Gas Can (our best overall pick), the most user-friendly options have push-button dispensers and long spouts for better flow control and targeted filling.

It's also important to distinguish between Type I and Type II cans. Type I safety cans have just one opening you use to fill and dispense the fuel. Type II cans like the Justrite AccuFlow Galvanized Steel Vented Can (our pick for the best safety features) have two openings, one for filling and one for dispensing.

Purpose

Lastly, consider what you plan to use the gas can for. Some containers, such as the Scepter SmartControl Gas Can (our best user-friendly pick), are intended for filling gas-powered lawn equipment and small recreational vehicles. On the other hand, large Type II cans with long spouts and rotating nozzles like the SureCan Type II Safety Can (our best for industrial use pick) are better suited for industrial use, as they're designed to fill commercial equipment and machinery.

FAQ
  • What is better, metal or plastic gas cans?

    Love recommends metal gas cans because they're fire-resistant with a minimized risk of static electricity sparks. Powder-coated galvanized steel is a particularly strong material resistant to rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. That said, plastic containers made of polyethylene can be a good choice, too, especially those with an integrated flame mitigation device (FMD).

  • How long does gas last in a gas can?

    According to Love, fuel will last six months to a year in a gas can. "The type of gasoline and the conditions the gas is stored in matters," he tells The Spruce. "Regular gasoline typically has a shorter shelf life than premium gasoline that has added stabilizers."

  • Is it safe to keep gas cans in a garage?

    Love says gas cans can be safely stored in a garage, but you'll still want to take some precautions. "Use sealed metal cans whenever possible," he advises. "Make sure they are out of reach from children and not stored next to water heaters, furnaces, or anything with an open spark."

Why Trust The Spruce?

Theresa Holland is a writer and online shopping expert specializing in home optimization, recreation, storage, and organization. She considered dozens of the highest-rated, best-selling gas cans, narrowing it down to safe, user-friendly, versatile options with notable features. Theresa has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019. You can find more of her stories on People and Travel + Leisure.

Our Experts:

  • Tim Love, Senior Director of Logistics Operations at Carson, a distributor of fuel, lubricants, and healing and cooling products.
  • Daniela Galvez, senior editor at The Spruce
  • Jeremy Laukkonen, updates writer at The Spruce
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Amjadi M, Fatemi A. (2020). Tensile Behavior of High-Density Polyethylene Including the Effects of Processing Technique, Thickness, Temperature, and Strain Rate. Polymers (Basel). 2020;12(9):1857. doi:10.3390/polym12091857

  2. Bhadu, Manish & Guin, Akshya & Singh, Veena & Choudhary, Shyam. (2013). Corrosion Study of Powder-Coated Galvanised Steel. ISRN Corrosion. 2013. 10.1155/2013/464710.