Best Gas Can

Finding the Best Gas Can: Tips & Tricks

When it comes to natural disasters, having a gas can around can be a lifesaver—it can fill a generator, gas-powered chain saw and more. 

Of course, having a gas can around is great for other mundane needs . . . like filling a car with gas when you ignored that low fuel light!

We asked our readers for their real world experiences and brand recommendations. We then tried out a few ourselves. Along the way, we learned a few tips and tricks:

• New gas cans must have safety locks—and they can be a pain to use. You have to press a button to make the gas flow—and some folks find this difficult, especially when wielding a 5 gallon can full of gas (you basically need a third hand). Many folks replace the spouts with safety locks with third-party spouts that are easier to pour.

• How long is the spout? To fill a vehicle gas tank, you need a longer spout . . . and not every gas can is ideal for this. 

• Gas spoils. Fuel loses its potency over time (especially when exposed to air). If you want to keep gas around for an emergency, consider rotating it every year. And consider using an additive to extend the life of the gasoline.

• What’s the best weight? After trying out several gas cans, we think a two or 2.5 gallon gas can is probably best for most chores around a house. That said, we know five gallon gas cans are most popular—but remember: when full, a five gallon gas can weighs about 38 lbs. That can be hard for some folks to hoist.

After several hours of research, here are the gas cans we recommend.