Best Gas Cans
Motor1 Reviews Team Take:
- The best gas cans in 2024 are the Eagle 5-Gal Safety Can, Surecan 5-Gallon, Justrite Type I, and No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly.
- The typical gas can that is OSHA-compliant costs between $40 and $60.
- Most gas cans hold between 1.0 and 5.0 gallons. You’ll want to select the right size for your needs, considering that the shelf life for unleaded gasoline is about six months.
module disclosure
A solidly-built OSHA-complaint 5.0-gallon gas can.
For Long Term Storage
A quality-tested gas can that won’t leak or spill.
A quick-dispensing plastic can with overfill protection.
Whether it’s for your vehicle, lawnmower, or just in case of emergency—it can be a good idea to keep extra fuel handy. The best gas cans are easy to fill and pour while also being safe and reliable.
Not all gas cans are the same, with each brand using a different pour mechanism and materials. Our experts found and tested the five best gas cans available so you can figure out which one is right for you.
Gas Can Reviews
We tried to test and suggest a variety of gas can brands and designs. We also test and suggest both metal and plastic gas cans, as each has its own advantages and drawbacks. In the end, the gas cans we recommend are durable and easy to use.
What Is The Best Gas Can?
We named the Eagle 5-Gal Safety Can, Surecan 5-Gallon, Justrite Type I, and the No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly the best-rated gas cans on the market in 2024.
| Brand/Model | Cost | Overall Rating | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can |
$60 |
4.5 |
Best Gas Can |
|
Surecan 5-Gallon |
$50 |
4.5 |
Best Plastic Gas Can |
|
Justrite Type I Safety Can |
$110 |
4.2 |
Best Gas Can for Long-Term Storage |
|
No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can |
$45 |
4.0 |
Fastest Gas Can |
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
Gas Can Ratings: Our Testing Process
After looking at factors such as size, material, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the gas cans that best met these standards. A team member filled each gas can to capacity and then used it with an automobile, noting ease of use, pour speed, and durability.
Learn more about how we tested gas cans here.
1. Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can: Best Gas Can
- Cost: $60
- Amazon review score: N/A
- Capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Weight: 5.25 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- OSHA approved: Yes
Metal gas cans like the Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can are high-quality and long-lasting. This particular Type I safety can is OSHA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) compliant, meaning it is acceptable for workplace use. Features like the flame arrestor screen and trigger-release grip make it safe to use. For a durable, reliable gas can that works, Eagle is one of your best bets.
You can see how the Eagle performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Filling | 4.5 |
| Carrying | 4.5 |
| Dispensing | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Below are the pros and cons for the Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can:
- Easy to carry and pour
- OSHA and CARB compliant
- Durable steel construction
- Fills slowly
- Some customer complaints about quality control
The Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can is a Type I gasoline canister, meaning it has a single opening for filling, pouring, and venting. The opening is covered by a spring-loaded cap, so you need to use a funnel to fill this canister. A funnel is included, but we found it easier to use our own.
A flame arrestor screen somewhat slows the flow of gasoline into the can, so you can’t fill it up using the full power of the gas pump. Filling it is simple, though a bit slow compared to filling your car directly or even other gas cans that we tested.
As a 5.0-gallon metal can, the Eagle is heavier than a plastic can, but still relatively light. It should weigh around 11.0 pounds when completely filled with gasoline. The handle is comfortable and the spring-loaded top ensures it stays closed with no spillage.
We had no issues pouring gas into our test vehicle using this can. The design of the valve release allows you to pull it while holding the top of the can at the same time. The gasoline poured out smoothly and consistently during our test. Getting the final drops out of the canister can be difficult as you’ll need to rotate the can some.
2. Surecan 5-Gallon: Best Plastic Gas Can
- Cost: $50
- Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 650 ratings
- Capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Weight: 4.0 lbs.
- Material: Plastic
- OSHA approved: No
As a plastic gas can, the Surecan does not meet OSHA standards (one requirement of these standards is that cans be made of metal). However, plastic gas cans are lighter and can work just as well, though they aren’t as suited for long-term fuel storage.
We like the Surecan because of its thumb trigger, making it easy to use. It dispensed gas the fastest and easiest of any of the fuel containers that we tested. It can be used with or without a funnel and is easy to fill.
You can see how the Surecan performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Filling | 4.0 |
| Carrying | 4.5 |
| Dispensing | 5.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.5 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Surecan 5-Gallon:
- Easy to carry and pour
- No-spill spout does not require funnel
- Lightweight
- Dispensing tube can leak if not properly drained
- Difficult to open fill cap
- Plastic construction
- Not OSHA compliant
The safety cap is somewhat difficult to remove in order to fill this can, though this is by design. Once removed, the can fills simply. Because fuel is not filled and dispensed through the same opening, there is no need for a safety mechanism that would slow fuel filling.
As a plastic can, this is lightweight and so easy to carry. The handle is comfortable and has an ergonomic handle.
The small spout means this can fills slowly, but the spout is located on the bottom of the can, which makes it easy to get all of the gasoline from the can to your tank. To meet EPA standards, a fuel canister cannot have an always-open vent, so you’ll need to hold down a venting handle while dispensing. This isn’t too difficult to do while pouring the can, though it would be easier if you didn’t need to hold down this lever.
Overall, we really like the design of this can for a simple, no-spill solution. The long funnel means you aren’t likely to make a mess.
3. Justrite Type I Safety Can: Best Gas Can For Long-Term Storage
- Cost: $110
- Amazon review score: N/A
- Capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Weight: 7.0 lbs.
- Material: Steel
- OSHA approved: Yes
The Justrite Type I Safety Can is designed to meet federal safety standards and is a great option for long-term gasoline storage. It also meets OSHA, CARB, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements. Justrite cans are manufactured in the United States and thoroughly tested to ensure that they are completely leak-free.
The design of this can is similar to the Eagle, though it only has one handle instead of two. We found it comparable to the Eagle gas can, though slightly less easy to use. We did appreciate the arrestor screen stopping flashback ignition and the safe-squeeze trigger.
You can see how the Justrite performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Filling | 4.5 |
| Carrying | 4.0 |
| Dispensing | 4.0 |
| Overall Rating | 4.2 |
Below are the pros and cons of the Justright Type I Safety Can:
- Durable, galvanized steel construction
- Each can is rigorously inspected for leaks
- OSHA and CARB complaint
- Awkward to tip can and pull open safety valve at same time
- No overfill protection
The design of this gas can is most similar to the Eagle can we recommend as the Best Gas Can. The main difference is the spring-loaded spout cover’s handle is also used for carrying the can. This can make it a little awkward to use as you’ll need to pull the handle and tip the can from the bottom simultaneously.
Once properly positioned, gasoline flows pretty quickly, and the can is not especially heavy though it is of steel construction.
Filling the Justrite canister is easy. Like the Eagle, you’ll need to use a funnel to keep the lid open while adding gasoline.
4. No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can: Fastest Gas Can
- Cost: $45
- Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on more than 9,200 ratings
- Capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Weight: 2.0 lbs.
- Material: Plastic
- OSHA approved: No
The No-Spill Gas Can features a wide, stable shape and a large neck for quick dispensing. The push-button design prevents spilling and overfilling. This plastic container is not OSHA-approved, but it is EPA- and CPSC-compliant for safe home use.
We found the No-Spill spout to indeed prevent leaks, though it can be awkward to position the tank over a car’s gas tank. However, once the gas started flowing, it filled our tank more quickly than any of the other canisters that we tested.
You can see how the No-Spill performed in each of our testing categories below:
| Review Category | Score (Out of 5.0 Stars) |
|---|---|
| Filling | 4.0 |
| Carrying | 3.5 |
| Dispensing | 4.5 |
| Overall Rating | 4.0 |
Below are the pros and cons of the No-Spill 1450:
- Overfill protection
- Wide mouth design for fast fuel dispensing
- Push button control prevents spillage
- Some reports of faulty caps
- Can be difficult to push button while holding can
This gas can is easy to fill and carry. Gas is inserted and dispensed through one opening, and you must remove the spout to fill this can, which is easy enough. The can is lightweight and easy to carry. We like the wide-bottomed design which helps prevent tipping when placed on the ground.
Admittedly, the push spout is somewhat difficult to operate. You may need a funnel to use this can to put gas in your fuel tank, and the long dispensing spout can make that difficult. Plus, it requires a good amount of finger strength to keep the push button depressed while filling. However, this button does an excellent job of preventing spills and leaks and the gas flows very quickly once the spout is opened.
Getting the last dregs of gas from this container proved somewhat difficult because of the angle we needed to tip the canister combined with the long dispensing spout and the angle of our funnel.
Most appreciate this gas can’s anti-spill features. Satisfied reviewers rave about the no-overfill valve and simple features. Those sick of spilling gasoline like this can.
A few people received faulty caps that leaked. One reviewer recommended testing the cap using a carbonated beverage if you buy this gas can. Those that don’t leak appear to be long-lasting, with one user reporting that his No-Spill has held up for several years (and it is kept outside).
Other Best-Selling Gas Cans
Although we physically tested the five gas cans listed above, our review team researched hundreds of different gas cans. With this in mind, we want to highlight a few more gas cans that stood out to us for one reason or another.
Tuff Jug Ripper Gas Can
The Tuff Jug Ripper Gas Can is capable of pouring 5.0 gal. of gas in just 38 seconds. The ergonomic handle of this gas can makes filling and pouring that much easier. An automatic valve on the cap stops fluid flow when it reaches the end of the spout. Lastly, it should be noted that the red version of this gas can is CARB-compliant for use in California.
TeraPump TRFA01 Gas Can
Significantly more high-tech than the average gas can, the TeraPump TRFA01 Gas Can is actually battery-operated, meaning this gas can eliminate the need for you to bend down to pick up heavy gas cans and ensures you don’t spill a drop of fuel. A built-in sensor automatically stops fuel flow and beeps at you, preventing possible overflow.
Garage Boss Press ‘N Pour Gas Can
Available in a multitude of different sizes, the Garage Boss Press ‘N Pour Gas Can is both CARB- and EPA-compliant. A simple press-button pour means you merely have to wiggle a finger to start and stop the flow of gas into your vehicle. A translucent spout extension means you can easily see how much fuel is being poured, offering users precise flow control.
Midwest Can 2310 Quick-Flow Gas Can
The Midwest Can 2310 Quick-Flow Gas Can is constructed from durable HDPE, so you can trust in the fact this gas can last for years to come. It exceeds all measures of CARB and EPA compliance and almost completely eliminates hydrocarbon emissions. It should be noted that this gas can is available in several different sizes.
Gas Can Buying Guide
The best gas can should be easy to use and leak-free. Beyond that, the best gas can for you depends on your needs and preferences. In general, you’ll want to consider capacity, material, safety standards, and the color of the can itself.
Compare Gas Cans
| Brand/Model | Material | Weight | OSHA-approved? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can | Steel | 5.25 lbs. | Yes |
| Surecan 5-Gallon | Plastic | 4.0 lbs. | No |
| Justrite Type I Safety Can | Plastic | 2.0 lbs. | No |
| No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can | Steel | 7.0 lbs. | Yes |
Gas Can Capacity
Most gas cans are sold in 1.0-, 2.0-, 2.5-, and 5.0-gal. varieties. There are gas cans, like the Scepter Duramax, which can hold upwards of 10.0 gal., but these are less common. Given that you don’t want to store gasoline for more than six months if possible, most people don’t require such large gas cans, especially considering that these are heavy and hard to move.
The smaller the gas can, the easier it is to handle, so purchase a gas can that is the right size for your needs. For most drivers, gas cans 5.0 gal. and under make the most sense if you’re worried about running out of fuel.
Gas Can Material
Gas cans can either be made of metal or plastic, and each has certain advantages and drawbacks. For example,
- Metal gas containers: Metal cans are more durable and better for long-term fuel storage. A metal can may rust but is less susceptible to bloating and leaks. Because of this, a metal container would be more appropriate if you’re storing the can outside, like on the back of a work truck. Additionally, metal cans are OSHA-compliant (certified for use in a workplace).
- Plastic gas containers: These cans are lighter and often less expensive than metal cans and are valid choices if weight savings are a concern. A well-designed plastic can may last for several years.
Approved Gas Containers
All gas cans sold in the US must meet federal EPA guidelines. These guidelines were instituted in 2009 and mandate that gas cans cannot self-vent. This means compliant cans typically have a self-closing vent that prevents leaking gas fumes and vapors.
Not all gas cans meet OSHA and CARB standards. OSHA standards must be met for a gas can to be legally used in a workplace, and CARB requirements apply to gas cans in the state of California. Even if you plan to use your can at your own home and outside of California, cans that meet these standards may provide peace of mind regarding safety and emissions controls.
Gas Can Colors
Gas cans are typically color-coded by fuel type:
- Red for gasoline
- Blue for kerosene
- Yellow for diesel
- Green for oils
Obviously, you can put whichever type of fuel you want in any color can, but following these guidelines can make it easier to remember what fuel is stored in which container.
Best Gas Cans: Bottom Line
After researching, ordering, and physically testing some of the top-rated gas cans available in 2024, our team determined the Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can is the Best Gas Can available. With that being said, we also highlight options for a variety of different needs across varying budgets.
- Best Gas Can: Eagle 5-Gallon Safety Can
- Best Plastic Gas Can: Surecan 5-Gallon
- Best Gas Can for Long-Term Storage: Justrite Type I Safety Can
- Fastest Gas Can: No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can
Gas Cans: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about gas cans:
Is a metal or plastic gas can better?
Metal gas cans are more durable than plastic gas cans. Plastic gas cans can leach chemicals into your gasoline over time and are less suitable for long-term storage. Only metal cans are OSHA-compliant. However, plastic cans weigh less and often cost less. Both can be suitable options for gas storage.
What is the best gas can for long-term storage?
Metal gas cans are better for long-term storage. Keep in mind that no matter what type of can you use, gasoline will begin to degrade over time, typically around three to six months. It’s not generally recommended to store gasoline for more than a year, but if you must there are additives that can help stabilize your fuel for long-term storage.
Are there any gas cans that actually work?
EPA regulations instituted in 2009 have resulted in some gas cans with difficult-to-operate designs. But not all new gas cans are ineffective. We found that Justrite, Eagle, No-Spill, Scepter, and Surecan all make EPA-compliant gas cans that work well.
Who makes the best 5.0-gallon gas can?
Based on our testing, we think that Eagle makes one of the best 5.0-gal. gas cans. Eagle cans are leak-free, easy to fill, easy to dispense, and simple to carry.
How long does unleaded fuel last in a jerry can?
Unleaded fuel typically lasts between three and six months before it begins to break down and fuel quality deteriorates. Additives and stabilizers can increase the shelf life of gasoline, but generally, you don’t want to store gas for more than a year.
What is the difference between type I and type II gas cans?
Type I gas cans have one opening for filling and dispensing. Type II gas cans have separate openings for filling and dispensing.
Full Gas Can Testing Methodology
To test the gas cans recommended in this article, we traveled to a gas station and filled each fuel can with two gallons of unleaded gasoline. We transported the fuel containers back to our testing site and poured them into a vehicle. In this way, we were able to determine the relative ease or difficulty of using each gasoline can as it was designed.
Filling
Our filling score is based on how easy it is to fill a gas can. Gas cans that are easy to keep open during the fill-up process score best in this category. It is also important that a gas can be able to sit upright without moving.
Carrying
Our carrying score is based on how easy or difficult it is to move the gas can once filled. Lighter cans with comfortable handles score best in this category.
Dispensing
Our dispensing score is based on the ease with which you can dispense fuel with a gas can. Gas cans that are easy to lift and pour while keeping the opening clear score best in this category.
How We Score Products
Every gas can we test is given a score between 1.0 and 5.0 stars in each category. Here’s what those star ratings mean in concrete terms:
- 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a gas can is among the best in a category. It is filled with no effort, is exceptionally lightweight with a comfortable handle, or dispenses swiftly with one hand.
- 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a gas can performs better than average in a category. It is lightweight, easy to fill, or can be dispensed with one hand.
- 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a gas can, based on our testing experience. It can be filled on the ground, is not difficult to carry, and dispenses at a reasonable speed.
- 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the product performs poorer than the average gas can. It can not stand upright by itself, has an uncomfortable or insecure handle, and cannot be dispensed without a funnel.
- 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the gas can performs well below expectations in a category. It cannot be filled or carried, and it fails to dispense fuel.
Why Trust Motor1.com
Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
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*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
