Best gas cans
Review & buying guide
There is hardly anything more frustrating than ending up with a deal lawn mower and no gas around when you’re in the middle of your task. If this happens, you’ll have to postpone work. Or you could invest in the best gas can for lawn mower’s and prevent the issue altogether.
This robust fuel container is designed specifically to provide safe gasoline storage and minimize wasteful spillages, fuming, and overflow on tools like gas lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other machinery. The best models also have preservatives added to the gasoline to keep the fuel pure and fresh. Some units even come with additional features such as flame arresters, pressure-relief features, and self-closing lids.
While finding a gas can that comes with all these features may be hard, but it’s not impossible. Check out our detailed reviews below to find a gas can for your lawn mower. Now lets look into the Best Gas Cans For Lawn Mower’s.
Do You Need A Gas Can?
Imagine you scheduled to mow your lawn on a particular day. You prepare your lawn mower and check that everything is fine. You then start to mow. Things proceed perfectly until the mower’s engine suddenly stops. Apparently, the gas has run out. The nearest gas station is about 20 miles away. If you don’t have a gas canister stored somewhere in your shed, the only option would be to go and fetch more gas.
This is where a gas can comes in handy. It’ll allow you to store emergency extra fuel for all gas-powered machinery you may own. It also offers secure, reliable, and convenient means of storing flammable fuel such as gasoline and diesel, keeping the flammable liquid away from children and pets. Now, perhaps you might ask why not store fuel in just any container? Simple. Top-quality gas cans have special features that make them ideal for fuel storage. Among the many features, they have flame arresting capabilities. This aims to keep you safe in the event of accidental fires.
Some brands are fitted with features that aid effective pouring of gasoline into your mower’s tank. These features also lead to minimal spillage and fuming. Some models also have features aimed at protecting the stored fuel from contamination, so it can help improve your mower’s lifespan.
Types of Gas Cans
Based on the material they’re made from, lawn mower gas cans can be divided into two categories.
1. Plastic Gas Cans
As you can imagine, these gas cans are made of hardened plastic, usually high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is dent and corrosion-resistant, and it meets all OSHA requirements.
Plastic gasoline cans are cheap and durable. They are also lightweight, portable, and easy to maneuver. Plastic is also good at handling impacts. So, you can toss the can around without worrying about causing damage.
However, HDPE is not recyclable nor biodegradable. This is bad news if you are sensitive to environmental conservation.
2. Metal Gas Cans
Gasoline cans made of metal are more compact and heavier than their plastic counterparts. This makes them more expensive. Most are made of stainless steel, but other metals can be used too. This type is extremely strong and durable. It can take beatings and knockings without sustaining any damages.
Although metal gas cans are heavier, modern models tend to be fairly lightweight. Metal is also friendly to the environment and can be easily recycled. However, metal cans may rust over time, although newer brands are usually rust-resistant.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Gas Can
There are hundreds of gas can brands and models to choose from, so picking can be confusing. Here are the most important factors to take into account before buying.
1. Intended Use
What do you plan to use the gas can for? Just your lawn mower or to store the fuel for other equipment and vehicles too?
Depending on your needs, you can choose a container with a capacity between 2.5 and 5 gallons. Obviously, the bigger the capacity, the heavier the can; thus the heavier it’ll be to carry around.
You must also consider its overall strength and durability. The can should be lightweight yet robust, and ideally, it should have a low profile so you can carry it around.
2. Plastic or Metal Can
We have already described the two types of gasoline cans available on the market, and each comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Generally, plastic is cheaper. Such cans are perfect choices if you have a tight budget. Also, go for plastic if you want something lightweight.
However, metal gas cans are more durable. They may be heavy and might have lower capacities, but will last longer.
3. Versatility
Gasoline is not the only type of fuel used by lawn mowers. Even if your lawn mower uses gasoline, other gas-powered equipment you own might use diesel or other fuel types. It is therefore important to choose a can that allows the storage and transportation of different types of fuels.
There are great gas cans designed to store only gasoline. Others can also store diesel or liquid propane.
You must be cautious if you intend to use a single can to store different fuels at different times. Inadvertent mixing of fuels could be catastrophic, and it could damage your lawn mower or other equipment.
4. The Frequency of Use
Are you looking for a gas can you will only use occasionally? Or, do you need one that you can use on a regular basis? The answer will have a tremendous influence on the choice. The size or capacity can determine the frequency of use.
In case you are only using the can only occasionally, the best option would be small to a medium-capacity model of 2 or 3 gallons. The story is different if you are a frequent user. I would recommend buying a high capacity can in this case.
5. Safety Features
It is always important to care about your safety and that of others when dealing with flammable and volatile materials. Gasoline is very flammable. Any spillage or fumes can quickly catch fire. In the case of a metal can, the heat will create pressure inside the can. Buildup of that pressure carries the risk of a deadly explosion.
Choose a gas can with enough safety features to prevent such accidents. Among the safety features to look for include pressure relief, self-closing lid, and flame arresters.
You should also look for certification of the can by Occupational Safety Regulation Authority and Health Administration (OSHA). Also check for compliance with other regulators for proper use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
6. Efficiency of Use
Gas is not cheap. So, why would buy a gas can that spills and wastes the precious liquid? Gasoline is highly volatile, so if you care about your hard-earned money, you should buy a can with high levels of efficiency.
A good spout and trigger mechanism are all you need to reduce spillage and dribbling of gas as you pour it into your lawn mower. Look at the way the spout designed; complete elimination of spillage or dribbling may not be possible. However, a cleverly engineered spout can reduce the wastage to an absolute minimum. Consider the pouring mechanism of the can and see if it is efficient.
Top 5 Best Gas Cans for Lawn Mower Review
1. Eagle UI-50-FS Gas Safety Can
The Eagle UI-50-FS Gasoline Can is one of the best gas cans out there. It is specifically designed to store flammables, and undoubtedly, this 5-gallon safety can is excellent insurance against fuel emergencies.
The Eagle UI-50-FS is made of hot dipped galvanized steel (24-gauge engineered to boost durability and rust resistance. We could say this line is the first to embrace the so-called deep drawn technology in can manufacturing.
It also features a baked-on powder coat. The finish not only looks professional; it also serves to protect the metal from elements. The red finish is elegant and also serves to warn users of the danger mishandling of explosive and flammable materials can pose.
This can’s lid is also worth mentioning. It is spring closing and features a neoprene gasket that can vent the internal pressure at 5PSI. The can also has a non-sparking flame arrester and a pour spout.
Lifting a full 5-gallon can is not easy, especially if its handles are uncomfortable. The UI-50-FS does not have that problem. It features a galvanized steel carrying handle with a comfort grip trigger release that’s comfortable and ergonomic.
The Eagle UI-50-FS is a type 1 safety can that meets the standards set by regulatory bodies. It meets both OSHA and NFPA Code 30 requirement. The can is FM approved and are UL and ULC listed for safe storage and handling of gasoline and other flammables.
Pros
-
Large capacity (5 gallons) gasoline can
- Heavy gauge steel construction is durable
- No-weld bottom will not leak
- The spill-proof funnel prevents gas leakage
- Meets OSHA and NFPA requirements
Cons
- Maybe too heavy for small-framed persons
- Many features in the lid make opening frustrating
2. SureCan Fuel Gas Can, 2.2 Gallons
If you are looking for the best small-capacity gasoline can then check out the SureCan Fuel Gas Can. with a 2.2 gallons capacity, this quality can is lightweight, compact and easy to use. Many people hail it as the best plastic gas can.
Made from polyurethane, this gas can is an excellent choice if you are looking for one you can use occasionally. Plastic does not rust or corrode under the influence elements or fuel, and the design has a comfortable and ergonomic grip.
SureCan is also safe. Users praise its patented advanced spill-proof technology that features a rotating nozzle with a thumb trigger. It allows gravity to dispense fuel from the bottom of the can.
The can extremely easy to use. You will not have to bend over and tip your safety can to empty it. Furthermore, you will always keep your hands free of gas. There is no spillage or dribbling when pouring fuel into your mower. You direct where and how you want the gasoline to dispense, making its use not only easy but also safe. It will save you from any wastage.
The SureCan Fuel gas can self-ventilates, so there is minimal chance of pressure building up within the can to cause an explosion. The thumb trigger for venting out pressure and vapor is located separately from the spout to prevent any accidents.
Pros
- Made of high-quality polyurethane material
- Safe, simple and easy to use
- No need to bend or tip the can over to empty the can
- Innovative technology guarantees no-spill
- The type II safety can is CARB-certified
Cons
- Not easy to know when the can is filling up during refilling
- Quite expensive compared to other plastic models
3. Justrite Gas Safety Can
Justrite 7250130 is an excellent accessory to buy for your lawn mower. At 5-gallons capacity, it is capable of carrying enough to shield you from frustrating gas run-outs. One of its unique features is the Large ID zone which permits you to label the contents to avoid misuse.
The can is strong and durable. The construction material is heavy gauge galvanized steel that will serve you long without necessitating replacement. It’s fitted with a stainless steel flame arrestor that is corrosion resistant, and thatreliably dissipates heat thus preventing any chances of flashback ignition.
The can is also extremely versatile. You can use it with gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and gas-oily mixture without worrying about contamination. Simply store the fuel you want to use. If you need to use another, just empty the can, clean it and fill in the new fuel. The fact that Justrite 7250130 AccuFlow Type II safety can comes as a set of two also adds to its versatility.
You’ll also love the can’s ergonomic offset fill port with a comfort lift lever. It makes filling easier than you will find with most other brands. Another feature is the easy to use and safe squeeze trigger. It allows for precise control of fuel flow.
To ensure your safety and boost the efficiency of the can, it features a self-closing lid. The lid controls vapor and spills that could waste your investment. Its construction also features a flexible metal hose that is 9″ x 1” long to reach small openings.
You do not have to worry about safety. The can is built to meet the OSHA and NFPA 30 requirements. Furthermore, it has undergone independent fire testing and won the approval of UL and FM.
Pros
- Comfortable, ergonomic and easy to operate
- Durable, lead-free construction materials
- Dent- and leak-resistant
- Fitted with effective flame arrestor
- High safety levels as shown by OSHA and NFPA certification and other approvals
Cons
- Price is a little bit higher than expected
- The handle may break off easily with careless handling
4. No-Spill 1405 2-1/2-Gallon Poly Gas Can
Another excellent option for a reliable gas can for your lawn mower is the 1405 2.5-Gallon Poly Gas Can from No-Spill. It was developed to eliminate the wasteful spillage that was common with using the ordinary jerry cans and does its job brilliantly.
No-spill realized that most spills happen when you tip an ordinary can to get the spout into the tank opening just before the lid comes off. Spilling also happen when you remove the spout from the mouth of the target just before it overflows. It features an innovative spout that is fully user-controlled. To avoid spills, tip the gas can in a vertical orientation and insert the spout into the mower tank opening. You can then press the control button to start and control the pouring. It will practically eliminate any wasteful overflow or spills. Stopping the pouring only requires you to release the control button.
Unlike other ordinary brands, the thumb control bottom of this spout does not press down on the filler neck of the tank to pour. It can also boast of being among the first safety cans to have the quickest pouring nozzle at a whopping three gallons per min. Most other brands can only achieve 1.5 and 2.0 gallons per minute pouring speed.
The nozzle stops automatically, and it has a single opening for pouring and refilling. If you prefer, you can make the work of pouring easier by buying 6-inch flex spout extension (sold separately) on hard to reach target vessels. This feature is important if you intend to use your new gas can to fill other equipment such as automobiles.
Pros
- Innovative push-button control
- Automatic flow stop is convenient
- Level view strips on both sides tell you when refilling is necessary
- Professional quality construction material
- Eliminates wastage due to spills and overflow
Cons
- Keeping the push-button pressed to activate auto-shut mechanism is tricky
- It may leak with poor handling
5. No-Spill 1415 Poly Gas Can
The No-Spill 1415 may not be the biggest gas can, but it packs wonderful features. At only 1.25 gallons capacity, it is the smallest safety can on our list. To understand how small it is, know that it weighs only 12 ounces and measures 13.5 x 8.3 x 8.8 inches.
It has all the features of No-Spill models. Among the most admirable features is the user-controlled spout which eliminates spilling and overflows before and after pouring. It is the only spout nozzle controlled by a thumb button. It will not push down the neck of your mower tank filler. It will protect the integrity of your mower, allowing it to serve you for a lot longer.
The can is fitted with a quickest pouring nozzle and can achieve a pouring flow rate of up to 3.0 gallons/min.
The nozzle is removable and stops pouring automatically when you stop pressing the thumb button. You can make pouring easier by using 6-inch flex spout extension sold separately. It comes handy if you have a hard to reach equipment to fill.
The can features a high-quality plastic construction and is treated for low permeation. This strengthens the container against scratches and dents. To give you more confidence, this user-friendly safety can is CARB compliant. All No-Spill gas cans have been tested and approved by ASTM F-85299 and ASTM F-97602 standards.
Pros
- Fastest pouring rate saves time
- Innovative spout eliminates spills and overflows
- Lightweight and user-friendly
- Automatic flow stop is convenient
- Tested and certified safe by CARB and ASTM
Cons
- Hidden instruction makes it difficult for first-time users to get it right
- The black cap ruins the aesthetic appeal of the can
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I keep my gas can safely?
A: Safety should be your first concern when using a gas can. Since gasoline is highly flammable and volatile, ensure you keep it as far as possible from any heat source. Find a lockable cabinet or compartment where children and pets cannot reach and store it in there. Remove any ignition sources from the vicinity of the gas can.
Q: How long should I store gas in my can before use?
A: It is advisable to buy enough fuel for a specific task. This is because gasoline and other types of fuel degrade over time. I would recommend to store it for two to three months at most.
Q: How can I extend the storage time of my gas during winter?
A: You may not be able to use your lawn mower during winter, but you still need to store gas for emergencies. To extend the storage time of your gas during winter, simply add a stabilizer.
Q: Should I clean my gas can frequently?
A: Yes, but it all depends on how you use your gas can. The time interval between cleaning depends on whether you are using the can to store different fuels or just one. If you are storing one type of fuel, then you can clean it every 2 months. In case you are using the safety can for different fuels then you will need to clean them before each refill.
Final Verdict
Avoid the pitfalls where low gas stops you midway from finishing your mowing tasks. Invest in a good quality gas can capable of providing you with enough fuel during emergencies. The top 5 best gas cans for lawn mowers we have reviewed here are among the best in the industry. They are optimized for durability, safety, ease of use and convenience to make your life easier.
So, what do you say? Did you find the right gas can for lawn mower’s on this list?
Tell me in a comment below; I’d love to hear from you. And before you go, don’t forget to share this article with your friends too. Thank you for reading Best Gas Cans For Lawn Mower’s.