Gas Cans · 8 compared side by side

Best Gas Can in 2027

A good gas can keeps fuel sealed in storage and pours into a mower, generator or dirt bike without spills or the fight that some spill-proof spouts are known for. Safety cans add self-closing lids and flame arrestors, while consumer plastic cans focus on light weight and CARB and EPA compliance. Capacity, pouring control, empty weight and build material decide which suits your garage. We put 8 gas cans on one spec sheet so you can compare them side by side.

Quick answer

Ranked from 8 gas cans that met our standard, compared on capacity (gal), self-venting, CARB/EPA compliance.

Updated November 20269 reviewed · 8 met our standard13 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 Gallon

Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 GallonSurecan 5 Gal Type II Safety Can

5 gallon Type II can with a thumb trigger and rotating spout.

Capacity
5.0 gal
Safety can type
Type II
Empty weight
2.60 lb
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Best for diesel
#2
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFD2 - 5 Diesel #2

Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFD2 - 5 Diesel #2Surecan 5 Gal Type II Diesel Safety Can

Same Surecan design in diesel yellow.

Capacity
5.0 gal
Safety can type
Type II
Empty weight
4.27 lb
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Best metal safety can
#3
Eagle UI50FS

Eagle UI50FSEagle UI50FS Type I 5 Gal Galvanized Safety Can

Galvanized Type I can with a flame arrestor, OSHA and NFPA compliant.

Capacity
5.0 gal
Safety can type
Type I
Empty weight
7.00 lb
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Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 8 gas cans
Spec
#1
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 Gallon
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFD2 - 5 Diesel #2
Best for dieselCheck price on Amazon
#3
Eagle UI50FS
Best metal safety canCheck price on Amazon
#4
Midwest Can Midwest Can - 6610
Most capacityCheck price on Amazon
#5
Midwest Can Midwest Can - 5610
Lightest 5 gallonCheck price on Amazon
#6
Midwest Can 6610
6 gallon alternativeCheck price on Amazon
#7
VEVOR YYQG19I-01
Budget metal canCheck price on Amazon
#8
Midwest Can 2200
Best small canCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 1008273705656565044
Capacitygal5.0 gal5.0 gal5.0 gal6.0 gal (best in row)5.0 gal6.0 gal (best in row)5.0 gal2.1 gal
Safety can typeType II (best in row)Type II (best in row)Type I———Type I—
Material——Metal (best in row)HDPE plasticHDPE plasticHDPE plasticMetal (best in row)HDPE plastic
Empty weightlb2.60 lb4.27 lb7.00 lb1.00 lb (best in row)1.00 lb (best in row)—6.39 lb—
Heightin15.3 in15.6 in13.5 in14.5 in14.5 in9.9 in16.6 in7.8 in (best in row)
Lengthin15.6 in13.1 in12.5 in13.0 in13.0 in23.5 in11.5 in1.0 in (best in row)
Widthin10.2 in10.2 in12.5 in10.0 in10.0 in22.5 in11.5 in9.8 in (best in row)
Self-ventingYesYesYes—————
Flame arrestor——YesYesYesYesYesYes
Rotating spoutYesYes——————
Spill-controlled dispensingYesYesYesYes—YesYesYes
CARB/EPA compliant——YesYesYesYes—Yes
Warrantyyr3 years (best in row)3 years (best in row)———1 year—1 year
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 9 gas cans and kept only the 8 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, warranty, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on each can's published specifications and listing information, in the order of our ranking.

Best overall

Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 GallonSurecan 5 Gal Type II Safety Can

Surecan 5 gallon can that pours where you aim it

Capacity
5.0 gal
Empty weight
2.60 lb
Safety can type
Type II (best of the reviewed tools)
Warranty
3 years (best of the reviewed tools)

The Surecan SUR5SFG2 leads our ranking. It is a 5 gallon Type II utility container, which means it has separate openings for filling and pouring, and it solves the biggest complaint about modern gas cans: awkward, slow pouring.

Its ergonomic thumb-trigger lets you start and stop the flow with one finger, and the spout rotates downward from the bottom of the can. That lets you pour into a mower or generator without lifting the full can high, which makes refuelling easier and cleaner. The can is self-venting and designed for spill-proof dispensing, so fuel flows steadily without glugging.

Empty weight is 2.6 lb and it measures about 15 in tall and wide. Surecan lists a 3-year warranty, tied for the longest on this page. It is made of plastic rather than metal, so it suits home and garden use more than industrial storage. For homeowners who refuel equipment often and are tired of fighting spouts, it is the best choice here.

Pros

  • Thumb-trigger flow control
  • Rotating bottom spout
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Plastic, not metal
  • No flame arrestor listed
Buy it if
you refuel mowers and generators often.
Skip it if
you need a metal OSHA safety can.

VerdictThe best gas can on this page for home use.

Best for diesel

Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFD2 - 5 Diesel #2Surecan 5 Gal Type II Diesel Safety Can

The Surecan design for diesel fuel

Capacity
5.0 gal
Empty weight
4.27 lb
Safety can type
Type II (best of the reviewed tools)
Warranty
3 years (best of the reviewed tools)

Second in our ranking, the Surecan SUR5SFD2 is the diesel version of the top pick, in yellow so you never mix up fuels. It is a 5 gallon Type II can with the same thumb-trigger controlled dispensing and downward-rotating spout.

That design is especially handy for diesel tractors, generators and trucks, where fill necks can be high or awkward. You can tip the can gently and let the bottom spout feed fuel in under control instead of hoisting the full can. It is self-venting and designed for spill-proof dispensing.

Its empty weight is listed at 4.27 lb, heavier than the gasoline version, and it measures about 15.6 in high. Surecan lists a 3-year warranty, tied for the longest here. If you keep diesel at home or on a farm, buying it alongside the red gasoline can keeps your fuels clearly separated and easy to pour.

Pros

  • Yellow for diesel
  • Thumb-trigger flow control
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavier than the gas version
  • Plastic, not metal
Buy it if
you store and pour diesel at home or on a farm.
Skip it if
you only use gasoline.

VerdictThe best can here for diesel.

Best metal safety can

Eagle UI50FSEagle UI50FS Type I 5 Gal Galvanized Safety Can

Eagle galvanized Type I safety can built to code

Capacity
5.0 gal
Empty weight
7.00 lb
Safety can type
Type I
Warranty
—

The Eagle UI50FS ranks third and is the only metal can in our top five. It is a 5 gallon Type I safety can, with a single opening for filling and pouring, made from hot dipped 24-gauge galvanized steel.

Its safety features are serious. A gasketed spout cap self-closes to prevent leaks, and the cap opens automatically to relieve pressure. A non-sparking flame arrestor helps prevent the liquid inside from igniting, and a double interlock no-weld bottom seam adds strength. Eagle says it meets OSHA Standard 1910.106 and NFPA code 30, with FM, UL and ULC approval.

A funnel is included for pouring. At 7 lb empty it is the heaviest can on this page, and it pours from the top rather than a controlled spout, so it is slower to use than the Surecan. For workshops, businesses and anyone who wants code-compliant fuel storage, it is the right type of can.

Pros

  • Flame arrestor
  • OSHA and NFPA compliant
  • Galvanized steel

Cons

  • Heaviest at 7 lb
  • Slower to pour
Buy it if
you need code-compliant storage in a shop.
Skip it if
you want easy pouring into small engines.

VerdictThe best metal safety can here.

Most capacity

Midwest Can Midwest Can - 6610Midwest Can 6 Gal Quick-Flow Gas Can

Midwest Can 6 gallon quick-flow can

Capacity
6.0 gal (best of the reviewed tools)
Empty weight
1.00 lb (best of the reviewed tools)
Safety can type
—
Warranty
—

Fourth in our ranking, the Midwest Can 6610 holds 6 gallons, tied for the most capacity on this page. That extra gallon helps when you fill a generator, a large mower or several machines in one trip.

It uses a vapor-locking quick-flow spout with automatic shut off, which stops the flow when the tank is full to reduce spills. An internal flame mitigation device adds a layer of safety, and it is listed as CARB and EPA compliant, so it is legal to sell and use in all states.

The body is high quality HDPE plastic with two handles, which helps balance a heavy full can. Empty weight is listed at 1 lb, tied for the lightest here. Warranty is not listed in our data. For homeowners who want more fuel per trip with an automatic shut off spout, it is a good choice.

Pros

  • 6 gallon capacity
  • Auto shut off spout
  • Two handles

Cons

  • Heavy when full
  • Warranty not listed
Buy it if
you fuel a generator or several machines at once.
Skip it if
you want a compact can.

VerdictThe best high-capacity plastic can here.

Lightest 5 gallon

Midwest Can Midwest Can - 5610Midwest Can 5 Gal EPA/CARB Gas Can

Midwest Can 5 gallon for lawn and garden

Capacity
5.0 gal
Empty weight
1.00 lb (best of the reviewed tools)
Safety can type
—
Warranty
—

The Midwest Can 5610 completes our top five. It is an easy-to-use 5-gallon gas can for keeping lawnmowers, trimmers and other outdoor power equipment fueled, and it measures 13 × 10 × 14.5 in.

Midwest Can designed it to meet or exceed CARB and EPA requirements. The body is durable HDPE with a vapor barrier, and the FlameShield safety system adds 2 layers of protection against sparking accidental fires. At 1 lb empty, it is tied for the lightest can on this page.

Spill-proof dispensing is not listed for this model in our data, so it may pour less smoothly than the Surecan. Warranty is not listed. For a simple, compliant, lightweight can for weekend yard work, it covers the basics and is easy to find in stores when you need a second one. Store it in a cool, ventilated place away from sparks.

Pros

  • Light at 1 lb
  • CARB and EPA compliant
  • FlameShield protection

Cons

  • Spout control not listed
  • Warranty not listed
Buy it if
you want a simple, light can for yard tools.
Skip it if
you want the easiest pouring.

VerdictA simple, light can for lawn and garden fuel.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Type I, Type II or consumer can

Type I safety cans have one opening; Type II have separate fill and pour openings. Consumer plastic cans meet CARB and EPA rules for home use.

Pouring control

Thumb triggers, rotating spouts and auto shut off spouts make refuelling cleaner. Many standard spill-proof spouts are slow and awkward.

Capacity and weight

Cans here hold 2 to 6 gallons. Gasoline weighs about 6 lb per gallon, so a full 5 gallon can is heavy. Choose a size you can lift comfortably.

Metal or plastic

Metal safety cans with flame arrestors suit shops and workplaces. Plastic cans are lighter, cheaper and resist dents and rust.

FAQ

What is the best gas can for pouring?

The Surecan with its thumb-trigger and rotating bottom spout pours most easily. Auto shut off spouts like the Midwest Can quick-flow also help.

What is the difference between Type I and Type II gas cans?

Type I cans have a single opening for filling and pouring. Type II cans have a separate pouring spout and fill opening.

Are metal gas cans better than plastic?

Metal safety cans with flame arrestors meet workplace codes. Plastic cans are lighter and fine for home use.

What size gas can should I buy?

A 5 gallon can suits mowers and generators. A 2 gallon can is easier for trimmers and small engines.

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Helpful guides

Top pick · #1Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 Gallon
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