What Size Gas Can Should I Get for My Equipment?
For most homeowners, a 5 gallon can is the best all-around size, because it refuels a mower, a snowblower or a generator without constant refills. Choose a 2 gallon can if you mostly fuel trimmers and other small engines, and a 6 gallon can only if you are comfortable lifting the extra weight. Whatever size you pick, match it to your equipment's tank and to what you can carry safely.
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFG2 - 5 GallonBest overall
Surecan Sure Can - SUR5SFD2 - 5 Diesel #2Best for diesel
Eagle UI50FSBest metal safety canThe short version by equipment type
The right can depends on two things: how much fuel your equipment holds, and how many refills you want to make from a single trip to the gas station. A can that holds a few tank-fulls is usually the sweet spot.
Your owner's manual lists the fuel tank capacity for each machine. Use that number instead of guessing, then pick a can that holds at least two or three tank-fulls of your biggest machine.
| Equipment | Suggested can size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| String trimmer, hedge trimmer, leaf blower | 2 gallon | Small tanks and short jobs, so a light can is easier to carry |
| Push mower | 2 to 5 gallon | A 2 gallon can covers a small yard, 5 gallon lets you fuel up for the whole season |
| Riding mower or lawn tractor | 5 gallon | Larger tank that empties faster than a push mower |
| Snowblower | 5 gallon | Fuel is needed in cold weather, so one trip to fill the can helps |
| Portable generator | 5 or 6 gallon | Long runtimes use a lot of fuel, and refilling mid-job is a chore |
| Dirt bike, ATV or small boat | 5 gallon | Bigger tanks and longer outings |
What sizes gas cans come in
Portable gas cans are sold in a range of sizes. The cans on our comparison page hold between 2 and 6 gallons, which covers nearly every home use.
Here is how the main options line up using published specifications. The full weight column is an estimate: gasoline weighs about 6 pounds per gallon, so add that to the empty weight.
| Can | Capacity | Empty weight | Approx. weight when full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest Can 2200 (plastic) | About 2 gallons | Not listed | About 12 lb of fuel plus the can |
| Midwest Can 5610 (plastic) | 5 gallons | 1 lb | About 31 lb |
| Surecan Type II (plastic) | 5 gallons | 2.6 lb | About 33 lb |
| VEVOR Type I (steel) | 5 gallons | 6.39 lb | About 36 lb |
| Eagle UI50FS Type I (galvanized steel) | 5 gallons | 7 lb | About 37 lb |
| Midwest Can 6610 (plastic) | 6 gallons | 1 lb | About 37 lb |
Why 5 gallons suits most people
A 5 gallon can is the most common size for a reason. It holds enough to fuel a typical mower or snowblower several times, and it still fits on a garage shelf or in a trunk.
It also gives you flexibility. If you own a mower, a trimmer and a snowblower, one 5 gallon can covers all three, and you do not have to refill it after every use.
The tradeoff is weight. A full 5 gallon can is roughly 30 pounds of fuel plus the can itself, and you will be tipping it to pour. If that sounds like too much, go smaller rather than risk a spill from straining. You can see how these cans compare on weight and pouring features on our best gas can comparison.
When a smaller or larger can makes more sense
A 2 gallon can is a good match for trimmers, edgers, chainsaws and other small engines. It is easier to lift and pour with one hand, and it is quicker to use up before the fuel gets stale. It is also a sensible second can if you want one for mixing or carrying fuel across a big property.
A 6 gallon can adds a little capacity for generators and larger equipment. The Midwest Can 6610 listed on our page weighs 1 pound empty, so the extra capacity does not add much beyond the fuel itself. Just keep in mind that full, it weighs more than any 5 gallon option.
If you need more than 6 gallons regularly, two smaller cans are usually easier and safer to handle than one oversized container. Carrying two lighter cans is also less awkward than lifting a single heavy one.
For an even closer look at what separates each model, our gas can picks break down capacity, pouring control and build material.
Other things to check besides size
Capacity is only one part of the choice. Two cans of the same size can feel very different in use.
Check these before you buy:
- Can type: Type I safety cans have one opening for filling and pouring. Type II cans have separate fill and pour openings, which many people find smoother.
- Material: Plastic is lighter and does not rust. Metal safety cans with a flame arrestor suit shops and workplaces.
- Pouring control: Thumb triggers, rotating spouts and auto shut off spouts help prevent spills. The Surecan Type II on our page has a thumb trigger and rotating spout.
- Compliance: Look for CARB and EPA compliance on plastic cans for home use. The Eagle metal can meets OSHA and NFPA requirements.
- Fuel type: Diesel cans are often yellow, gasoline cans red. Keep them separate.
Safety when filling and storing
Gasoline is highly flammable, and the vapors can travel along the ground to an ignition source. A few habits prevent most accidents.
Fill the can outdoors, on the ground, away from vehicles and open flames. Setting a plastic can in a truck bed or on a trunk liner can allow static to build up, so keep it on the ground while filling.
Let hot engines cool before refueling them. Never fuel a running machine, and wipe up any spill before you start the engine. When running a generator, keep it outdoors and well away from windows, and consider hearing protection during longer jobs.
Store cans upright in a cool, ventilated spot away from the house, pilot lights and anything that sparks. Do not fill any can to the brim, because fuel expands as it warms. Lift with your legs, and ask for help if the full can is more than you can handle comfortably.
Frequently asked questions
How many gas cans do I need?
Many households do well with one 5 gallon can and, if they own small tools, one 2 gallon can. Keep a separate, clearly marked can for diesel or mixed fuel.
Is a bigger can cheaper to run than several small ones?
Not in any way that matters for safety. Pick the size you can lift and pour without strain, then refill it as needed.
Does it matter if the can is empty most of the time?
A mostly empty can is fine, but old gasoline can go stale. Try to use up fuel within a reasonable time, and refill after you empty the can so it is ready when you need it.
Can I use a gas can for diesel?
Only if it is clearly labeled for diesel. Our page lists a Surecan in diesel yellow, so you can tell fuels apart at a glance and avoid mixing them up.