Have you ever been stranded on the road without gas or failed to finish trimming your hedges or mowing your lawn simply because you don't have more gas you can use with your equipment? If you have, you will need the best 5-gallon gas can for storage purposes.
What is a Gas Can?
A gas can is a durable container designed to store or transport fuels such as gasoline or diesel. It can come with a metallic or plastic body and you can use it to fuel lawnmowers, your car or motorbike, generators, and more equipment.
Its design complies with safety regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA), the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Environmental Protection Agency( EPA), or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Also, gas cans have other useful features to look for, such as pour spouts, safety lids and flame arrestors, and capacity.
With this information in mind, we have reviewed the best 5-gallon gas cans for you. A five-gallon capacity is ideal for residential and commercial use and is lightweight for easy portability. Read on as we will also discuss the major factors that'll help you buy the best 5-gallon gas can for your needs.
Which are the best gallon gas can?
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1. No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can
Sale
No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can (CARB Compliant)
- Specs: Description: 5 Gallon Fuel Can, Push button control, Auto...
- Replaces OEM Numbers: No-Spill: 1450, Stihl: NOSPILLCAN 5.0,...
- Stens branded parts are trusted by professional dealers to...
This durable gas can is EPA and CARB-compliant and comes with a 5-gallon capacity. It is also available in smaller capacity for home use. The red can is easy to use, coming with a thumb-activated push button so you can fuel your equipment without having to tilt the can.
Additionally, it comes with a 7/8-inch funnel spout so you can fill the smallest pieces of equipment. It comes with a wide mouth that also has a mesh stainless steel screen to prevent contamination when refilling. The spout comes with a dust cover that guarantees it stays clean whenever you are not dispensing gas.
It is a plastic gas can that also comes with a flame mitigation device installed in the neck; it is best that you never remove or alter this device to maintain safe venting. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, but, some customers complain of leakage issues at the neck.
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2. GARAGE BOSS GB351 Press 'N Pour Gas Can
Sale
GARAGE BOSS GB351 Briggs and Stratton Press 'N Pour Gas Can, 5 gallon, Red
- 5+ Gal of volume is perfect for medium to large size gas powered...
- Control flow with simple press button
- Spill control with included spout extension
- EPA and CARB compliant design
- Available in all 50 states
This Garage Boss plastic gas can comes with a 5-gallon capacity and is endorsed by Briggs and Stratton as one of the best plastic gas cans. The can is EPA and CARB compliant and comes with an installed fire mitigation system to guarantee better safety.
It also comes with a spout that allows you to control flow with the push of a button. The removable spout extension also comes with a dust cover so you can prevent contamination. It is also relatively thin, so you can add fuel to even the smallest equipment.
This gas can is affordable and ideal for gasoline use. You can also find the same model with smaller capacities for less demanding tasks.
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3. Justrite AccuFlow 5 Gallon Galvanized Steel Gas Can
Justrite AccuFlow 7225430 Type II Galvanized Steel Safety Can with 1" Flexible Spout, 2.5 Gallon...
- Type II Can_Type II Safety Cans, Type II Safety Cans
Your best 5-gallon gas can for commercial use comes from Justrite and is made with galvanized steel to meet and exceed all safety regulations from bodies like OSHA, NFPA, CARB, and more.
It has a different spout for filling and comes with a Safe-Squeeze trigger handle to control the flow. The 9-inch hose will fit in many applications like vehicle filler necks and other gas tanks easily.
As a Type II safety can, it comes with four colors to indicate which fuel is best suited for each. This Red gas tank is best used with gasoline, while blue, yellow, and green tanks are ideal for kerosene, diesel, and oil, respectively.
This best gas can will vent if exposed to fire to prevent a dangerous explosion. In addition, it comes at an affordable price and is easy to carry around.
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4. Eagle Type I Gasoline Safety Can with Funnel
Sale
Eagle UI-50-FS Red Galvanized Steel Type I Gasoline Safety Can with Funnel, 5 gallon Capacity, 13.5"...
- This product adds a great value
- Product is highly durable and very easy to use
- This product is manufactured in the USA
- 5 gallon gasoline Safety can with poly yellow funnel
- 100% leak tested, UL and ULC listed and FM Approved
When buying metal cans, you worry about what would happen if a fire were to occur; metallic gas cans are known to explode when exposed to too much heat. This 5-gallon safety can is designed to self-vent to prevent an explosion. In addition, it comes with a flame arrester screen in the fill spout that helps keep the fire away from its contents.
With a five-gallon capacity, you will be able to store more fuel for all your applications. The safety can is made with galvanized steel so that it can last for many years. In addition, it sports a powder-coated finish to keep it rust-free the whole time.
It is easy to refill this Type I safety can, and it comes with a spring-loaded closure lid. The can also comes with a grip-activated trigger plus a plastic funnel to fill your car or equipment. It also comes with a top-mounted carry handle, so it is easy to transport. According to the manufacturer, the safety can is tested for leaks and meets safety requirements.
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5. Midwest 5 Gallon Metal Can, EPA-Approved
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Midwest 5 Gallon Metal "Jerry" Gas Can
- Classic metal jerry gas can
- Fitted with Midwest Can company's spill-proof spout
- Exceeds California Air Resource Board (CARB) and EPA requirements...
- Holds 5 gallons of gas
This is a metal gas can that is designed in the classic Jerry can style. It has a capacity of five gallons with three handles for easy portability. When you want to bring it to your travels, you can mount it on your vehicle, so you never get stuck on the road without gas.
One of the best cans in the market, it is EPA and CARB compliant and comes with a spill-proof spout, so it is easy to use. The only downside with the spout is it's made of plastic; considering the gas can is metallic and quite heavy, you could easily break it if not careful when pouring fuel.
It is your best 5-gallon gas can if you intend to use it in hot climates.
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Which is Beter Between Metal Cans Vs. Plastic Gas Cans?
While sometimes it comes down to your preferences, there are some major advantages of using a metal gas can over a plastic gas can.
Advantages of using a metal can
- Metal gas cans are made with tougher and more durable materials.
- Suitable for commercial use.
- Metal gas cans are better for long-term storage as the gasoline will not degrade; when using plastic cans, the longer the gasoline or diesel fuel stays in the can, the more it seeps through the walls, thus degrading it.
- Metal gas cans are easier to store compared to plastic gas cans.
- A metal can has better venting capabilities.
Disadvantages of using a metal can
While more durable and easier for storing fuel, a metal can come with some disadvantages such as;
- They are heavier.
- In case of a fire or rising temperatures, they are known to explode unless they have very good venting.
- They can rust if improperly stored or if they go a while without storing gas.
- More expensive than plastic cans.
Yes, metal gas cans may sometimes offer better durability, safety features, and applicability, but there are instances a plastic gas can is your best buy.
Advantages of using a plastic gas can
If you need a can for basic home use, here are some of the advantages you could enjoy from a plastic fuel can.
- They are lightweight, this easier to transport.
- It is more affordable.
- It will never explode under high temperatures.
- They will not rust.
Disadvantages of using a plastic gas can
Unfortunately, while cheaper and easier to handle, a plastic gas can's disadvantages outweigh the advantages in that;
- A plastic gas can is porous, meaning the fuel inside will degrade the longer you store it.
- Gasoline can weaken the structural integrity of a plastic can.
- A plastic gas can will easily melt in a fire or at high temperatures to further spread the fire.
- A plastic can is not reliable for long-time use as it could break or crack easily
- A plastic gas can will not store to maximum capacity without spilling
- You may not be able to bring a plastic fuel can when traveling on the road.
Factors You Can Consider when Buying Your Best 5-Gallon Gas Can
After you've read about the five best 5-gallon gas cans above and decided which material to go for, here are a few factors to consider that will help you get the best gas can for your needs.
a) Type
There are two types of gas cans you can get; standard cans or safety cans.
- Standard gas cans are ideal for residential use or when buying gas from a gas station. Most are made with plastic, but there are metallic standard gas cans. A standard gas can comes with a screw-on cap or nozzle that you will need to remove to fill the can with gasoline.
- Safety gas cans are ideal for commercial and business applications, but you can also use them at home. They need to meet safety standards set by leading bodies like OSHA, NFPA, EPA, CARB, and more. Most are made with metal and come with a spring-loaded closing lid and a self-venting system to prevent leaking and explosion in case of a fire. A Type I safety gas can fills and dispenses from the same spout, while a Type II safety gas can features a separate spout for filling and another for dispensing.
b) Pour spout
A pour spout is an important feature to make sure you have for your best gas can; otherwise, you'd be guaranteed of spilling gasoline every time you fill your equipment or car. Most gas cans come with an integrated fuel nozzle with button control. Cans that don't come with a nozzle can come with a plastic or stainless steel funnel for easy pouring.
c) Application
When buying the best gas cans, your usability needs to take center stage. That way, you will be able to determine which can, between standard and safety cans, is ideal for you.
For instance, you can get a standard gas can for residential use with lawnmowers, homestead generators, motorbikes, or cars. On the other hand, a safety can is best for larger applications like commercial generators.
d) Safety
Apart from meeting certain safety regulations from bodies like CARB, EPA, OSHA, NFPA, and others, look for smaller features such as flame arrestors, spring-loaded lids or valves, and valve locks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best 5-Gallon Gas Can
a) Are 5-gallon gas cans expensive?
While 5-gallon cans are not very expensive, it depends on various features like material, safety features, and type. Luckily, you can find an option for any budget from the list we shared above.
b) How long should I store my gasoline in a 5-gallon can?
It is best to store your gasoline in the can for up to six months only as it will start to degrade after that. In addition, store the cans away from ignition sources and in a well-ventilated area.
c) Can I clean my 5-gallon gas can?
Yes, you can clean your can with hot water and dish detergent when it is empty. However, ensure you do not alter some safety features such as fire arrestors while cleaning.