Always stress safety over convenience, stresses Andrew Gross, National Public Relations Manager for the Automobile Association of America (AAA), and avoid the temptation to keep a gas can in the trunk of your vehicle as assurance you never run out in bad weather. “Having a can of gas in your car is hazardous!” he stresses. “If you are worried that bad weather could negatively impact your trip, that’s a good indication you might want to stay home!” For this roundup, we considered only CARB or other entity-approved products, paying particular attention to their safety features, as well as ease of use, and how well they dispense fuel. Our top pick, the No-Spill 1450 5-Gallon Poly Gas Can, prevents spills while also filling tanks quickly without overfilling. Here are the best gas cans for every need. Its wide footprint makes the gas can more stable than many, and this product holds 5 gallons, the recommended limit from our expert, Andrew Gross of AAA. But its size and capacity may be too heavy for some. (The manufacturer has included a center handle designed to hold and control the can better.) You also can buy this style of can designed specifically for diesel and kerosene. Price at time of publish: $52 The smaller size and lighter weight may make it easier to manage than its larger counterpart, especially when you consider that you need one hand free to operate the nozzle. But because it is smaller, you may need to keep more of these on hand if you want to have enough extra gas for emergencies or to run a generator. It is narrower than the 5-gallon version but takes up more space overall when you store the same amount of gas. Price at time of publish: $30 We have noted that as the gas warms inside the tank, the pressure may become unequal, resulting in gas “shooting out” if the lid is opened too quickly. Many users recommend keeping the can on the ground and opening the lid slowly. This gas can costs more than many other cans we’ve researched, but should last for many years. Price at time of publish: $65 This gas can is quite expensive but lasts a long time. You should label it with the month and year you filled it with gasoline, especially if you plan to keep it in long-term storage. Price at time of publish: $115 This gas can holds five gallons, so its size is perfect for most lawn tools a lot or a riding mower. Price at time of publish: $28
What to Look For in a Gas Can
Compliance
“Always use a [Department of Transportation]-approved container to transport and store gasoline,” strongly advises Andrew Gross, National Public Relations Manager for the Automobile Association of America (AAA). That’s because the agency, known as the DOT, defines a safety can as “a container with a capacity of 5 gallons or less and equipped with a spring-closing lid and spout cover, a means to relieve internal pressure, and flash-arresting screen.” Regulations assure that the container can keep gasoline, as hazardous material, under safe conditions. Another agency that evaluates gas cans for compliance is the California Air Resources Board (CARB), whose standards the EPA adopted for national use in 2009. Underwriters Laboratories also approves gas cans.
Size
Gas cans typically come in capacities of 1, 2.5, or 5 gallons. The most common size is 5 gallons, which is often compatible with third-party pouring spouts and other accessories. The federal Department of Transportation doesn’t recommend gas cans that hold a larger amount of fuel.
Material
Most gas cans are made of plastic or metal. Plastic is cheaper but should be durable enough to prevent leaks. Over time, however, plastic can break down or leach some chemicals into the gasoline, rendering the fuel inoperable. If you decided on a plastic gas, select one that has been certified as safe for its materials. Metal gas cans, which resist leaching, are typically made of galvanized or alloy steel. These are more durable but heavier and cost more. They are commonly used for longer-term storage.
Design
Gas cans can be simple, consisting of just a pour spout, and a reservoir to hold gasoline. Extra design features, such as no-spill spouts, can make them less spill-prone; and others, such as built-in handles, can make them easier to use and carry. A metal can designed without welds has fewer avenues to invite leaks.
Color
Containers designed to hold gasoline are colored red by federal regulations. Other fuel containers are colored differently based on what they hold: yellow for diesel, blue for kerosene, and green for mixed flammable oils.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she considered how easy it was to use and store gas cans, as well as any special safety features. We also consulted with Andrew Gross, National Public Relations Manager for the Automobile Association of America (AAA), for additional expert insight.
Finally, avoid the temptation to keep a gas can in the trunk of your vehicle. “Vehicles already come with safe containers for gas—called gas tanks!” Gross says. “Having a can of gas in your car is hazardous. In terms of ‘winter assurance,’ if you are worried that bad weather could negatively impact your trip, that’s a good indication you might want to stay home.”
