Based on my testing and years of hands-on use, the best overall gas can is the Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon – and it also happens to be one of the cheapest.
After testing every overpriced, high-tech gas can I could get my hands on, and years of dealing with frustratingly complicated fuel storage, I’ve come to a simple conclusion: The best overall gas can is the Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon. And, shocker, it’s one of the cheapest too.
Keep reading to find out why this simple, budget-friendly hero should be your go-to for storing fuel without draining your patience (and glean a few more of my favorite gas cans, too).
Table of Contents
My Favorite Gas Cans
Best Gas Can: Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon Gas Can
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 12″W x 16″H
- Weight (Empty): 2.5 Pounds
I won’t beat around the bush. The Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon is a cheap, reliable gas can that actually works. For a can that’s one of the more budget-friendly options, it gets the job done without making you question your life choices after every use.
First off, the government-mandated nozzle, while a pain in the neck, is actually better at reducing spills than most other cans I’ve tried. Despite the regulations, this one minimizes the mess and doesn’t require a PhD to figure out.
I also love the two-handed design. It’s easy to carry, easy to pour, and doesn’t require me to bend like a contortionist just to get the last drop of fuel into my tank.
The five-gallon capacity is a nice middle ground between portability and enough fuel to survive a short emergency. It’s plenty light enough to move around when full (especially because this can is made out of plastic).
As for the flow rate control, it’s perfect for gas can beginners who might still be learning how not to flood their yards with fuel. But if you’ve been dealing with gas cans since before you could drive, this feature will probably feel like a nice but unnecessary bonus.
And despite being made of plastic, this bad boy is sturdy. It’s not the flimsy, bendable plastic you find in dollar store knock-offs. It feels solid, and it performed very well during our testing team’s durability testing.
Simply put, it’s a reliable, no-nonsense, and affordable option for anyone who needs a gas can that doesn’t make you want to throw it into the nearest river.
Other members of our testing team agreed with me:
I’ve tried all sorts of high-tech, fancy gas cans. But at the end of the day, the best one is the one that just works. The Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon does just that, and it won’t drain your wallet.
Best for Bulk Storage: Scepter Portable Gas Fuel Tank
- Capacity: 14 gallons
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: 16.25″W x 33.8″H
- Weight (Empty): 19 Pounds
If you’re planning on storing tons of fuel, then the Scepter Portable Gas Fuel Tank is your new best friend. Holding 14 gallons of fuel, it lets you skip the whole “buying a bunch of cans” nonsense and just store your fuel in one tidy, upright tank.
It’s the best bulk fuel storage solution I’ve been able to find. It lets me store more than just a few gallons without sacrificing tons of floor space.
Pair it with a smaller gas can for portability (because let’s face it, 14 gallons of fuel isn’t something you’re tossing in the back of your truck every day). The 10-foot hose is a nice touch, allowing you to fuel your mower, ATV, or emergency generator without having to drag the tank around.
While it is technically “portable.” It’s much easier to move the small gas cans around. So, I usually use this big one to fill up smaller cans once they empty. It’s heavy, and you’re basically looking at a stationary fuel depot, not something you’ll be carting to the backyard anytime soon.
The brass shutoff valve and reinforced hose sleeve are nice touches for durability. Despite some abuse by our testing team, they stood up quite well.
I recommend this gas can for those who want something large-capacity that saves more space than a bunch of smaller gas cans.
Best Metal: Eagle OSHA-Approved Type I Gas Can
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Material: Metal
- Dimensions: 12.5″W x 13.5″H
- Weight (Empty): 5.25 Pounds
Metal can be great for durability, but don’t get caught in the trap of thinking it’s always superior. Throughout my testing, I tried several metal gas cans, and the Eagle OSHA-Approved Type I is my favorite.
It’s a solid metal gas can for situations where it might take a beating, like if you’re throwing it in the back of a truck or have a dog that loves to chew on metal. I remember my grandfather had a few of these, and they have stood the test of time.
However, metal has its own set of headaches.
Yes, it’s more durable theoretically, but metal also means dents. Plastic doesn’t dent. it’s also heavier than plastic alternatives and significantly more expensive. Plus, you have to buy the nozzle separately, which just raises the cost more.
The handle positioning on this thing is generally good for carrying and pouring, but then there’s the spout handle. The handle that opens the spout is awkward. The one on top is in the way, meaning you’ll be holding it at a weird angle while trying to pour fuel without spilling it everywhere. It’s like a bad game of Twister with a gas can.
On the plus side, this thing’s got a killer powder-coat finish that resists scratches, fading, and all the other wear and tear that can come with having a metal object in your garage.
So, if you want something that’ll last, this is the one for you (as long as you don’t dent it first).
How We Tested Gas Cans
I’ve been using gas cans and storing gas for years. Much of this review is based on my hands-on experience. However, our testing team did perform some controlled testing on each can before it could earn it’s place on this list.
I typically prioritize functionality when looking for a quality gas can. Many on our testing team agreed:
Gas cans should be reliable and easy to use. With the Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon, you’re getting a straightforward design that gets you the fuel you need, when you need it, without extra fuss.
Here’s exactly what we tested and looked at:
- Durability: Yes, gas cans should be durable. But, let’s be honest, most of the time, they’re just sitting around, minding their own business in a corner of the garage. So, while durability matters, it’s not the make-or-break factor some reviewers would have you believe. No need to buy a tank that could survive a meteor strike when it’s only getting dragged out a couple times a year.
- Functionality: Above all, a gas can should just work. Seriously, it should be able to pour gas without making you want to hurl it into the nearest lake. If a gas can doesn’t work, it’s an immediate red flag (even if it looks very fancy).
- Cost: I’m not here to tell you that you have to spend a small fortune on a gas can just to “prep correctly.” This isn’t an investment in fine wine, folks. We’re looking for something practical and cost-effective.
- Weight: Gas cans should be portable enough to be moved around by almost everyone.
- Capacity: If you’re using a gas can, it’s probably because you need to store fuel in bulk. I truly believe that five gallons work best for most situations. Anything above that and gas can tend to get rather heavy.
We tested tons of different brands, but let’s be clear, many didn’t make it onto this list. I’m not interested in listing every gas can out there. I only want to recommend the best of the best.
Differences Between Type I and Type II Gas Cans
The main difference between type I and type II gas cans is that Type I cans have one opening, and Type II cans have two. But, this simple distinction is important when you’re deciding which gas can to get.
Type I Cans
These usually come with a self-closing lid and a pressure-relief mechanism. They only have one opening, so they don’t necessarily vent as well as you’d hope. I know many people who just drill a hole in the top of the can to help with venting (but this obviously comes with its own problems).
So, if you’re trying to avoid a gas-soaked disaster every time you try to pour, Type I cans might not be your best bet.
Type II Cans
These gas cans have two openings: one to fill up and one to pour from. In theory, this should make pouring easier, but in reality, I’ve found it doesn’t work as well as advertised.
Type II cans tend to be cheaper, which is great if you’re balling on a budget. However, in my experience, more openings means more spills. The cheaper design often means the lid doesn’t fit as snugly or the pour spout isn’t as controlled. So, you might save a few bucks, but you’ll end up with gas on the floor.
I typically recommend Type I cans because they just tend to work better.
What About the Awful Spouts?
If you haven’t bought a gas can since before 2009, I’m disappointed to inform you that new gas cans are a lot worse. Back in 2009, new regulations were implemented to make gas cans “safer.” Specifically, they now have to meet the requirements of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) and the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act.
Of course, these seem like great ideas on the surface, but like most things the government touches, the end results were actually worse than what the free market produced on its own.
By practically everyone’s metrics, the newer gas cans cause more spills and release more fumes than those from 20 years ago.
Why are they so disliked? Well…
- Slow Pour: The new spouts are designed to regulate fuel flow and avoid spills. But that means you’ll be standing there forever trying to fill up your lawn mower or generator. What used to take 2 minutes now takes a solid 10.
- Clogged Air Vents: New spouts often have intricate mechanisms, like air vents, that clog every time you use them. This is fantastic if you love struggling with a slow pour that stops every two seconds. It’s definitely a test of patience.
- Rubber Seals Fail: The spouts are supposed to be “spill-proof” thanks to rubber seals. But I’ve found that many cheap gas cans use cheap rubber seals that wear our quickly. This leads to gas getting spilled everywhere.
- Confusing Mechanisms: You only have to look at one of the new spouts to realize how confusing they are. The instructions take some time to figure out, and I’ve even found myself watching YouTube tutorials to figure out a new can.
- Terrible Venting: The new spouts don’t have great venting systems. There’s often pressure buildup, causing fuel to splash out.
So, what should you do about it? Well, whenever possible, get your hands on an old spout!
Our founder, Jason, agrees with me:
“If you’ve ever struggled with modern gas can spouts, you know the pain of slow pours and clogged vents. My advice? Stick to a design that works—like the older spout systems—until the new ones catch up with the basics.“
I found a used gas can with the old spout design online, and it works great. While the old spouts are technically “illegal,” you can find many options on Amazon. These are often incredibly inexpensive, too.
Yes, you can use one of the newer spouts with some practice. But, in my opinion, the older ones cannot be beat.
What Gas Can Should You Get?
So, you’re still here, and you’ve somehow survived the saga of bad spouts, slow pours, and confusing designs. Now the burning question is: What gas can should you actually get?
If you want a gas can that does its job without making you want to use it for target practice, go for the Scepter SmartControl 5 Gallon. It’s affordable and simply works, based on my hands-on testing.
If you’re looking for something larger, the Scepter Portable Gas Fuel Tank is your best bet. It holds a decent amount of fuel and has a hose long enough to make refueling bearable.
Personally, I have some of the larger gas tanks with a few of the smaller ones. It ensures I’m able to store quite a bit of fuel and enjoy the portability of the smaller fuel tanks.
Don’t forget to pick up some fuel stabilizer, too.
Storing fuel is step 9 in our Prepping Guide. So, if you haven’t done steps 1-8, consider taking a look at those!
