Anything with an internal combustion engine is rendered useless if it doesn’t have any fuel to power it. Whether it be your chainsaw or crossover it’ll need fuel to work.
And because wheeling your petrol lawnmower down to your local forecourt is frowned upon, there must be another way to get and safely store that valuable fuel.
A jerry can is the proper way to store fuel safely. We’ve found the best examples for sale, looking at price, size and features. We’ve included a range of sizes so there will be something guaranteed to fit your needs. Make sure to check out the laws surrounding strong fuel below too.
The best jerry cans
Sealey JC20G Jerry Can
The best 20-litre jerry can
Price: £31.95 (was £47) | VIEW OFFER
Looking like something from a military surplus, this jerry can from Sealey is an excellent way of storing fuel, Made from 0.9mm pickled steel sheet with fuel-resistant lining it’s perfect for fuel, even if it does lack a spout.
Specs:
Capacity: 20 litres
Material: Steel
Features: Fuel-resistant paint, locking pin
Wheelsnbits Jerry Military Can
The best small metal jerry cans
Price: £49.99 | VIEW OFFER
This twin set of 10-litre metal jerry cans is incredibly well made and perfect for storing fuel. Made from 3mm steel and featuring fuel-resistant, anti-rust powder-coated paint it’s a robust option. In fact, the only thing it lacks is a spout (one can easily be sourced, however).
Specs:
Capacity: 10 litres (x2)
Material: Steel
Features: Fuel-resistant paint, anti-rust powder coated paint
Halfords 5L Jerry can with screw cap for fuel
The best five-litre jerry can
Price: £20 | VIEW OFFER
A smaller-sized jerry can, this option from Halfords is still a good option for storing fuel. Made from steel and powder-coated on the outside, this jerry can also feature a resin coating on the inside to keep it working for longer. The screw cap is galvanised too and features a magnet so you don’t have to worry about losing it.
Specs:
Capacity: 5 litres
Material: Steel
Features: Powder-coated exterior, magnetic screw cap
Yellowstone 10 Litre Jerrycan
The best jerry can for water
Price: £9.66 | VIEW OFFER
The perfect way of storing fluids, this 10-litre jerry can is good value for money. While there are better options for storing fuel, it is perfect for storing water. It even has a pouring spout which makes it really easy to use.
Specs:
Capacity: 10 litres
Material: Plastic
Features: Pouring spout, tap
What you need to know about storing fuel and jerry cans:
What are the laws surrounding petrol and diesel storage?
As you’d expect from something explosive, there is legislation you must abide by to stay safe. The first thing you should know is that you can only store 30 litres of fuel at home before you need to inform the Petrol Enforcement Authority. This only applies to fuel stored in jerry cans and demountable fuel tanks.
Petrol also shouldn’t be stored in your living accommodation or outside. This means you should keep it in the shed or garage. You should also be aware that you should store it in an area that’s well ventilated and away from a source of ignition.
Why do I need to use a jerry can?
Jerrycans are designed to keep fuel sealed and as stable as possible, something that’s essential for safely storing them. Fuel is also highly reactive and jerry cans are designed not to react with fuel, again essential for safely storing the fuel.
So when you hear of horror stories on the news of people filling up old suitcases and buckets with unleaded every time fuel jumps in price by a penny, just remember how dangerous all that incorrectly stored fuel will be.
Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.
Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
