The Best Fire Extinguishers
Fires are some of the most destructive accidents that can happen to a home, but they don’t just start in the kitchen. They can happen anywhere, even places outside of the home like in cars or boats. If you want to make sure that you’re prepared for any fire that comes your way, you may want to consider stocking up on fire extinguishers. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best ones on the market to help you live safely and save time shopping.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best fire extinguishers on the market, we considered their liquid capacity, effectiveness, extinguishing method, and price. For example, if you want an effective, standard fire extinguisher that’s rechargeable for future use, the First Alert HOME1 rechargeable fire extinguisher is a great option. If you want something with a larger capacity, the LabelMaster Amerex water class A fire extinguisher contains 2.5 gallons of pressurized water to extinguish fires with a natural solution. Read on to see all our top picks and find the fire extinguisher that fits your needs.
First Alert HOME1 Rechargeable Fire Extinguisher
A modern classic
If you want a classic, tried-and-true method for eliminating fires in your home, this all-purpose extinguisher from First Alert has you covered. With a manageable size, durable construction, and plenty of safety measures in place to keep it from accidentally discharging, this proves to be a great everyday fire extinguisher. It works on all kinds of fires including wood, trash, plastics, gasoline, electrical equipment, and more. Given its high level of versatility, it also sports a very reasonable price tag. You can even get it recharged by a professional after it’s been used so you can continue to use it for years to come. Whether you want reliability or versatility, this extinguisher does it all.
Pros:
- Made with all-metal construction
- It can be recharged after use
- The pull pin has a safety seal to help prevent accidental discharge
- Instructions are printed on the exterior
Cons:
- May cost more to recharge than to just buy a new unit
LifeSafe Technologies StaySafe 5-in-1 Fire Extinguisher
Size matters
If you’re looking for a fire extinguisher that’s portable enough to keep in the car, office, or even in a camping bag, look no further. This lightweight extinguisher has a plastic design and a small size that make it easy to store almost anywhere. The fluid inside is non-toxic, meaning you don’t have to worry as much about where you spray it. It fights against five different types of fires, so for most uses, this tiny extinguisher will be more than enough to keep you out of harm’s way. It’s even compact enough that you can keep it in your car without taking up much space at all. No matter where you decide to keep it, this convenient extinguisher is great to have on hand.
Pros:
- Non-toxic, eco-friendly fluid
- Small, portable size
- Lightweight plastic design
- Extinguishes five different types of fires
Cons:
- Must be shaken before use
Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher
Start cooking
Almost half of all home fires happen in the kitchen, so it’s important to keep a fire extinguisher in the area to fight against oil and grease cooking fires. If you’re looking for a fire extinguisher to keep handy while you’re frying up your meals, this one from Kidde is a great choice. It has a strap bracket for easy mounting, so you can install it on the wall if you want. It also has a pressure gauge that’s easy to read to determine if the extinguisher is fully charged. On top of all that, it’s fit to fight fire caused by liquids, gasses, and electrical equipment, making it perfect for kitchen use. Inside the kitchen or out, this fire extinguisher is built for everyday home use.
Pros:
- Includes a strap bracket
- Features a pressure gauge
- Impact-resistant nylon handle
- Aluminum valve assembly
Cons:
- The plastic strap isn’t very durable
First Alert EZ Fire Spray
Don't break the bank
If you want to stay safe but you don’t want to keep a bulky extinguisher on hand, this compact, handheld aerosol spray can do the same job but with a smaller price tag. This can is able to spray for up to four times longer than a standard fire extinguisher, offering up to 32 seconds of extinguishing time. It’s also compact enough to store almost anywhere and contains a biodegradable formula that’s easy to wipe clean. Best of all, it’s about half the price of most standard fire extinguishers. It may not be able to put out bigger fires, but for small household use, it’s hard to beat this bargain.
Pros:
- Great price
- Discharges four times longer than a traditional fire extinguisher
- The formula is biodegradable and cleans easily
- Extra-small, lightweight design
Cons:
- Not as effective on large fires
LabelMaster Amerex Water Class A Fire Extinguisher
The more the merrier
If you prefer the natural extinguishing power of water to any chemical solutions, this may be the fire extinguisher for you. With a massive liquid capacity and a discharge time that’s almost twice the amount of most fire extinguishers, this heavy-duty extinguisher is capable of putting out larger-than-average Class A fires. It may be a bit big for kitchens and living spaces, but it’s great to keep on hand for fire-fighting power that doesn’t leave any toxic chemicals or residue everywhere. Between the sturdy metal construction, the 2.5-gallon capacity, and the long discharge time, this extinguisher is a great fit for when a standard fire extinguisher isn’t enough.
Pros:
- Has a 2.5-gallon capacity
- Uses regular water
- 55-second discharge time
- Heavy-duty metal construction
Cons:
- Fairly pricey
- Only suited for use on Class A fires
Frequently Asked Questions
What liquid is in fire extinguishers?
While each fire extinguisher has its own solution mixture, most contain water, potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, potassium citrate, or a combination of all of these chemicals. Some of these mixtures result in a simple liquid solution that smothers the fire. In contrast, others create a powerful foam solution when combined together during their expulsion outside of the extinguisher.
Is fire extinguisher fluid toxic?
Fire extinguisher fluids and foams are mostly safe, but they’re not meant to be inhaled, ingested, or come in contact with skin. If this occurs, there may be mild side effects. Some more extreme foaming agents can even cause problems with the nervous system upon contact, so it’s better to play it safe and keep a distance even with standard-issue fire extinguishers.
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