Keeping your plants well-watered and happy is essential for their health, and that’s where having the perfect watering can for your garden comes in handy. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on what you need.
With all the choices out there, it’s hard to pick which one is the best. That’s why I’ve narrowed down the top nine watering cans. Keep reading to find your new favorite garden tool!
The Best 9 Watering Cans for 2022
Best Overall
Dramm Watering Can
There aren’t a lot of frills to this can, but its simple, professional-grade design is enough to make it our choice for the best watering can. It’s made from sturdy, lightweight plastic with an easy-to-grip handle design and an extra-long spout to help you water in hard-to-reach areas or easily access trays in growing racks.
The showerhead is a soft touch nozzle design that won’t wash away seeds, damage young seedlings, or injure delicate plants. If you need a heavier water flow, the showerhead is removable.
Pros:
- Extra-long spout.
- Won’t damage seedings or tender plants.
- Comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons:
- Half-gallon capacity.
Best Galvanized Choice
Behrens 210 2.5-Gallon Steel Watering Can
This vintage-style Behrens galvanized watering can is as efficient as it is attractive. The rust-proof design holds around 2.5 gallons of water and uses a showerhead made of the same galvanized steel material.
Pros:
- It has a durable construction, made from galvanized steel.
- The can holds a lot of water.
- The can adds a classic look to add to your garden.
Cons:
- The showerhead is not made to be removed.
- Some users complained about the quality of the plastic pail handle.
Best for Versatility
Bloem Easy Pour 2.6-Gallon Watering Can
The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can is made with two perpendicular handles: one for carrying and one for pouring. The spout is made to where you can rotate it and use it as a showerhead or a heavy stream depending on what you are watering. The thick, BPA-free plastic helps against any leaks or damage over time due to weather exposure.
Pros:
- The ergonomic handle design helps against spilling water.
- The sturdy construction makes it a long-lasting choice.
- It’s versatile and easy to use.
Cons:
- The large size can make it hard to control the water flow.
Best for Holding the Most Water
Rainmaker Watering Can
The Rainmaker 3.2-gallon model is made of sturdy plastic that is designed to withstand multiple growing seasons. It features a detachable shower spout that can be attached to the side when not used, so you don’t lose it. The can also has measuring lines on the side to tell you how much water is in the can.
Pros:
- The spout is detachable.
- The design is very functional and durable.
- You can determine how much water to put in the can with the measuring unit on the side.
Cons:
- Some reviewers complained about the bright blue color and wished it was more attractive.
Best Budget-Friendly Option
Bloem 2 Gallon Light Weight Traditional Watering Can
This Bloem can is made from a lightweight resin with a shower spout fashioned to it. The design is a uniform matte black, which makes it a beautiful, traditional watering can. The location of the spout helps water from leaking out when carrying it, and the can remains balanced when full.
Pros:
- It’s simple but functional.
- The watering can is cost-friendly.
- The uniform color looks good in any space.
Cons:
- The fill hole is under the handle, which can make it difficult to fill.
Best for Long Reaches
Fusolo Outdoor Watering Can with Long Spout
If you’re looking for a small watering can with a long reach, this is a great choice. The Fusolo Outdoor Watering Can is made from a thick resin, making it a durable can. It only holds 1.6 gallons, but it’s great for watering small plants – indoor or outdoor. The handle is in a semi-circle shape, making it easy to hold and control when watering.
Pros:
- It has a long, slender spout.
- It’s made from durable materials.
- Its small size is good for small or potted plants.
Cons:
- It doesn’t hold as much water as other models.
Best Indoor Watering Can
Homarden 30 oz. Stainless Steel Watering Can
This adorable watering can is perfect for indoor plants, and the long spout is good for getting to the base of any dense plants. Homarden makes the can in stainless steel or copper, so you can pick whichever can matches your interior better. This watering can also works well if you’re unable to lift a traditional, large can.
Pros:
- The can is sturdy with a long spout.
- It’s made from durable materials.
- It’s great for those unable to lift heavy cans.
Cons:
- It doesn’t hold a lot of water (0.23 gallons).
Best for Novelty
Best Choice Products Lightweight Galvanized Steel Watering Can
This Best Choice watering can could easily be a decoration, rather than a practical watering can, but it’s both! The galvanized steel design comes in a hunter green and copper color. The small spout can easily water any dense, bushy plants, and the spout can be removed for a heavy stream instead of a shower. There are also two handle options – one on top and one on the bottom – for better control.
Pros:
- It’s an attractive design.
- The galvanized steel construction is durable.
- The small spout is good for getting to the base of a plant.
Cons:
- It only holds one gallon of water.
- The copper color began to wear off after a few months for some users.
Best Wide-Based Can
NOBONDO Watering Can 1 Gallon with Sprinkler Head
This small watering can is made with a wide base to balance the can and help with controlled watering. The can is made from polypropylene (PP), which is a durable material with low chemical toxicity, and the shower spout is made from steel. It also has two ergonomic handles for a comfortable grip.
Pros:
- It has a wide base for added balance and stability.
- The can has a removable spout.
- It’s made from durable materials.
Cons:
- The showerhead leaked on some reviewers when pouring.
Types of Watering Cans
Plastic
This is the most common type of watering can that you will see in most garden departments and online. They are also the most budget-friendly because they are often cheaper to manufacture. Nevertheless, there are some very durable, leak-free plastic watering cans on the market. I even mentioned some above for you!
Galvanized
Most older watering cans are made from galvanized materials, but there are still several new models that you can purchase. They make a great decoration for your garden in addition to being practical to use. Galvanized steel is simply regular steel coated with zinc, which makes it tough and weatherproof.
Metal
You can also purchase metal watering cans that aren’t galvanized. These cans are not usually very reliable for practical use and should be used for decoration instead. Regular metal is prone to rust and leakage, so they need to be kept under a porch or out of the weather.
Indoor
Indoor watering cans are smaller and usually have a very slender spout with no spout attachment. These watering cans are made to water the plant right at the soil or base of the plant, instead of from above, so that it gets watered thoroughly.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Watering Can
Balance and Grip
Not every watering can will suit you. You need to consider what factors are most important to you. Several watering cans have two different handles to help you balance the can when carrying and watering. The handle on top helps to balance the can, and the handle on the side helps control how heavy the flow of water is.
Spout
Are you watering a large space, or are you watering a small pot? If you are watering a large space or pot, look for watering cans with large showerheads. Removing the showerhead is a good idea for small pots or indoor plants.
Ease of Filling
For easy filling, look for a watering can that has a fill-hole between the two handles or is otherwise unobstructed by the handle placement. This will make it easier on you and lower the chance of it splashing you when filling.
Capacity
Consider the size of your flower bed or garden. If you don’t want to make multiple trips to the water spigot, look into finding a watering can with a large capacity. Some cans can carry over three gallons of water at once!
Watering Tips and Tricks
- Water plants in the morning to avoid getting plants wet in direct sunlight. Water drops on leaves can burn the leaves in the sun.
- Water plants in containers more often than established ground plants. The soil in container plants dries out more quickly and will require more attention.
- Try to water plants at the soil level, if possible, to make sure the soil is getting thoroughly hydrated. Also, avoid getting leaves wet, which could make them susceptible to disease and different fungal infections.
- Try not to water plants with a high-pressure stream or hose to prevent blooms from getting damaged or plants from getting knocked over.
- Don’t let mother nature do all the work. Make sure to check your garden often to determine if your plants are properly watered, especially during a dry spell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a watering can? Can I just use a water hose?
The answer to that depends on your garden! Some flower beds are difficult to reach with a water hose, and it can be a hassle to drag the hose through your yard. Watering cans also help ensure that specific plants are getting watered instead of watering a large area at once with a hose.
How much should I spend on a watering can?
Most watering cans can be purchased for around $25 to $75. How much you want to spend will be determined by what factors mentioned above are important to you.
Does it matter what temperature water I use?
Most sources recommend using room temperature water, especially for indoor plants. However, outdoor plants are less picky. The cold water from your garden hose should be fine. Just avoid using extremely hot water, which could scald your plants.
Can I leave water in the watering can?
If you have a metal or galvanized watering can, make sure to keep it dry between uses to avoid any chance of rust and decay. It’s also a good idea to empty the water out of plastic watering cans, as well. Standing water can attract unwanted bugs and mosquitoes to your porch or garden.
Enjoy Watering With One of These Best Watering Cans!
Having a watering can in your garden is a useful way to keep your plants watered and healthy, especially where the garden hose won’t reach. They’re also great to display on your porch or in your garden. My top pick for the best watering can is the Dramm Watering Can, which will cover what you need for watering most all outdoor plants.
A watering can is a useful garden tool, but not your only option when it comes to keeping your plants hydrated and healthy. We invite you to visit our Gardening Watering page for information about the best methods and products for meeting all your garden watering needs.
Shopping for your garden can get overwhelming, fast. So if you’re looking for advice on garden tools and garden supplies, then you’re in the right place!