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Proper hydration is essential for all life on this planet — your plants included. While a garden hose is often the garden tool of choice for watering, a watering can is a valuable tool for those who live in condos or apartment complexes, says Joan Mazat, container gardening expert and cut flower business manager for Ball Seed Company. It's a must-have for helping indoor plants thrive.
The best watering cans are durable, comfortable to handle, and well-balanced to prevent spills. We consulted a gardening expert and researched dozens of brands to help you find the best watering cans for keeping your plants well-watered. The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can is our best overall pick for its sturdy, ergonomic, versatile design. For a similar-sized option at a budget price, we like the Root & Vessel 2-Gallon for its thick-walled construction and affordable price tag.
Our picks of the best watering cans
Best overall: Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can- See at Amazon
Best Budget: Root & Vessel 2-Gallon Watering Can - See at Amazon
Best splurge: Haws The Warley Fall - See at Amazon
Best for indoor plants: Fasmov Plastic Watering Can - See at Amazon
Best for outdoor use: Behrens Weatherproof Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Watering Can - See at Amazon
Best lightweight: Qilebi 2-Gallon Watering Can - See at Amazon
Best overall
With its ability to switch from a gentle rain shower to a full stream, the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can is one of the most versatile out there.
- Large capacity
- 2 stream types
- Constructed from FDA-approved resin plastic
- Dual handle grip
- Heavy when full
- Potential durability issues
The Bloem watering can is our top pick because of its clever dual-handle design, which makes it easy to pour and transport even when full. An adjustable spout allows gardeners to switch between a light shower-style spray or a heavier stream, depending on the watering task. You also have the option to remove the spout completely for washing. The top hole is located off to the side for easy filling.
While the watering can is made of sun-resistant plastic, some reviewers say the plastic is thinner than expected, which may impact its durability. Some folks also complain that the adjustable spout has no locking mechanism, meaning it occasionally pops off during use.
Best budget
This large-capacity watering can has a durable, thick-walled construction despite its budget-friendly price tag.
- Large capacity
- Durable construction
- Easy-grip handle
- Spillage can occur if too full
For those who don't want to splurge on a new watering can, the 2-gallon Root & Vessel model is a budget-friendly pick with a durable, thick-walled, UV-resistant construction. It has an ergonomic handle design, including a top handle for comfortable carrying and a side handle for easy pouring. An embossed flower design on the side is a nice touch.
The nozzle is detachable for easy cleaning and features a shower-style spray. One downside noted by a few reviewers is that when the watering can is too full, liquid has a tendency to spill out of the top. Because of the high-angled spout placement, you need to tip the watering can significantly to initiate a steady water flow.
Best splurge
Watering but make it fashion. This highly aesthetic watering can performs as well as it looks.
- Beautiful, unique design
- Durable construction with 10 year warranty
- Extra-long spout
- Very expensive
- Not ideal for watering larger areas
Whether you're looking to treat yourself or the gardener in your life, the Haws-brand watering can is a worthy splurge thanks to its metal construction and its high-end aesthetic. The company has also been around since 1886 and is one of the oldest watering can manufacturers worldwide. This elegant watering can looks too good to use outside, but it's made with durable galvanized steel and then powder-coated to prevent rust and corrosion for all your gardening needs. It features a brass downspout that provides a gentle, rain-style spray or a steady stream. The extra-long spout design is ideal for reaching the bases of bushy plants or hanging baskets. It also comes with a 10-year warranty.
Best for indoor plants
A lightweight construction and thin spout make the Fasmov ideal for watering hard-to-reach indoor plants.
- Thin, curved spout
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- No smaller volume option
The Fasmov Plastic Watering Can is my indoor watering can of choice. I love the simple, no-fuss design. The long, curved spout makes watering any indoor plant easy, regardless of location.
The curved spout also helps slow water flow when pouring to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot—a common issue with potted indoor plants. The only con? I wish it came in a smaller size for days when I only need to top up one or two plants with water. For something smaller, we recommend the Qilebi ½ Gallon Watering Can, which is compact and even more portable.
Best for outdoor use
Weather-resistant galvanized steel ensures this Behrens watering can will stand the test of time, or at least harsh weather conditions.
- Durable galvanized steel design
- Showerhead spout
- Recyclable
- Heavy
Ideally, you should store your gardening tools away from the elements when not in use. However, a quality outdoor watering can should be sturdy enough to withstand rain and sun, even if left outside.
The durable Behrens Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Watering Can is a true weatherproof watering vessel. At 4.7 pounds empty, and teetering 20 pounds when full, it's heavier than the other watering cans on our list due to the recycled steel construction. It's also available in smaller 2- and 1.5-gallon configurations. The affixed rose showers flowers with a steady rainfall stream. Due to its size, you'll need to use both hands to steady and pour. We left it outside in the rain and hot sun for three weeks, and while it got a little dirty, it showed no signs of wear or rusting.
Like the Root & Vessel, the high-angled shower-style spout requires users to tilt the watering can significantly to pour, which can cause some spillage over the sides if it is overfilled.
Best lightweight
A long spout and steel sprinkler head make this watering can perfect for topping up thirsty container plants.
- Lightweight
- Adjustable spout
- Water can spill out when overfilled
- Some reviews mention leaking
The 2-gallon, long-spouted Qilebi watering can is easy to use on a balcony, patio, or hanging pots thanks to its lightweight construction. I'm particularly fond of this option for caring for container plants instead of a bulky hose.
The spout head can be adjusted to deliver a steady stream or a gentle shower. Plus, the entire spout is removable, making it easy to store away for the winter.
While there are a few reports of leakage, some folks say the issue is solved by securely screwing on the gasket where the tank meets the spout. Additionally, like other watering cans, it may spill when overfilled. However, one reviewer notes that because the filling hole is on the back end, spillage, when too full, is less likely.
What to look for in a watering can
Here's what to consider when shopping for a watering can:
Spout-style
The ideal spout design for your needs will depend on the type of watering you plan to do. Are you watering single indoor houseplants? Or are you caring for a small vegetable patch? A thin, tapered spout is ideal for the precision watering of houseplants, including hard-to-reach hanging plants. Rain-style spouts help mimic Mother Nature and work well for outdoor watering.
"I like a narrow, longer spout so I can reach into my plants and keep the flow low, so it won't make a mess," says Mazat.
A removable spout can be handy for properly cleaning your watering can. "Start clean, stay clean!" says Mazat, who cautions against letting plant debris inside a watering can, which may help spread disease.
Size and capacity
Outdoor watering tasks typically require more water than indoor plant care. For outdoor watering, look for watering cans that can hold at least 2 gallons of liquid. A large-capacity watering can should have a roomy opening to accommodate an outdoor hose. Most indoor watering cans are designed to fit inside a sink for easy filling.
Mazat also points out that knowing the capacity of your watering can is crucial when feeding plants. "Knowing how much water it will hold will help you when adding any water-soluble fertilizer to your watering schedule," says Mazat.
Ergonomics
A larger vessel will weigh more, making good balance and grip comfort essential considerations. A well-balanced watering can will hold steady as you carry it without causing spillover — even when full. "Only fill the can to the point that you feel comfortable in lifting to avoid spilling and messes," recommends Mazat.
Durability
Thick-walled, UV-resistant plastic watering cans are often just as durable as vintage-style cans made of rust-resistant metal. These two materials are both suitable for outdoor use. Durability is less of a concern for indoor use, allowing you to opt for more aesthetic choices like glass.
Ultimately, simpler can sometimes be better, according to Mazat. "If it holds water and my plants are thirsty, it'll do for me," she says.
How we chose the best watering cans
We consulted Joan Mazat, cut flower business manager for Ball Seed Company, to learn more about how to shop for a watering can. Mazat has been with Ball Horticultural Company for over two decades and is an expert in fresh flowers, container gardening, and garden market trends. We also asked Mazat about materials and features to look for, and her favorite watering can brands.
I've also been gardening for over a decade and have firsthand experience with many gardening products.
We combined expert insights with our own research and gardening expertise to bring you our top picks for the best watering cans.
Watering Can FAQs
What are the benefits of using a watering can to water plants?
Using a watering can is a more gentle form of watering than a garden hose. You also have more control over water flow rate with a watering can compared to a hose. With a watering can, you can access plants your hose can't reach. It's also the best way to water indoor plants.
What kind of watering can is the most durable?
Watering cans made of rust-resistant metal and thick UV-resistant plastic are equally suitable for outdoor watering tasks.
What is a rosebud?
A rosebud or rose is the name for the style of watering can head that delivers a gentle shower spray. In some cases, this type of head is removable or adjustable.
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