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Photo: Mytour / Rachel MarekUsing a watering can to water your plants eliminates the need for multiple trips to the sink or spigot. The ideal watering cans are made from strong materials, are easy to hold (even when fully filled), and offer ample capacity to water various plants at once.
"Precision is key when watering," says Allison Vallin Kostovick, a gardening expert and creator of the blog Finch + Folly. "Narrow spouts that direct water flow into smaller pots are essential. Indoor cans typically experience less wear, so feel free to choose aesthetically pleasing models, like copper or painted versions. Outdoors, I rely on two types of watering cans: a large plastic one for heavier watering needs, and a one-gallon galvanized metal can with a long spout for baskets and pots."
We tested 32 different watering cans in our Lab, evaluating their design, performance, ease of use, durability, and value. We also consulted Kostovick for expert advice on selecting the right watering can for your plant collection.
Best Watering Can Overall
Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can
PHOTO: WalmartThis highly functional watering can can hold more than two gallons of water.
Its performance with hanging plants could be enhanced.
The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can is packed with user-friendly features not commonly found in other cans. It has two handles, one of which is adjustable for better control over your pouring. The two-in-one spout is another standout, as it allows you to easily switch between a traditional pour and a rose pour simply by rotating the nozzle. Additionally, the design ensures that the spout's hole remains accessible, even when the handles are in place, eliminating the need to hold the can awkwardly while filling it up.
This watering can performed exceptionally well in our tests, receiving top marks in design, performance, ease of use, and durability. It passed both of our drop tests (with and without water) without sustaining any damage, such as dents, cracks, or scratches. The secret behind its resilience lies in the durable plastic material, which is one of the toughest options for watering cans. Additionally, this plastic is coated with a UV-stabilizing treatment, ensuring it won’t degrade as quickly under prolonged sun exposure compared to untreated plastic. However, we found watering hanging plants challenging, as the can needed to be almost completely tipped for a full pour. As such, this watering can is best suited for ground-level gardening.
Spout: Traditional and rose | Material: UV-treated polypropylene plastic | Capacity: 2.6 gallons | Weight: 1 pound
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekBest Luxury Watering Can
Williams Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can
PHOTO: Williams-SonomaThis can is simple to fill and delivers a steady, controlled pour.
The material is not as durable as other choices.
If caring for plants is one of your top priorities, there's no better way to pamper your plants than with a beautiful watering can like this one from Williams Sonoma. We think it’s a fantastic option for those who want to showcase their watering can—the shiny copper finish makes it a stunning addition to any shelf.
In our testing, we were very impressed with how this watering can poured. No matter the water level, it maintained a consistent flow—neither too fast nor too slow—and allowed us to easily water plants at all heights (yes, even hanging plants). It fits under various types of kitchen faucets, and we liked the wide mouth that captured the water without much spillage.
Sadly, the copper did not perform well in our drop test and suffered a large dent when dropped full of water onto cement. While this is a downside, it's not surprising considering the material. Additionally, copper requires extra care—the manufacturer advises hand washing and drying immediately with a soft cloth. To maintain its brilliant shine, periodic polishing is required. Despite the extra maintenance, we believe its elegant look and solid performance make it worth the effort.
Spout: Traditional | Material: Copper | Capacity: 70 ounces | Weight: Not specified
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekBest Indoor Watering Can
Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Watering Can
PHOTO: AmazonThis can easily reach indoor plants in hard-to-access areas.
The capacity could be increased.
The Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can features a lightweight design, a consistent yet gentle stream, and a long spout that allows for effective watering of all your indoor plants. It holds one pint of water, making it perfect for those with a small to medium plant collection, especially small and medium-sized plants. The extended spout is especially helpful for reaching hanging plants or those placed in difficult-to-reach areas.
We appreciated how easy it was to pour and control the water flow, and the spout came with a detachable rose attachment that’s perfect for watering delicate plants and young seedlings. It was also light and simple to carry, making it a great choice for kids who assist with watering the plants. While it’s ideal for indoor use, those with a larger plant collection may prefer a bigger watering can to minimize the number of refills needed.
Spout: Traditional and rose |
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekBest Lightweight Watering Can
Fasmov Plastic Watering Can
PHOTO: AmazonThis budget-friendly watering can offers a large capacity and a lightweight design, making it easy to carry.
It could be more adaptable for various uses.
We were impressed with nearly every aspect of this watering can: It was comfortable to carry, offered precise pouring, and was stable yet light in weight. Thanks to its two ribbed handles, which provide a secure grip, we found it easy to transport a full gallon of water (weighing over 8 pounds). This makes it a great option for older adults or anyone with limited arm or wrist strength.
The material of this watering can makes it suitable for outdoor storage, but prolonged sun exposure may cause the plastic to degrade and crack. To prolong its life, it’s best to keep it shaded. During our drop tests, it performed well on both grass and concrete. Although the concrete test caused some dents and bulges, it remained functional and nearly as good as new. Despite the slight cosmetic damage, we consider it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Spout: Traditional | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1 gallon | Weight: 8.8 ounces
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekBest Metal Watering Can
E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can
PHOTO: AmazonThis watering can is equal parts stylish and durable.
It has a smaller capacity, so it’s not ideal for outdoor watering.
This sleek stainless steel watering can not only waters your plants effectively, but it also doubles as a striking piece of home decor. The E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can combines modern style with classic design, featuring a long, graceful spout and a minimalist aesthetic. Watering your plants becomes an experience, not a chore. In our tests, we easily filled the can under a kitchen sink, and it should also fit under most bathroom sinks.
Carrying the can felt stable due to the robust handle, making it easy to prevent spills. During our drop tests, it only showed a small dent and scratch when dropped on concrete—both cosmetic damages that don't impact functionality. However, the can’s small capacity makes it more suitable for small indoor plant collections or for decorative watering of a few select plants.
Spout: Traditional | Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 15 ounces | Weight: 7 ounces
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekTop Pick for Large Watering Cans
XXXFlower Large Watering Can
PHOTO: AmazonThis option boasts a substantial capacity while still being compact enough for tight spaces.
The material is not as durable when dropped.
Although the XXXFlower Watering Can measures over two feet in length, we were pleasantly surprised that it could still fit into a standard kitchen sink. With a capacity of 1.5 gallons (6 liters), this can features an adjustable long spout, and the attached rose can be rotated in several directions for more precise watering. While the water stream was somewhat tricky to manage when the can was full, we found it to be largely controllable and rain-like.
One standout feature of this watering can is its top-mounted opening. Unlike many other models, it has a small opening with a cover to prevent leaks while you carry it at full capacity. While it was comfortable to carry and easy to lift to hanging baskets, the weight did require a bit of effort. Unfortunately, this model didn't perform as well during drop tests compared to others. After a drop while full, the can sustained a noticeable dent at the corner.
Spout: Traditional with detachable rose | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Weight: 1.5 pounds
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekBest Stylish Watering Can
Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can
PHOTO: TerrainThis watering can combines a charming design with impressive functionality and durability.
The water capacity could be increased.
The Terrain watering can is an excellent choice for those with small indoor plant collections. Its 18-ounce capacity makes it one of the smallest watering cans we tested. While it is perfect for a few plants, you'll need to make multiple trips if you have a larger indoor garden, which can become a bit tedious.
Crafted from steel and wood, this watering can boasts a comfortable wooden handle and a steady, spill-free pour, no matter how full it is. While it's labeled as suitable for outdoor use, we would be cautious, as the wood could be susceptible to weathering. The steel will endure, but prolonged exposure to the elements may damage the wood. The can also didn't fare well in our drop test on concrete, showing some minor dents and paint damage.
Spout: Traditional | Material: Steel and wood | Capacity: 18 ounces | Weight: Not listed
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel Marek
PHOTO: Mytour / Rachel MarekFinal Verdict
In conclusion, we highly recommend the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can for its ample capacity, weather-resistant construction, and user-friendly features, such as the dual-purpose spout and dual handles. Additionally, we found it simple to use and impressively durable, as it passed two drop tests with no visible damage.
Our Testing Process
We tested 32 different watering cans, evaluating them based on design, functionality, ease of use, durability, and overall value. The first step was to check if the can could be easily filled in a typical sink, without requiring awkward angles or the need to move it to a larger sink or outdoor spigot. We then carried a full can for a distance of 30 feet to assess the ease of handling, comfort of the handle, and whether any water spilled during transport. Afterward, we watered plants of various sizes—small, medium, large, and hanging—paying attention to the water flow, ease of control, and if any water splashed out while watering.
Once watering was complete, we conducted two drop tests: one with the can empty and another when it was full. These tests were done from a height of four feet onto both grass and concrete surfaces. After each drop, we inspected the cans for any damage, including scratches, dents, scuffs, and cracks. All data collected was then analyzed to determine the top-performing watering cans.
Mytour / Rachel MarekHow to Shop for Watering Cans Like a Pro
Size
Watering cans come in a variety of sizes, both large and small. The ideal size for you depends on the size of your plant collection and how frequently you are willing to refill your can from a sink or hose. For a small to medium-sized indoor collection, a one-gallon or smaller watering can should suffice. If you have a small garden or a larger indoor collection, particularly if you have a few large plants, aim for a can with a one-gallon capacity or greater. For those using a watering can for both indoor and outdoor plants, particularly those with an outdoor garden, a two-gallon or larger can will be more suitable.
Mytour / Rachel MarekSpout
The type of spout is crucial when watering delicate plants such as seedlings, hanging plants, or plants placed in hard-to-reach spots. Kostovick explains, "The length of the spout matters, especially when watering plants that are just out of arm’s reach, like the back of a perennial bed, or placed higher, such as hanging pots. A long, tapered spout is ideal for delivering a gentle, direct stream that your houseplants will enjoy."
For seedlings, vegetables, and some flowers, a rose spout, resembling a rainfall shower head, is beneficial. Kostovick advises, "Take a look at the nozzle holes. Some have smaller holes, producing a gentler spray perfect for delicate plantings like seedlings, while others have wider holes, ideal for soaking the soil around your tomato and squash plants."
A rose spout not only provides a more controlled pour, but it also covers a larger area in one go. This feature is particularly useful for sensitive plants that might not tolerate the force of water from a traditional spout.
Mytour / Rachel MarekMaterial
Our list features mainly plastic and metal models as they proved to be the most durable, performing best in our drop tests. Kostovick explains, "Plastic [watering cans] are durable and affordable. Plastic is also lighter to carry once filled. Since it’s lighter, be sure to keep it anchored, as a strong gust of wind can easily send it flying. Also, choose UV-resistant plastic to prevent brittleness over time in the sun."
Metal watering cans are typically heavier but offer a more refined look compared to plastic ones, making them more suitable for indoor use. Though they are generally pricier, opting for a stylish design like the Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can can make it serve as both a functional tool and a decorative piece.
Ease of Filling
If you've ever struggled to fit your watering can under a sink faucet, you know just how important it is for it to fill easily. During our testing, we evaluated each watering can under a standard sink, observing if it required awkward angling or the use of a spigot. Larger outdoor cans might not fit under the sink, but you can quickly refill them with a hose. However, if your watering can is for indoor use only, making a trip to the yard for a refill can be inconvenient, so it’s essential that it comfortably fits under your faucet.
Comfort
Anyone who has had to carry a full watering can knows how much of a physical strain it can be. Whether you’re tending to a small garden or a large plant collection, you shouldn’t have to struggle with a watering can that's difficult to carry. A gallon of water weighs over 8 pounds, so with our top pick weighing 2.6 pounds, that means you'll be carrying more than 20 pounds of water each time.
In addition to considering the can's capacity, you should also assess its handles. As Kostovick points out, "Some watering cans come with one handle, while others feature two – one on top and another on the side." When dealing with larger watering cans, having two handles provides better balance and more control over the spout while watering.
Thick, long handles with enough space for two hands provide a more comfortable and controlled pour. On the other hand, slimmer handles designed for one-handed use are better suited for smaller watering cans that hold about a liter or less.
Mytour / Rachel MarekMore Watering Cans to Consider
Haws Indoor Watering Can: This refined polished copper model holds a surprising amount of water given its small size. It was also easy to fill under the sink. While it adds a touch of elegance to indoor plant care, its higher price tag sets it apart from most options, and it did suffer a noticeable dent during our drop tests.
Questions You Might Ask
Should I use a different type of watering can for different plant types?
This depends on the number and types of plants you have. If your collection includes a mix of indoor and outdoor plants, or even a garden, carrying one large watering can might become uncomfortable and physically demanding. In this case, consider using multiple watering cans in varying sizes, with the larger one reserved for your bigger plant collection. If you grow flowers or seedlings, at least one watering can should feature a rose spout.
Can I leave my watering can outside?
It depends on the material. Plastic watering cans can be left outdoors, but avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods as this can cause them to deteriorate and crack. However, some plastic cans are treated to be weather-resistant, and in those cases, it’s fine to leave them in the sun. Metal watering cans, particularly those made from rust-resistant materials like stainless steel and aluminum, are also suitable for outdoor use.
How do you clean a watering can?
Since watering cans primarily hold water, they don't need frequent cleaning. For a quick freshen-up, simply rinse the inside with clean water and let it air dry. For a more thorough cleaning, add a little dish soap (make sure it's free of boron and bleach) or create a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. If your watering can has built-up deposits or persistent scum, let it soak in the vinegar solution for a few hours or overnight.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Center, a home product reviews writer for Mytour, and updated by Quinn Gawronski, an associate editor at Mytour. We examined the best watering cans by testing 32 of the most popular models in our Lab, assessing them on factors like design, effectiveness, ease of use, durability, and overall value. For expert advice, we consulted Allison Vallin Kostovick, a gardening professional and founder of the blog Finch + Folly.
