While the EV revolution came years ago for most garden equipment, there is something deeply satisfying about the old-fashioned thrumb of a petrol-powered lawnmower.
Problem is that you can't simply wheel your lawnmower down the petrol station and fill it up. You'll need a proper jerry can to safely store fuel.
We've rounded up our favourite jerry cans, looking at price, size and features as well as provided some handy information on how to properly store fuel.
The best diesel and petrol jerry cans
The best 10-litre jerry can
A very clever design, this ten-litre jerry can is made from polyethylene and has a very handy level indicator built into it to show how much fuel you have left. It's also designed to not gurgle as your pour the fuel and the included spout is neatly stored in the handle when not in use.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 litres |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Features | Level indicator, air inflow |
The best 20-litre jerry can
Looking like the type of jerry can you see strapped to a Land Rover deep in the Sahara wilderness, this 20-litre jerry can is an excellent choice for holding even more fuel safely. Made from 0.9mm pickled steel sheet with fuel resistant lining it's perfect for fuel, even if it does lack a spout.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 litres |
| Material | Steel |
| Features | Fuel resistant paint, locking pin |
This twin set of metal jerry cans is another option for storing fuel. Constructed from 3mm steel and featuring fuel-resistant, anti-rust powder-coated paint it'll certainly be up to storing fuel. The only downside is the lack of pouring spout.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 litres (X2) |
| Material | Steel |
| Features | Fuel resistant, anti-rust powder coated paint |
The best five-litre jerry can
www.halfords.com
Perfect for storing fuel for your petrol gardening equipment, this jerry can is made from powder-coated steel and features a resin coating on the inside so it won't react with the fuel. The screw cap is galvanised too and features a magnet so there's no chance you'll be losing it.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5 litres |
| Material | Steel |
| Features | Powder-coated exterior, magnetic screw cap |
The best jerry can for water
Jerry cans can also be used to store other liquids like water. This 10-litre jerry can is excellent value for money and would be the perfect way of storing water for a camping holiday. It even comes with a spout and tap for easy pouring.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 10 litres |
| Material | Plastic |
| Features | Pouring spout, tap |
What you need to know about jerry cans and storing fuel safely
What are the laws surrounding petrol and diesel storage?
You can't just store litre after litre of fuel in a residential area, there are strict rules to abide by. The main consideration is the volume of fuel you can store without having to alert the authorities. You're legally allowed to store up to 30 litres of fuel in jerry cans and detachable fuel tanks, anything over that and you'll need to contact the Petrol Enforcement Authority.
How you store the fuel is also important. For a start you can't keep in any accommodation building meaning you can't keep it under the stairs or kitchen. In fact the only places where you can store fuel are outbuildings, shed and garages (garages attached to accommodation are allowed so long as they're up to code on fire safety). The storage area should also be well ventilated and away from any source of ignition.
Why do I need to use a jerry can?
A jerry can may just look like a tank which costs a little more money but they're designed specifically to keep the fuel stable and safe. They need to be robust enough not to start leaking if you drop them for a start which is why they're made from steel or tough polyethylene.
They also have to seal properly so that the fuel vapour doesn't escape and pose a massive fire risk. This is why most have reinforced screw caps with locks to keep the fuel sealed. Fuel is also very reactive which means the jerrycans are designed to be resistant to reacting to the fuel.