Metal vs Plastic Gas Can: Which One Should You Buy?

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Metal vs plastic gas can: what the listings show

The metal side is fully documented. All four listings are galvanized steel safety cans for gasoline, with capacities of 1 gallon, 2 gallons, 2.5 gallons and 5 gallons. All four state a flame arrester, a self-closing lid and FM and UL approvals, and all four state OSHA and NFPA compliance. Weights run from 3.5 pounds on the smallest Eagle can to 7 pounds on the two Justrite cans.

The plastic side is not documented at all. No plastic can appears in these listings, so no plastic capacity, weight, approval or lid figure can be stated here. That gap matters for the verdict: the guide recommends metal on the strength of the four documented cans, not on a claim about plastic. For any plastic can, check its listing for the same points: stated approvals, a flame arrester, a self-closing lid and a stated capacity.

Can	Capacity	Material	Certifications	Warranty
Eagle 2 Gallon Type I	2 gallons	Galvanized steel	FM, UL, ULC, OSHA, NFPA 30	1 year
Justrite Type I 5 Gallon	5 gallons	Galvanized steel	FM, UL, ULC, TUV, OSHA, NFPA	Not stated as a term
Eagle 1 Gallon Type I	1 gallon	Galvanized steel	FM, UL, ULC, OSHA, NFPA 30	1 year
Justrite Type II 2.5 Gallon	2.5 gallons	Galvanized steel	FM, UL, ULC, TUV, OSHA, NFPA 30	Not stated as a term

The metal cans in these listings

The Eagle 2 gallon Type I can shows the full set of stated terms: it pairs FM, UL and ULC approvals with OSHA Standard 1910.106 and NFPA code 30 compliance, a non-sparking flame arrestor, a self-closing gasketed spout cap that vents vapors automatically, and an F-15 funnel for filling and pouring. It weighs 4.6 pounds, measures 11.25 by 9.5 inches, and states a 1 year workmanship, replacement or credit warranty. Its fixed handle and double interlock no-weld bottom seam round out a 24-gauge galvanized steel build with a baked-on powder-coat finish.

The Justrite Type I 5 gallon can is the largest here at 5 gallons, with the same FM, UL and ULC approvals plus TUV certification and OSHA and NFPA compliance. Its stainless steel flame arrester helps reduce flashback ignition risk, and its self-closing lid with automatic positive-pressure relief helps reduce vapor release and pressure buildup. A counterbalanced swinging handle and an integrated bottom lip give balance and pouring control. It weighs 7 pounds, and its warranty description states only Manufacturer, with no term.

The Eagle 1 gallon Type I can is the smallest here at 1 gallon, with the same approvals, flame arrestor, self-closing cap, funnel and 1 year warranty as its 2 gallon sibling. It weighs 3.5 pounds and measures 9 by 8 inches. The 1 gallon size suits a small fuel load, such as a single trimmer or a single mowing session, without carrying extra weight.

The Justrite Type II 2.5 gallon can is the controlled-pouring pick: a patented manifold and Safe-Squeeze trigger give smooth, glug-free dispensing, and a flexible metal hose directs fuel into smaller openings. Its 5/8 inch hose is listed at 9 inches long, and its ergonomic lift lever makes refilling faster. It carries the same FM, UL and ULC approvals, TUV certification and OSHA and NFPA compliance as the 5 gallon Justrite, with a stainless steel flame arrester and a self-closing, leak-tight lid. It holds 2.5 gallons, measures 12 by 11.75 inches, weighs 7 pounds, and its warranty description states only Manufacturer, with no term.

Capacity: match the can to the job

Capacities here run from 1 gallon to 5 gallons, and the right size depends on how much fuel the property burns between fills. A 1 gallon can suits a light load, while a 5 gallon can suits a property with several gas machines. The listed weights are 3.5 pounds on the 1 gallon Eagle, 4.6 pounds on the 2 gallon Eagle, and 7 pounds on both Justrite cans. Check the capacity against the machines it will feed, and remember that a full can weighs more than the can alone.

Certifications and lids: what to check

Every can here states FM and UL approvals and OSHA and NFPA compliance. The two Justrite cans add TUV certification. The two Eagle cans state OSHA Standard 1910.106 and NFPA code 30. Every can states a flame arrester: stainless steel on the Justrite cans and non-sparking on the Eagle cans. Every can states a self-closing lid, and the Eagle caps vent vapors automatically while the Justrite Type I lid adds positive-pressure relief. Type I cans have a single opening for filling and pouring, per the Eagle listings, while the Type II Justrite adds a hose and trigger for controlled pouring. When comparing any can, plastic or metal, check for these same stated points rather than taking the material alone as proof.

Safety

Refuel only with the engine off and cool, and keep the can lid closed when the can is not pouring. Flame arresters reduce flashback ignition risk, per the listings, and self-closing lids help keep fuel contained. Use the funnel where one is included, and use the listed handle arrangement to carry and pour. Store cans where the listing’s lid and vent design can work as stated, and follow the maker and local rules for fuel storage.

FAQ: mowing large lots

Is a metal gas can better than a plastic one?

On the listings here, metal is the only side documented: all four are galvanized steel with flame arresters and FM and UL approvals. No plastic can is listed, so plastic cannot be scored from these listings.

What is the difference between Type I and Type II cans?

Type I cans have a single opening for filling and pouring, per the Eagle listings. Type II cans, like the Justrite 2.5 gallon can, add a hose and a trigger for controlled pouring.

What capacities do these cans come in?

1 gallon, 2 gallons, 2.5 gallons and 5 gallons across the four listings.

Which of these cans has a warranty?

The two Eagle cans state 1 year workmanship, replacement or credit. The two Justrite cans state only Manufacturer, with no term.

Can these cans store fuel for a mower?

Yes: all four store gasoline, and the Eagle cans include an F-15 funnel for filling and pouring.

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