Enjoy pottering around the garden with the best watering can. It's the most simple and convenient way of watering your precious outdoor plants. But, you do have to weigh up whether to go for a traditional metal watering can that will last a lifetime, or a considerably lighter plastic version that won't have the same longevity.
The key benefit of a watering can over a hose pipe is that it offers more precise and measured watering. It prevents overwatering and minimises damage to delicate plants and hanging baskets. Although there's manual effort involved, it's an effective way of rationing watering during heat waves and hose pipe bans.
Best watering cans at a glance:
Garden Answers contributor, Geoff Hodge say that when you need to water your outdoor plants, “You can’t beat a trusty watering can.” The best watering can comes in handy when you need to apply liquid feeds to your plants and weed killer to the ones you want to see the back of. Geoff recommends buying a second watering can specifically for your weed killer. After all, you don’t want to have any mix-ups. Historically, water cans have been made from galvanised steel, but plastic has taken over as it's lighter and less expensive.
We’ve rounded up a wide range of the best watering cans for every requirement. We’ve given our thoughts on the best plastic and best metal watering cans for your plants. Scroll to the FAQ section where Hodge gives further guidance on on the features and benefits of outdoor watering cans and how best to store them.
How we choose the best watering cans
All of these watering cans have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered the material, capacity, and usability in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching watering cans to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And, with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
Best watering cans for your garden
Best watering can overall
Ideal for those with a larger outdoor space, this 10-litre green watering can is perfect for watering your garden and keeping your favourite plants hydrated and healthy. This can is supplied with a rose and offers a handy storage point on the top of the can to perch it which saves space when not in use.
Made of robust yet lightweight plastic, this watering can is perfect for year-round use. Your plants and seedlings are going to be looked after, for sure. With an impressive 4.7 stars on Argos, this is a favourite of reviewers who are pleased with the great value this offers.
Pros
- Lightweight and weather-resistant
- Handy built-in storage space for the rose
Cons
- Not the best shape to fill from a kitchen sink
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | 10 litres |
Best eco-friendly watering can
ElhoMade with recycled plastic and in a manufacturing process that utilises wind energy, this Elho Green Basics Watering Can is an environmentally-friendly choice that is 100 per cent recyclable. Its 10-litre capacity means you don’t constantly have to walk back to the garden tap.
Reviewers report the handle is comfortable to hold and the large fill hole is convenient. This comes with a sprinkler rose that produces a spray that's suitable for watering mature plants rather than seedlings.
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic and is recycable
- Large fill hole for speedier refills
Cons
- Not ideal for delicate plants and seedlings
| Material: | Recycled Plastic |
| Capacity: | 10 litres |
Best premium watering can
Hawshaws.co.uk
From well established brand Haws (that claims to be the oldest manufacturer of watering cans in the UK) we can recommend this deluxe option. It’s high quality, sturdy, and has a large, seven-litre capacity. Plus, it’s made from tough, injection-moulded plastic.
It comes complete with an all-brass rose and a downspout. Not only that, but it’s well-balanced and spill-proof – with a cross arm for support. This classic Haws can will give you many years of fine watering.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-balanced with a cross arm
- Comes with an all-brass rose and downspout
Cons
- Rose sprinkler head is hard to clean
| Plastic: | Material |
| Capacity: | 7 litres |
Best budget watering can
StrataFrom Strata, we have this sturdy Ward watering can. It’s good value for money and comes with a short spout for ease, requiring less effort to pour. The slimline design is a space-saving bonus for anyone with limited storage space for gardening equipment.
The bundled rose produces a gentle sprinkle suitable for general-purpose use, and even better suited for younger plants and seedlings. This offers a mid-size 6.5-litre capacity.
Pros
- Fine, gentle rose included for all-purpose watering
- Boasts a space-saving, slimline design
Cons
- Some reviewers say it's a little sharp around the edges
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | 6.5 litres |
Best metal watering can
Burgon & Ball Next, we have this Burgon & Ball Waterfall Watering Can made from galvanized coated steel. This watering can is perfect for the gardener looking for a long-lasting, high-performance and stylish full-size watering can.
We love the ergonomic single-handed design that eliminates back twisting and is cleverly weighted to the spout for ‘automatic’ pouring. Plus, its comfortable roll-edged handle slides gently through the fingers with minimal effort from the gardener. The removable screw-on rose gives a choice of fine or rapid watering. This is the ultimate metal watering can.
Pros
- Long-lasting, high-performance metal construction
- Offers an ergonomic, single-handed design
Cons
- Customers advise gentle pouring
| Material: | Galvanised Steel |
| Capacity: | 9 litres |
Best medium-sized metal watering can
Moulton Millwww.ebay.co.uk
Stylish, strong and attractive, this Moulton Mill watering can is perfect for outdoor use. Not only is it great value for money, but it’s a beautiful heather colour and looks very elegant. This attractive watering can has a 4.5-litre capacity.
Reviewers appreciate the watering can's folding handle which makes for space-saving storage. Both handles and the rose have a brass effect finish which contrasts beautifully with the heather-coloured can.
Pros
- Attractive, traditional watering can design
- Boasts a folding handle for simple storage
Cons
- Heavy compared to plastic versions
| Material: | Steel |
| Capacity: | 4.5 litres |
Best watering can for innovative design
FloproThe interesting design of the Flopro Can-Can 7.5L Watering Can means you can connect a hose pipe connector directly to the back of the watering can in order to fill it. For larger gardens it takes the strain out of having to go back and forth for refilling at the tap, sink, or water butt.
You can literally refill as you go. You can water through the rose, or flip it up for a free flowing stream of water. In addition, this watering can is made of strong and UV-resistant plastic and is designed to give you leak-free watering.
Pros
- Connects to a hose pipe fixture for easy filling
- Long spout for reaching areas set further back
Cons
- Can't be used during hose pipe bans
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | 7.5L |
Best watering can for style
Burgon & BallPerfect for a conservatory this Burgon & Ball Flora and Fauna Indoor Watering Can is both functional and a stylish piece of garden-themed décor. It has a long and curved spout that can reach right into pots and wall-mounted planters.
Plus, it's balanced so that pouring is controlled. It's small and lightweight so ideal for watering houseplants and could be a thoughtful gift idea for loved ones who have difficultly lifting.
Pros
- Offers a wonderfully decorative design
- Small and light so good for mobility issues
Cons
- Some reviewers comment that the balance is off
| Material: | Alloy steel |
| Capacity: | 1L |
Best plastic watering can
KADAXThe KADAX Lightweight Watering Can has an ergonomic handle and is made of light plastic so it's a comfortable option, especially if you're watering daily. The long spout can reach into hanging baskets and the rose evenly drenches flowers with a gentle soaking so it doesn't damage them.
This watering can is available in a range of sizes; 2.5, 5, 10, 12, and a huge 15 litres. This is a reliable watering can that's great value for money.
Pros
- Long watering spout for hard-to-reach places
- Sunlight-resistant and durable
Cons
- Different sizes offer different rose designs
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | 2.5L |
Best watering can for large capacity
GeliWhether you're watering tomato plants in the greenhouse or watering cement (moist curing) having a large watering can is a versatile piece of outdoor equipment. This Geli Big Watering Can is an Amazon best seller that's made of strong plastic that can withstand regular use.
Cut down on trips to refill your can and benefit from a comfortable to grip and easy to pour Geli watering can. This practical can is available in four colours; classic green, classy anthracite, vibrant red, and cheerful yellow.
Pros
- Make less trips to refill when watering
- Made from strong and durable plastic
Cons
- You need to really secure the connection between the rose and spout
| Material: | Plastic |
| Capacity: | 10L |
FAQs
What do I look for in a watering can?
Weight – A lighter can is easier to carry around when you’ve filled it up to the brim.
Balance – This is important as it can affect all aspects of utilising your new can: holding, carrying and pouring. Modern Gardens recommends reading reviews before you buy – or go into a store. Geoff advises, “If it feels awkward when empty, it’ll only feel worse when full".
Handle – A handle should be strong, solid and comfortable. If a handle has been poorly designed, it’s going to be uncomfortable to use for longer lengths of time.
Mouth - With a wider opening, you can easily fill a can from a water source. However, you’ll notice that a narrow-er opening prevents spilling. So, finding a balance here should help.
Cross Bar – To make your watering can much easier to carry and use, most designs will feature a cross bar (or second handle) at the top, making the experience well-balanced and not front-heavy.
Rose – Believe it or not, a watering can’s sprinkling spout is often referred to as a 'rose'. Cans with a one-piece spout and rose tend to be cheaper and less efficient. Watch out for a quality rose.
How do I store my plastic watering cans?
Though cheaper and full of colour, thinner plastic watering cans won’t last forever outside. Geoff explains that “Cold, frost and high UV levels damage and degrade them”. However, he advises that a good-quality, thick plastic watering can “should last as long as metal ones do”.
To avoid distortion:
• Empty it between uses
• Store it upside down
• Don’t leave it outside during cold weather – especially with water inside
What is a watering can rose?
Geoff has given us some expert advice on each type of rose.
Metal Roses – These usually come with metal watering cans and are generally made of brass or copper. Whereas, plastic cans are kitted out with roses of plastic, metal or both. Geoff says, “As long as the rose has been constructed and welded correctly, metal roses are less likely to leak.”
Plastic Roses – You’re faced with a few advantages and disadvantages with a plastic rose. Though you can remove the front easily to clean out any clogs in holes, they do often leak or dribble. "The best watering cans have a built-in water filter, which prevents the rose blocking,” adds Geoff.
Removable Roses – Whether screw-in or push, roses need to be easy to remove. However, they shouldn’t be so loose that they can’t take the weight of water when pouring and falling off, “especially when watering seedlings and young plants".
Hole Size – Hole size will differ between roses. Large holes deliver the water faster, so watering gets ticked off the list a little quicker. However, the larger droplets could damage seedlings. Geoff advises using a rose with smaller holes, as this will be better suited to young plants.
Downspout – Some watering cans have a downspout, which Geoff says makes watering pots and containers easier because water can be directed at the soil or compost exactly where it’s needed.
Up or Down? - Oval-shaped roses can be swivelled to face up or down. Facing up, the water comes gentler and finer – “better for seedlings and young plants”. This way, it won’t disturb the compost. On the other hand, facing down, the water is delivered faster, and cans with a round rose simply water forwards, with no change in speed or flow.
What to read next:
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Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Modern Gardens Magazine, an all-rounder. When she’s not writing about houseplants, she’s tending to her own growing collection…