What would you do if the bedroom curtains caught fire from a candle, an oil fire ignited on your stove, or your car’s engine caught fire?
Instead of panicking and reaching for a tea towel or racing for a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher is the safest and quickest way to fight a fire.
Fight a Fire Safely with a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is an essential safety tool for your home. According to the firefighting experts, it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire which can ultimately destroy your home. However, fire can break out anywhere, a barbecue grill in the garden, in the car, the office, or in a warehouse.
Wherever you are faced with a fire-related emergency, there is no need to fear. Stay calm and reach for your reliable extinguisher. Within seconds, this highly efficient firefighting tool will effectively extinguish the flames. It will save your life and home.
The 7 Best Fire Extinguishers
- Buckeye 25614 Fire Extinguisher
- First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher
- First Alert AF400 Aerosol Spray Fire Extinguisher
- First Alert AUTO5 Car Fire Extinguisher
- Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher (Our Top Pick)
- Orion Safety Products Chimfex Chimney Fire Extinguisher
- Jogoswall Automatic Car Fire Extinguisher
Our Top Pick for the Best Fire Extinguisher
Our top pick for the best fire extinguisher is the Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher.
We highly recommend the Amerex Fire Extinguisher as a must-have fire emergency tool for your home.
Amerex is one of the largest and most highly regarded distributors of fire-fighting products. So whether you face a fire in your kitchen, loungeroom, or round the barbecue, you can rely 100% on this popular firefighting dynamo to extinguish the flames fast!
Check the price on AmazonWhere Do I Place a Fire Extinguisher?
It is not enough to own one fire extinguisher, you need to have a few extinguishers installed around your home. Install one in the kitchen, the patio, inside a garage, near your barbecue, and keep a smaller one in the car. If you have a multi-story house, an extinguisher should be placed on every level.
You also need to install it in an unobstructed area where it can be easily seen. Fortunately, most models come with mounting brackets that allow the unit to be attached to the wall.
How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher
Not all fire extinguishers are designed to fight the same types of fires, and they use different types of propellant agents such as dry chemicals or foam.
A fire extinguisher may be specifically designed to fight flammable liquids and electrical fires while others are designed for multipurpose such as the Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher, which can be used for paper, wood, fabric, flammable liquid, and electrical fires.
To help you to find the right type of fire extinguisher, consult the guide below which contains the most commonly used fire ratings.
Fire Extinguisher Category Guide
| Class A – Combustibles: | Paper, Wood, Rubber, Plastics, Cloth |
| Class B – Flammable Liquids: | Gasoline, Grease, Oil, Paint |
| Class C – Electrical Equipment: | Appliances, Transformers, Motors |
Size
Fire extinguishers come in small, medium, and large-sized cylinders.
A 14-ounce aerosol can or a small 2.7lbs canister such as the First Alert Car Fire Extinguisher is perfect for home use, a caravan, or around the barbeque.
If you looking for an extinguisher for your next vehicle or boat, consider the Jogoswall Automatic Car Fire Extinguisher. This smart heat-sensitive self-detonating device is so easy to attach to your vehicle’s engine and once it comes in contact with the fire, it automatically extinguishes the fire in just seconds.
Medium-sized canisters that weigh 4 or 4.5lbs are quite lightweight and easy to hold as you spray a fire.
Larger 5 or 7lbs cylinders can be heavy to carry, but as they contain more propellent, they offer more firefighting power.
Discharge Time and Range
Depending on its design, propellant agent, and psi, an extinguisher will have a discharge time of between 10-15 seconds and a spray range of 10-18-feet. Before you buy a fire extinguisher, consider the size of each room and how quickly a fire may spread from room to room. To make sure you are 100% prepared for any emergency, it is best to have multiple fire extinguishers around the house.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
The National Fire Prevention Association recommends using the PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) method when using a fire extinguisher. Pull the pin; aim low towards the bottom of the fire; squeeze the lever slowly and sweep the extinguisher from left to right.
To help you use it correctly, the manufacturer will also include a helpful 3 or 4-step guide that is displayed on a label on the cylinder.
It is frightening when a fire starts, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the instructions before using the extinguisher.
Safety Seal
Some fire extinguishers may include a safety seal on the metal pull pin that deters accidental discharge or tampering such as the First Alert Home Fire Extinguisher.
Rechargeable
Most fire extinguishers can be recharged by the manufacturer or a recharging professional. If your extinguisher is not rechargeable, do not use it again after the first use – even if you have accidentally used it during installation.
7 Best Fire Extinguishers – Reviews
1. Buckeye 25614 Fire Extinguisher
Portable and powerful, the Buckeye 25614 Fire Extinguisher is perfect for the home, office, or small warehouse.
A multipurpose firefighting tool, the 25614 is a dry chemical extinguisher that can be used on Class A trash, wood, and paper fires, Class B liquids and gas fires, and Class C electrical equipment fires.
With an extra high operating pressure of 195 psi, the Buckeye extinguisher has a quick discharge time of 14 seconds and a long-range reach of 12-18-feet.
The USCG-approved fire extinguisher has a durable industrial-grade corrosion-resistant powder-coated aluminum cylinder, a tough anodized aluminum valve assembly, and metal levers.
Simple to use, the Buckeye fire extinguisher is fitted with an easy-to-read color-coded pressure gauge. An instruction label clearly shows a step-by-step bilingual guide on how to operate the extinguisher safely and maintenance instructions. As the cylinder only weighs 5lbs, it is quite easy to hold and use as you fight a fire.
You can have the extinguisher recharged, and it comes with a bonus wall hanging bracket.
Buckeye offers a 2-year warranty on the fire extinguisher.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Portable and powerful
- Ideal for home, office, or common industrial applications
- Multipurpose design can be used for Class A, B, and C fires
- Quick discharge time of 14 seconds
- Long-range discharge of 12-18-feet
- Durable industrial-grade corrosion-resistant powder-coated aluminum cylinder
- Tough anodized aluminum valve assembly
- Strong metal levers
- Lightweight
- Simple to use
- Easy to read color-coded pressure gauge
- Clear step-by-step bilingual instruction label and maintenance instructions
- Wall mount included
- Rechargeable
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not well suited for large commercial applications
- Does not have a discharge pin that prevents tampering
- Some complaints that the wall bracket did not come with the extinguisher
- Some complaints about the product being partially discharged before use
2. First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher
The First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher will help you be super-prepared for any fire-related emergency in your home.
This multipurpose UL-listed fire extinguisher is designed for A, B, and C fires, so you can use it to fight wood, paper, plastic, gasoline, oil, and electrical fires. You can even use the 1038789 to put out a fire on your boat, but for it to be US coast-guard approved, the extinguisher must be bracket mounted.
Highly responsive, the 1038789 shoots out a powerful jet of mono ammonium phosphate that quickly suppresses and extinguishes fire.
Designed for demanding household use, the extinguisher features durable commercial-grade metal construction, which includes a corrosion-resistant aluminum cylinder, a metal valve, and a metal trigger and pin.
Slim and lightweight at 4.5lbs, the fire extinguisher is very easy to use. The easy-to-read gauge allows for accurate pressure measurement at a glance. A simple 4-step instruction guide is displayed on the waterproof label.
One of the outstanding features of the First Alert extinguisher is its metal pull pin that has a safety seal to prevent accidental discharge and tampering.
The extinguisher also comes with a secure mounting bracket and strap for secure placement on a wall. You can also have the cylinder recharged.
FIRST ALERT offers a 10-year limited warranty on the extinguisher.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Good value for money
- Extremely affordable price
- Ideal for home use
- U.S. Coast Guard approved for marine use
- Multipurpose fire extinguisher is designed for Class A, B, and C fires
- Powerful performance
- Highly effective dry chemical agent
- Durable all-metal construction
- Commercial-grade metal valve and trigger
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum cylinder
- Metal pull pin has a safety seal to help prevent accidental discharge and tampering
- Slim and lightweight
- Easy to read metal gauge
- Waterproof label with simple 4-step instructions
- Comes with a mounting bracket and strap
- Rechargeable
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Locking pin might fall out if not inserted correctly
- Can lose pressure quickly
- Some cylinders had been discharged before delivery
3. First Alert AF400 Aerosol Spray Fire Extinguisher
Whether you encounter a fire in your house, car, or dorm room, the First Alert AF400 Aerosol Spray Fire Extinguisher will stop a fire fast!
Instead of lugging around a heavy cylinder and struggling with levers and pins, the First Alert AF400 Tundra is lightweight and incredibly easy to use.
More effective than traditional fire extinguishers, the Tundra is a fast-acting spray that works amazingly well on small fires.
Highly versatile, you can use the Tundra on fabric, grease, wood, or electrical fires.
Thanks to its intuitive wide spray nozzle, the AF400 can cover a surface area that is 3 times greater than a typical actuator and has 4 times longer discharge time. Its smart design also features an internal pouch that isolates the pressure, so when the nozzle is pressed, the propellant is sprayed directly onto the fire and makes sure that it does not get out of control.
Once the fire has been extinguished, the biodegradable and non-toxic spray can be wiped off a surface with a damp cloth. It will not damage appliances, equipment, or counter surfaces.
With a compact design, you can keep the 14-ounce aerosol can in the kitchen cupboard, near the grill, the fireplace, in your boat, and camping gear.
The Tundra is available in a 1-pack or 2-pack.
FIRST ALERT offers a 3-year limited warranty on the fire extinguisher.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Fast-acting propellant
- Ideal for the home, car, RV or camping
- Lightweight and incredibly easy to use
- Extinguishes small fabric, wood, grease, and electrical fires
- Intuitive wide spray nozzle and overall smart design
- Can cover a surface area that is 3 times greater than a typical actuator
- Four times longer discharge time than traditional fire extinguishers
- Smart internal pouch design stops propellant from spreading a fire
- Biodegradable, non-toxic foam is easy to clean-up
- Foam will not damage appliances, equipment, or counter surfaces
- Compact design
- Available in a 1 or 2-pack
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Item is not for sale in CA, NV, and NY
- Small white nozzle on the top turns and does not indicate the direction of spray
- For one time use only
- Not designed for large fires
4. First Alert AUTO5 Car Fire Extinguisher
Specially designed for your car, the First Alert AUTO5 Car Fire Extinguisher will give you total peace of mind when faced with a fire in your vehicle.
This multipurpose fire extinguisher has a B and C fire rating so it can be used to fight flammable oil, grease, gasoline, and electrical fires. Ideal for rough traveling conditions, it has a durable metal head and a corrosion-resistant red aluminum cylinder.
To help prevent accidental discharge and tampering, the extinguisher has a metal pull pin with a safety seal. Even though this extinguisher does not have a pressure gauge, you can easily check the pressure of the extinguisher by pressing the one-touch green button on the top of the unit.
Featuring a compact space-saving design, the AUTO5 can be stored easily in the trunk of your car. It also comes with a heavy-duty quick-release bracket that keeps the extinguisher securely mounted inside your vehicle.
Easy to use, the lightweight 2.2lbs extinguisher comes with a chemical-resistant and waterproof label that has simple 4 step instructions.
The rechargeable extinguisher can be refilled by a certified professional.
FIRST ALERT offers a 10-year limited warranty on the extinguisher.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Specially designed for vehicles
- Can be used to fight flammable oil, grease, gasoline, and electrical fires
- One-touch green button to check the pressure
- Designed for rough traveling conditions
- Durable metal head
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum canister
- Heavy-duty quick release bracket
- Metal pull pin has a safety seal to help prevent accidental discharge and discourage tampering
- Waterproof label has simple 4-step instructions
- Lightweight and compact design
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Bracket does not come with mounting screws
- No pressure gauge
- Not suitable for trash, wood, or paper fires
5. Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher
The Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher is an efficient fire fighting tool for any home, garage, office, or warehouse.
Made in the US, the UL-listed fire extinguisher uses a specially fluidized and siliconized mono ammonium phosphate dry chemical that is extremely efficient at fighting and suppressing substantial Class A paper, trash, and wood fires, Class B flammable liquid fires, and Class C electrical fires.
Any fire will be extinguished quickly as the B500 has a fast discharge time of 14 seconds and a long range of 12-18-feet.
Perfect for residential and light commercial applications, the B500 has a durable all-metal design which includes a metal valve, a metal trigger, a metal pressure gauge, a corrosion-resistant bright red aluminum cylinder, and a super-strong hose nozzle.
Deploying the extinguisher is very easy as the lightweight cylinder only weighs 5lbs. It has an easy-to-read pressure gauge and simple 3-step instructions are displayed on the label.
It also comes with a wall bracket for safe and secure storage in your kitchen, hallway, or near the barbecue.
You can have the cylinder recharged by a certified professional.
The extinguisher comes in a 1-pack or a 3-pack.
Amerex offers a 6-year warranty on the fire extinguisher.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Good price
- Made in the US
- Highly reliable
- Dry chemical agent is extremely efficient at suppressing a fire
- Can be used for residential and commercial use
- Multipurpose extinguisher
- Can be used for Class A, B, and C fires
- Fast 14 second discharge time
- Long range of 12-18-feet
- All metal construction
- Corrosion-resistant bright red aluminum cylinder
- Lightweight
- Rechargeable
- Wall bracket included
- Available in a 1 and 3-pack
- Six-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Can lose pressure quickly
6. Orion Safety Products Chimfex Chimney Fire Extinguisher
A brilliant yet simple approach for protecting your home from chimney fires, the Orion Safety Products Chimfex Chimney Fire Extinguisher is a must-have safety tool for anyone with a fireplace, a wood-burning stove, or pellet stove.
Forget about lugging around a heavy bulky fire extinguisher, the Chimfex fire extinguisher stick allows you to react safely to a chimney fire.
Easy to use, you can activate Chimfex quickly, with no matches required. Simply remove the top lid to expose the black scratchable button on the cap. Hold the stick away from your face and lightly scratch the black surface with the cap. Immediately place the fire extinguisher alongside the fire in your fireplace or wood-burning stove and Chimfex will suppress the fire without any water damage.
Made in the US, this truly unique fire fighting tool works by reducing the amount of oxygen in the flue. It can extinguish a chimney fire in 22 seconds, reduce chimney temperatures an average of 53% in just 2 minutes, and chimney oxygen levels an average of 43% in just 2 minutes.
Safe and reliable, the Orion Safety Product Chimfex chimney fire extinguisher uses the same top-quality materials used by professional firefighters nationwide and has proven to be effective for over 40 years. It is approved by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA).
You do not have to worry about storing a bulky fire extinguisher as the Chimfex fire extinguisher is very compact so you can leave it near your fireplace, wood-burning store, or pellet stove for quick access.
There is no annual maintenance required and the fire extinguish will last for 5 years after the manufactured date.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Made in the US
- Must-have extinguisher for a fireplace, wood-burning stove, or a pellet stove
- Unique fire extinguishing device
- Safe and easy to use
- Quick
- Suppresses a fire without water damage
- Uses the same top quality materials used by professional firefighters
- Proven to be effective for over 40 years
- Approved by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)
- Compact design
- No yearly maintenance required
- Lasts up to 5 years
Cons
- Pricey
- Not for large fires
- Door needs to be closed on a wood-burning or pellet stove as the fire extinguisher can give off a sulfur smell
7. Jogoswall Automatic Car Fire Extinguisher
Fighting a fire in your car is so easy with the Jogoswall Automatic Car Fire Extinguisher.
There is no need to panic if your vehicle’s engine catches fire as the Jogoswall automatic car fire extinguisher is a cleverly designed self-activating device that will put out a fire quickly and effectively.
The Jogoswall fire extinguisher contains a solid extinguishing agent and a solid cooling agent that mixes to create a chemical reaction and releases a gas that puts out a fire. You can use this fire-fighting agent safely as it is UL-listed. It is very efficient and leaves no residue behind and will not damage the engine.
Highly versatile, the extinguisher can be used at home, at the office, or in an industrial setting and will effectively put out Type A, B, C fires (solid, liquid, gas, and electrical).
There is no special training involved to use this fire extinguisher. All you have to do is install this unique fire-fighting gadget on a vehicle’s car engine cover or in the engine compartment. Once the heat-sensitive fire extinguisher comes in contact with fire, it will automatically trigger and suppress the fire in less than 10 seconds.
Featuring a durable design, the fire extinguisher can be used in extremely cold and high temperatures.
Small, lightweight, and versatile, you can install this fire extinguisher in a truck, SUV, motorcycle, boat, or jet ski, as well as a computer case, circuit box, gas meter box, and home appliances. Its bright red color makes it very easy to see in a darkened area.
Extremely easy to install, the Jogoswall fire extinguisher comes with a 3M tape. Tear off the tape from the 3M sticker on the back of the extinguisher and paste the device onto the engine hood or wherever you want to use it.
To make sure that the 3M tape sticks onto a surface properly, make sure that the surface is clean and dry before attaching the fire extinguisher.
Jogoswall offers a 10-year limited warranty on the fire extinguisher.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Unique design
- Versatile
- Can be installed in a wide range of vehicles, a circuit box, gas meter box, computer case, and home appliances
- UL-listed
- Safe to use
- Leaves no residue behind
- Will not damage an engine
- Effective and efficient
- No training required
- Can be used for A, B, C fires
- Suppresses a fire in less than 10 seconds
- Durable design
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to see bright red color
- Comes with 3M mounting tape
- Extremely easy to install
- 10-year limited warranty
Cons
- Larger vehicles will need more than one fire extinguisher
Our Top Pick for the Best Fire Extinguisher
Our top pick for the best fire extinguisher is the Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher.
We highly recommend the Amerex Fire Extinguisher as a must-have fire emergency tool for your home.
Amerex is one of the largest and most highly regarded distributors of fire-fighting products. So whether you face a fire in your kitchen, loungeroom, or round the barbecue, you can rely 100% on this popular firefighting dynamo to extinguish the flames fast!
Check the price on Amazon
