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The 7 Best Watering Cans of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Refresh your plant care routine with a watering can that fits your needs

Several watering cans and potted plants displayed on steps outside

The Spruce / Rachel Marek

A reliable watering can is a must-have item when caring for plants inside your home and in your garden. To find the perfect watering can for your plants, we researched the most popular options on the market and purchased 32 watering cans of various sizes and styles to test them at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa.

Throughout our tests, we performed tasks such as filling the cans using both a sink and a hose and pouring the water into pots of different styles and sizes (including hanging ones). We then rated the watering cans for design, ease of use, effectiveness, size, durability, and value.

Through our testing, we discovered that the size, capacity, and spout type are the most important factors to look for when shopping. Small watering cans with lower capacities are ideal for watering houseplants, and the lightweight options can easily be refilled in the kitchen or bathroom sink. When watering outdoor gardens, look for something bigger that requires less refilling while still being comfortable and hold and carry.

In terms of spouts, free-flow spouts target individual plants or seedlings and are great for gardens that need a lot of water. Rose spouts (similar to a sprinkler) create a gentler stream for delicate indoor plants or large areas of the garden for even watering. Some of the options on this list even have interchangeable modes for the perfect water stream every time.

Jen Stark, a master gardener, interior designer, home improvement expert, and founder of Happy DIY Home, agrees, saying, "If you have very large potted plants, you may need a larger watering can so you can water a few plants before you run out."

But, you want to ensure you can comfortably carry the size of watering can you purchase. "Deciding how much you can comfortably carry is also a factor—if the can is too large, you may not be able to lift, carry, and tilt it as you need to use it," she continues. Luckily, our list runs the gamut of lightweight, small, large, metal, and plastic watering cans for every purpose.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Durabilty
    5/5
What We Like
  • Two handles offer multiple hand positions

  • Extremely durable

  • Flow can be adjusted 

  • Easy to fill

What We Don't Like
  • Harder to use with hanging plants

The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can earned high marks for its design, ease of use, value, and durability—it’s the best choice if you're looking to buy one container for most of your needs. And with its durable construction, it will last for many seasons to come. In fact, when dropped full of water from a height of four feet, not only did it resist cracking, but it also stayed upright.

We also found it easy to use thanks to its two handles (including one with hinges), which made it easy to maneuver into multiple positions, reducing strain on our hands and wrists. "Personally, I like watering cans with multiple handles, so I get two spots to hold," says master gardener, interior designer, and home improvement expert Jen Stark, founder of Happy DIY Home. At 2.6 gallons (the largest capacity on this list), this watering can has a sizable capacity, allowing you to water several plants without making multiple trips to the hose or sink. Plus, the lightweight plastic won't weigh you down. 

With other watering cans we tested, the rose (the sprinkler-type spout) can be removed to allow you to pour water faster onto your plants, which is a very handy feature. But with this can, you don’t even have to remove the rose to get the same benefits—with its twistable spout, you can easily switch between "sprinkle" and "pour" modes.

However, this watering may be harder to use with plants in high places. We noted that you really have to tip this model to get a strong pour on hanging plants. However, you could always take the plant down to water it—if it’s not too much of a hassle.

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 2.6 gallons | Color: Black and orange | Weight: 1 pound | Spout Type: Rose and free flow (adjustable)

Best Small

Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can

Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can

Terrain

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
What We Like
  • Sleek, stylish profile

  • Steady pour with good reach

  • Comfortable handle

What We Don't Like
  • Open top could cause splashing

  • Wood may get damaged outdoors

If you have just a few petite houseplants to care for, we love this open-top watering can from Terrain. Although the handle isn't specifically listed as ergonomic, we found it surprisingly comfortable to hold. The connector that attaches the handle to the watering can is the perfect place to rest your thumb for extra support and steadying. It was also easy to carry, and no water poured out despite the open design.

Because the can is so small, it can be easily filled in either a bathroom or kitchen sink, but the small capacity means that it's not well-suited for a large plant collection. We recommend keeping this watering can indoors as the wooden handle may not fare as well as the powder-coated stainless steel body.

Just like the other watering cans in this roundup, this model passed all of our drop tests except the round, where it was full and dropped on concrete. It dented and lost some paint, but this didn't affect usability. The price of this watering can is a little higher than some of the more basic cans on this list, but we think it's reasonable given the quality and unique design.

Material: Stainless steel (body), wood (handle) | Capacity: 18 ounces (provided by tester) | Color: Dark gray | Weight: Not listed | Spout Type: Free flow

Best Splurge

Williams-Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can

Williams-Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can

Williams-Sonoma

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Durabilty
    3/5
What We Like
  • Looks beautiful on a shelf

  • Sold in multiple sizes 

  • Easy to carry, fill, and pour 

What We Don't Like
  • Not great for outdoor use

  • Can't be used on delicate plants

Easily the most glamorous choice on our list, this watering can won points for its good looks on top of its effectiveness. We loved the subtle, hammered texture that made it look "extra luxe," and we'd happily show it off in one of our homes. This watering can would look nice sitting on a shelf by your houseplants and is a great design for people without a lot of storage who would need to keep it on display.

Since this watering can doesn't have a sprinkle head, it's best for heartier plants, but it had a great pour for plants at every height, and it was easy to fill and carry. However, it failed the drop test on concrete when full of water: The bottom was dented, and the can was no longer able to rest flat. The functionality seemed to be okay, though. For that reason, you'd probably want to use it indoors only. 

We also want to point out that the shiny exterior won't last unless you're willing to maintain it, but many people love the look of the patina that copper products develop with time. At 65 ounces, this can doesn't hold a lot of water, but we managed to fill it to 80 ounces with only minimal splashing while carrying it with one hand.

With a high price tag, we acknowledge that you could get other aesthetically pleasing watering cans for less. But, we love the functionality it provides on top of being a gorgeous piece of decor. It would also be a wonderful gift for someone with a large collection of houseplants.

Material: Copper | Capacity: 65 ounces (80 when completely full) | Color: Copper | Weight: Not listed | Spout Type: Free flow

Best for Outdoors

XXXFlower Watering Can

XXXFlower Watering Can displayed on a white background

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Size
    4/5
  • Durabilty
    4/5
What We Like
  • Sprinkle and pour options

  • Nozzle direction twists up and down

  • Comfortable handles

  • Cap for fill hole

What We Don't Like
  • Not as stylish as others we tested

Of all the watering cans we tested, this model stood out to us thanks to multiple unique features. The double-handle design is ergonomic, and we found the handles comfortable for carrying and lifting to reach hanging flower baskets. Although this watering can has a generous capacity, it stands less than a foot high, so it's easily fillable in a standard kitchen sink.

The rose can be removed, and the spout itself can swivel, offering you the option to either direct the sprinkle upwards (for a gentler effect) or downwards, depending on the watering style your plants need.

Another nifty feature of this watering can is the cap that can be secured over the fill hole. It not only prevents splashing, but it will also help deter critters like frogs that might want to take up residence. The cap does have slits for ventilation so that it won't keep out smaller insects, but we don't consider this a major design flaw.

This watering can also passed all of our drop tests, except when dropped on concrete while full of water. It only suffered a large dent in the corner but didn't leak. While this design isn't the most attractive watering can—we think it kind of looks more like a leaf blower—we didn't mind the trade-off considering how well it worked, especially for watering plants in a garden.

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1.5 gallons | Color: Green | Weight: 1.5 pounds | Spout Type: Rose and free flow

Best for Indoor Plants

Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can

Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Durabilty
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight and easy to use

  • Sprinkle and pour options

  • Built-in storage peg for the rose

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity 

Great for indoor watering needs, this inexpensive watering can holds only one liter, so it's best for those with only a few plants to water. It's also a good option if you're looking for a smaller container to allow kids to help in the garden. While testing, we found it was easy to pour and aim this design, and we also loved its featherweight size. 

An especially cool feature is the removable rose that allows you to switch between sprinkling and free-flow pouring. When not in use, the rose can be screwed onto a peg above the spout, so you're less likely to lose it. Aside from yellow, this watering can also come in several other cheery colors, including red, light blue, and sage green.

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 33.8 ounces (1 liter) | Color: Yellow, dark blue, green, purple, light blue, sage, red | Weight: 0.2 pounds | Spout Type: Rose and free flow

Best Plastic

Fasmov Plastic Watering Can

Fasmov 1-Gallon Plastic Watering Can

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    4.5/5
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Size
    4.5/5
  • Durabilty
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Easy to carry even when full

  • Sturdy construction

  • Good pouring accuracy 

What We Don't Like
  • Small fill hole may make refilling tricky

  • No rose attachment

While testing, we loved this simple plastic watering can and think it's a reasonable investment that will last a long time. Thanks to the two ridges on the handles, we found this watering can very comfortable to hold and carry. It doesn’t have a rose (sprinkler spout), but it's a great option for indoor or smaller plants when you want maximum control over the water flow. One thing to note is that the fill hole is on the smaller side, so depending on your sink's configuration, it might be trickier to fill.

With a 1-gallon capacity, we think this watering can hits "the sweet spot" for indoor plants. It's also easy to carry when full, and the water didn't slosh over the edge, even when filled to the brim. The plastic is also very stable and not flimsy like other watering can designs.

It survived all of the drop tests except the final one. When we dropped it while full on concrete, the front of the can buckled, and a few small bulge marks also appeared, but it was still very functional. All in all, we think this plastic watering can is great for indoor use despite its lack of additional features.

Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1 gallon | Color: Navy blue | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Spout Type: Free flow

Best Metal

E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can

E.Palace Stainless Steel Water Can

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    4/5
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Size
    5/5
  • Durabilty
    4/5
What We Like
  • Attractive, minimalist look

  • Excellent aim and steady pour

  • Easy to fill 

What We Don't Like
  • No extra features

  • Not great for large plant collection

Despite its small size, we are fans of this can for its great aim and reach for all sizes of plants. The long spout makes it comfortable to reach higher hanging plants, plus we love the minimalist brushed metal finish. Although the handle wasn't distinctly ergonomic, it balanced well in our hands and still felt comfortable to hold.

The one downside of this can is its small capacity, although this made it easy to fill, even under a bathroom sink. We don't think this watering can would be great for watering a large group of plants, as it would take forever to constantly refill, but if you just have one or two plants in your collection, this is an excellent option.

The stainless steel did suffer some damage when it was dropped on concrete: A small scratch when it was dropped empty and a dent when it was dropped full, but neither of these affected the functionality of the can—it could still sit steady and hold water.

Keep in mind that a stainless steel can like this one is best kept out of the garden. "Metal cans are great rustic pieces that work well for watering indoor plants, but if you don't paint them to seal out the elements, they can easily rust and corrode," says Stark, adding, "They're best used inside as you're less prone to drop them and dent or damage the metal."

Material: Stainless steel | Capacity: 15 ounces | Color: Silver | Weight: 7 ounces | Spout Type: Free flow

Compare

Design Effectiveness Ease of Use Size Durabilty
Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can
Best Overall:
Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can
5 4 5 5 5
Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can
Best Small:
Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can
4 4.5 5 5
Williams-Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can
Best Splurge:
Williams-Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can
4.5 5 4.5 5 3
XXXFlower Watering Can displayed on a white background
Best for Outdoors:
XXXFlower Watering Can
4 4 5 4 4
Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can
Best for Indoor Plants:
Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can
4 4 5 5 5
Fasmov 1-Gallon Plastic Watering Can
Best Plastic:
Fasmov Plastic Watering Can
4.5 4.5 4 4.5 4.5
E.Palace Stainless Steel Water Can
Best Metal:
E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can
4 4 4.5 5 4
Final Verdict

Our top pick, the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can, is sturdy, has double handles (including one with hinges for easy maneuverability), and has a removable rose spout that allows you to water a mix of different plants. If you're a houseplant lover who's looking for a treat (or a gift to impress), consider our splurge pick, the Williams-Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can, which is a beautiful investment that pours easily and accurately while doing double-duty as home decor.

How We Tested the Watering Cans

We researched popular watering cans in a variety of styles and sizes and purchased 32 of them to test at The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We then spent a day evaluating the watering cans to see how they performed in a variety of settings.

  • Ease of Use: To evaluate the ease of use, we filled the cans under the faucet of a sink (if small enough), as well as with a garden hose. We then measured the water capacity to see if it matched up with the manufacturer's claim.
  • Design: After walking at least 30 feet with the watering cans full, we noted any special features in the design that made it easier to carry and maneuver, including two handles or special grips. We also noted if the water spilled or sloshed around the can.
  • Effectiveness: To test the effectiveness, we watered plants in small and large pots, as well as hanging baskets, noting how accurate the water stream was in pour and sprinkle modes (where applicable) and if it was hard to control.
  • Durability: We also noted if the watering can was easy to maneuver, given its size. Since watering cans are often left outside or dropped, we tested each design's durability, dropping them from a height of four feet onto both concrete and grass, noting any dents, scratches, or leaks.
  • Overall Value: Lastly, we rated the value of each can and only learned the price after we had completed the rounds of testing. Our team of editors then selected the top-performing watering cans and wrote product descriptions loaded with performance insights.
Testing Watering Cans for Capacity and Ease of Use

What to Look for in a Watering Can

Capacity

The size of watering can you purchase depends on the number, type, and size of your plants. A large collection of succulents requires less water than several large ferns that must be kept evenly moist. Also, indoor plants' watering requirements are lower than outdoor plants' because of less evaporation, so a smaller watering can is sufficient for most houseplants.

For example, our favorite small pick, the Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can is a great size for watering indoor plants. We also think it is stylish enough to display on a shelf when not in use.

Keep in mind that 1 gallon of water weighs more than 8 pounds. Watering plants at ground level with a large watering can should be sustainable for a short period of time. But if you have plants that are at waist level or above your head, such as in a hanging basket on a porch, lifting a full watering can may be cumbersome.

In those cases, a smaller watering that requires more frequent refills works better than one with a large capacity, and, as Stark says, "Using a smaller can on hanging plants also reduces your chances of dropping it." Additionally, instead of lugging a full, large-capacity watering can up a stairwell or across a patio, you might be better off with a small watering can you refill more often.

Balance and Grip

In watering cans, attractive design, good balance, and grip do not always go hand in hand. A watering can needs good balance so it doesn't easily topple over. Generally, the longer and bulkier the spout, the poorer the balance.

If the spout is fairly thin, it won't necessarily be prone to tipping. "A can with a slightly wider base can help balance out a heavier spout, and ones with heavier metal accents may also be more stable," says Jen Stark, a master gardener, interior designer, and home improvement expert.

A great grip has largely to do with a watering can's handle. "You always want to look at the handle on any watering can you're considering since you'll spend a lot of time carrying it, holding it, and manipulating it to get the water out, says Stark. "It should be large enough for you to comfortably grasp, and it may even have spots for your fingers to go."

Out of all the cans we tested, our best overall pick, the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can stood out for its unique, two-handle design (including one with hinges), which made it easier to maneuver and balance when full compared to other options. We also appreciated the Fasmov Plastic Watering Can (our top plastic option)—the two ridges on the handle made it easy to grip and allowed us to pour accurately without spilling.

Spout

Watering cans have two basic types of spouts: free-flow and rose. Free-flow spouts water with a strong flow, whereas a rose waters a larger area but with a gentle sprinkle, like a rain shower. Most rose watering cans are for outdoor use, and the rose can be fixed or removable. For seedlings and other delicate plants, a watering can with a rose is best since the gentle flow prevents the soil from becoming washed out.

We featured several watering cans on this list with roses, including our best option for indoor plants, the Haws Bosmere Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can, which has a built-in storage peg for a detachable rose, so you don't have to worry about losing it. Our best overall pick, the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can, also has an adjustable nozzle, so you can easily switch from free-flow to rose sprinkle.

For established houseplants and container plants, watering cans with free-flow spouts are best because the water is directed right into the container with minimal spills. The longer the spout, the more precisely you can aim the water. This is especially important for plants in hard-to-reach locations, as well as plants whose lush foliage obstructs the soil.

"A longer spout gives you more control to water smaller pots, and plants that are sensitive to water on the foliage will require a longer spout so you can be more precise and avoid splashing the leaves," says Stark.

Material

Outdoor watering cans are more utilitarian, and aesthetics generally don’t matter as much compared to indoor watering cans that are in plain view on a windowsill or kitchen counter. When used outdoors, a watering can's weight and durability are more important considerations.

Plastic is lighter than galvanized steel or copper. "Plastic is a very heavy-duty material and great for larger jobs, like watering outdoor plants or in situations where you may need to carry more water a bigger distance," says Stark. In line with Stark's advice, our top option for outdoor watering, the XxxFlower 1.5 Gallon Green Watering Can, is made from heavy-duty plastic.

"It [plastic] usually won't crack or break if you drop it, and it's also fairly tip-proof." When opting for a plastic watering can, check whether the material is shatterproof as well as UV-resistant. If you plan to use it year-round, it also should be frost-resistant. 

Regardless of where you use it, a metal watering can should resist rusting—look for phrases like "rust-resistant" or "powder-coated." Our favorite pick for a metal watering can is the E.Palace Stainless Steel Water Can, which is built to resist scratches, corrosion, and tarnishing.

Copper watering cans, like our best splurge option, the Williams Sonoma Tall Copper Watering Can, tend to be both more expensive and smaller. "They're great for indoor use, and they'll develop a pretty patina over time that turns them into rustic decor pieces, too," says Stark.

Ceramic watering cans are heavy and prone to chipping and breaking, so they are not suitable for outdoor use. "Ceramic watering cans come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and designs that allow you to also display them. Just remember that if you drop one, it's going to shatter," says Stark. 

Ease of Filling

A watering can should be convenient to fill. For most outdoor watering cans, that’s usually not an issue because they have plain designs: You just fill them with a hose. But for stylish indoor watering cans, the handle can get in the way of the faucet, which makes filling awkward.

You can measure the depth of your sink and compare it to the height of your watering can to ensure it will fit comfortably before attempting to fill it. We found our favorite small pick, the Terrain Beech Wood Handle Watering Can, easy to refill in a bathroom or kitchen sink because of the small size and capacity and lightweight feel.

FAQ
  • How do you clean a watering can?

    Usually, swishing around water and rinsing regularly keeps a watering can clean. But if mineral deposits have built up in the watering can from hard water or fertilizer, fill the watering can with a 1:1 solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water and let it sit for at least 20 minutes. Pour out the liquid and scrub the watering can with a brush, then rinse it thoroughly with fresh water.

    Use the same method to clean the rose attachment. If it is heavily clogged, you might have to let the watering can soak overnight in the vinegar solution before removing any loosened deposits.

  • What kind of watering can is best for indoor plants?

    A watering can with a smaller capacity, from 30 to 40 fluid ounces, works well for most houseplants. Also, consider the spout type. "Watering your indoor plants requires precision, so, ideally, you want to get a watering can that has a slightly longer and thinner spout," says Stark. This lets you target the pots and water your plants without spilling, even if they are located above your head, such as on a bookshelf.

    A longer spout may also help with overall plant health. "It makes it easier to control how much water goes into each plant, and you can also get the water by the base of the plant while missing the foliage, which reduces the risk of having problems with fungal diseases or mold," says Stark.

  • How do you pick a watering can?

    "You should choose a watering can by deciding on what you need to water with it and whether or not you plan on using it for your outdoor or indoor plants," says Stark. For outdoor use, a 1- or 2-gallon watering can with a rose gives you the most flexibility to water container plants and established plants in garden beds, as well as tender young plants and seedlings.

    For outdoors, choose a break-proof lightweight material. For indoors, you can pick a watering can with a smaller capacity and a design you like. But make sure it has a long spout, so you can water plants without spilling.

Why Trust The Spruce? 

This article was updated by Lexi Dwyer, a freelance writer and product reviewer for The Spruce since 2019, who compiled the current roundup based on exclusive results from our testing at The Lab. The watering cans were all chosen based on high ratings in design, ease of use, effectiveness, size, durability, and value.

Our Experts:

  • Jen Stark, a master gardener, interior designer, and home improvement expert
  • Emma Phelps, associate commerce editor for The Spruce
Updated by
Nadia Hassani
Nadia Hassani

Nadia Hassani is a a Penn State Master Gardener with nearly 20 years of experience in landscaping, garden design, and vegetable and fruit gardening.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process