The best watering cans
The garden tool that gets used every day from April to September. Pick the right size and it's a pleasure.
A watering can is simple, but the details matter more than you'd think: the size you can comfortably lift, a rose that gives a gentle shower for seedlings, and a spout long enough to reach.
Most gardens suit a 7 to 10 litre can. We've picked plastic cans for everyday use and a metal one that makes a lovely present for a gardener.
What matters
- Capacity: 6–7 litres to lift easily, 10 for big jobs.
- A detachable rose, for seedlings and for direct pouring.
- Metal lasts and looks good; plastic is lighter.
- A long spout for the back of borders.
#1 of 5
Best overall
Selections Heritage Blue and Copper Metal Watering Can (9 litres)
£13.99 RRP
Painted galvanised steel in heritage blue with copper-coloured handles: a watering can pretty enough to leave out by the back door, and the one to give as a present.
What owners say: Owners love the build quality and the colour, and find it nicely balanced when full.
A closer look: Nine litres of water weighs 9kg, so fill it two-thirds for pots on a table or hanging baskets. Empty it after use in winter so frost can't split the seams.
- 9 litres
- Painted galvanised steel, rust-protected
- Detachable rose
- Folding top handle
- Long spout
Best for: A good-looking present
- Capacity
- 9 litres
- Material
- Painted steel
- Detachable rose
- Yes
#2 of 5
Whitefurze 7 Litre Watering Can (red)
Under £10 Price range
A sturdy plastic can made in Britain: Whitefurze moulds its products at its own factory in Nuneaton. The wraparound handle makes pouring into hanging baskets easy.
What owners say: Owners find it good quality and value, easy to fill from most water butts, and a handy size for hanging baskets.
A closer look: Seven litres is a comfortable size to lift up to a hanging basket. Take the rose off to water straight at the roots of tomatoes and pots, where the water's needed.
- 7 litres
- Detachable sprinkler rose
- Wraparound handle
- Made in the UK
Best for: Hanging baskets
- Capacity
- 7 litres
- Material
- Plastic
- Detachable rose
- Yes
#3 of 5
Best big can
HH Home Hut 10 Litre Watering Can
Under £10 Price range
Ten litres means fewer trips to the tap for the veg patch or allotment. The wide opening fills quickly under a garden tap or from a hose.
What owners say: Owners find it sturdy, well made and good value, with a rose that gives a nice even flow.
Heads up: Check it for drips at the base on the first fill: it's quicker to swap it straight away than halfway through summer.
A closer look: Use the rose for seedlings and newly sown beds, so the soil isn't washed away, and pour without it for established plants.
- 10 litres
- Detachable rose
- Wide filling opening
- UV-stable plastic
Best for: Allotments and veg patches
- Capacity
- 10 litres
- Material
- Plastic
- Detachable rose
- Yes
#4 of 5
Hardys Recycled Plastic Watering Can (10 litres)
£10–£20 Price range
Made from recycled plastic, with a long spout for reaching the back of a border and a wraparound handle for easy pouring.
What owners say: Owners find it good quality, sturdy and well priced, big enough to water several pots and easy to pour.
A closer look: The long spout is the thing here: it reaches the back of a deep border or the middle of a raised bed without treading on the plants.
- 10 litres
- Recycled plastic
- Long spout
- Detachable rose
- Wraparound handle
Best for: Deep borders
- Capacity
- 10 litres
- Material
- Recycled plastic
- Detachable rose
- Yes
#5 of 5
Best budget
Ward 6.5 Litre Watering Can (green)
Under £10 Price range
A slim, light can that does the job for very little money, with a fine rose for seedlings. Easy to dip into a water butt.
What owners say: Owners find it excellent value, light and easy to use, and handy for filling from a water butt.
A closer look: A slim can like this fits into a water butt's opening better than a wide one. Keep the rose in a pocket or the shed when not needed, as small parts are easily lost in the border.
- 6.5 litres
- Fine rose included
- Slimline shape
- Very light
Best for: A spare or a water butt
- Capacity
- 6.5 litres
- Material
- Plastic
- Detachable rose
- Included
How they compare
| Feature | #1Selections Heritage | #2Whitefurze 7L | #3HH Home Hut 10L | #4Hardys 10L | #5Ward 6.5L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best big can | Best budget | |||
| Picked Rating | 9.4 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.8 | 8.6 |
| Price | £13.99 RRP | Under £10 Price range | Under £10 Price range | £10–£20 Price range | Under £10 Price range |
| Capacity | 9 litres | 7 litres | 10 litres | 10 litres | 6.5 litres |
| Material | Painted steel | Plastic | Plastic | Recycled plastic | Plastic |
| Detachable rose | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Included |
| Best for | A good-looking present | Hanging baskets | Allotments and veg patches | Deep borders | A spare or a water butt |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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