Best watering can

Looking for the best watering can? We've found large and small capacity watering cans that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Some watering pans come with sprinkler head attachments that can be used to water larger areas or sensitive plants that could be damaged by a continuous stream of water.

Ease of use is another important factor. While it's nice to have a watering can that will hold enough water for your entire garden, it should also be lightweight enough for you to carry it comfortably. This is why we looked out for ergonomic watering cans with multiple carrying handles and balanced designs.

For most people, we think the Union 63066 Watering Can is the best option. It's large and has a sprinkler attachment, and comes in a range of colors. Whether you want something for low-maintenance house plants or thirsty vegetable patches, we've got you covered with our guide to the best watering cans.

The Union 63066 Watering Can is our top watering can. With a two-gallon capacity it holds enough to keep up with a patio full of plants, a herb garden, or garden planters, and it won’t prove bulky to use with its dimensions of 13 inches high x 7.25 inches width x 17 inches long. It has a screw-on sprinkler head, so you can create the flow you need when you’re watering. 

Choose from sage green, Caribbean blue, purple, or hunter green colorways. There’s a tulip design on the side, too, which lifts it up above the functional.

If you’re looking for a watering can that won’t prove too hefty and is easy to angle over pots and tubs, the Bloem Aqua Rite Watering Can is our top option for ease of pouring. You can comfortably use two hands when you’re carrying and tipping it thanks to the slim two-section handle.

With a capacity of 1/2 gallon, it shouldn’t prove too heavy – although you will have to make return trips to the tap if you have lots of water in one go. There’s a brilliant choice of 11 colors, including shades that pop as well as more understated hues, so you can co-ordinate with flowers, foliage, or planters. It’s made from UV stabilized polypropylene to keep its original shade, too.

You can keep indoor plants thriving with the Homarden Copper Colored Watering Can. The long spout ensures it’s easy to reach the soil even when you’re watering those with luxuriant foliage. It’s handy for wall-mounted pots, and it’s ideal if you’re caring for succulents as well. This watering can doesn’t need to be hefted around the house as it weighs just 1.35 pounds. It holds 1/3 gallon of water.

You could happily leave it on show when it’s not doing its job. Although the watering can is made with durable stainless steel, its copper-colored finish gives it a subtly eye-catching look. Just don't leave it out in the rain – you'll lose that gorgeous copper color.

Like the idea of a watering can that has old-fashioned charm? Then the Gardener's Select AW3003P6PR Watering Can could be your perfect match. With a galvanized and powder-coated finish, it’s made to stand up to outdoor life as well as for use indoors, and while this version is fun and bright red, there are other finishes to pick from, including blue and yellow as well as a galvanized silver-grey version.

You can get 1.85 gallons of water on board and there’s a removable rosette for sprinkling. Watering hanging baskets? The 1.65-pound weight shouldn’t prove a problem. There is one downside to this watering can: it will get dented if dropped or bumped into something, so take a little extra care with it.

The WhaleLife Indoor Watering Can is translucent and comes with a chic and smooth Nordic design. This watering can comes in six colors, from bottle green to frosted amber. Because the water level is clearly visible through the can, you'll find it easy to use and control. This is also aided by the elongated spout and ergonomic handle. 

With a 40 ounce capacity, the WhaleLife indoor watering can isn't the largest one you can buy. It's mainly designed for indoor use and it doesn't have a sprinkler spout. 

The Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can is designed for practicality. It holds 2.6 gallons of water so you can get the watering done without traipsing back to the tap all the time. It’s also easy to fill: the hole for the water is offset meaning the handle doesn’t get in the way. It’ll go easy on your wrists as well. One of the handles is hinged to make holding and pouring easier and the dual design allows different hand positions to make doing the watering a more comfortable experience.

Other bonuses? The spout head rotates to allow adjustment of the water flow to suit the particular plant you’re watering. And it’s made from UV stabilized polypropylene so it doesn’t fade, and the walls of the can are thick to avoid creases and leaks. It may not be the best-looking kid on the block, but it does the job very well.

If you want to get some help with plant care from younger family members, the Union 63182 Elephant Watering Can could be just the thing to get them interested. It’s perfectly shaped for the job, of course, with the trunk spout making directing the flow easy.

The plastic design won’t hold a whole lot of water, but it’ll keep up with houseplant watering duties, and avoid weighing kids and those with less mobility down. Also handy is the spout position, which ensures the handle isn’t in the way when you’re filling it. Whether or not you like plastic is a different question, but it is lightweight, which can be a good thing.

Our verdict

We think the best watering can for most people is the Union 63066 Watering Can, which has multiple handles and a large capacity. For an even larger capacity, check out the Bloem Easy Pour Watering Can. It also comes with an adjustable spout. While the Homarden Copper Colored Watering Can and WhaleLife Indoor Watering Can both have only one spout option, they're great for indoor use and look fantastic, meaning they can be left on display in your home. 

If you want to achieve a classic look, try the Gardener's Select AW3003P6PR Watering Can. It has multiple color options and comes in durable metal. For something more decorative, the elephant-shaped Union 63182 Elephant Watering Can will be a top choice for children. The Bloem Aqua Rite Watering Can is a top choice if you want something simple and affordable.