How long do fire extinguishers last?

The life expectancy of individual fire extinguishers varies according to the make and model and whether or not it is refillable, so always check the warranty on a new fire extinguisher and keep records of when it was purchased. In general, you can expect a fire extinguisher to last between 5-12 years. Be sure to regularly check your fire extinguisher for any signs of damage or dysfunction which would necessitate replacing it before the warranty expires.

How often should fire extinguishers be checked?

According to the NFPA , you should inspect your fire extinguishers when you first install them and once a month after that. Be sure to read the manual that came with your fire extinguisher for specific instructions. But in general, some things to check for include making sure the fire extinguisher is easily accessible in its designated spot, verifying that the pressure gauge is still in the green, ensuring that the locking pin and tamper seal are intact, and verifying that it’s full.

What are the four types of fire extinguishers available?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are actually five classes of portable fire extinguishers, designated by the letters A, B, C, D, and K. Class A concerns combustible materials including wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many types of plastic. Class B stands for flammable and combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable types of gas. Class C involves energized electrical equipment. Class D is for combustible magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. Class K is for fires caused by cooking appliances that use vegetable or animal oils and fats. Household fire extinguishers marked ABC will cover most issues, or you can select specific fire extinguishers for areas susceptible to grease or electrical fires such the kitchen or garage.

The 6 Best Fire Extinguishers of 2022

When used correctly, a fire extinguisher can help prevent property damage and save lives in case of a house fire. We researched and tested dozens of fire extinguishers, evaluating ease of use, effectiveness, and durability.

Our best overall pick is the Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher, a reliable option that works quickly on all kinds of fires and can easily be stored away when not in use.

Here are the best fire extinguishers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Amerex B500 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher at Amazon

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Runner-Up, Best Overall:

Kidde Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher at Wayfair

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Best High-Capacity:

Kidde ProLine Pro Fire Extinguisher at Walmart

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Best Aerosol:

FIRST ALERT Tundra Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Spray at Amazon

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Best for the Car:

FIRST ALERT Auto Fire Extinguisher at Amazon

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Best Set:

Kidde Recreation and Kitchen Fire Extinguisher Set at Home Depot

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for in a Fire Extinguisher

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Who else recommends it? Bob Vila and BestReviews both picked the Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher.

What do buyers say? 87% of 1,600+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

Owners say the Amerex B500 is long-lasting and reliable, and a perfect size for general home use. This is a chemical fire extinguisher that will work on all kinds of fires: trash, wood, and paper; flammable liquids; and electrical blazes. It weighs 10 pounds, has 5 pounds of powder, and has a 2A, 10B-C rating.

The Amerex has all-metal valves and comes with a wall mount and a pressure gauge. Reviewers like that unlike many home fire extinguishers, this one is refillable. They also say that its 14-second discharge is enough to put out substantial household blazes, but at about 15 inches tall, the canister is still small enough to fit in a cabinet or in other tight storage spaces. The metal handle and trigger also earns a lot of praise for sturdiness and durability compared to cheaper plastic versions. It comes with a six-year warranty.

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The Kidde Pro 210 is very similar to the Amerex B500, but it contains one pound fewer of extinguishing agent. Like the Amerex, it is also a chemical fire extinguisher that can handle all types of blazes, whether they’re conventional, liquid, or electrical fires. It weighs 7 pounds, contains 4 pounds of chemical extinguishing powder, and has a 2A, 10B-C rating.

Like the Amerex, the Kidde Pro is refillable and comes with a wall mount and a pressure gauge. Discharge time is 13 to 15 seconds, and Kidde reports a range of 10 to 15 feet. It’s about an inch taller than the Amerex but a few inches narrower, so it won’t take up too much space. Reviewers like the sturdy chrome-plated trigger and say the unit feels durable. Those who’ve had to use this extinguisher say it did its job well, but potential buyers should also note that Kidde has been plagued by a significant number of fire-extinguisher recalls in recent years. It comes with a six-year limited warranty.

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4.8

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Buyers who want to be prepared with a beefier fire extinguisher should look into the Kidde Pro 10MP, which has a larger-capacity canister that holds 10 pounds of chemical fire extinguishing agent. It can handle all major types of fires, weighs 16 pounds, and has a 4A, 60 B-C rating, which indicates that it has enough power to handle larger blazes.

As a high-capacity extinguisher, the Kidde Pro 10MP is more than 21 inches tall and will require more storage space than smaller units. It does come with a wall mount and a pressure gauge. Discharge time is 19 to 21 seconds, and range is about 20 feet. Reviewers like having the peace of mind that a bigger fire extinguisher provides, and one reports having used is successfully on a substantial brush fire. They also like the rugged metal trigger, but a few report users report issues with receiving dented or partially discharged units.

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Anyone who wants an easy-to-use aerosol fire extinguisher should check out First Alert Tundra, reviewers say. Sold alone or in a two-pack, the 14-ounce Tundra extinguishers look similar to large cans of bug spray and weigh 22 ounces each. Despite their humble looks, they are still capable of putting out all major kinds of small fires, including grease and electrical fires. However, buyers should note that there is no pressure gauge on these cans, and aerosol extinguishers have performed poorly in expert tests. Many experts warn against them or recommend that they only be used as a supplement to normal fire extinguishers—never as a replacement.

Reviewers love being able to stash a can of Tundra in a cabinet or on a counter because it is so small. They also say these little cans are less intimidating than a heavy, utilitarian traditional fire extinguisher. A handful of owners say they’ve used them to put out a fire successfully. First Alert says Tundra cans have a wide-spray nozzle that helps them cover a wide area, and recommend using them from about 3 to 4 feet away from the fire.

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Small enough to stash in even the most compact cars, the First Alert FIAFESA5 Auto Fire Extinguisher is 5 B-C rated to handle small fires common in cars, such as gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical blazes. Note that it is not suitable for trash, wood, or paper fires, however.

Att under 11-inches tall, this First Alert is about the size of a 2-liter bottle and small enough to stash in a trunk, in some larger glove compartments or even under seats. Owners who’ve had to use it said it put out small automotive fires quickly and easily. It comes with a pressure gauge and a mount engineered to provide additional stability in a car. Note that like many other auto-specific fire extinguishers, the First Alert is not refillable. It comes with a five-year warranty.

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Two fire extinguishers are better than one. This a set comes with one unit that is suited for the kitchen to handle liquid and gas fires, and a second unit is built to handle trash and wood fires as well as liquid, gas, and electrical. Keep one close to the kitchen and perhaps another one in the basement or garage in case a fire strikes. This set makes a great gift for a new homeowner since this often something people forget to buy.

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How We Tested

We bought three top-rated fire extinguishers that our reviewers tested for three hours. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these fire extinguishers, from their weight to their classification. We’ve outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

Fire Class

Fire extinguishers are sorted by “fire class,” which is designated by letters A, B, and C. Typically, the best option for household use is an ABC extinguisher that can combat all types of fire. However, if you are looking for a product to put in a specific location, such as the kitchen or garage, you might want one that is specifically designed for grease or electrical fires.

Weight

Fire extinguishers can vary dramatically in weight—some aerosol options weigh mere ounces, while full-size products can weigh close to 20 pounds. Make sure to consider the weight of the extinguisher before you buy, ensuring that anyone who might need to use it can comfortably lift the canister.

Refills

After you use your fire extinguisher or it expires, you’ll need to replace it. Some products can be refilled, which are often significantly less expensive than buying a whole new canister. Consider whether there’s somewhere near you where you can get your extinguisher refilled—many fire departments offer this service, but you should check with your local station.

FAQ

How long do fire extinguishers last?

The life expectancy of individual fire extinguishers varies according to the make and model and whether or not it is refillable, so always check the warranty on a new fire extinguisher and keep records of when it was purchased. In general, you can expect a fire extinguisher to last between 5-12 years. Be sure to regularly check your fire extinguisher for any signs of damage or dysfunction which would necessitate replacing it before the warranty expires.
How often should fire extinguishers be checked?

According to the NFPA, you should inspect your fire extinguishers when you first install them and once a month after that. Be sure to read the manual that came with your fire extinguisher for specific instructions. But in general, some things to check for include making sure the fire extinguisher is easily accessible in its designated spot, verifying that the pressure gauge is still in the green, ensuring that the locking pin and tamper seal are intact, and verifying that it’s full.
What are the four types of fire extinguishers available?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are actually five classes of portable fire extinguishers, designated by the letters A, B, C, D, and K. Class A concerns combustible materials including wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many types of plastic. Class B stands for flammable and combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable types of gas. Class C involves energized electrical equipment. Class D is for combustible magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. Class K is for fires caused by cooking appliances that use vegetable or animal oils and fats. Household fire extinguishers marked ABC will cover most issues, or you can select specific fire extinguishers for areas susceptible to grease or electrical fires such the kitchen or garage.