The Best Fire Extinguishers to Keep Your Home and Family Safe

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Stay calm when a fire breaks out in your home. These fire extinguishers will help keep you and your family safe in an emergency.

House fires are not uncommon and can have life-threatening consequences. Quick action taken with a fire extinguisher and/or fire escape ladder will help protect the lives of household members, in addition to reducing the risk of sustaining significant damage to the dwelling. Having a fire extinguisher in the home is also required by law in many states.

It is important to note that commercial and residential fire extinguishers may not put out a fire completely. An extinguisher can put out small fires, or contain them before the firefighters arrive, as those in the home move to a safe area. While people may be able to put out small fires quite safely, serious injury or death can occur by attempting to put out a fire that is beyond the capabilities of a fire extinguisher. People should only tackle a fire if it’s in its very early stages.

We sought out Jay Flynn, a fire chief in North Carolina (who is also foundation director for the real estate company Homes for Heroes), for expert advice on what to do when a fire breaks out in the home. “Never put yourself in harm’s way to use the extinguisher,” he says. “The most important actions are to call 911 as soon as possible to get the fire department coming and alert others so they can evacuate.”

A reliable extinguisher in the home can help address a fire emergency if it arises, and even if household members never have to use a fire extinguisher, this tool offers peace of mind. There are many extinguishers on the market, each intended for specific types of fires. Read on for help choosing the best fire extinguisher for a particular situation. In this guide, we outline classes of fires and corresponding extinguishers, offer shopping considerations for extinguishers, and give recommendations for top-performing models to help folks incorporate the best fire extinguisher into a home’s fire safety plan.

1. BEST OVERALL: Amerex 5-Pound B500 ABC Fire Extinguisher
2. RUNNER-UP: Kidde Pro 210 4-Pound ABC Fire Extinguisher
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher
4. EASIEST TO USE: First Alert Rechargeable HOME1 Fire Extinguisher
5. BEST CAPACITY: Amerex 10-Pound B456 ABC Fire Extinguisher
6. BEST FOR THE CAR: Amerex 2.5-Pound B417T ABC Fire Extinguisher
7. BEST FOR THE KITCHEN: First Alert Kitchen5 Fire Extinguisher
8. BEST FOR ELECTRICAL FIRES: First Alert PRO5 Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher
9. BEST FOR GREASE FIRES: Amerex 5-Pound B402 ABC Fire Extinguisher

How We Chose the Best Fire Extinguishers 

We researched the most sought-after commercial and residential fire extinguishers for emergencies in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their compatible fire class, size and weight, and other special features included by top brands.

“Homeowners must use the correct type of extinguisher to be effective,” counsels Flynn, who recommends an ABC-style extinguisher for most residences. “These are typically dry-chemical extinguishers that give the most flexible usage,” he says. With that in mind, we mainly chose extinguishers compatible with A-, B-, and C-class fires (explained in the section Classes of Fire Extinguishers that appears after our product reviews), meaning they can take on small kitchen fires as well as larger backyard or camping fires. We also chose models in a range of sizes and weights to suit various users and situations, from 2.5-pound models to those weighing 10 pounds or more. Plus, some models have tanks made with lightweight aluminum to be easy to grab quickly and use comfortably.

As for added safety features, we made sure to select user-friendly fire extinguishers with color-coded or large pressure gauges, instruction manuals, and wall brackets to prevent unwanted spraying while being stored.

Our Top Picks

Now it’s time to explore some top models. The following lineup offers fire extinguishers suited to the most important locations in a home, and in sizes that people can handle easily.

Best Overall

Amerex 5-Pound B500 ABC Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 15.25 inches tall by 7.25 inches wide by 4 inches deep
• Weight: 5-pound capacity (9.25 pounds total)

Pros

• Suitable for most common household fires; wall brackets are included
• Easily observed pressure gauges assure user that the extinguisher is in working order
• Includes rubber hose that can be directed right onto the fire without tilting the canister

Cons

• Some users report that the item arrived below charge and needed to be replaced

Those looking for a reliable extinguisher to tackle the most common house fires will want to consider the B500 model from Amerex. This is a tried-and-true extinguisher, trusted by fire safety professionals. This set comes with two commercial-grade extinguishers as well as wall brackets for both. These extinguishers are suitable for A-, B-, and C-class fires, making them ideal for any room in the house.

Each extinguisher holds 5 pounds of ABC dry chemical, and the rubber hose is easy to aim at the base of the fire, allowing users to sweep a direct path in front of themselves. The extinguishers have easy-to-see pressure gauges to show if they’re still in working order. Folks who prefer to have extinguishers maintained can take these serviceable models to a local fire safety supplier.

Get the Amerex B500 fire extinguisher at Amazon (2-pack), The Home Depot, Walmart, or Amerexfireextinguishers.com.

Runner-Up

Kidde Pro 210 4-Pound ABC Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 15.7 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide
• Weight: 4-pound capacity (7.5 pounds total)

Pros

• Holds 4 pounds of dry chemical powder; rechargeable and can be used multiple times
• Easy-to-read pressure gauge so users can ensure the extinguisher is operational
• Rubber discharge hose makes pointing and aiming easy when putting out a fire

Cons

• Some users report the included plastic wall bracket is not very sturdy

Kidde has been a leader in fire safety for over 100 years, and the company’s extinguishers are top-notch. The Kidde Pro 210 has an aluminum bottle, rather than steel, to help reduce weight and make this extinguisher more maneuverable. It holds 4 pounds of powder and features an easy-to-read pressure gauge to alert household members when the pressure drops.

The Kidde also includes a rubber discharge hose to help aim the suppressant powder at the base of the fire. This ABC extinguisher is appropriate for most household uses and comes with a wall bracket for hanging. The extinguisher is conveniently serviceable and can be maintained by bringing it to an extinguisher service shop.

Get the Kidde Pro 210 fire extinguisher at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Kidde.

Best Bang for the Buck

Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 14.2 inches high by 4.5 inches wide by 3.6 inches deep
• Weight: 2.5-pound capacity (3.9 pounds total)

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to grab quickly during a fire emergency
• Built-in gauges ensure that this compact fire extinguisher is operational
• Can be stored in small places including cars, trucks, RVs, kitchens, garages, and laundry rooms

Cons

• May not be suitable for extinguishing a large household fire

It’s not always feasible to mount a 5- or 10-pound fire extinguisher to a cabinet or a wall. In such cases, this lightweight ABC extinguisher from Kidde is a great choice for multipurpose fire protection. Plus, its affordable price makes it a solid choice for a backup extinguisher that can bring additional peace of mind.

Weighing 3.9 pounds, Kidde’s FA110 fire extinguisher covers most household needs, and its small size makes it easy to aim. The extinguisher can be stored in areas most vulnerable to fire, including cars and trucks, RVs, kitchens, garages, the laundry room, or an upstairs hall closet.

Get the Kidde FA110 fire extinguisher at Amazon, Walmart (2-pack), or Kidde.

Easiest To Use

First Alert Rechargeable HOME1 Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 14.25 inches tall by 3.25 inches wide
• Weight: 2.5-pound capacity (5.4 pounds total)

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver due to small size
• Sturdy metal head is tough and designed to hold up to multiple uses
• Rechargeable, so it can be used more than once (after professional recharging)

Cons

• Some reviewers report the extinguisher losing charge too quickly over time

Lightweight and with a simple design, the First Alert HOME1 fire extinguisher is easy to use but still very effective. Like many of the others on this list, it’s an ABC extinguisher, so it can help put out small, common household fires. It’s a 2.5-pound-rated extinguisher, at a total of 5.4 pounds, and boasts a sturdy handle making it easy to maneuver.

There’s no hose to deal with on this extinguisher; to use, simply point the nozzle at the base of the fire and shoot. A durable metal head means this extinguisher meets demanding needs, and it’s rechargeable, too, so it can be employed more than once (it must be recharged by a professional after each use). A mounting bracket is also included.

Get the First Alert HOME1 fire extinguisher at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target. 

Best Capacity

Amerex 10-Pound B456 ABC Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 20 inches tall by 7.75 inches wide by 5 inches deep
• Weight: 10-pound capacity (18 pounds total)

Pros

• Large-capacity 10-pound rating is a better choice for larger home fires
• Not too heavy overall; weighs 18 pounds, which is reasonable to lift for many users
• Metal mounting bracket is sturdy and long lasting, well suited to this heavier extinguisher

Cons

• This extinguisher might be too heavy for some, especially since it requires lifting with 1 hand

While there are home fire extinguishers with a 20-pound rating, these can be unwieldy and difficult for some people to use. Fortunately, 10-pound-capacity options are often enough for home use. The Amerex B456 fire extinguisher fits the bill, and with an overall weight of 18 pounds, it’s not terribly heavy.

As an ABC extinguisher, it’s suitable for inside the home, garage, workshop, and more; simply place it where there are any concerns about a larger-than-normal fire. A large loop pull pin ensures easier use, and this extinguisher has a spray hose to improve aim. A sturdy metal wall bracket is included for reliable storage.

Get the Amerex B456 fire extinguisher at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart (2-pack), or Amerexfireextinguishers.com. 

Best For The Car

Amerex 2.5-Pound B417T ABC Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 15.5 inches high by 5.75 inches wide by 3 inches deep
• Weight: 2.5-pound capacity (5.5 pounds total)

Pros

• Small enough to keep in a car’s front seat, back seat, or trunk
• Comes with a bracket that can be screwed to the body panel
• Best for extinguishing fires that are small or at close range

Cons

• Smaller than comparable fire extinguishers; doesn’t include a hose, which may make aiming difficult for some people

Keeping a fire extinguisher in a vehicle is a very sensible precaution. The B417T ABC extinguisher from Amerex is a 2.5-pound model that fits under a passenger seat or in the trunk of a car without issue. There’s no hose to aim, but at this small size, pointing the device directly at the base of a fire isn’t a challenge.

It comes with an excellent bracket that can be screwed directly onto a body panel, latching it securely in place. This bracket keeps it from accidentally discharging in the vehicle and obstructing the driver’s view with a dry chemical, as well as preventing it from becoming an airborne safety hazard in an accident.

Get the Amerex B417T fire extinguisher at Amazon, Grainger, or Amerexfireextinguishers.com.

Best For The Kitchen

First Alert Kitchen5 Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: B and C
• Size: 10.1 inches high by 3 inches wide
• Weight: 1.4-pound capacity (3 pounds total)

Pros

• Small enough to store under a sink or cabinet; includes small bracket for safe storage
• Uses dry chemical BC powder; removes oxygen and contains fires quickly
• Easy-to-read color-coded push-button pressure gauge is corrosion-resistant and provides accurate measurement

Cons

• Not suitable for Class A fires, which involve combustible materials, including cloth, wood, and plastics
• Smaller than comparable options; suitable for small fires no larger than grease fires

Never attempt to put out a kitchen fire with water. Doing so is likely to spread grease and cooking oil, potentially worsening the fire; water might also splash on an electric appliance, which can shock the user upon contact. The First Alert Kitchen5 fire extinguisher sidesteps these problems, holding just under 1.5 pounds of dry chemical BC powder—typically enough to put out a small grease fire.

This handy device is small enough to keep close by in the kitchen and lightweight enough to grab and aim to suffocate a fire. It comes with a small bracket that can be easily installed inside of a cabinet or pantry space. It has a color-coded push-button pressure gauge.

Get the First Alert Kitchen5 fire extinguisher at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Best For Electrical Fires

First Alert PRO5 Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher

Product Specs 

• Fire class: A-, B-, and C-class
• Size: 16.2 inches high by 4.6 inches wide by 6 inches deep
• Weight: 5-pound capacity (10.2 pounds total)

Pros

• All-metal bottle, head, and valve provides ample durability
• Rechargeable and can be reused; heavy-duty construction is meant for demanding needs
• Easy-to-read color-coded corrosion-resistant pressure gauge