13 Best Watering Cans For Indoor and Outdoor Use

If you’re looking for a new watering can for your plants, you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve set out to find the top products on the market. In this article, we have gathered a list of the best watering cans and pots for indoor and outdoor plant care. Giving you the convenience of simply picking out the one that suits you…and your plants.

Choosing The Best Watering Can

Many people think that a watering can is simply a portable bucket for getting water from your tap to your plants. Technically, they’d be correct, but in practical terms, it’s really important to select the right watering tool for the job at hand.

There are times when you need a watering can to quickly pour a broad fast flow of water over your vegetable garden, but there are also times when you need a more controlled approach. Thankfully, watering cans come in all manner of shapes and sizes and serve a variety of horticultural functions around the home and garden. So give some consideration to your specific watering needs.

When watering my indoor succulents or smaller potted houseplants, I prefer a controlled flow of water to gently irrigate roots and avoid spillage, allowing me to release water directly onto the succulent’s soil in each cluster of succulent pots. In this situation, a small, long-spouted watering can is perfect.

Think about watering seed trays or tender young seedlings, a soft spray through a rose attachment is essential. Allowing you to water without washing the soil away or flattening the fragile stems. 

When it comes to choosing the best product for the job, it is important to consider the main function you need your can to perform and don’t be surprised if you find yourself with half a dozen different watering cans in all shapes and sizes.

Buyers Guide

Let’s run through the main parts of a watering can and perhaps most parts…the handle, spout, and roses, often called rosettes or sprinkler head.

Watering Cans with a Rose

Fixed or Removable Rose Head

If your watering can has a rose head, it will either be fixed or removable. Fixed heads are great for general purposes watering; such as rose bushes, borders, pots, and other larger plants. My preference in most cases would be to use a removable head with the flexibility to be able to turn it around on the spout. This will release the water spray upwards towards the sky creating a softer rain-like flow of water, which is perfect for more delate plants with softer foliage. You can also create a wider spray by doing this.

The second benefit of a removable head is simply the option to remove it and allow a fast single stream of water again super for watering pots, or for using the watering can for other purposes around the home, like flushing direct your backdoor step.

Fine or Standard Rose

The size of the holes in the rose will also influence the finesse of the spray. I like a smaller watering can with a fine spray for work in the glasshouse when watering seed trays. A small can is also easier to handle and control the spray. But, when working on borders or perhaps if I wanted to water the salad beds I prefer to faster spray which saves me a lot of time. Perfect for that job where you just need to get it done but don’t want to mess around getting your garden hose out.

Handle Shape and Position 

Handle Circumference

Most watering pots have rounded handles, which make them easier and more comfortable to grip, especially if you have to make several trips from your kitchen sink to the garden and back, or over to your outdoor water tap. I find a reasonably thick tube handle is the emos comfortable. The larger and heavier the watering can, the more important the handle shape will be in offering you a comfortable grip.

Handle Position

Some larger cans have a single top handle for lifting and carrying, plus a secondary handle on the back to assist with two-handed pouring. I find this essential when you go past around 1 liter of water capacity as it just gets too heavy to control. For outdoor watering cans lookout for a dual grip handle. Whether this is two separate handles or one curved ‘C’ shaped handle is down to your preference. Just make sure you can use two hands to control larger cans.

On the opposite end of the scale, indoor watering cans for smaller volumes of water are often best suited with a single handle at the back of the can, offering a comfortable grip and excellent control over the water flow.

Watering Can Size

Water weighs a lot. This added weight in a larger watering can makes the container even heavier. While this means fewer trips to the kitchen sink, the weight will take its toll on your hands. If you only have a few houseplants, it’s best to choose a watering can capacity of between 0.5 and 2 gallons from our recommended list. The smaller capacity watering cans are ideal for a handful of houseplants, succulents, small cactus, or bonsai trees, while the larger capacity watering cans are best for newly planted seedlings, shrubs, and flowers in the garden. 

The Yard and Garden team has shortlisted some excellent products to give you a choice of high-quality watering can whatever the situation. Our experts have tested dozens of pots for their practicality, value for money, and quality before narrowing down the list to the most appealing products. So here it goes…

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Best Watering Cans Product Reviews 

When it comes to choosing the right watering can or watering pot for you, there are more than a sprinkling of options on the market. They all have benefits but it comes down to what you need them for. Are you watering your house or patio plants or do you need them for outdoor plants and if so, how big is your plot? To help guide you through the options and decide which product will work best for you, we went to the trouble of seeking out the best of the best. Our choices are based on design, functionality, manufacture, and feedback from customers when using the product.

After flushing dozens of watering cans and watering pots through the system, here are our favorites that we use ourselves or are confident to recommend to you.

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1. Behrens 208 Galvanized Watering Can 2 Gallon

Let’s start with our top pick, the Behrens 2-gallon galvanized watering can, which simply will not rust, no matter where or how you store it. We love the classic vintage look of this can with its generous capacity and high weather resistance. I personally love the frosted effect of a classic galvanized watering can, it reminds me of the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz.

One slight negative is that this watering can has a non-removable sprinkler head. Despite this, it produces a really nice broad sprinkle through the rose head. The broad spout produces a well-pressured water flow and feels balanced in your hands when you tip it to pour. There is a wide opening allowing for easy filling, and a novel traditional wire handle that has a satisfying clang to it when you put the watering can down. Check the Behrens price here on Amazon.com.

Customer reviews: the product was rated an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars because of how easy to fill it was, with a gentle sprinkling flow and comfortable handles. Some users would have liked to have the option to remove the sprinkler head. Otherwise, the product would have been rated 5 out of 5!

Pros

• Rustproof galvanized watering can
• Good capacity and wide refill space
• Quality construction that will last a lifetime
• An excellent utility can for outdoors

Cons

• The sprinkler head is not removable 

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2. Homarden Small Copper Watering Can For Indoor Plants 0.3 Gallon

If you’re after a retro design and only have a handful of plants to water, then this 1.3-liter (0.3 gallons) copper-painted watering can from Homarden will fit right into your indoor and outdoor decor. The stainless steel construction is rust and corrosion-resistant to ensure longevity. 

What we love about this stylish small watering can is its long spout, which allows you to reach hanging plants. It produces a nice straight flow of water that’s easy to control and avoids any spillage.

Due to the smaller capacity of this copper watering can, you will have to refill it several times, but that’s the trade-off with this style of mini watering can. What you lose in water capacity to make up for in control and agility. You can pick up the Homardan on Amazon.com here.

Customer reviews: users especially liked the design of this can, with its easy and controllable pour thanks to the long spout. This feature made access to wall-mounted planters very easy, thus getting a score of 4.6 out of 5.  

Pros

• Stylish modern watering can
• Water hard to reach plants with the extra-long spout 
• Lightweight, portable and agile, superb control

Cons

• Small water capacity of 0.3 gallon

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3. SunnyTong Metal Watering Can for Outdoors 1 Gallon

Simplify your plant watering by reducing time and effort with this adequately sized SunnyTong Metal Watering Can. This product is another one of our favorites in design and material construction. You can buy SunnyTong online here, it’s available in four colors, green, galvanized steel, black or a copper watering can. here.

SunnyTong Metal Watering Can is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and features two handles with a removable rosette cap for tap or hose refill. 

The rust-proof, weather-resistant 1-gallon watering can is ideal for use on pots, raised beds, or hanging baskets. Its angled spout is reinforced with a neat brace tube that provides additional stability and adds strength. For those who prefer holding the can with both hands, the thick tube top handle is perfect for a comfortable and firm grip.  

Customer reviews: users found this product sturdy and attractive looking. In addition, they thought it was large enough to hold plenty of water and especially valued the fact that the sprinkler rose can be taken off for a steady pour. The product is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

• Compact size 1-gallon watering can
• Well designed with comfortable rounded handles
• Removable rosette diffuser
• Tin watering can available in 4 attractive finishes

Cons

• Painted design may be subject to paint peeling
• No option to turn removable sprinkler rose upside down for soft water spray

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4. Haws Handy Indoor Plastic Watering Can 0.2 Gallon

For a mini pint-size product, this cute watering can from Haws is made from recyclable, injection-molded plastic and is ideal for indoor watering of your delicate blooms such as succulents, orchids, seedlings, and generally any other small houseplant or seed tray.

If you’re looking for precision with your watering, you’ll be pleased to know that the watering can’s spout is removable which offers you two watering options spout diameters, plus the round brass-facing rose. All in all, we think it’s a great buy for small potted houseplants.

Check Haws latest price here

Customer reviews: although this watering can has a small capacity of just 16 ounces (1 pint), most users found it perfect for indoor plants.

Pros

• Bright stylish small watering can
• Precise watering spout with removable rosette
• Available in 9 colors

Cons

• Mini watering can only holds 1 pint of water

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5. Tierra Garden Traditional Metal Watering Can 2 Gallon

This powder-coated galvanized steel watering can from Tierra Garden is rust-resistant and has a whopping 2.1-gallon capacity, making it perfect for your outdoor garden use. These watering pots are available in 6 vibrant color options so you’ll easily find one that matches your personality. Choose from Orange, yellow, red, blue, purple, or green. We love the shape of this funky metal watering can.

Designed with a conventional flat steel pouring handle and top carrying handle means that over prolonged periods of use you will notice it is just not quite as comfortable as a tube handle design. The watering rose is screw-on, designed to eliminate drips and leaks. These guys guarantee that each of their watering pots are tested and checked for leaks before they leave the factory to ensure their customers receive a high-quality and long-lasting product straight out of the box. Check the latest Tierra price at Amazon.com

Customer reviews: this can is rated 4.4 out of 5 as most users liked the handles’ design, the flexibility to either pour or shower, and the capacity of the product. A handful of customers said that the paint easily faded if left in a sunny spot for too long.  

Pros

• Rust-resistant and choice of 6 bright colors
• Screw-on rose – ideal for easy cleaning
• Holds 2.1 gallons of water

Cons

• Pouring handle flat steel instead of tube, so not as comfortable for prolonged use

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6. Hortican Galvanized Watering Can Modern Style Watering Pot 1.3 Gallon

This farmhouse-style galvanized watering can from Hortican is another rust-proof product that promises to perform for many years. It’s not quite got the eye-catching looks of the traditional Behrens 208 Galvanized Watering Can, but it still has a wonderful design with a sweeping handle.

Although the can has a large capacity of 1.3 gallons, it is lighter in weight than most other products we’ve reviewed. Its comfortable tubular handle makes transportation super easy and offers an endless option for holding positions with one or two hands when pouring. This is a great all-purpose comfortable watering can you can buy Hortican online here.

Customer reviews: users particularly liked the long curved tube handle that makes pouring this watering can very easily. They also found the can easy to fill and stylish.

Pros

• Farmhouse-style galvanized watering can
• Large capacity
• A long curved handle makes for comfortable pouring

Cons

• The removable rose head cannot be turned upwards to create a soft spray effect

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7. Cesun Bonsai Copper Watering Can with Long Spout 900ml

This is a cute watering can with a minimalist style written all over it. Suitable for watering indoor plants or hanging baskets, this solid stainless steel (it’s not made from copper) watering pot comes in 3 color options; copper, matte black, or gold. With a capacity of just 900 milliliters, it’s small enough to be tidied away or stylish enough just left on your sideboard as an ornament.

It features both an ergonomic handle and a long spout which makes it perfect for getting to all those hard-to-reach spots. Perfect for accurate watering in groups of plants in smaller pots. The design of this small watering can means that half of the top section of the pot is covered. This really helps with preventing spillages and leaks, when watering indoors. Great for bonsai, succulents, orchids, and general houseplants.

Check the Cesun latest price here.

Customer reviews: users agreed that it’s best not to leave water in the watering can after use as this can cause rusting to the inside. Of the three designs, the copper-colored watering can is their best seller.

Pros

• Small watering can for indoor use on Bonsai and Succulents
• Stylish enough to use an ornament when not in use
• Available in black, gold, and copper

Cons

• Nothing of note

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8. Whale Life Indoor Long Spout Small Watering Can 1/3 Gallon

Now this Whale Life-Long Spout Small Watering can is a really nice product widely available online. Here’s a link to the Whale on Amazon so you can check out the price and availability near you. It’s sleek, stylish, and modern, it looks great and does a sterling job. With a 1/3 Gallon capacity or 1.4 liters, it holds enough water to deal with indoor watering of smaller species or at least smaller pots. It’s one of the most elegant plastic watering cans we’ve seen in a long time and will attract a lot of attention from bonsai growers.

Available in 6 colors all of them in beautiful chic subtle shades like the green one we have on review. Choose from green, blue, red, lime, gold, and grey. It’s a very well-priced small watering can perfect for small and medium plants.

Customer Reviews: This is an extremely popular mini watering can with literally thousands sold. It scores a fantastic customer rating of 4.6/5. If you’re in the market for a stylish plastic watering can for your standard houseplants then this could the one for you.

Pros

• Possibly the most stylish plastic watering can we have seen
• Perfect for bonsai or medium-sized houseplant
• Expensive looks for a budget price

Cons

• None

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9. Fasmov Stainless Steel Watering Pot Long Spout For Succulents 1.5L

Here’s another nifty small watering can with a long spout. Again, perfect for indoor plants or hanging pots, but this time with a slightly larger capacity of 1.5L or 1500ml. This watering pot stands 10″ tall and is just about perfect for working your way through a decent-sized succulent or cactus collection. Made from tarnish and rust-free solid stainless steel, this watering pot has been highly polished to prevent scratches and to enhance the aesthetics.

This cute watering can has an ergonomically designed handle an extra-long and ultra-thin spout giving fantastic control over the pouring accuracy and allowing for really detailed work. It also has a useful rim around the base of the watering can to add stability to the watering cans standing position.

Customer reviews: this cute watering can perform really well and almost has ornamental qualities, which is great when you can’t be bothered to put it away out of sight after use. Find Fasmov online here.

Pros

• Highly polished exterior to help prevent scratches
• Could double up as an ornament
• Long spout watering can, very accurate pouring

Cons

• Nothing at this price

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10. Gardener’s Supply Company Plastic 3 Gallon Watering Can

Sometimes only a 3-gallon watering can will do, and this beauty from The Gardener’s Supply Company is just the ticket. It’s manufactured from lightweight yet strong and durable polyethylene plastic making it the right material for transporting large quantities of water around your outdoor space.

The handle is a perfect size to hook over an outdoor tap or pump spigot, meaning you won’t have to hold it while it’s filling with water. It comes with a removable rose with a stainless steel faceplate that is detachable, making it not only super convenient for cleaning but also handy for watering hardy, established, and large plants and borders. Plus you can turn this rose head to face upwards and deliver super-soft rain-like spray. Perfect for salad beds and tender plants.

You can buy this 3 Gallon can here on Amazon.com

Customer reviews: this is a straight-forward-no-nonsense piece of kit that will fill your requirements if you have a lot of plants to water. Obviously, expect a heavy load when this 3-gallon watering can is filled to capacity! Most were happy that the rose did not screw on, preferring this push-on type.

Pros

• 3-gallon watering can
• A sturdy handle that hooks over tap while filling
• Detachable rose, that can turn to face upward for a soft spray effect

Cons

• Only available in one color

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11. Brilliest Long Spout Watering Can for Succulents and Houseplants

This mini watering can is slightly different in design from the previous cans we’ve featured in our best watering pots list. Manufactured from transparent plastic, and features a measuring gauge on the side of the pot, making the 1-liter capacity perfect for watering plants that need extra care and attention such as succulents, orchids, or herbs.

It also comes with an extra-long stainless steel spout making it easy to pour with precision and without leakage or spillages. The spout detaches from the plastic watering pot and can be easily removed for storage and cleaning purposes. Check the Brilliest latest price here.

Customer reviews: with a 1-liter capacity, this is a great lightweight option for watering houseplants. Some users said that they needed to adjust the O ring that comes as part of the spout fixing in order to prevent leakages. They also thought it was useful that the fixings came with an extra O ring.

Pros

• Lightweight, and easy to control
• Handy 1 liter measuring gauge
• Detachable rose

Cons

• Spout O-ring needs to be fitted accurately

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12. Layboo Long Spout Watering Can Indoor & Outdoor 2 Liters

These pretty-as-a-picture watering pots come in 3 pastel colors to add a little vintage glamour whilst you’re watering your plants. They are manufactured from a lightweight yet durable plastic, making it easy to water several plants before needing to refill with their 2-liter capacity.

This small plastic watering can design features a long spout that’s detachable for easy storage and cleaning. The rose is detachable too making it suitable for use whilst screwed on or off. The rose can also be rotated 360 degrees making it perfect for seed trays or use in the greenhouse. Find Layboo here on Amazon

Customer reviews: whilst the colors were pretty, this watering can is branded with a logo that’s off-putting for some. But an effective lightweight plastic watering can

Pros

• Lightweight and portable with a decent 2-liter capacity
• Available in 6 colors
• Rosehead rotates 360 degrees for soft spray. Perfect for seed trays

Cons

• Logo printed on side detracts from pretty design

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13. Bloem 56 oz Deep Sea Aqua Rite Plastic Watering Can

If you’re looking for a functional indoor watering can that allows easy viewing of the water level inside, then this half-a-gallon capacity pot is a great choice.

This small, plastic watering can from Bloem features a spill-free design thanks to the curved spout, which prevents spillage during filling and watering. Thanks to its excellent support, you can easily slip your hand into the handle without the risk of dropping it.

And if you’re worried about the longevity of this can’s plastic material, you should know that it’s made from 100% UV stabilized PP (polypropylene plastic) to ensure long-lasting color and protection against extreme weather conditions. Buy Bloem Aque Rite here.

Customer reviews: users found this watering can leak-free and well-designed for easy pouring. Basic but effective!

Pros

• 11 colors to choose from
• Easy-to-use, comfortable handle
• Long spout

Cons

• A little expensive

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Types Of Watering Cans and Pots 

There are many different types of watering pots with unique shapes, lengths, and nozzle designs. But the main differences lie in the size and materials from which the cans are made of. The watering container you choose depends on the size of your plants as well as its method of water delivery. Here, we’ve outlined the most important characteristics of watering cans to give you a better idea.

Outdoor Vs Indoor

For indoor watering, small watering pots made of plastic will suffice. For outdoor watering, however, larger-capacity metal cans make a better choice than plastic as they generally last longer. You can store your metal watering can safely outdoors as the material can withstand adverse weather conditions, unlike plastic watering cans. 

Short or Long Spout

The length of the spout determines how easy it is for you to water your indoor and outdoor plants. For example, if you have hanging plants or deeper pots in your home, long-spouted watering cans are the best option as they help extend your reach. Long spouts are in general more attractive than shorter ones. Having said that, if you only have a couple of plants that are at waist or eye level, a shorter spout will suffice. 

Plastic or Metal

Although plastic watering pots are inexpensive and lightweight, some people think they are flimsy and only suitable for indoor use. However, many new models are more durable and last longer if stored properly. This is due to the different plastics used to make the cans. These include PP (polypropylene) a type of hard plastic, PVC, and PE (polyethylene) a slightly softer plastic. 

While both metal and plastic watering cans are suitable for multiple types of plants, if you choose plastic, you’ll want to keep the can away from direct sunlight when not in use. To prolong its lifespan, use a bottle brush to clean the inside of the can with baking soda and warm water.

Galvanized Steel 

For those green-thumb enthusiasts looking for a more vintage-style watering can, galvanized steel is the best option. Unlike their tin counterparts, galvanized steel cans won’t rust and make an excellent outdoor watering choice. Simply store them in your shed or garage after use without worrying about weather damage. 

Stainless Steel or Copper

There are also stainless steel and copper watering cans that look just as stylish and rustic as galvanized steel. When not in use, these cans make beautiful decorative flower pots as they benefit from a longer lifespan than their plastic counterparts. The only downside to these watering cans is their heavy weight, which can have a detrimental effect on the hands and wrists. Just be sure to check if the can is actual copper or copper effect, not that it really matters in terms of general performance.

Leak-Free Design 

One of the best selling points of plastic watering cans is their one-piece construction as there are no seams for water to leak through. Non-galvanized metal, however, is more likely to leak after a year or two as it is more prone to rust. No matter which material you choose, the cans that have a curved spout or rubber washers in the spout are less likely to leak during filling or watering. 

Plant Misters 

Indoor plants, especially succulents, require a light mist every so often to increase their levels of humidity. Misting slows down water loss through the leaves and blossoms. This is especially necessary in the warmer months in order to prevent your plants from getting dehydrated. There are some watering cans that come with removable rosettes to connect your spray bottle to their nozzle for misting your plants so keep this in mind when choosing your can. 

Best Watering Cans Summary 

Picking the best watering can doesn’t have to be difficult thanks to all our listed budget-friendly products that have been reviewed by expert gardeners. If you’re still undecided though, we can recommend our top favorite watering cans from the reputable brands, Behrens, Bloem, and Gardman due to their durability, attractive design, and adequate capacity. These cans will keep your indoor and outdoor plants well-hydrated and last for a long time, thus making them a sound investment.  

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