SureCan gas can: pour from the bottom, control with your thumb
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Quick answer
SureCan puts the spout at the bottom of the can and a thumb button on top, so the can sits upright while you aim a rotating spout into the tank. Pull the safety trigger back, press the thumb button and fuel flows at about 2 gallons per minute, SureCan says. The 5 gallon gasoline can measures 15.61 x 10.24 x 13.1 inches and weighs 4.2 lb empty. SureCan says its cans are FM Approved Type II safety cans and legal in all 50 states.
SureCan sizes and fuels
| Spec | 5 gallon gasoline | 2+ gallon gasoline | 5 gallon diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made for | Larger machines: mowers, generators, ATVs | Smaller machines | Tractors, skid steers, trucks |
| Dimensions | 15.61 x 10.24 x 13.1 in | 12.12 x 9 x 14 in | 15.61 x 10.24 x 13.1 in |
| Empty weight | 4.2 lb | 2.5 lb | 4.2 lb |
| Flow | About 2 gal/min | About 2 gal/min | About 2 gal/min |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
At about 2 gallons per minute, a full 5 gallon can empties in roughly two and a half minutes. SureCan also sells kerosene cans and separate utility cans with spigots for water.
How to pour with a SureCan
- Set the can down next to the machine; you do not lift and tip it.
- Aim the spout: rotate the flexible bottom spout into the fill opening. SureCan says flow is best with the nozzle rotated 180 degrees down from its resting position.
- Start the flow: pull the safety trigger straight back, then press the thumb button.
- Stop before full: release the thumb button as the tank nears full, and let the spout drain before rotating it back up.
- Cap it: close the nozzle cap and store the can upright.
Why it vents without a separate vent cap
- Vent under the button: SureCan says the vent sits beneath the thumb button and opens together with the valve when you press it.
- Sealed when idle: the vent stays closed unless the trigger is pulled back and the button pressed, so SureCan says it will not leak from the vent if the can tips over.
- No push-in safety nozzle: SureCan says it does not use the newer safety nozzles found on many cans.
- Fill cap: current cans have a safety fill cap; check that it is fully closed after refilling at the pump.
Approvals and materials
- Type II safety can: SureCan says it passed FM Approval as a Type II safety can in May 2022 and lists FM Approval 6051-6052.
- Other listings: SureCan lists DOT and UN certification, NFPA 30, and says its cans meet OSHA and MSHA guidelines.
- Build: HDPE with six layers in the tank wall, with nylon internals and Viton seals rated for fuel.
- Fuels only: gasoline, diesel and kerosene; SureCan says not to use its fuel cans for water or methanol.
- Made in the USA: SureCan says it manufactures all containers in its own US factory.
Storing fuel safely
- Outside the living space: CPSC says never store gasoline in the home or near a fuel-burning appliance, such as a natural gas water heater.
- Right can for the fuel: keep gasoline, diesel and kerosene in separately labeled cans; SureCan makes a can for each.
- Generators: CPSC says to use portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the home; see our generator guides.
- Kids and heat: store cans upright, closed, out of reach and away from sun and heat sources.
For other gas can designs, including metal Type I cans, see our best gas can guide.
What to look for when you buy
Most popular size: SureCan 5 Gallon Gasoline Type II Safety Can
Best for: Generators, riding mowers and ATVs
SureCan lists a bottom rotating spout with thumb-button control, about 2 gallons per minute, FM Type II approval, 4.2 lb empty and a 3-year warranty.
Watch out: Heavy when full; some newer cans have a spring-loaded safety fill cap that changes how you refill at the pump.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Smaller engines: SureCan 2+ Gallon Gasoline Type II Safety Can
Best for: Push mowers, trimmers and chain saws
SureCan lists the same bottom-spout and thumb-button design at 12.12 x 9 x 14 in and 2.5 lb empty.
Watch out: Mixed two-stroke fuel and straight gas belong in separately labeled cans.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Diesel: SureCan 5 Gallon Diesel Type II Safety Can
Best for: Tractors, diesel generators and trucks
SureCan lists the 5 gallon design for diesel machines with the same rotating spout, dimensions and 4.2 lb empty weight.
Watch out: Use it only for diesel; check the listing color and fuel label.
See options on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)Questions people ask
- How do you use a SureCan gas can?
- Rotate the bottom spout into the tank, pull the safety trigger back, press the thumb button, and release before the tank is full.
- How fast does a SureCan pour?
- About 2 gallons per minute, SureCan says, best with the nozzle rotated 180 degrees down.
- Is SureCan legal in California?
- SureCan says it passed FM Type II approval in May 2022 and is legal in all 50 states.
- Can I store water in a SureCan?
- No; SureCan says its fuel cans are for gasoline, diesel and kerosene, and it sells utility cans for water.
Sources
- 5 Gallon Gasoline Type II Safety Can, SureCan
- 2+ Gallon Gasoline Type II Safety Can, SureCan
- 5 Gallon Diesel Type II Safety Can, SureCan
- Frequently Asked Questions, SureCan
- Surviving the Aftermath of a Hurricane, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission