Fire incidents can cause horrifying damages and oftentimes can harm properties, lives and everything else that comes in their range. We cannot tell when can such a disaster strike and how catastrophic the damages would be.
So, before any such incidents happen and swallow up your properties making you feel like awaking from a real nightmare, prevention is the best remedy.
It would be a great idea to protect your possessions and precious lives by keeping fire extinguishers at your premises. When you have a fire extinguisher handy, any fire breakouts can be dealt with before they actually turn into a disaster.
This type of safety equipment is sometimes overlooked but it is surprisingly the first and the most important line of defense for fire protection.
Whenever there is a fire emergency, a fire extinguisher can definitely render useful benefits.
Stats show that almost 80% of severe fire incidents actually start from the minor fire breakouts that could be easily diminished with a portable fire extinguisher.
This simply signifies the importance of fire extinguishers when it comes to ensuring safety of the residential or non-residential structures by preventing the spread of destructive fires.
While fire extinguishers render great benefits in putting out a simple fire and preventing major disasters, they also have a huge impact on the environment.
Toxic smoke from fire breakouts in areas where there are different chemicals can pollute the environment but the use of fire extinguishers can definitely help avoid such fires and smoke as well.
But, have you ever visited the market to buy one? There are different types and models of fire extinguishers available in the market that all claim to be ideal for home or office use.
So, if you want to prevent spreading destruction, it is important that you choose the best fire extinguisher out there. Here we have listed some of the best fire extinguishers that will help you to effectively protect lives and properties from fire damage.
1. H3R Performance MX250B Fire Extinguisher
Unnoticed fires can cause extreme damage if not properly dealt with. The H3R Performance MX250B Fire Extinguisher gives you a perfect solution to handle such situations effectively.
It is built using top-quality steel cylinder that is lightweight and compact. Along with its durable all-metal valve construction, it is easy to use when small fires suddenly break out.
Twice as much as the size of smaller fire extinguishers, this device is rated as the class “A” fire extinguisher.
This type of fire extinguisher uses mono ammonium phosphate dry chemical that is particularly siliconized and fluidized.
Underwriters Laboratories listed and rated this device by 1A:10B:C which certainly signifies that it’s one of the best products on market today.
When not in use, this fire extinguisher is easy to mount using the 2 strap steel brackets that come along with the package.
Class A fires are chemically insulated through melting to a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit and the surfaces are coated when applied.
This wonderful piece of equipment also has the capacity to break and smother the chain reaction in case of the class B fires and can also be helpful in preventing electricity from conducting back to source.
It is rechargeable and it possesses a discharge range of 9’ to 15’ which makes it a quick action product.
The safety device comes with an elegant black color which is not an eyesore either and it looks just fine when placed inside your home, business place or even on the vehicles.
- Categorized as ABC fire extinguisher
- Easy to use
- Durable construction
- 6 year limited warranty
- Uses siliconized and fluidized mono ammonium phosphate dry chemical
- Twice the size of smaller fire extinguishers
- Heavier in weight which might make it a bit hard to carry and use
2. First Alert 1038789 Standard Fire Extinguisher For Home
To prevent damage or injury that might be brought about by fire at homes, this First Alert Fire Extinguisher is designed particularly to provide maximum protection against fire.
Even though it is meant to be used at home, the product works fine to extinguish fires at workplaces, cars and other vehicles as well.
This safety equipment is built to combat unexpected fires that may pop out in different plastic, paper, wood, oil, trash, gasoline and electrical equipment.
The multi-purpose extinguisher is made to meet all UL standards and is rated 1-A:10-B:C, providing you peace of mind that any fires can be dealt with in earliest stages and serious damage can be avoided.
During emergency, this fire extinguisher can be easily used with its convenient pressure gauge and SureGrip trigger.
Additionally, it utilizes mono ammonium extinguishing agent which can effectively extinguish most serious fire outbreaks.
It’s a dependable piece of equipment that can ensure safety without fail as it is rechargeable.
Built with durable all-metal construction, this safety equipment really is a masterpiece of innovation. The metal pull pin with safety seal prevents this safety equipment from tampering and accidental recharge.
Extra features include color-coded metal gauge, corrosion-resistance, waterproof label with easy to read instructions for maximum protection against incidental fires.
This product is also approved by U.S. Coast Guards for marine use.
- UL rated 1-A:10-B:C
- Ideal for marine use
- Durable construction with commercial-grade metal valve
- Easy to use
- Innovative safety features
- Pressure gauge needle is placed closely to the recharge red zone
- Manufacturer does not offer any return policy
3. Amerex B402, Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher With Wall Bracket
Be ready for any major disastrous situation and fire breakouts that you may have to deal with by keeping this equipment from Amerex at hand.
Designed, specifically, to put out fires from flammable liquids, dry combustibles and electrical equipment, this product is classified under Class A, B and C with UL rating of 3A:40B:C.
The product carries mono-ammonium phosphate dry chemical that will easily extinguish fire under an operating pressure of 195 psi with discharge time of only 14 seconds and a maximum discharge range of around 18 feet.
If the build of the fire extinguisher is one of your concerns, this product is made sturdy and will not disappoint you with its performance at all.
It is made with high-quality steel material both in the cylinder and valve construction and offers top-grade aluminum valve.
It has a wall bracket design which makes it easy to mount when not in use and convenient to pull over in case of any emergency situation.
This ABC class safety equipment is not an obstruction when mounted because it is very lightweight with 15-1/4” height and 4” diameter. The fire extinguisher also meets the standards UL 299/UL 711 and is rechargeable.
So, overall, it’s a good product to throw your money at and it will not disappoint you in times of emergency.
- UL rating 3A:40B:C
- Metal valve construction with aluminum valve
- Wall bracket makes mounting easy
- Discharge range up to 18 ft, operating pressure of 195psi, discharge time of 14 secs
- Contains 5lb mono-ammonium phosphate dry chemical
- Unreliable tamper-proof plastic seal
- Not for car shop or marine use
4. H3R Performance HG100C HalGuard Chrome Clean Agent Fire Extinguisher
Looking for fire safety equipment that delivers both excellent performance and a classy look at the same time? This H3R Performance HalGuard fire extinguisher will definitely satisfy your preference for performance and style.
This classy piece of equipment comes with a chrome finish which makes it a favorite fire extinguisher among show car enthusiasts.
The elegant look will greatly complement any interiors too. Apart from its chic finish, this chrome fire extinguisher is made with all metal valve construction and superior quality metal cylinder which certainly makes it a sturdy piece.
It is also rated 1B:C by Underwriters Laboratories and is also considered among the best EPA approved equipment out there.
The fire extinguisher is also highly portable and weighs only 3.82 pounds, filled with liquefied gas that is perfect to extinguish even those most hardly reachable fires.
The gas this equipment contains doesn’t impair the operator’s vision which makes it completely safe to use.
It does not also cause any damage to surfaces or thermal shock to the electronics. Moreover, this equipment operates smoothly on a discharge range of 6-8 feet allowing you to extinguish fire while staying at a safe distance.
This piece of equipment is also designed with a steel strap and comes with a mounting bracket which makes it secure to mount.
If you get caught in a fire emergency situation, you can use it without any trouble whatsoever even if you’re doing it for the first time.
To offer you a good deal overall, the product has the backing of a limited 6-year warranty.
- Sophisticated chrome finish is perfect to blend in any interior
- Compact and lightweight
- EPA approved fire extinguisher with UL rating 1B:C
- Filled with liquefied gas that extinguishes fire with a discharge range of 6-8 feet
- Steel strap with mounting bracket
- Chrome finish is prone to scratches which are quite visible as well
- Not recommended for heavy-duty use
5. First Alert KITCHEN5 Kitchen Fire Extinguisher
Specifically designed for kitchen use, the First Alert Kitchen Fire Extinguisher comes with a UL rating of 5-B:C which really makes it one of the best products out there.
It utilizes sodium bicarbonate extinguishing agent to fight electrical fires of up to 120 volts and can also extinguish fires caused due to flammable liquid.
To provide optimal security against injury, this fire extinguisher is designed with metal pull pin and a safety seal for avoiding any kind of tampering and incidental discharge.
This means that the pin won’t be pulled too easily and maximum safety can be ensured.
The white color finish and an attractive mounting bracket can completely harmonize it with the kitchen interior.
It is designed with a push-button pressure check while the label is waterproof with easy to comprehend instructions.
This equipment is built with a sturdy metal head. It comes with a compact design and is very lightweight, only 2.7 pounds, which certainly makes it easy to fit inside the cabinet.
You also have the option to install it on any of the kitchen walls using the mounting bracket which comes with an enhanced quick release mechanism.
Apart from its importance in keeping the kitchen safe from fire, this fire extinguisher can be a great decorative addition to your kitchen as well.
Space is not something to worry about either if you choose to install it on a wall in your kitchen area. Since most of the fire accidents which happen at home are originated from the kitchen, it is an excellent choice to install this type of fire extinguisher at your place and keep it all safe and secure.
- Lightweight, compact, design with a decorative feel
- UL rated 5-B:C
- Uses sodium bicarbonate extinguishing agent which is great to extinguish kitchen fires
- Pop-up pressure indicator is easy to use
- Too small to combat heavy kitchen fires
6. First Alert REC5 Rechargeable Recreation Fire Extinguisher
If you love to travel and want a safer travel experience, the First Alert REC5 Rechargeable Recreation Fire Extinguisher is exactly what you need.
This mini fire extinguisher only weighs 4.1 pounds which is definitely ideal to carry it along as you travel.
This product comes with a UL rating 5-B:C and is very functional for recreation, marine or home use.
Its UL rating represents its capacity to put out fires caused by faulty electrical wirings and flammable liquid with the help of its sodium bicarbonate extinguishing agent.
Though smaller in size, this mini fire extinguisher is specifically designed to deliver a high level of performance against fires.
It is designed with exciting features to ensure that safety is the main focus of this product. It is built with a heavy-duty commercial grade metal head and is corrosion resistant as well.
It comes with a color-coded metal gauge. To keep it all secure against tampering or accidental discharge, this fire extinguisher is designed with a metal pull pin that is equipped with a safety seal.
The product comes with an instructions label which is waterproof and chemical resistant. So, you can always have guided assistance to use it properly. Moreover, it has earned an approval from US Coast Guard for marine use.
- It comes with UL rating 5-B:C
- Multi-functional mini fire extinguisher which is ideal for travel use (in boats, vehicles, and RVs)
- Beautiful white finish
- Lightweight and heavy duty construction
- 10-year limited warranty
- Only works effectively in case of smaller fire incidents
- Contains lesser extinguishing agent and needs frequent recharging when used too often
7. Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher
Since fire incidents may occur unexpectedly, it is better to be prepared at all times. This fire extinguisher is the answer to such unexpected fire incidents.
It is built to deliver powerful performance and guarantees that all forms of fires are easily taken care of.
This fire extinguisher model from Kiddie is UL rated 2-A:10-B:C which means it can effectively combat class A,B,C fires including wood, liquids, paper, electrical equipment and trash.
It comes with a red finish, which is typical with fire extinguishers, where the aluminum cylinder is powder coated for offering corrosion resistance.
The reliable pressure gauge provides an instant status check for the pressure of the equipment. The gauge likewise accurately notifies if the equipment is fully charged and ready to use or not.
The product works on an operating pressure of 100PSI where there is a quick discharge time between 13 to 15 seconds. It also supports a maximum range of 10 to 15 feet.
The equipment is also very easy to use and you don’t really need to seek the help of a professional in order to use it properly.
To deal with emergency situations, it gives you a clear instruction label which shows how you should operate the equipment and put emergencies to rest.
Because it is a multi-functional fire extinguisher, it’s not only excellent for home use but can also be quite effective when put to commercial and industrial use.
Furthermore, the product comes with a limited warranty which gives you the peace of mind that you’re covered in case it malfunctions.
- Fully rechargeable
- UL rating 2-A:10-B:C
- Quick and powerful discharge capacity
- Heavy-duty and multi-functional
- 6-year limited warranty
- Reliable pressure gauge
- More expensive recharging
8.Amerex B500 Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
This fire extinguisher from Amerex is UL rated 4A:80B:C which means it can fight fires caused by burning paper, wood, liquids or electrical wirings and give you ultimate protection.
The capacity of this safety fire equipment is 5lbs and it uses exceptionally siliconized and fluidized mono-ammonium phosphate dry chemical to extinguish fires.
This multi-purpose fire extinguisher has a discharge time of 14 seconds and can reach out to fire areas in a maximum range of 12-18 feet.
Specifically designed to chemically insulate Class A fires, its extinguishing agent melts at roughly around 350°F and secures the affected area.
Further, it then coats the surface to make sure the fire doesn’t spread either. Additionally, for Class B fires, this equipment smothers and breaks chain reaction, making it a more effective solution in such situations.
Sturdy construction for long-lasting use, it is built reliable with a steel cylinder. The product also comes with a clear label stuck on it to give you the simple and step by step instructions about its proper usage.
The red colored finish makes this equipment highly visible, especially when you are in a fire emergency. The fire extinguisher is highly functional whether you want to use it in vehicles, garage, gasoline pump stations, home or your workplace.
With its flawless performance, you are sure to keep your life and property safe before the professionals from the Fire Department arrive to rescue you and your belongings.
- Quick discharge time and provides a wider discharge coverage
- UL rated 4A:80B:C
- Tough and sturdy with reasonable size and affordable price range
- Refillable fire extinguisher that can be expected to last for a lifetime
- Fights almost all forms of fire
- 6 year limited warranty
- Mounting bracket cannot always hold the equipment properly due to its heavy weight and high capacity
9. Kidde 46611201 Pro Line ABC Fire Extinguisher With Metal Vehicle Bracket
Safeguard your possessions and your loved ones from the threat of fire that can often break out without any prior notice.
This equipment contains a non-toxic mono ammonium phosphate extinguishing agent which combats Class A, B, & C fires effectively.
To satisfy the specific commercial and industrial needs, this fire extinguisher features aluminium steel cylinders and metal valves that make it sturdy and long lasting.
Apart from a durable material of cylinder and valve, added strength is provided to it exquisitely with the help of heavy gauge metal on lever and handle.
Furthermore, the label on the cylinder is made from chip-resistant paint which means it won’t wear off with time and you can read the instructions given on it clearly even if you have to use it years after the purchase.
The powder coated cylinder makes sure that it has enough protection against quick corrosion and it won’t wear out too early.
It also features a powerful operating pressure of 195psi with immediate discharge time between 13-15 seconds.
The pressure is good enough to make sure that the extinguishing agent reaches a discharge range of 18 feet maximum without any issues whatsoever.
The mounting bracket is reliable enough to hold the equipment when installed on walls or any other mounting surface for that matter.
Whenever there is a fire outbreak, this fire extinguisher can be used fairly easily with a simple pull from the safety pin.
There is a pressure gauge built into the product as well that is designed to show the current pressure status.
Apart from commercial or industrial use, US Coast Guard has also approved this fire extinguisher for marine use as well.
So, you can always count on it for most serious fire emergencies and do early handling before help arrives.
- Perfect for commercial/industrial and marine use
- 195psi operating pressure, 13-15 seconds discharge time and 18 feet discharge range
- 6 year limited warranty
- UL rating 3A:40B:C
- Contains 5lbs of non-toxic mono ammonium phosphate extinguishing agent
- ABC fire extinguisher that fights class A,B, & C fires
- Needs a better bracket for moving vehicles or the rollovers
10. Amerex ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
Amerex fire extinguishers is categorized under ABC class, which means that it has the ability to combat class A fires (ordinary combustibles such as trash, paper, cloth and other ordinary materials), class B fires (flammable gasses and liquids like paint lacquer, gasoline, kerosene, etc) and class C fires (electrical equipment).
It has a UL and ULC rating of 4A:80B:C and likewise complies with the recommendations of the National Fire Protection Association too.
This fire extinguisher from Amerex features an all-metal valve construction, reliably drawn steel cylinders, and stored pressure design for maximum strength.
Likewise, it is constructed to offer all the reliability you need which marks a stainless steel lever and handle, high quality brass valve with body that is chrome plated.
You will be guided about the step by step procedure you have to follow to use the equipment as there is clear and multi-lingual label attached to the cylinder.
The pull pin features a large loop for maximum security. Compared to other fire extinguishers available today, this product is economical to maintain and is quite easy to use as well.
It contains 10lb of siliconized and fluidized mono ammonium phosphate dry chemical that helps extinguish most fires rather effectively.
It is designed to offer a discharge time of 20 seconds and a maximum range of 21 feet which is relatively farther when compared to other brands.
For easy mounting, the mounting bracket is included in the package and it keeps the product properly in its place.
The product is also covered with a 6-years manufacturer warranty giving you the peace of mind that it won’t cause you any troubles. Even if it does, you’ll get a replacement or the issues will be fixed.
- All around/multi-functional fire extinguisher
- UL/ULC rating of 4A:80B:C
- User and environment friendly
- Discharge range of 21 feet which is farther than many other competing products on market
- Durable construction and easy to handle
- 6-Year manufacturer warranty
- It comes with a pretty bigger size which is hard to handle
Frequently Asked Questions:
So, with all the best fire extinguisher products on market already outlined, let’s take care of some of your common concerns. Here are the frequently asked questions that might help you understand more about best fire extinguishers and the value they bring to your life.
Your house can easily get caught by fire brought about by various factors. Some of the most common causes include:
a. Unattended cooking – within a wink of an eye, fire can take over the kitchen due to cooking equipment left unattended negligently. It often happens that the cooking equipment catches fire when it is overheated or is somehow attached to other materials that catch fire quickly. So, make sure that you never leave the cooking area until you’re done. Likewise, never forget to keep towels, oven mitts and other combustibles away from sources of heat or fire.
b. Careless smoking – some smokers tend to indiscriminately do their smoking in the bedroom. Without their knowledge, cigarette butts or embers might fall on bed sheets, pillows or furniture nearby and that will eventually lead to fire incidents. As much as possible, do not smoke inside the bedroom or if you can’t avoid doing so, make sure that you stay awake and use deep, large ashtrays.
c. Faulty wirings – basically, the wirings of old homes or structures are prone to catching fire. Make sure that you seek necessary assistance of an expert electrician or ask help from the Fire Department in your area to check the wirings frequently. Such precautionary measures reduce fire incidents to a significant extent.
d. Electrical appliance/equipment – make sure to properly install all electrical appliances/equipment and check the wires and plugs for any malfunctioning. Avoid overloading of electrical connections because that’s one of the major causes behind fire outbreaks.
e. Curious children – kids always want to explore new things and among those are lighting up matchsticks and playing with them. Watch over your kids or educate them about the hazards of fire and what not to do to avoid them.
a. Water extinguishers
b. Carbon dioxide extinguishers
c. Wet chemical extinguishers
d. Powder extinguishers
e. Foam extinguishers
Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers are mostly used to put out electrical fires. This type of fire extinguisher is designed to suffocate fires by putting out the oxygen which is required by the fire to burn.
These extinguishers are also used to extinguish flammable liquids. However, they are not the ideal choice for fires caused by combustible materials and flammable metals.
Each fire extinguisher on market today is categorized through an alphanumeric rating. This rating actually signifies the type and size of fires a fire extinguisher can handle. The class of fire the fire extinguisher can put out is categorized through letters.
Class A refers to the fires caused by ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, trash, etc, Class B refers to the fires that result from flammable liquids, Class C refers to the fire outbreaks due to electrical equipment, Class D refers to the fire incidents caused by metals and Class K refers to the fires produced by cooking oils and fats.
The numbers found before A indicates the equivalent quantity of water the fire extinguisher holds. For example, every number is as effective as 1 ¼ gallon of water where 2A means that the fire extinguisher is equivalent to 2 ½ gallon of water.
The numbers located before the letters B and C represents the number of square feet or discharge range the fire extinguisher can put out. Let’s take 10B:C as an example where a fire extinguisher can diminish fire to a maximum range of 10 feet.
Fire is a chemical reaction which means that fire occurs with the presence of three basic elements that are heat, fuel and oxygen. In order to extinguish fire, one of these three elements should be removed and the chemical reaction will eventually stop.
When trying to put out the fire, you must always remember to keep your life, as well as that of others, away from extreme danger. You should not fight a fire, if:
a. You don’t have the appropriate fire extinguisher.
b. The fire is too large to be extinguished by a small or single fire extinguisher.
c. You have no idea about what’s burning.
d. Large and dark smoke starts to spread wide.
e. The fire is quickly increasing from the spot where it started.
f. You don’t know anything at all about fires and fighting them.
g. Your instinct says so.
Conclusion:
Oftentimes, people may ignore the importance of fire extinguishers in their daily routine. And, for some, they are nothing but the red cans installed on walls or just an eyesore placed around the corner.
One cannot actually realize how important a fire extinguisher is without ever actually getting caught in a fire incident. Obviously, it’s only when you experience it yourself that you discover the red can hanging on the wall is the only thing that could save you.
In short, fire extinguishers really play an important role in keeping us safe from the hazards of unexpected fire outbreaks. Knowing their importance, the next big step that you should take is to choose the best piece of equipment for you.
In order to make the best pick, you must consider factors such as price, how many do you need, where you intend to place it, which type and class should it belong to as well as the size and the brand. By making the right decision here, you will surely be able to enjoy the full benefits of fire extinguishers.
In fact, we have listed the top 10 best fire extinguishers available in market today to make the selection process easier for you. Just go through the list and see which of them suits your specific requirements before making the right pick.
Penelope Smith says
This is some really good information about fire extinguishers. It is good to know that there are different classes of them. It might be smart tog et a few different types of extinguishers.
Angel Bogart says
Thank you for reminding that different chemical fumes resulting from conflagrations are best dealt with the right kind of fire extinguisher. This is just what our grandparents need to remember since they are living in an all-wood country home that is at high risk of fires. They ought to know exactly what to do in case a fire breaks out. Because of this, it would be best if I could accompany them to the nearest fire extinguisher sales shop so we could learn the basics in emergency home fire fighting.
Derek McDoogle says
I like how you pointed out the different types of fire extinguishers that exist such as water, carbon, and foam. My dad told me that recently, my mom accidentally left the stove on and it caused a small fire due to the hot oil. I will recommend them to get a fire extinguisher so that they can have it in case of any emergency.