Top 5 Fire Extinguishers (with Buying Guide)

Using a fire extinguisher to put out a model of small volcano GIF
Safety first.

You laugh at his teeny tiny fire safety demonstration, but he’s got the right idea. Small fires turn into big fires! That’s exactly why we have fire extinguishers. If you can take care of the fire before it spreads, everyone has a better day. If you don’t have fire extinguishers at home already, now is the perfect time to buy a few!

If you’re in a hurry, you’ll find our picks linked here, but you can also scroll down to check out their specs and why we liked each one.

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for your support!

While you’re perusing the options, be sure to check out the different types of fire extinguishers and how to use them to make sure this doesn’t happen:

You’ll be a pro in just a few pages! Round it off with our insider tips before deciding which ones are right for you, and you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Whatever you do, don’t put it off. Planning to buy a fire extinguisher won’t do you much good when you need it. You’ll need that canister of life-saving goo already in the room for it to help you in an emergency!

5 Best-In-Class Fire Extinguishers That You Can Trust

As promised, here are the best multipurpose fire extinguishers we could find.

1. First Alert MARINE1 – Fire-preparedness for every wallet

What we liked:

  • Available for under $30 and can fight A, B, and C class fires.
  • Weighs 5.1 pounds and has an aluminum case so it is not very heavy to carry during emergencies.
  • Has a metal pull with a safety seal to avoid accidental discharge or tampering.
  • Comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
  • Includes a mounting bracket.

Though the materials used for this one aren’t the best, it is still an affordable way to keep you and your family prepared against fire hazards. It is a rechargeable fire extinguisher, but the high cost of recharging and the low cost of buying this one make buying another model of fire extinguisher a better option than recharging your original First Alert MARINE1. It is also ideal for use on boats because of its waterproof nature.

Download the First Alert MARINE1 user manual.

2. Amerex B402 – Reliable, trusted, and loved

What we liked:

  • Dry chemical fire extinguisher that works against class A, B, and C fires.
  • Discharges for 14 seconds, which means it will create a good-enough blanket to put out fires.
  • It is rechargeable which is good since buying the $69 device multiple times can quickly lighten your wallet.
  • It has a solid steel casing which keeps it reliable for longer durations.
  • Releases forceful dry chemicals which can put out a fire quickly.

Though the Amerex B402 is an all-around reliable pick and also recommended by professional firefighters, it is messy. If you don’t mind the mess it would leave behind, its bulky frame, or hefty price tag, it is the best pick on the list.

Download the Amerex B402 safety data sheet.

3. First Alert EZ Fire Spray – Portable and dependable

What we liked:

  • Weighs only 2 pounds, making it the most portable pick.
  • Can fight A, B, C, and even K class fires.
  • The nozzle covers a wide area when sprayed.
  • Non-toxic fire extinguisher.
  • Leaves a dry residue that can easily be wiped off later.

Coming in at under $11, the Fire Alert EZ Fire Spray is ideal for homes and cars. The nozzle isn’t the easiest to use, as you have to press hard to spray. It’s also non-rechargeable. But its versatility, low cost, and lightweight package make up for all that with ease. 

Note: Though it is a fully-functioning, properly-certified device, it isn’t called a fire extinguisher; it is an extinguishing spray. The difference is only in nomenclature and you can still trust it completely.

Download the First Alert safety data sheet.

4. Small Space Extinguisher – Automatic extinguisher

What we liked:

  • Automatically triggers when the ambient temperature reaches ≥170℃ (338℉) providing approximately 30 seconds of effective fire extinguishing time.
  • Suitable for use in various settings, including small power distribution cabinets, communication equipment rooms, battery compartments, car engine compartments, outdoor battery boxes, and other small equipment with fire hazards.
  • Compact design, measuring just 90mm × 61mm × 46.4mm (3.54 inches × 2.4 inches × 1.82 inches), it is compact yet powerful, capable of extinguishing fires in spaces up to 0.6m³ (21.2 cubic feet), equivalent to approximately 0.8m × 0.8m × 0.93m (2.62 feet × 2.62 feet × 3.1 feet).
  • Operates efficiently across a wide temperature range of -40℃ to 85℃ (-40℉ to 185℉), making it suitable for diverse environmental conditions.
  • The device can be securely mounted using the included double-sided tape or by installing the provided fixing screws.
  • Its innovative pressureless design ensures safe and convenient storage without the risks associated with traditional fire extinguishers.
  • No need for annual servicing, making it a cost-effective and hassle-free fire prevention solution.

The hot aerosol automatic fire extinguishing device is ideal for small-scale applications.

5. Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher – Best all around

What we liked:

  • Chemical fire extinguisher that fights A, B, and C class of fires
  • Weighs 7 pounds (4 pounds are the extinguishing agent) which makes it a mix of easy-to-carry and effective. 
  • A fair discharge time of 13-15 seconds and a good range of 10 to 15 feet.
  • Sturdy packaging and chrome-plated trigger make it durable.
  • A refillable device that comes with a pressure gauge and a wall mount.

Our best all around pick, the Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher will set you back $50. It is a sturdy, durable and effective pick that won’t let you down in case the fire gods decide to channel their wrath upon you.

Download Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher safety data sheet.

About the Authors

It takes a village! We are researching, writing and fact checking as a family. Collaboration is the name of the game, whether we’re running from a zombie horde or finding the best way to turn a complex concept into a deliciously digestible set of bullet points.

Katherine Esperanza is a Los Angeles based writer. When she's not conjuring new queer slice-of-life short stories, she's busy watching the newest films, out at queer shows, supporting queer artists, or just checking out the queer community as a whole.

A former international non-profiteer, small business owner, and co-op'er, Katherine is delighted to help introduce more leftist politics into the disaster preparedness/prepper sphere, which is currently far too right-wing.