The 6 Best Fire Extinguishers of 2023

It all starts with neglect. A phone call while cooking is enough to start a fire in your home. When this happens, the first moments are critical to its development. You can often put out the fire with your hands or a rag, but if you’re unhappy, you’ll need a fire extinguisher.

A fire extinguisher is a much-needed piece of equipment. In some cases, such as offices or workplaces, they are even mandatory. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about fire extinguishers.

the most important

Fire extinguishers are only used to put out fires in formations. They are not suitable for use on an open flame or fire. Even the most potent fire extinguishers can’t deal with a big fire.

U.S. law requires fire extinguishers in workplaces, public buildings, and apartment buildings. In the latter case, one must be installed per layer.

It would help if you considered several buying factors. One of them is the type of fire extinguisher. Types A to D is suitable for one kind of fire. Taking the home as an example, the most convenient is the A-type fire extinguisher, which is used for solid-type fires.

The 6 Best Fire Extinguishers of 2023: our recommendations

Emergencies are a priority. You never know when a fire will break out. Therefore, it is best to have a fire extinguisher on hand. In this section, we want to provide you with the best model because your safety always comes first.

1. Amerex B456 ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher

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The Amerex B456 ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. It is designed to suppress fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil; and electrical equipment. The fire extinguisher uses a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.

The Amerex B456 is a versatile and effective fire extinguisher that is widely used in both residential and commercial settings. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

2. Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC

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The Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. It is designed to suppress fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil; and electrical equipment.

The fire extinguisher uses a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.

The Kidde FA110 is a versatile and effective fire extinguisher that is widely used in both residential and commercial settings. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

3. First Alert PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher

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The First Alert PRO5 Rechargeable Heavy Duty Plus Fire Extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. It is designed to suppress fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil; and electrical equipment. The fire extinguisher uses a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.

The First Alert PRO5 is a versatile and effective fire extinguisher that is widely used in both residential and commercial settings. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

4.2 Pack Buckeye 13315 ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Hand Held Fire Extinguisher

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The Buckeye 13315 ABC Multipurpose Dry Chemical Hand Held Fire Extinguisher is a compact and portable fire extinguisher that is suitable for use in a variety of settings, including homes, offices, and vehicles. It is a multi-purpose extinguisher that can be used on fires involving wood, paper, fabric, liquids, and electrical equipment. It has a user-friendly design and a clear, easy-to-read pressure gauge.

The extinguisher uses a dry chemical agent that is effective at extinguishing fires and preventing them from re-igniting. It has a metal handle and lever for easy use, and a discharge hose for improved accuracy and reach.

5.First Alert HOME1

A tight budget should never prevent you from keeping your family safe, which is why we wanted to include the affordable First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher. It costs only around $30, so you can purchase one—or more than one—without breaking the bank.

Pros

• Mounting bracket included
• Lightweight
• Low price tag
• 10-year warranty

Cons

• Low-grade materials

Rechargeable extinguisher

Despite its low price, the First Alert Standard Home Fire Extinguisher’s extinguishing agent is still rated to handle most home fires, including fabric, wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. It’s rechargeable, but the cost of recharging is high enough and the cost of this extinguisher is low enough that it probably makes sense to just buy a new one after you use it.

6.Amerex B500 Fire Extinguisher

Owners say the Amerex B500 is long-lasting and reliable, and a perfect size for general home use. This is a chemical fire extinguisher that will work on all kinds of fires: trash, wood, and paper; flammable liquids; and electrical blazes. It weighs 10 pounds, has 5 pounds of powder, and has a 2A, 10B-C rating.

The Amerex has all-metal valves and comes with a wall mount and a pressure gauge. Reviewers like that unlike many home fire extinguishers, this one is refillable. They also say that its 14-second discharge is enough to put out substantial household blazes, but at about 15 inches tall, the canister is still small enough to fit in a cabinet or in other tight storage spaces. The metal handle and trigger also earns a lot of praise for sturdiness and durability compared to cheaper plastic versions. It comes with a six-year warranty.

Lightweight option

With its aluminum casing, it’s not as sturdy as the Amerex, but it’s lighter and a more portable extinguisher. It’s a good choice if you have kids or older adults in your home who might not be able to lift a heavier extinguisher.

Buyer’s Guide

Take a look at how the factors below affect a fire extinguisher’s ability to put out a fire.

Class System

Fire extinguishers are given a rating to tell you what type of fire they’re capable of putting out. The canister should clearly indicate what class the extinguisher falls under with words and graphics.

• Class A: Class A extinguishers are used on fires that involve paper, wood, plastic, and other solids. The graphic on the canister should be a campfire or burning trash can.
• Class B: This type of extinguisher is used to put out flammable liquids and gases, including oil, gasoline, propane, and methane. The graphic for this class is a gas can.
• Class C: This type of fire extinguisher puts out electrical fires caused by appliances. Its graphic is a plug and an outlet.
• Class D: Class D extinguishers put out fires caused by flammable metals, such as aluminum, sodium, and magnesium. The graphic for this extinguisher is a gear.
• Class K: This extinguisher puts out cooking oil fires. It’s designed for professional kitchens in restaurants as opposed to households. The graphic for this class is a cooking pan on fire.

Material

Fire extinguishers have different materials that come out when you spray them.

• Dry chemical: This is the most common material found in residential extinguishers. It can put out Class A, B, and C fires.
• Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide discharges at cold temperatures and smothers fires, preventing them from getting more oxygen. This material is found in Class B and C extinguishers.
• Foam: Foam removes heat from the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching it. This is another common material used to put out residential fires.
• Liquified gas/clean agent: This material doesn’t leave a residue behind after use, which is why it’s sometimes called a clean agent extinguisher. It’s commonly found in Class B and C extinguishers and can sometimes be found in Class A models.
• Water: You won’t find many fire extinguishers that use water. The only reason firefighters are able to put out fires using water is because they use large volumes of it at high pressures. If you do find a residential extinguisher that contains water, it likely has foam mixed in with the water to work on Class A fires.
• Wet chemical: This type of extinguisher is mainly used in restaurants for Class K fires.
• Dry powder: This powder is only effective at putting out Class D fires, making it an uncommon material to find in residential fire extinguishers.

Size

There are four common sizes for residential fire extinguishers.

• 10-pound: This is the largest extinguisher you’ll find for home use. Ten-pound fire extinguishers typically cost $45–$100.
• Five-pound: This extinguisher costs between $30 and $75.
• Two-pound: A small, two-pound canister will cost around $20–$60.
• Stovetop: This is the smallest type of residential extinguisher. It costs $15–$50.

Maintenance

It’s recommended that you inspect your fire extinguisher at least once a year. Each fire extinguisher will have instructions printed on it that tell you how to inspect it, but most of these instructions involve inspecting the safety pin, nozzle, and valve for cracks and corrosion and the pressure gauge for charge. Some fire departments will also inspect your extinguisher for you if you want proof from an expert that it’s in working condition.

What you should know about fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are an important tool for containing small fires. They work by shooting out a substance, such as water or foam, that can smother the fire and put it out. It’s important to select the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with. For example, a fire extinguisher that is safe to use on a grease fire in the kitchen may not be suitable for a fire in an electrical panel. It’s also important to make sure that the fire extinguisher is properly charged and in good working order.

You should regularly inspect your fire extinguishers and have them serviced by a professional if necessary. In the event of a fire, it’s important to remain calm and use the fire extinguisher properly. You should aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, using a sweeping motion to cover the entire area. If the fire does not go out within 30 seconds, you should evacuate the building and call the fire department.

At what height should fire extinguishers be installed?

Fire extinguishers should be installed at a height that is easily accessible in the event of a fire. This means that they should be installed at a height that is within reach, typically between 3 and 5 feet off the ground.

The exact height will depend on the location of the fire extinguisher and the needs of the building. For example, a fire extinguisher in a kitchen may need to be mounted higher to allow for clearance over counters and appliances. In general, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the installation of fire extinguishers.

How far should fire extinguishers be?

Fire extinguishers should be located within easy reach in the event of a fire. This means that they should be located along an unobstructed path, typically no more than 75 feet from the potential fire. The exact distance will depend on the layout of the building and the size of the fire extinguisher.

In general, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the installation of fire extinguishers. Additionally, fire extinguishers should be clearly marked and visible so that they can be easily found in an emergency.

How often should fire extinguishers be checked?

Fire extinguishers have a lifespan of approximately 20 years from the first bell. The fire extinguisher will sound up to three times. From the purchase or installation of one of these devices, the user or owner must be aware of the tests performed, which are as follows:

• Quarterly: Check every three months that fire extinguishers are in place, are not damaged, and are adequate for the risks they protect. In addition, they have free and transparent access to facilitate their removal from the stand, and the instructions for use are clear and easy to read. Additionally, the pressure gauge indicator must be in the green zone, with no missing or damaged seal parts, and fully charged.
• Annual: Annual audits will be conducted by authorized and qualified professionals. In the case of a dry powder extinguisher with a pressure bottle, the charge and pressure of the extinguisher and the state of the extinguishing agent are checked. Also, check the pulse pressure of the extinguishing agent and the condition of the hoses, fuses, and valves.
• Every Five Years: Reset fire extinguishers by Regulation 29 CFR 1910.157(f).

Should I mark the location of my fire extinguisher?

Yes, it’s a good idea to mark the location of your fire extinguisher. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence, and being able to quickly locate your fire extinguisher can make a big difference. There are several ways to mark the location of your fire extinguisher, including signs, stickers, or other visual indicators.

It’s important to make sure that the markings are clear and visible, and that they are placed in a location that is easily accessible in the event of a fire. Additionally, it’s a good idea to regularly check that the markings are still in place and visible. This will ensure that you and others in the building can quickly find the fire extinguisher in an emergency.

How to use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire?

In the event of a fire, the first thing you need to do is call emergency services or have someone handle it for you. If you’ve never used a fire extinguisher, they all have a sticker with instructions on the side, so you shouldn’t have any problems. However, to help you, we will explain step by step how to use them:

• Make emergency calls and evacuate everyone.
• Grab the fire extinguisher and stand with your back to the exit. It is essential to consider this safety measure to avoid getting caught in a fire.
• Most fire extinguishers are used between 2 and 3 meters. Only use it when you are at the proper distance.
• To use the fire extinguisher, the safety pin must first be removed.
• Hold the hose in one hand and the fire extinguisher in the other.
• Aim the hose at the fire source. Don’t aim for flames.
• Squeeze the lever to release the agent and apply pressure slowly and evenly.
• Move the hose from side to side to extinguish the fuel and continue until extinguished.
• If the flame burns, walk away and repeat the process.
• If you cannot put out the fire, get out and leave the area immediately.

What are the five main types of fire extinguishers?

There are five main types of fire extinguishers:

• Water.
• Powder.
• Foam.
• Carbon Dioxide (CO2).
• Wet chemical.

What type of fire extinguisher is best for home use?

ABC extinguishers

Your fire extinguishers must be UL-approved. All of the experts we spoke with recommended an extinguisher with an ABC rating. Simply put, ABC extinguishers are the standard for home use.

What is ABC in a fire extinguisher?

ABC in a fire extinguisher refers to the type of fire that the extinguisher is suitable for. The letters A, B, and C refer to different classes of fire:

• Class A: Fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth
• Class B: Fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil
• Class C: Fires involving electrical equipment

Fire extinguishers that are labeled as “ABC” are suitable for use on all three types of fire. This means that they can be used on fires involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment. ABC fire extinguishers typically use a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?

A foam fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class A and class B fires. It works by shooting out a foam-like substance that can smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. The foam is typically made of a mixture of water and a special agent, such as a protein or a synthetic compound, that helps to create a thick, sticky layer on the surface of the fire.

This layer of foam can cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, effectively extinguishing it. Foam fire extinguishers are commonly used in areas where flammable liquids are present, such as in garages, workshops, and commercial kitchens. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

What is a CO2 fire extinguisher?

A CO2 fire extinguisher is a type of fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class B and class C fires. It works by shooting out a stream of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which can smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.

CO2 is a clean and safe fire suppressant that leaves no residue and poses no harm to humans or the environment. It is effective at extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment, but it is not suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.

CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly used in areas where electrical equipment is present, such as in offices, computer rooms, and laboratories. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

What is the most commonly used fire extinguisher?

The most commonly used fire extinguisher is the ABC fire extinguisher. ABC fire extinguishers are labeled as “ABC” because they are suitable for use on all three classes of fire: A, B, and C. This means that they can be used on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth; fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil; and fires involving electrical equipment.

ABC fire extinguishers typically use a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading.

They are widely used in both residential and commercial settings because of their versatility and effectiveness. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

Which type of fire extinguisher is used in the kitchen?

In the kitchen, a fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class F fires is typically used. Class F fires are fires involving cooking oils and fats, such as those that commonly occur in the kitchen.

These fires can be difficult to extinguish because water is not effective at extinguishing them. Instead, a fire extinguisher that uses a foam-based or wet chemical agent is typically used. These agents work by creating a barrier between the fire and the oxygen supply, effectively smothering the fire and preventing it from spreading.

It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen as a precaution, even if you are not planning to use it to extinguish a fire. This way, it will be available in case of an emergency.

What is in a powder fire extinguisher?

A powder fire extinguisher typically contains a dry chemical agent, such as monoammonium phosphate, that is used to smother the fire and prevent it from spreading. This type of fire extinguisher is suitable for use on class A, class B, and class C fires. It works by creating a barrier between the fire and the oxygen supply, effectively smothering the fire and preventing it from spreading.

Powder fire extinguishers are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings because of their versatility and effectiveness. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

What can fire CO2 be used on?

CO2 fire extinguishers can be used on class B and class C fires. Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil. Class C fires are fires involving electrical equipment.

CO2 is a clean and safe fire suppressant that leaves no residue and poses no harm to humans or the environment. It is effective at extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment, but it is not suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.

CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly used in areas where electrical equipment is present, such as in offices, computer rooms, and laboratories. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

Which inhalant is most widely used in a fire extinguisher?

The most commonly used inhalant in a fire extinguisher is carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 is a clean and safe fire suppressant that leaves no residue and poses no harm to humans or the environment. It is effective at extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment, but it is not suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.

CO2 fire extinguishers are commonly used in areas where electrical equipment is present, such as in offices, computer rooms, and laboratories. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

Which fire extinguisher is used for flammable liquids?

A fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class B fires is typically used for flammable liquids. Class B fires are fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and oil. These fires can be difficult to extinguish because water is not effective at extinguishing them. Instead, a fire extinguisher that uses a foam-based or wet chemical agent is typically used.

These agents work by creating a barrier between the fire and the oxygen supply, effectively smothering the fire and preventing it from spreading. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in areas where flammable liquids are present, such as in garages, workshops, and commercial kitchens, as a precaution, even if you are not planning to use it to extinguish a fire. This way, it will be available in case of an emergency.

What are the fire extinguisher Colours?

Fire extinguishers are available in the following color codes:

• Blue (Dry Powder Extinguishers)
• Black (Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers)
• Cream (Foam Extinguishers)
• Red (Water Extinguishers)
• Yellow (Wet Chemical Extinguishers)

Is nitrogen gas used in fire extinguishers?

Yes, nitrogen gas is sometimes used in fire extinguishers. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is non-toxic and poses no harm to humans or the environment. It is commonly used as a fire suppressant in fire extinguishers because it is effective at extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment, but it is not suitable for use on fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth.

Nitrogen fire extinguishers are typically used in areas where electrical equipment is present, such as in offices, computer rooms, and laboratories. It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage.

Why is the fire extinguisher pin sealed?

The fire extinguisher pin is sealed for safety reasons. The pin is typically a metal or plastic rod that is inserted into the handle of the fire extinguisher. When the fire extinguisher is not in use, the pin is sealed in place with a tamper-evident seal, such as a plastic tag or a strip of tape. This seal is designed to prevent the fire extinguisher from being accidentally discharged.

In the event of a fire, the pin must be pulled out to activate the fire extinguisher. This simple safety feature helps to ensure that the fire extinguisher is ready to use in an emergency, and it also helps to prevent accidents or misuse. It’s important to check the seal on your fire extinguisher regularly to make sure it is intact and in good condition. If the seal is broken or missing, the fire extinguisher may not be ready for use and should be serviced by a professional.^[1]The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seals

What is a green fire extinguisher?

A green fire extinguisher is typically a water-based fire extinguisher that is suitable for use on class A fires. Class A fires are fires involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood, paper, and cloth. These fires can be effectively extinguished with water, which cools the fire and reduces the amount of oxygen available to sustain it. Water-based fire extinguishers are typically colored green to indicate that they are suitable for use on class A fires.

It’s important to choose the right type of fire extinguisher for the type of fire you’re dealing with, and to use it properly to avoid injury and prevent further damage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a green fire extinguisher on hand in areas where ordinary combustibles are present, such as in residential buildings, to help prevent fires from spreading.^[2]What is a Green Fire Extinguisher?

Can you reuse a fire extinguisher?

In most cases, it is not advisable to reuse a fire extinguisher. Once a fire extinguisher has been used, it should be inspected by a professional to determine if it is still in good working order and safe to use. In many cases, a fire extinguisher that has been used may need to be serviced or replaced.

This is because the fire suppressant agent may have been partially or completely discharged, or the pressure in the extinguisher may have been depleted.

Additionally, the extinguisher may have been damaged during use, which could affect its performance and safety. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the care and maintenance of your fire extinguisher, and to have it serviced by a professional if necessary. This will help to ensure that it is ready to use in case of a fire.^[3]How to Properly Use a Fire Extinguisher

Can you put the pin back in the fire extinguisher?

In most cases, it is not advisable to put the pin back in a fire extinguisher once it has been removed.

The pin is typically a metal or plastic rod that is inserted into the handle of the fire extinguisher. When the fire extinguisher is not in use, the pin is sealed in place with a tamper-evident seal, such as a plastic tag or a strip of tape. This seal is designed to prevent the fire extinguisher from being accidentally discharged. In the event of a fire, the pin must be pulled out to activate the fire extinguisher.

Once the pin has been pulled out, it should not be put back in place. This is because doing so may interfere with the operation of the fire extinguisher and prevent it from functioning properly.

Additionally, replacing the pin may also break the tamper-evident seal, which could indicate that the fire extinguisher has been used even if it has not. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the use and care of your fire extinguisher, and to have it serviced by a professional if necessary.