Keep in Mind: The placement of the handle and the small mouth might make this hard to fill from a fixed faucet.

Typically, you'll want a larger shower head spout for outside plants, since you'll most likely be watering more on each of the plants,” Whitehead says. “For indoor plants, you'll want a more defined, narrow spout head that will allow you to accurately water your plants.” Another nifty feature of this watering can is the cap that can be secured over the fill hole. It not only prevents splashing, but it will also help deter critters like frogs that might want to take up residence. The cap does have slits for ventilation, so it won't keep out smaller insects, but we don't consider this a major design flaw. As with any shiny copper product, you should expect that over time the metal will oxidize slightly and develop a rich bronze patina on its surface (think about the color of an older penny). You can take extra care of the watering can to prevent this from happening, or embrace the natural color variations of this gorgeous metal. If you’re looking for an inexpensive watering can that gets the job done without a lot of bells and whistles, the Room Essentials Novelty Watering Can is a great place to start. The 1-gallon capacity is small enough to lift overhead and makes storage a breeze, but it’s still large enough that you won’t be refilling it constantly. It features a well-placed, large top handle and an easy-to-fill mouth at the top, making it accessible whether you are using a faucet, outdoor hose, or spigot.Keep in Mind: The capacity on this watering can is quite small, so it wouldn’t work well for large plants or an entire garden. The only potential downside to the E.Palace watering can is its small size. While it is an aesthetically pleasing item, the capacity of 15 ounces limits its overall utility. It would be a good choice for a home office or other small area with a houseplant or two, but it would be hard to use this watering can to water a large number of plants. The Bloem Classic 2-Gallon Watering Can is a versatile plastic watering can with a narrow spout and detachable rose head, which makes it versatile enough to use in a big outdoor garden or with indoor plants. It also boasts “an extra-large filling hole” but this is another instance of the handle covering the hole. The real deal-breaker, though, is that it just doesn’t pour well. The water doesn’t fan out of the rose head and multiple reviewers have complained about leaks. Always read the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning, as different materials have different requirements. Most containers can be rinsed with a gentle soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Be mindful to not use harsh chemicals since these can harm your plants if they make it into the soil. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap remains inside it before using the watering can on your plants.

Depending on how many plants you are going to be watering, you may need a smaller or larger watering can. A reliable watering can is a must-have item when caring for plants inside your home and in your garden. "You always want to look at the handle on any watering can you're considering since you'll spend a lot of time carrying it, holding it, and manipulating it to get the water out, says Jen Stark, a master gardener, interior designer, and home improvement expert, and founder of Happy DIY Home. "It should be large enough for you to comfortably grasp, and it may even have spots for your fingers to go."Of all the watering cans we tested, this model stood out to us thanks to multiple unique features. The double-handle design is ergonomic, and we found the handles were comfortable for both carrying and lifting up to reach hanging flower baskets. Although this watering can has a generous capacity, it stands at less than a foot high, so it's easily fillable in a standard kitchen sink. The rose can be removed, and the spout itself can swivel, offering you the option to either direct the sprinkle upwards (for a gentler effect) or downwards, depending on the watering style your plants need. If you have just a few petite houseplants to care for, we love this open-top watering can from Terrain. Although the handle isn't specifically listed as ergonomic, we found it surprisingly comfortable to hold The connector that attaches the handle to the watering can is the perfect place to rest your thumb for extra support and steadying. It was also easy to carry, and no water poured out despite the open design. Why You Should Get It: This watering can covers all the basics with a price tag that can’t be beat.

In watering cans, attractive design, good balance, and grip do not always go hand in hand. A watering can needs good balance so it doesn't easily topple over. Generally, the longer and bulkier the spout, the poorer the balance. If the spout is fairly thin, it won't necessarily be prone to tipping. "A can with a slightly wider base can help balance out a heavier spout, and ones with heavier metal accents may also be more stable," says Stark.

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Keep in mind that this product doesn’t have a rose attachment for sprinkler-style watering, so it wouldn’t be a fit if you are tending to plants that need a gentle shower, such as seedlings, transplants, or delicate flowers. We thought the Bloomscape Large Watering Can was aesthetically-pleasing but ergonomically challenging and hard to handle when filled. We had to use two hands when carrying and pouring this product to avoid water sloshing out, which is why we didn’t include it on our list of the best watering cans. If you are watering plants outdoors, it may be easier to buy a larger watering can so you make fewer trips to the spigot,” Whitehead says. She also recommends finding something you can comfortably hold while carrying across your yard. For indoor watering, Whitehead recommends a smaller container that can easily be filled at the sink. If you’re looking for an attractive watering can to display on a shelf or ledge in your home, the E.Palace Stainless Steel Watering Can is made for you. The small, 15-ounce can is made from sturdy stainless steel with an overall minimalist design, and the size makes it easy to fit into your other home decor.