A jerry can is a rugged, flat-sided fuel or water container originally developed for the German military in the 1930s, now made in steel or plastic in sizes from 5 to 30 liters.
The jerry can is one of those designs that proved so effective it barely changed in 90 years. Originally called the Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister, it earned its nickname from Allied soldiers who referred to Germans as “Jerry.” The defining features—flat sides, three handles for two-person carrying, and that distinctive X-shaped reinforcement pattern—all served a battlefield purpose: stackable, durable, and easy to pass along a line. Today you’ll find them in garages, on camping trips, in emergency kits, and on farms, holding everything from gasoline to drinking water.
Why the Jerry Can Design Still Matters
The original pressed-steel design solved problems earlier fuel cans got wrong. The flat sides let you pack multiple cans tightly without wasted space. The three-handle layout means one person can carry it by the top handle, or two people can each take an end handle for a heavy full load. The X-pattern stamped into the sides isn’t decorative—it reinforces the metal so the can resists denting and swelling from fuel expansion. Modern high-density polyethylene (HDPE) versions keep the same flat-sided rectangular shape but weigh far less:
Common Sizes and Capacities
While 20 liters (roughly 5.3 US gallons) is the classic military size, modern manufacturers produce a range of approved capacities. The table below shows the most common UN-approved HDPE sizes you’ll encounter.
| Capacity | Typical Dimensions (approx.) | Typical Empty Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 5 L | Compact, varies by brand | ~0.3 kg |
| 10 L | Moderate, varies by brand | ~0.5 kg |
| 20 L | 292 × 246 × 389 mm | ~0.82 kg |
| 25 L | ~460 mm height | ~1.0 kg |
| 30 L | Taller, varies by brand | ~1.2 kg |
| 35 L | 575 × 320 mm, 46 mm mouth | ~2.5 kg |
Capacities and dimensions are not uniform across brands, so always check the specific product’s spec sheet.
What to Look for When Choosing a Jerry Can
Material dictates what you can safely store. Steel cans are traditional for gasoline and diesel, but they can rust over time if water gets inside. HDPE plastic cans won’t rust, are lighter, and are widely used for both fuel and drinking water—but you need to verify chemical compatibility against the specific resin if storing anything beyond gasoline or water. Stainless steel options exist for those who want corrosion resistance without plastic.
If you’re shopping for one, our recommended jerry can picks break down the best options for fuel, water, and off-road use based on material, capacity, and real-world testing.
Mouth opening size matters more than you might think. A narrow opening makes pouring slow and messy; a wider one lets you fill and empty quickly and clean the inside. For fuel cans, nozzle compatibility with gas station pumps is another practical concern—many modern plastic cans include a spill-proof nozzle that fits standard pump handles.
Legal and Safety Notes
Regulations vary by jurisdiction. In the UK, for example, storing petrol in a single 20-liter container is restricted under certain rules, and legal limits on fuel storage in garages or homes apply in many countries. Always check your local regulations before filling multiple large cans.
For drinking water, use only cans labeled as food-grade or potable water safe. Never repurpose a used fuel can for water—residue can contaminate the water even after thorough cleaning, and the plastic or inner lining may have absorbed fuel compounds.
FAQs
FAQs
Can you put gas in a plastic jerry can?
Yes, as long as the can is HDPE plastic, stamped with an approval mark for fuel storage (such as UN approval or DOT compliance in the US). The can must be designed for flammable liquids, not all plastic cans are. Using a water-only can for fuel risks leaks and chemical reactions.
Why are jerry cans so expensive compared to gas cans?
Jerry cans are built to stricter standards—thicker walls, reinforced seams, and often UN certification for transporting hazardous materials. A standard $10 gas can might be thin and prone to leaking; a quality jerry can costs more but lasts decades and meets stricter safety tests.
Can you use a jerry can for water?
Only if the can is specifically labeled as food-grade or potable water safe. Many HDPE jerry cans designed for water storage are sold as such, with neutral-taste plastic and wider openings for cleaning. Never use a fuel can for water even after rinsing—residue can persist in the plastic.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Jerrycan.” Provides historical background and design details of the original Wehrmacht-Einheitskanister.
- BBC News. “What is a jerry can?” Covers the term’s origin and basic modern uses.
- IFRC. “Jerrycan, plastic, rigid.” Supplies 20-liter recommendation and mouth opening specifications for water use in emergency settings.