Steel vs Plastic Gas Cans: Is a NATO Jerry Can Worth It?
If you keep spare fuel in your truck, garage or overland rig, the can you choose matters more than most people think. A cheap plastic can can swell, leak, crack in the sun or spill every time you pour. A steel NATO-style jerry can is built to last for decades. Here is how the two compare, and how to pick the right size.
What is a NATO jerry can?
The jerry can design dates back to the 1930s, and militaries around the world still use it. It has three handles so one person can carry two full cans or two people can share one, a recessed seam to protect the welds, and an air pocket that lets the can float on water when filled with fuel. Wavian makes authentic NATO jerry cans to the same military standards, from heavy-gauge steel with a rust-proof interior lining.
Steel vs plastic gas cans
Durability
Steel cans shrug off drops, rough trails and years of sun. Plastic cans get brittle over time from UV exposure and heat, and they can split along the seams. If your can rides in a truck bed or on a roof rack, steel is the safer bet.
Leaks and vapor
A sealed steel can with a bayonet-style closure holds vapor in and keeps fuel from sloshing out. Many plastic cans “breathe,” which lets fumes into your vehicle and lets the can swell or collapse as the temperature changes.
Pouring
Wavian spout systems lock onto the can and are designed for controlled, spill-free pouring. Some even shut off automatically when the tank is full. That beats fighting a flimsy plastic spout at the pump.
Legal compliance
California and several other states require portable fuel containers to meet CARB and EPA rules. Wavian offers EPA and CARB compliant spout systems, but not every color is sold in every state. Some retailers note that black and green fuel cans cannot be sold in California, so check the version before you buy.
Price
Plastic cans cost less up front, but a quality steel can lasts many times longer. Buying one below retail closes most of that gap.
Which size do you need?
- 10 liters (about 2.6 gallons): best for generators, lawn equipment, motorcycles, side-by-sides and tight cargo space. Easy to lift and pour.
- 20 liters (about 5.3 gallons): best for trucks, overlanding and road trips. One can adds real range to most vehicles.
Our picks
- Wavian USA Authentic NATO Jerry Can and Spout System: 10 liter in green, yellow or black, or 20 liter in red. EPA and CARB compliant.
- Portable Fuel Container 20L, Army Green Stainless Steel: a classic jerry can design with a flexible spout and locking cap.
- Wavian 22 Liter Water Can: a food-grade water container to carry alongside your fuel. Never store water in a can that has held fuel.
Fuel storage safety tips
- Store cans in a cool, ventilated place away from living spaces, flames and pilot lights.
- Use colors to tell fuels apart. Red is usually gasoline, yellow is diesel and blue is kerosene.
- Add a fuel stabilizer if gas will sit for more than a month or two.
- Strap cans down when driving so they cannot slide or tip.
- Check your state’s rules on how much fuel you can store at home.
The bottom line
If you only need fuel for a lawn mower once in a while, a plastic can will do. If you travel off-road, keep an emergency supply or just want a can you will never replace, a steel NATO jerry can is worth it. Every order from Overstock HQ ships free within the U.S. and comes with a 30-day return window.
