The first fire extinguishers actually had gunpowder in them. Why? The fire would ignite the gunpowder, making small explosions that in turn opened bags of water. Then the water would fall on the fire, putting it out. Thankfully, we don’t need exploding extinguishers. Today there are multiple types of propellants and extinguishing agents. Some have pressurized contents while others have cartridges to propel the suppression agent.
Steel protection
These big red fire extinguishers cover you in fire protection. Grease dripping on the grill can quickly become a blaze. If putting the lid down to keep oxygen from getting the flames doesn’t put it out, then you’ll be glad you had this Class A, B, and C fire extinguisher nearby. The A rating means it puts out ordinary wood fires. B dampens grease and flammable liquids, while C extinguishes electrical fires. Ovens, vacuum cleaners, stoves, and heaters are only some of the things in your home that can catch fire. Not only are fire extinguishers one of the most valuable pieces of safety equipment you can have in your home, in some places it’s mandatory. This pair of five-pound fire extinguishers are rated A, B, and C. D is for flammable metals.
Buy: Amerex B500, 5lb ABC Dry Chemical Class A B C Fire Extinguisher
Commercial-grade metal valve and trigger
Fires are sneaky. If you smell fire but can’t find it, there could be an electrical fire hidden in your wall. This single-rated A, B, and C extinguisher is rechargeable for up to 12 years by a professional. It’s full of a fine powder, monoammonium phosphate, that coats every surface, blazing or not, suffocating it. It comes with a mounting bracket and color-coded gauge, and a heavy-duty valve and trigger. Always make sure to have a fully-charged extinguisher in your workshop, too.
Buy: First Alert HOME2PRO Rechargeable Compliance Fire Extinguisher
White delight
Let’s face it, fire extinguishers are not the most attractive kitchen tool. But this white one blends right in. Kitchen fires are the number one home fires, followed by portable heaters and inadequate wiring blazes. Because it’s designed for kitchen use, this extinguisher uses sodium bicarbonate. Also known for its antacid properties, the powder puts out grease, oil, and flammable liquid fires as well as electrical ones. This white fire extinguisher attaches to your cabinets with a mounting bracket. We also like how this smaller fire extinguisher lets you push a button to check the pressure.
Buy: FIRST ALERT Fire Extinguisher
Just follow the instructions
Starting a fire is as easy as blowing out a match and tossing it in the trash. That’s when you’re relieved you can just grab this class A, B, and C extinguisher to put out whatever is in the garbage. A clear instruction label shows you step-by-step how to operate it, and an easy-to-read gauge tells you that it’s charged and ready to use. Make sure you have one in your garage, workshop, RV, camper, and boat, just in case. The aluminum cylinder won’t rust or corrode in damp climates.
Buy: Kidde 21005779 Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher
Non-toxic small blaze battler
Easy to use style is great for everyone in the family to use on sparks and flames. What a fantastic idea. Rather than a typical fire extinguisher, this is an aerosol spray. This portable point-and-shoot fire extinguisher is a great gift for grads, homeowners, grillers, and adventurers. Simply aim and let the extinguisher dispense the non-toxic biodegradable spray. Completely puts out small blazes with 32 seconds of spray.
Buy: First Alert EZ Fire Spray, Extinguishing Aerosol Spray
Cyndi Mathews is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Cyndi recently published her first book and enjoys traveling to Florida in her sailboat.
