Consumer Reports Tests Spill-Proof Gas Cans
By Julie Stewart
Summertime means keeping the lawn mowed, but a gas can that promises to take the chore out of filling the tank doesn't keep its word. Troubleshooter Julie Stewart explains.
Every day, gasoline that spills or evaporates from portable gas cans accounts for more pollution than a million cars. Consumer Reports tested a new type of gas can that promises no spills.
People use portable gas cans for all sorts of reasons -- to fuel small boats, lawnmowers and other outdoor power equipment.
For a high school crew team, there's more to practice than just showing up and rowing. While they row, their coach rides. One of the team's responsibilities is getting the gas for the boat.
Consumer Reports recently looked at two cans that promise spill-proof performance.
"These gas cans are designed to prevent spills with automatic shut-off spouts," said Consumer Reports' John Galeotafiore.
Testers used the cans over 300 times to see how they'd stand up to about seven years of use. They also checked to see if they leaked when overturned. Both cans did well on those tessts. But the results were different when testers filled a group of lawnmowers, each with a different gas tank design.
"The Scepter Eco gas can caused spilling in most of the mowers we tested it on," Galeotafiore said. "It would sometimes spill at the beginning, it would sometimes spill at the end and it was different on different lawnmowers. But in most of the cases, there was some spillage.
As a result, Consumer Reports rated the Scepter Eco gas can not acceptable. In contrast, Consumer Reports found the Smart Fill fuel can by Briggs and Stratton, performed flawlessly. The 2-and-a-half gallon can sells for $21.
An addede bonus -- a unique extra handle at the back of the can makes it easy to use.
The Smart Fill fuel can is sold at Home Depot stores. Before you buy, check your gas tank's dimensions to be sure the spout fits.
Online Reporter: Julie Stewart
Online Author: Melissa Schantz
