7 Best Watering Cans in Australia (Indoor and Outdoor)

Watering Can Australian Buyers' Guide

Not all watering cans are equal. It’s really quite important to understand that. Traditional watering cans have been, and probably always will be, the easiest way to water your garden, but if you want to speed things up, water with mist sprays, or use watering cans to fight off pests, then there are some brilliant pressurised watering cans that double up as pressure sprays too.

Follow this guide to choose the right watering can for your garden needs, and check out our reviews too, because we’ve done the hard work and found the best watering cans you can buy for indoors, outdoors, and in between.

Why Do You Need a Good Watering Can?

A good watering can is a necessity, whether you’re using it outdoors, or looking for the best indoor watering can. Houseplants, just as much as those hardy shrubs, still need water, sometimes all year round.

Perhaps the biggest benefit of watering cans though is that they save water in a big way. Not because your plants need less, but because you’ll have much more control over how and when you water your plants, and as well as the hose, you can harvest rainwater in water butts and barrels to keep costs down and help the environment along the way.

What to Look for When Buying a Watering Can

For me, the most important thing about any watering can is the material it's made from. I used to have a beautiful galvanised steel watering can, and it was big enough to water quickly, with a generous opening so it filled fast too.

However, after a year of outdoor use, it rusted and developed several holes. It’s completely useless now, but it does make a good planter!

Rose, or spray nozzle? 

Depending on what you’re watering, spray nozzles can be a more effective method. Pressurised watering cans are the obvious choice here, but there are some very fine roses that produce a fine spray of water to water aerial roots, or foliage of damp-loving house plants in particular. 

Never buy a watering can without a rose if you grow plants from seed, as the weight of water from an open spout will simply wash them away, and any thin sowings you’ve made will end up washed together so everything germinates at the centre of the tray – making it much harder to care for them later.

Capacity (usually measured in Litres)

Most watering cans will be measured in litres, but some smaller cans for houseplants are small enough to have capacity in millilitres too. For house plants, particularly if you’ve got trailing plants, you’ll need a watering can that is under 1l. 

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It’s annoying to fill up so regularly, but it’s much easier to use around the house and lift up over your head to water your plants. The same goes for hanging baskets. Either get a pressure sprayer so you can use the nozzle to water, rather than the tank, or a smaller can.

For veggies and outdoor plants, 8 litres or more should be the minimum, because every bed, and every newly planted shrub will need at least a full can of water (if you’re following best practice and watering deeply, rather than frequently).

1. Greenleaf Plastic Pressure Watering Can, 9 Litre

This 9-litre watering can from Greenleaf, watering can has its spout right at the base of the can, which means it waters quickly and effectively, especially if you’re filling from a tap.

Like all base spouts, it can clog with debris if you fill it from water butts, but in 99% of situations, you won’t find a more durable manual watering can for out in the garden.

At 9 litres, it’s quite heavy, but it’s definitely still carryable, and that means you need to fill up less, especially when you’ve got a full greenhouse to water.

2. Gardena Pressure Sprayer, 1.25 Litre

For the price, I don’t think you’ll find a better built pressure sprayer. My only reservation about this Gardena pressure sprayer is its size. If it was just a little bit bigger, it would feel more suitable for outdoor use, but at this sort of size, it does make a handy addition to balcony gardens, or indoor gardens.

Plus, it’s still incredibly useful for watering baskets and pots, or spraying pests off your prized plants.

3. Hills Garden Sprayer, 8 Litre 

I can vouch for this, not just on trial, but on longer-term use, because I have the pressure sprayer at home. It’s easy to use, and puts up with a whole heap of abuse, and its nozzle has lasted for about five years without any signs of damage, while the seal is as tight as the day we bought it.

If you want a convenient, easy-to-carry solution to watering your garden that allows you to target water exactly where you need it… this is it.

4. Tennedriv Green Indoor Watering Can with Sprinkler Head

Tennedriv Green is a basic brand, producing simple products, but this watering can is a thing of beauty. While it is made of plastic, it’s as beautiful as any galvanised watering can I’ve come across, and it's much more durable.

At ½ a gallon, it’s a generous size for watering houseplants, but not so big that it looks out of place on a windowsill, or in the kitchen when it’s not in use.

5. IMEEA Indoor Metal Watering Can, 1 Litre 

The galvanised stainless steel watering can by IMEEA holds 1L of water when full, but it’s worth noting that the opening is the full size of the can, meaning it’s never a good idea to completely fill it.

Personally, I’d advise using this for small collections of young houseplants, which it’s great for, but maybe having something a little bit more practical tucked away out of sight for larger plants.

6. Tennedriv Green Long Spout Watering Can 

Tennedriv Green doesn’t often make it into our review sections, but I just adore this watering can they’ve got on Amazon. The ribbed tank catches the light beautifully and it’s easy to clean too.

The long spout is really well designed, with a base connection for faster watering and better pressure, while its lid stops spillages so you can fill it right to the brim.

7. NOBONDO Indoor Watering Can, 4 Litre

This 1 gallon watering can is too beautiful to leave out in the garden. Its durable build means you could, but I think it deserves a spot in the house, ready to water some of those larger house plants.

Its olive green casing and cream-toned highlights have a look of ceramic to them, but with a far more practical finish. If you’re after something a bit quirky but still practical, this is one of the best watering cans you’ll find for indoor use, and one of the best looking for outdoors too.

I really adore this watering can and wish I could bring it home. It might not be the best-looking watering can in the world, but it’s super quick to fill, waters fast and with great pressure, and the rose is incredibly easy to clean too.

At 9 litres it’s at that perfect junction between being big enough to hold plenty of water but light enough to carry. Without a doubt, this is my top pick of watering cans for 2024.

Gardena are globally recognised, but usually their premium quality products come at a premium price. This pressure sprayer is a little different because it doesn’t cut any corners on design or manufacturing quality, and is affordable too.

If you’re after a touch of premium luxury without breaking the bank, you’ll not be disappointed with this brilliant little pressure spray watering can.

It’s maybe a little unusual for us to be listing one of the more expensive watering cans as the best value, but that’s because in terms of value for money, you’re getting much more bang for your buck with this durable pressure sprayer from hills. 

It’s a durable, trusted product, which is easy to fill, easy to clean, and will literally last a lifetime if properly cared for. Its 8 litre capacity is ideal for carrying around with the shoulder strap, and its long spray nozzle can be adjusted to different pressures, either to water plants or blast away pests.

Different Types of Watering Cans

There are really just two types of watering cans, and most can be adapted with roses. And within each group you’ll find cans with spouts at their base, or spouts higher up. 

Base spouts are faster, and spill less, but leaves or debris from water butts can clog the roses quickly. High spouts tend to spill quite a lot, but debris will sink to the bottom, so you won’t find them blocking up with leaves or other debris quite as often.

Indoor watering cans

Indoor watering cans are smaller than outdoor watering cans, and are generally designed to look good, rather than hold a lot of water. It might seem impractical to fill up quite so often, but it’s a lot better than having an 8L watering can by the sink all the time!

Outdoor watering cans

Outdoor watering cans should be weather resistant, and ideally made from plastic, or at the very least enamelled metal. The bigger the watering can, the better, so go for the largest size you’re comfortable carrying. 

For an idea of weight, try lifting a half-full washing-up bowl, or five 1.5L bottles. That’s about the weight of a full 8L watering can

Copper watering can

As water increases in price it makes sense that dispensing it through a plastic vessel is hardly appropriate. One needs to invest in a copper watering can as one would employ an authentic amphora to pour a quality Italian red.

Seriously, I’m not sure I could justify purchasing one of these for a few mundane duties in the garden. If I were to collect watering cans, however, it would certainly be a different issue. This would be one of my first purchases.

Hammered copper watering can

…but then if the copper watering can seem a little staid for your taste then maybe you could try a hammered version on for size. What will they think of next?

I don’t mind it really. The hammering effect seems to dull the colour of the copper a little and make it seem more rustic. The pitted surface also aids in keeping the water cooler during the summer months so that watering annuals in the midday sun is possible. No, that’s crap…I made that bit up.

Galvanised watering can

Now this is more my style. Rough and ready. No pomp and ceremony, just itching to be utilised in a garden setting. Leave it laying in the garden all through the winter and you still won’t have noticed a change. Galvanised metal isn’t susceptible to rust through water alone but can rust via salt corrosion so make sure you keep it away from alkaline soils.

Galvanised watering cans are far superior to their metal predecessors and are easy to maintain.

Plastic watering can

However…there is one watering can that is far superior even to the galvanised version. A plastic watering can. Trusty, dependable and non-corrosive. If you leave this one out in the elements it may blow away but it won’t rust or fall to pieces. In fact, I’m sure that their breakdown period is almost Jurassic in length.

I’ve had a few of these over the years, replacing them only because the kids left them behind the car or under the trailer or I just felt like I needed a new one. If you only have one watering can for your gardening purposes then the plastic type is the way to go.

Antique watering can – (vintage)

Antique or vintage watering cans are a collector’s “to-die-for” item. They will probably never see another drop of water inside them, however, this does not take away from their importance. They play an important role in setting the scene as part of the garden experience.

They can be displayed on a pedestal indoors or in the middle of an undercover, outdoor table. These look great as features in a conservatory but can even be appreciated as homewares, decorating amidst a group of other knick-knacks.

Brass watering can

A brass watering can is the epitome of elegance and a lack of functionality. Regardless, they look fantastic and every gardener needs one…well rich gardeners anyway. I shall merely gaze upon such beauty and daydream.

Maybe there’s a purpose for having a brass watering can. Perhaps, like their counterparts the copper watering cans, they too have a sense of proprietary within a gardener’s bag of tools. Brass is much more stately than copper though and I’d be surprised if one of these ever ventured out as a utilised tool.

Ceramic watering can

And from the sublime….Okay. We’ve hit pay-dirt when it comes to non-functional, aesthetic home accessorising. Not only is this watering can ceramic but it also carries the figure of Betty Boop. Hardly a useful tool.

However, if you are still planning to collect them as a home/garden trinket then possibly they might work for you. This one would most definitely need to stay indoors but there are many other ceramic watering cans that could easily be used as decorating items outdoors.

Painted watering can

And the piece de resistance (I’m not sure my French was totally correct there) is of course the humble do-it-yourself painted watering can. These are big with folk painters who will mask the dull surface of a galvanised can with any plethora of country designs that takes their fancy. If you find one of these resting in someone’s home chances are they painted it themselves or had a friend/mother-in-law do it for them.

They are very charming and due to the paints used are most definitely an indoor feature.

Water pumps and pressure sprayers for indoor or outdoor use

Water pumps or pressure sprayers are great for indoor or outdoor use. They don’t look pretty sitting in the kitchen or bathroom next to houseplants, but they speed things up and double up as a quick way to wash aphids off your plants.

Smaller pressure sprays are great for house plants, while larger tanks are ideal for outdoor use. Ours is 8L, but has a shoulder strap so is quite easy to carry around, and fills quickly from a water butt.

Metal vs Plastic Watering Cans

Benefits of Metal Watering Cans

Galvanised steel with the silver looking finish is the classic watering can and perhaps the most popular for outdoor use. It has an ‘old world’ look almost like a garden decoration when not in use and is very strong. It will not rust if left in the rain, however, highly alkaline soil will rust galvanised steel. 

This is a good can for decorative painting as a craft activity. It comes with large or small buckets for indoors or outdoors but this is the best can for watering large flower beds or herbal gardens outdoors where the water should be rightly directed but needs to cover many plants.

In the metal versus plastic watering cans debate, galvanised steel wins for outdoor garden watering. There are also stainless steel, tin, brass and copper watering cans. Tin watering cans are usually painted with flowers to look vintage or ethnic and some are so well designed and artistic that they are used as flower pots for growing small plants. 

Some metal cans are made in the shape of animals such as turtles and frogs and some are made to look antique and not recommended for actual watering, only for ornamentation. They resemble Arabic coffee pots or look like pot-bellied pigs and if ornamentation is the goal for metal versus plastic watering cans, it’s a tie.

Benefits of Plastic Watering Cans

Plastic watering cans often have a more modern look with long sleek spouts suitable for watering one pot at a time without spilling water on the table or carpet. There are also plastic watering cans for outdoors that are very efficient with sprinkler spouts and large bodies to hold up to two gallons of water.

They do not have the cache for decoration that metal watering cans have but they are also quite a bit cheaper. A metal can will remain in your garden no matter what the weather, but a plastic can could blow away with a strong wind.

Since they are cheaper, they are easier to replace. On the cost side of metal versus plastic watering cans, plastic wins. Plastic cans also come in the shape of animals such as an elephant but the best advantage of a plastic can is the sleek shape that looks good on a shelf or table in a garden or even in a kitchen.

Plastic won’t scratch wooden tables and comes in a huge variety of decorator colours to match any room. There are small metal watering cans with a focused spout made for indoors, but in the metal versus plastic category for indoor plant watering, plastic wins again.

Metal vs Plastic Watering Cans Verdict

Both metal and plastic watering cans are suitable for all kinds of plants. For seedlings, small holes in the spout are better to give a gentle sprinkle that won’t damage the small plants.

For hanging baskets of plants a small, light can is best with a curved spout that will deposit the water in the pot and not on you because you may have to lift it above your head. For these applications, the metal versus plastic watering cans debate ends in a tie.

Whether metal or plastic, watering cans are very charming tools that remind us of days gone by when there was no central sprinkler system on a timer and each flower or herb was watered and cared for individually.

Watering Cans Frequently Asked Questions

Are metal watering cans better than plastic ones?

Metal watering cans are more durable in their early days but need constant care to make sure they don’t rust. Even galvanised or rust-resistant metal watering cans will eventually rust, so plastic watering cans offer better value in the longer term.

How many litres should a watering can be?

The average watering can hold 5-6 litres, but for anyone growing their own veggies at home, refilling is time-consuming, and walking back and forth to the tap even more so. Choose the largest size that you can comfortably carry to make your life easier.

What’s better, a watering can or a hose?

Obviously, using a hose is quicker than repeatedly filling a watering can, but using a watering can gives you time to observe how your plants are doing, reduces your water usage, and means you can make the most of rainwater in water butts too.

Does using a rusty watering can harm your plants?

Even if the iron oxide in the rust of a watering can could be taken up by plants, it would likely be beneficial to them, but because your soil would need to be incredibly acidic to break it down, the iron oxide tends to just sit in the soil, and eventually filter out, so watering from a rusty watering can won’t harm your plants.

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