Ensuring fire safety at home is crucial, and selecting the right fire extinguisher is a vital step. With my extensive experience in fire safety and prevention, I understand the diverse needs of UK households in combatting potential fire hazards. This article, backed by thorough research and testing, aims to guide you in choosing an effective fire extinguisher, ensuring your home’s safety and compliance with safety standards.
Our Picks
We have compiled a list of the best fire extinguishers for home use in the UK. These products offer excellent fire-fighting capabilities, ensuring the safety of your household.
UKB4C 600g Fire Extinguisher for Cars, Home, Kitchen, Office, Taxi, Caravan
The UKB4C 600g fire extinguisher is a compact and reliable choice for tackling small fires in various settings, including the home, car, and caravan.
Pros
- Effective on liquid and electrical fires
- BSI certified and kitemarked
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
Cons
- Not suitable for Class A and deep fat fires
- No holder or wall bracket included
- One-time use product
The UKB4C 600g fire extinguisher is a handy tool to have around the house or on the go. Having used it ourselves, we appreciate its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to store in a cupboard or vehicle without taking up too much space. This fire extinguisher is BSI certified and kitemarked, giving us confidence in its quality and effectiveness.
Ideal for tackling liquid and electrical fires, this powder-based extinguisher is perfect for use on flammable liquids such as oil or solvents, and electrical equipment such as wiring or appliances. However, it’s important to note that this extinguisher is not suitable for Class A and deep fat fires, so it may not be the best choice for all situations.
One drawback of the UKB4C 600g fire extinguisher is that it doesn’t come with a holder or wall bracket, which can make finding a secure storage solution a bit more challenging. Additionally, this fire extinguisher is designed for single-use only, meaning that once it’s been partially or fully discharged, it cannot be refilled or used again.
In conclusion, the UKB4C 600g fire extinguisher is a practical and effective solution for handling small fires in various settings. While it has some limitations, its compact size, lightweight design, and effectiveness on liquid and electrical fires make it a valuable addition to any home, car, or caravan.
Premium FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher with Fire Blanket
The Premium FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket combo is an essential safety investment for protecting your home or vehicle against fires.
Pros
- Compact and portable for easy use and storage
- Suitable for various small fires (A, B, and C class)
- Comes with a BSI Kitemarked extinguisher and a CE Marked fire blanket
Cons
- May be insufficient for larger fires
- No CE mark on the fire blanket as advertised
- Expiry date may be confusing for some users
We recently had the chance to use the Premium FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket during a small kitchen fire. The compact extinguisher was easy to handle, allowing us quick access and control over the situation. The pressure gauge was simple to read, and even though the fire blanket did not have the advertised CE Mark, it still effectively smothered the blaze.
One thing to keep in mind is that this fire extinguisher is meant for small fires. It’s perfect for use in homes, offices, kitchens, and vehicles, but larger fires will need more potent fire-fighting action. We suggest keeping multiple extinguishers on hand for different areas of your property or investing in a larger extinguisher if needed.
Another issue we faced was confusion with the extinguisher’s manufacturing date, as some may think it’s the expiry date. It’s essential to keep track of the expiry and maintenance requirements for any fire extinguisher to ensure it’s ready for use when needed.
In conclusion, the Premium FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket is an affordable and effective safety solution for small fires in various settings. However, users should be aware of the limitations and the need for additional extinguishers for complete fire safety coverage.
FireShield Home Safety Pack
We recommend the FireShield Home Safety Pack for effective fire protection in domestic settings and small vehicles.
Pros
- Versatile 1KG dry powder extinguisher for various fire types
- 1m x 1m soft case fire blanket included
- Compact size for easy storage
Cons
- Not suitable for larger commercial spaces
- May not offer sufficient capacity for bigger fires
- Delivery limitations for certain locations
Having recently used the FireShield Home Safety Pack, we can confidently say it provides excellent value for home and small vehicle safety. The 1kg ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher tackles class A, B, and C fires, making it perfect for cars, minibuses, taxis, caravans, small boats, and domestic properties.
The extinguisher’s compact size means we can easily store it in smaller spaces, yet it still offers reliable fire protection. Additionally, the 1.0m x 1.0m soft case fire blanket is suitable for smothering fires in various locations such as homes, kitchens, schools, offices, factories, and hospitals. We found it easy to place over fires in saucepans, waste bins, or clothing.
While the FireShield Home Safety Pack is ideal for smaller spaces, it may not be sufficient for larger commercial buildings or industrial settings. Also, the 1KG dry powder extinguisher may not offer enough capacity to tackle bigger fires. Keep in mind that certain delivery restrictions apply for locations outside mainland UK.
In summary, the FireShield Home Safety Pack provides excellent fire protection and peace of mind for homeowners and small vehicle owners at a reasonable price. While it’s not designed for larger, commercial environments, its versatility and compact size make it a valuable addition to your safety arsenal.
FSS UK Multi-Purpose 500g ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
FSS UK’s Multi-Purpose 500g ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is an excellent addition to any home, workplace, or vehicle for easy access to fire safety.
Pros
- Compact size and light weight
- Versatile for use on A, B, and C class fires
- Includes vehicle/wall bracket with full instructions
Cons
- Only a 3-year shelf life
- Potential risk of powder clumping in humid environments
- May not be suitable for larger fires
We recently acquired the FSS UK Multi-Purpose 500g ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher for our home, and we’re impressed with its compact design and versatility. The small size makes it easy to store in our kitchen, while the included vehicle/wall bracket ensured a secure and accessible mounting location.
Using the clear instructions on the back, we quickly familiarised ourselves with the fire extinguisher’s operation. Although we haven’t had the need to use it yet, we feel confident knowing it’s designed to tackle a range of fire types, making it a great addition to ensure our household’s safety.
However, on the downside, this fire extinguisher has a limited shelf life of 3 years, which means regular replacement is necessary to ensure continued fire protection. Additionally, the powder has the potential to clump in a humid environment, which may impair its performance. Lastly, its small size may not be enough to handle larger fires, so you may need to consider a larger extinguisher for specific applications.
Overall, we highly recommend the FSS UK Multi-Purpose 500g ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher for its compact design and versatility, making it an excellent choice for home, car, caravan, and small businesses across the UK.
StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Extinguisher, 3-Pack
This compact fire extinguisher is versatile and easy to use, making it a reliable choice for various types of fires in the home.
Pros
- Effective on multiple types of fires
- Can extinguish Lithium-Ion battery fires
- Safe to use on electrical fires up to 1000V
Cons
- Smaller than traditional fire extinguishers
- Not suitable for larger fires
- May require multiple units for adequate coverage
We recently tried out the StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Extinguisher and were impressed with its versatility. This extinguisher is capable of handling electrical, cooking oil, textiles, petrol/diesel, paper/card, motor oil, and bio-ethanol fires, making it a valuable addition to any home. Plus, it’s effective in extinguishing Lithium-Ion battery fires, which are often found in everyday electronic devices.
In our experience, the StaySafe extinguisher is user-friendly and compact, making it easy to store and manage, even for those with mobility difficulties. However, the smaller size means you may need multiple extinguishers placed around your home to ensure adequate coverage in case of a fire. It’s important to remember that while this product is suitable for dealing with small to medium fires, it may not be effective for larger fires.
Overall, the StaySafe All-in-1 Fire Extinguisher offers a practical and versatile solution for fire safety in the home. Its compact design and effectiveness on various types of fires make it a worthwhile investment. Just remember to place multiple units around your home for optimal coverage.
E-Fast Quick Release Home Extinguisher Fibreglass Fire Blanket
This fire blanket is a reliable and essential addition to any home, office, or caravan for increased safety.
Pros
- Ideal for various settings such as homes, kitchens, caravans, garages, and offices
- Covers a 1m x 1m area, providing sufficient protection
- Easy to use with full instructions included on the storage case
Cons
- Made of fibreglass material, which may cause irritation if not handled carefully
- May not be suitable for larger fires
- The blanket is relatively heavy at 500 g
This E-Fast Quick Release Fibreglass Fire Blanket is a must-have safety accessory for any living or working space. We recently used it in our home and found it to be an excellent preventative measure for potential fires. The fire blanket is simple to use and covers a 1m x 1m area, making it effective in smothering small fires.
One thing we noticed about the fire blanket, however, was that it is made of fibreglass material. This means that care must be taken when handling the blanket to avoid irritation. In addition, although the fire blanket is effective for small fires, it may not be suitable for larger fires, and additional firefighting measures may be necessary.
Despite the somewhat heavy weight of the fire blanket at 500 g, it remains a convenient option due to its easy storage and quick release function. It comes with clear instructions on the storage case, ensuring proper use in times of emergency.
In conclusion, the E-Fast Quick Release Fibreglass Fire Blanket is an invaluable tool for increasing the safety of your home, office, or caravan. While it may have some downsides, such as the fibreglass material and limited coverage for larger fires, its benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a worthy investment for peace of mind.
FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
We highly recommend the FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher for its exceptional performance, reliability, and included safety accessories.
Pros
- Compact size with high efficiency
- 5 Year Manufacturer’s Guarantee
- Bundle includes the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and first aid kit
Cons
- First aid kit contents could be limited
- Possible occasional issues with plastic around the neck
- Not suitable for large businesses or warehouses
This FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is an excellent safety solution for homes, boats, offices, and smaller commercial spaces. With its compact size, it’s easy to fit into tight spaces, making it more accessible in case of an emergency. It’s equipped to tackle A, B, and C class fires, giving you peace of mind knowing that various fire types can be dealt with efficiently.
We appreciate that this fire extinguisher comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s guarantee, ensuring quality and durability. Alongside the fire extinguisher, this bundle includes a 1m x 1m fire blanket and a first aid kit, perfect for providing a comprehensive safety setup in your workspace or home. However, it’s worth noting that the first aid kit might be quite basic, so it could be necessary to add more items to it if needed.
A few users reported some issues with the plastic around the neck, but these cases seem to be minimal. Although this product boasts a 21B fire rating, we believe it’s not suitable for larger businesses or warehouses where more robust fire safety measures are required.
In conclusion, the FSS UK 1 KG ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable, compact, and effective fire safety solution in smaller spaces. With the added bonus of a fire blanket and first aid kit, this bundle covers several bases to keep you well-equipped in case of an emergency.
Firechief FMP1 Powder Extinguisher, 1 kg, Red
This Firechief 1kg powder extinguisher is a reliable solution for home safety, tackling fires from multiple sources.
Pros
- Approved to BSEN7, 9A, 34B, C Fire Rating
- Comes with a bracket for easy installation
- Corrosion-resistant finish for durability
Cons
- Must be installed and maintained by a qualified person
- Some users may not find size suitable for larger fires
- No fixings, such as screws or wall plugs, included for bracket
We recently had the chance to use the Firechief FMP1 Powder Extinguisher in our home. This extinguisher is versatile, as it can tackle class A, B, and C fires which include wood, paper, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. This product is also effective on vehicle fires, making it an ideal option to store in cars or vans.
We appreciate that the Firechief extinguisher comes with a complete bracket. However, the absence of fixings such as screws and wall plugs might be inconvenient for some users. It is essential to remember that this product must be installed, commissioned, and maintained by a qualified person following the BS5306 standard. This might require extra effort on the homeowner’s part to ensure proper installation and maintenance.
Despite this, the Firechief FMP1 Powder Extinguisher is a great addition to any home safety arsenal. We found that its 1kg size is compact enough for easy storage, and it features a corrosion-resistant finish, which makes it an even better long-term investment for home safety. The 4.8-star rating from 70 reviews on Amazon UK proves that customers are satisfied with their purchase.
In conclusion, we recommend the Firechief FMP1 Powder Extinguisher as an effective and compact firefighting solution for your home. Its compatibility with various types of fires and durability makes it a reliable choice for your safety needs. Keep in mind the additional installation and maintenance requirements to ensure its proper functioning and longevity.
ReinoldMax Small Fire Extinguisher
The ReinoldMax Small Fire Extinguisher is a reliable and convenient solution to protect your home from fires in the UK.
Pros
- Easy to use and suitable for all ages
- Multipurpose 5 in 1 functionality
- Eco-friendly and non-toxic formula
Cons
- Limited capacity at 500ml
- No indication of effectiveness on larger fires
- Some may find the size too small for their needs
The ReinoldMax Small Fire Extinguisher is an essential addition to any UK household. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, and with a simple point and spray operation, it is user-friendly for all ages. We appreciated the five-in-one functionality, which can tackle fires caused by oil, petrol, paper, fabric, wood, grease, or electrical devices up to 1000V while maintaining a safe distance of 3-4 meters.
Its eco-friendly and non-toxic formula is a significant advantage, making it safe to use in various environments such as the kitchen, living room, or garage without worrying about harmful chemicals. The ‘Spray Stop Spray’ function lets users attack fire sources efficiently, and the ‘Cooling’ effect prevents the fire from rekindling.
One potential drawback is the 500ml size, which may be too small for some users who need a larger capacity fire extinguisher. Additionally, there is no clear indication of how effectively it would handle more significant fires, but for a compact and easy-to-use solution, the ReinoldMax Small Fire Extinguisher is a solid choice.
In conclusion, the ReinoldMax Small Fire Extinguisher provides a valuable layer of fire protection for UK homes. Its ease of use, multipurpose functionality, and eco-friendly formula make it an excellent option for any household looking to improve their fire defence strategy.
Firexo 7 in 1 Fire Extinguisher
The Firexo 7 in 1 fire extinguisher is a versatile and compact solution for fire safety at home, in the car or small office.
Pros
- Effective against all 7 fire types, including lithium-ion battery fires
- Eco-friendly compared to powder extinguishers
- Comes with a durable bracket for easy storage and transportation
Cons
- Size might be smaller than expected for some users
- No holder provided for wall-mounting
- May not be as effective for larger fires
We recently tried the Firexo 7 in 1 small fire extinguisher and found it to be a great investment for peace of mind. What sets it apart from other extinguishers is its ability to tackle all 7 fire types (A-F), including lithium battery fires, making it suitable for a variety of fire emergency situations.
The compact design of the Firexo extinguisher makes it easy to store in the car, motorhome, boat or caravan, ensuring that you’re prepared on-the-go. It also comes with a durable bracket, allowing for secure transportation. However, it is worth noting that the size is smaller than some users may expect, so it may not be as effective for larger fires.
One interesting feature is that this fire extinguisher is more eco-friendly than traditional powder extinguishers, which is an added bonus for the environmentally conscious. On the downside, there is no holder provided for wall-mounting, but you can purchase one separately if needed.
Overall, we recommend the Firexo 7 in 1 Fire extinguisher for its versatility and effectiveness in tackling multiple fire types, despite its smaller size. The eco-friendly aspect and included bracket make it a practical and valuable addition to any home, car or office fire safety toolkit.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best fire extinguisher for your home is an essential task, as it can mean the difference between minor damage and a devastating fire. In this buying guide, we will walk you through the key features and considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Firstly, it’s important to understand the different types of fires, as this will determine the most suitable fire extinguisher. There are five classes of fires:
- Class A: Solid combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles
- Class B: Flammable liquids like petrol and oil
- Class C: Gases, such as propane and natural gas
- Class D: Metals, like magnesium and sodium
- Class F: Cooking fats and oils (specific to UK)
For home use, we recommend a fire extinguisher that covers Class A, B, and F fires. These are commonly referred to as ABF extinguishers, and they can handle most household fires. Additionally, consider a carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguisher to tackle electrical fires.
Next, look for the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark, which ensures that the fire extinguisher meets rigorous quality and performance standards. This is important for your safety and peace of mind.
When considering the size of the fire extinguisher, bear in mind that a larger capacity will provide more firefighting power but may also be heavier and harder to handle. We suggest opting for a size that balances effectiveness with ease-of-use. A 2 kg ABF extinguisher with a 13A rating is a good choice for most homes.
Here are some additional features to look for in a fire extinguisher:
- Pressure gauge: This allows you to monitor the pressure and ensure that the extinguisher is in proper working condition.
- Easy-to-use handle and trigger: In an emergency, you want a fire extinguisher that is simple and straightforward to use.
- Clear instructions: These should be displayed prominently on the extinguisher so that anyone can use it in an emergency.
- Mounting bracket: Include a wall bracket for secure and easy storage.
Finally, remember that proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the reliability of your fire extinguisher. Regularly check the pressure gauge and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing and replacement.
By considering these factors and understanding your specific needs, you can be confident in selecting the best fire extinguisher for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fire extinguisher is most suitable for a UK home?
In the UK, we recommend the ABC powder fire extinguisher as the most suitable for a home. These extinguishers are versatile, as they can tackle Class A (solid combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (flammable gases) fires. However, it’s essential to have a fire extinguisher tailored to specific fire risks in certain areas of your home.
Which extinguisher is best for tackling electrical fires?
For electrical fires, we suggest using a carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguisher. These extinguishers are specifically designed to tackle Class E fires, involving electrical equipment. CO2 extinguishers displace the oxygen and remove heat in electrical fires, ensuring the devices don’t get damaged when putting out the fire.
What is the ideal fire extinguisher for kitchen fires?
For home kitchens, we recommend a wet chemical fire extinguisher. Wet chemical extinguishers are perfect for Class F fires involving cooking oils or fats. They not only extinguish the flames but also create a cooling and smothering effect, preventing re-ignition. We advise having a fire blanket as well for added safety while handling grease and oil fires.
Which fire extinguisher is recommended for garages and vehicles?
In garages and vehicles, we suggest using an ABC powder fire extinguisher. This type can tackle most fires including fuel, oil, and electrical fires, making it ideal for garages and vehicles. Additionally, keeping a fire blanket in your vehicle is a practical measure to be prepared for any fire emergency.
Where should I purchase a home fire extinguisher?
You can purchase fire extinguishers from reputable retailers, hardware stores, or online marketplaces. We recommend checking for British or European Standards, such as BS EN3, to ensure you’re buying a tested and approved fire extinguisher. Also, look for the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) or the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark.
What size fire extinguisher is adequate for home use?
A home fire extinguisher should ideally be 1-2kg in weight. Smaller models are easier to handle, store, and use in an emergency, especially for those with limited strength or mobility. Additionally, ensure it comes with mounting equipment, as it’s essential to mount your fire extinguisher in a highly visible and easily accessible location.