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The best fire extinguishers for home use
The Amerex B500 is the best overall for its ABC coverage, reusable design and aimable hose; the Kidde FA110 is a lower-cost choice.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Amerex 5-Pound B500 ABC Fire Extinguisher | First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher (FE1A10GR) | Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher (FA110G) |
| Price | about $75 | about $20 | about $20 |
| Why | Bob Vila named the B500 its best overall, noting its ABC coverage, easy-to-read gauge and rubber hose for aiming. Its rechargeable, serviceable construction is a good fit for a household looking for a more durable unit. | This compact rechargeable ABC model is a practical, less expensive alternative for common small household fires. Bob Vila calls it easiest to use, and a recent Amazon price check found it around $20. | Bob Vila names it its best bang-for-the-buck pick, and its 1-A:10-B:C rating covers common household fire classes. A recent Amazon price check listed it at about $20, making it the lowest-priced pick here. |
| Good to know | It is relatively heavy, and some buyers have reported receiving a unit with a low charge. | Its smaller capacity is less suited to larger spaces than the Amerex B500. | Its small capacity makes it a less suitable choice as the only extinguisher for a large home. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIBob Vila named the B500 its best overall, noting its ABC coverage, easy-to-read gauge and rubber hose for aiming. Its rechargeable, serviceable construction is a good fit for a household looking for a more durable unit.
Good to know: It is relatively heavy, and some buyers have reported receiving a unit with a low charge.
See on Amazonpicture by AIThis compact rechargeable ABC model is a practical, less expensive alternative for common small household fires. Bob Vila calls it easiest to use, and a recent Amazon price check found it around $20.
Good to know: Its smaller capacity is less suited to larger spaces than the Amerex B500.
See on Amazonpicture by AIBob Vila names it its best bang-for-the-buck pick, and its 1-A:10-B:C rating covers common household fire classes. A recent Amazon price check listed it at about $20, making it the lowest-priced pick here.
Good to know: Its small capacity makes it a less suitable choice as the only extinguisher for a large home.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose a UL-listed ABC extinguisher for ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids and energized electrical equipment, and make sure the person who may use it can lift and aim it. Mount it where it is accessible near an exit, check its pressure gauge regularly, and leave and call 911 if a fire is growing or your exit is at risk.
Who this is for
These picks are for U.S. households choosing a portable extinguisher for small fires, including homes preparing for storms and power outages. They do not replace smoke alarms, an escape plan or calling 911.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Amerex 5-Pound B500 ABC Fire Extinguisher
Bob Vila named the B500 its best overall, noting its ABC coverage, easy-to-read gauge and rubber hose for aiming. Its rechargeable, serviceable construction is a good fit for a household looking for a more durable unit. It holds 5 pounds of ABC dry chemical and weighs about 9.25 pounds total, so check that the likely user can comfortably lift and aim it. The hose helps direct powder toward the base of a small fire, and a gauge makes it easier to check its status. Bob Vila notes reports of some units arriving with insufficient charge, so inspect the gauge when it arrives. Skip it if its weight or pin feels difficult to manage; consider a lighter option instead.
Good to know: It is relatively heavy, and some buyers have reported receiving a unit with a low charge.
See on AmazonBest value: First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher (FE1A10GR)
This compact rechargeable ABC model is a practical, less expensive alternative for common small household fires. Bob Vila calls it easiest to use, and a recent Amazon price check found it around $20. It has a 1-A:10-B:C rating and weighs about 5.4 pounds, making it easier for many people to handle than larger units. Its metal head and rechargeable design allow professional recharging after use. It is a smaller-capacity choice, so it may not be the right sole extinguisher for a large home or garage. Mount it accessibly and confirm the gauge indicates it is charged.
Good to know: Its smaller capacity is less suited to larger spaces than the Amerex B500.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Kidde FA110 Multipurpose Fire Extinguisher (FA110G)
Bob Vila names it its best bang-for-the-buck pick, and its 1-A:10-B:C rating covers common household fire classes. A recent Amazon price check listed it at about $20, making it the lowest-priced pick here. The 2.5-pound agent cylinder weighs about 3.9 pounds total, which can make it easier to lift and aim than larger extinguishers. Its pressure gauge provides a quick status check, and its compact size can suit a kitchen, laundry area or hallway. The trade-off is limited capacity: Bob Vila cautions that it may be too small for a large fire. Choose a larger unit for a main floor or garage if the intended user can handle it.
Good to know: Its small capacity makes it a less suitable choice as the only extinguisher for a large home.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Bob Vila’s August 2026 guide compared models and reported on fire-class coverage, size, weight, gauge visibility, hose and handling; its top pick and value pick were the Amerex B500 and Kidde FA110. Reviewed’s hands-on test assessed operation and ease of use by discharging units outdoors, but did no Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.