Best fire extinguishers for home (2026)

Ready.gov says to keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, and a fire extinguisher is on its list of extra emergency supplies. Here are the models worth having, compared on the UL rating that tells you what they can put out, and how heavy they are to use.

By PreparedStates editors · Updated October 22, 2026 · 5 products, prices indicative

Our picks

Our top pick 4.5

First Alert PRO5

2-A:10-B:C · 9.6 lb · Rechargeable dry chemical

The whole-home extinguisher

Researched

Check price →

Runner-up 4.0

Kidde Pro 210

2-A:10-B:C · Dry chemical

Same rating, rival brand

Researched

Check price →

Also good 4.0

Amerex B500

ABC (5 lb) · Dry chemical

From a fire-equipment specialist

Researched

Check price →

All 5 compared

Extinguisher	UL rating	Weight	Type	Price
1. First Alert PRO5 Heavy Duty Fire Extinguisher (2-A:10-B:C) Our top pick 2-A:10-B:C · 9.6 lb · Rechargeable dry chemical The whole-home extinguisher 4.5	2-A:10-B:C	9.6 lb	Rechargeable dry chemical	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A 2-A:10-B:C unit: the size fire codes treat as a minimum for many settings, and a sensible one for a garage, workshop or hallway. Best for The whole-home extinguisher Good 2-A:10-B:C rating Rechargeable Worth knowing 9.6 lb: heavy for some users Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you need something light for a kitchen: the HOME1 is easier to handle.
2. Kidde Pro 210 Fire Extinguisher (2-A:10-B:C) Runner-up 2-A:10-B:C · Dry chemical Same rating, rival brand 4.0	2-A:10-B:C	—	Dry chemical	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched Another 2-A:10-B:C extinguisher; pick between this and the First Alert PRO5 on price. Best for Same rating, rival brand Good 2-A:10-B:C rating Worth knowing Weight not stated in the listing Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want the lightest option.
3. Amerex B500 5 lb ABC Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Also good ABC (5 lb) · Dry chemical From a fire-equipment specialist 4.0	ABC (5 lb)	—	Dry chemical	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A 5 lb ABC unit from a maker that supplies fire-safety professionals. Covers ordinary, liquid and electrical fires. Best for From a fire-equipment specialist Good ABC: covers most home fires Specialist maker Worth knowing Low stock at times Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if you want a rechargeable consumer model with a gauge you know.
4. First Alert HOME1 Fire Extinguisher (1-A:10-B:C) 1-A:10-B:C · 4.5 lb · Dry chemical Light enough for the kitchen 4.0	1-A:10-B:C	4.5 lb	Dry chemical	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched A 4.5 lb extinguisher that anyone in the house can handle: right for a kitchen, where Ready.gov says to keep one. Best for Light enough for the kitchen Good Light, easy to use Low price Worth knowing Smaller rating than 2-A units Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if it's your only extinguisher for a large home.
5. First Alert EZ Fire Spray Extinguishing Aerosol Aerosol spray A handy extra for small flare-ups 3.5	—	—	Aerosol spray	Check price →
Our verdict Our verdictResearched An aerosol for very small fires like a pan flare-up. Not a substitute for a rated extinguisher. Best for A handy extra for small flare-ups Good Easy to use Cheap Worth knowing Not a rated extinguisher Who shouldn't buy it: Don't buy it if it would be your only fire protection.

ⓘ As an Amazon Associate, PreparedStates earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we recommend. Amazon prices come from Amazon's own product data and can change at any time.

Read this first

An extinguisher is for a small fire you can fight safely. If a fire is spreading, the room fills with smoke, or you aren't sure, get everyone out and call 911.

Before you buy

Read the UL rating.

A, B and C stand for ordinary materials, flammable liquids and electrical fires; the numbers show how much fire it can handle. A 2-A:10-B:C unit handles more than 1-A:10-B:C.

Weight matters: a heavier unit holds more, but everyone who might use it must be able to lift and aim it.

Keep a light one in the kitchen.

Mount extinguishers near exits, so you fight a fire with your way out behind you.

Check the pressure gauge regularly and replace or recharge after any use.

How we choose

We verify every product's specifications against at least two independent sources, re-check its US price and stock on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and cross-check safety-relevant claims against official guidance. Every review is labelled Researched or Used and reviewed by us: where we've bought a product, or been sent it free, and used it ourselves, its review says which; where we haven't, our verdict is a considered spec-and-evidence comparison, not a hands-on test — and commissions never change a ranking either way. Read our full methodology →

Related kit comparisons

Carbon monoxide alarms compared →Fireproof document safes compared →

Guides that go with this

Earthquake preparedness: Drop, Cover and Hold On, and what to do after

What to do in an earthquake: Drop, Cover and Hold On, how to secure heavy items, what to do indoors, outdoors …

Read the guide →

Common questions

What fire extinguisher is best for a home?

An ABC-rated dry chemical extinguisher covers most home fires. A 2-A:10-B:C unit for the home and a lighter one for the kitchen is a good setup.

Where should I keep a fire extinguisher?

Ready.gov says in your kitchen. Add one per level, near exits, plus the garage.

Do fire extinguishers expire?

They need checking: watch the pressure gauge, and follow the maker's guidance on servicing or replacement. Replace or recharge after any use.

Is a fire extinguisher spray enough?

Aerosol sprays help with tiny flare-ups but aren't rated extinguishers. Keep a rated one too.