We Tested 5 Fire Extinguishers and 2 Fire Blankets on Grease Fires. Here's How They Performed.

It’s understandable why many of us don’t actively shop for fire extinguishers: We’re most likely to encounter them in commercial settings. They’re also classified and categorized in an apparently incomprehensible way. But the time spent getting a fire extinguisher could save lives and money. Residential fires can cause thousands of deaths and billions in property damage each year, according to data collected between 2013 and 2022 by the U.S. Fire Administration.

It’s also easier than it seems at first glance to buy a fire extinguisher. In a nutshell, you want to purchase an ABC extinguisher that’s been safety tested by a nationally recognized lab, which will work on most types of fire that occur in residential buildings. Get one for each floor of your home. Most fire extinguishers for the home are single-use only; you need to replace them after any use, no matter how short. Fire extinguishers that don’t get used should be replaced after 12 years. Though rechargeable models exist, we think that recharging after use makes more sense in industrial or professional environments, where their charge and maintenance are closely monitored by trained professionals.  

Read on for more details about the types of extinguishers and models we’ve tested.