Choosing a watering can is a very personal thing, however there are a number of factors to take into account:
Is the watering can for indoors or outdoors use?
Haws do a range of both indoor and outdoor watering cans. Indoor watering cans tend to have a much smaller capacity (typically around 1 litre) and therefore best suited for watering pot plants in conservatories or the home or for spraying seedlings in the green house. Take a look at our range of indoor watering cans priced from £22.95. For outdoor garden use a larger watering can is needed with a capacity of at least 5 litres.
Haws do a range of both indoor and outdoor watering cans. Indoor watering cans tend to have a much smaller capacity (typically around 1 litre) and therefore best suited for watering pot plants in conservatories or the home or for spraying seedlings in the green house. Take a look at our range of indoor watering cans priced from £22.95. For outdoor garden use a larger watering can is needed with a capacity of at least 5 litres.
What do you want to use the watering can for?
All the Haws watering cans we stock come with a solid brass rose which is suitable for watering everything from seedlings, to pots, to containers and more established plants in borders and vegetable plots. However, some cans are more suited for certain watering jobs dependant on their size and shape. For example the 5 litre Slimcan or plastic Delux watering can is ideal for watering a few pots or tubs, young plants or a limited border area which is easily accessible. Relatively light weight and easy to manoeuvre they will carry sufficient water for these smaller watering jobs. If you have larger areas to cover in your garden, then the 8.8 litre Slimcan or Heritage watering can many be more appropriate. Additionally, it you have particularly wide beds or they cannot be easily reached from the path, the Haws long reach professional watering can may be just the thing with its extra long spout and double handle making the it well balanced and easy to use.
All the Haws watering cans we stock come with a solid brass rose which is suitable for watering everything from seedlings, to pots, to containers and more established plants in borders and vegetable plots. However, some cans are more suited for certain watering jobs dependant on their size and shape. For example the 5 litre Slimcan or plastic Delux watering can is ideal for watering a few pots or tubs, young plants or a limited border area which is easily accessible. Relatively light weight and easy to manoeuvre they will carry sufficient water for these smaller watering jobs. If you have larger areas to cover in your garden, then the 8.8 litre Slimcan or Heritage watering can many be more appropriate. Additionally, it you have particularly wide beds or they cannot be easily reached from the path, the Haws long reach professional watering can may be just the thing with its extra long spout and double handle making the it well balanced and easy to use.
Do you want a lightweight or heavier watering can?
Plastic watering cans tend to be lighter than metal ones so this is an important consideration in determining the sort of can you need and its capacity - especially if you have a lot of plants to water or a long watering route around your garden. For example, a 5 litre metal Slimcan will weigh approx 6.4 kg when full but a similar sized plastic Deluxe watering can will only weigh 5.1 kg. Similarly the largest metal watering cans (approx 8.8 litres) can weigh around 10kg when full. Clearly it is a fine balance between the weight of water you are physically able to carry and how many trips you want to make to the garden tap or water butt to refill the can - do you want to make more frequent trips with a lighter can or or fewer trips with a heavier watering can!
Do you prefer a metal or plastic watering can?
Metal watering cans have the advantage that they are more durable and longer lasting. The Haws cans in particular are made from heavy gauge steel with a hot dip zinc galvanised coating to resist rusting and are designed to last 15-20 years - providing you don't let water freeze inside which can cause the joints to expand and lead to leakage. As the manufacturing process is more lengthy and metal more costly their overall price is greater than the equivalent plastic watering can. On the other hand, plastic cans have a life expectancy of between 5 and 10 years (depending on whether they are injection moulded or the less expensive blow moulded cans which are made of thinner plastic). To lengthen their life it is advisable to keep it out of direct sunlight.
What is your budget?
As indicated previously, metal watering cans tend to be more expensive than their plastic equivalents; the price reflecting their more complicated production process and cost of raw materials. However this additional cost does start to balance out when you consider the much longer life expectancy of the watering can. Plastic watering cans are typically priced around £20 (Deluxe watering can), whereas metal cans range from £26 (for a Slimcan) to over £55 (Heritage and Long Reach watering cans).
As indicated previously, metal watering cans tend to be more expensive than their plastic equivalents; the price reflecting their more complicated production process and cost of raw materials. However this additional cost does start to balance out when you consider the much longer life expectancy of the watering can. Plastic watering cans are typically priced around £20 (Deluxe watering can), whereas metal cans range from £26 (for a Slimcan) to over £55 (Heritage and Long Reach watering cans).
Summary of Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal vs Plastic Watering Cans
Metal Watering Cans
Advantages
More durable, longer life expectancy, classic and traditional designs, more attractive appearance, greater choice of colours and designs for different watering jobs.
Disadvantages
Heavier to carry when watering can is full of water, more expensive than plastic watering cans.
Plastic Watering Cans
Advantages
Lighter to carry, cheaper than metal watering cans, less options for colour and style.
Less durable, shorter life expectancy.
