Originally patented by John Haws in 1886, commercially produced watering cans (a.k.a. watering pots, sprinkling cans, or watering jugs) emerged when galvanized steel became widely available. Prior to this, most gardeners relied on clay or copper vessels that were often heavy and prone to breakage.
The iconic design featuring a long spout and dual handles wasn’t standardized until the early 1900s, when manufacturers began focusing on user comfort and efficiency.
Today, watering cans are manufactured from either metal alloys, ceramics, plastics, or resins.
Ideal Features of an Ergonomic Watering Can
- Made of durable, but lightweight, UV-resistant plastics and/or resins
- Adequate capacity without becoming too heavy when filled
- Balanced weight distribution when both empty and full
- Comfortable handle design, preferrably with a crossbar, to reduce wrist strain
- Multiple grip positions to accommodate different pouring angles
- A large, unobstructed, opening
- Strategic spout placement with an adjustable head or ‘rose’ to adjust flow rate
- Promotes a comfortable watering position when tipped
Smooth Gardening’s Outdoor Watering Can Picks
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Tier 1 (Made in China)
- Best Gardening Partner：Plastic watering can made of thickened PP resin, lighter& durable, thick wall of the kettle, anti-fall and compression,The reasonable ergonomic double handle design makes the grip extremely comfort…
- Different Watering Modes Meet Your Needs：Evenly sprinkled, fine and even water droplets just like a gentle rain to protect more delicate plants, remove the shower head and switch to a water column model to irrigate bigge…
- Easy Watering: Plant watering can has a removable 16.1-inch long spout, easy to carry and store, when installing, pass the connector through the spout and screw tight, seals well with no leak. Long spout watering can eas…
- Perfect Size for Garden Watering：Large Capacity, Compact Size reducing the trouble of frequent irrigation, Great for garden watering,it can water multiple plants at once, which can help you save refill trips especially i…
- Best Gift for Gardening Lovers: A must-have for lawn and garden watering equipment, Great present for your friends, neighbor & elder watering live houseplants and take care for her garden.it is suitable for watering outd…
$22.99
Tier 2 (Made in China)
- [A THOUGHTFUL ASSISTANT FOR GARDENING LOVERS]-Compared with most of the large watering can on the market, our watering can is made of thickened PP resin, lighter and more durable, the wall of the kettle is thicker, anti-…
- [DIFFERENT WATERING MODES FOR BETTER PLANT CARE]-The newly upgraded detachable stainless steel shower head allows water to be evenly sprinkled, fine and even water droplets just like a gentle rain to protect more delicat…
- [PRECISE WATERING, WATERING FLOWERS WITHOUT WORRY]-Plant watering can has a removable long spout, easy to carry and store, when installing, pass the connector through the spout and screw tight, seals well with no leak. L…
- [QUALITY COMES FROM DETAILS, DETAILS LIE IN THE HEART]-Starting with every detail you can see, watering can for outdoor plants with wide opening on the top, you can inject water quickly and easily clean stain. The reason…
- [THE CREATOR OF THE DREAM GARDEN]-Garden watering can has a simple appearance and a wide range of uses, it is suitable for watering outdoor flowers, vegetables and plants, it can be placed at courtyard, flower shop, gree…
$22.99
Tier 3 (Made in China)
- PERFECT SIZE – This 2.5-gallon watering container has a long stem spout design that aids in controlling and permits focused watering. It is the perfect size for small indoor plants and outdoor plants (houseplants). Reduc…
- UPGRADED DETACHABLE CONVERTIBLE NOZZLE: With the help of the watering can’s detachable shower nozzle, you can water your hanging or wall-mounted plants with great ease. Indoor and outdoor plants benefit from its multipur…
- HIGH-QUALITY: Solid, shatterproof polymers were integrally molded to create this watering can for plants. The kettle’s sturdy, thick wall has a high carrying capacity. The large-diameter water intake may be utilized to r…
- ENJOY LIFE: A nice watering can for houseplants not only encourages plant development by providing moisture, but it also adds the finishing touch to interior design. You’ll be eager to try this fashionable watering can w…
- WIDELY USED: The contemporary watering cans can elevate and unify the look of the house. You can derive satisfaction from it thanks to the fluid line design and sophisticated aesthetic sensation. It may be used to water …
$26.99
Tier 4 (Made in USA)
- Holds 2.6 gallons = 333 oz.
- Easy dual handle design with one hinged handle for easy pouring, movability and eases stress on your wrists
- 2-in-1 Adjustable water spout rotates to offer a light shower or heavy stream depending on the needs of the plant. Spout can be removed for cleaning.
- Size: Width 19.75 in (x) Depth 9.75 in (x) Height 15.25 in
- Thick wall structure – no creasing or leaking. Filling hole is located on the side so the handles don’t get in the way
Tier 5 (Made in USA)
- Heavy-duty, durable plastic
- Well-balanced for comfortable use
- Handle completely wraps around
- Long spout gives extended reach
- Detachable plastic rose
$44.42
Smooth Gardening’s Indoor Watering Can Picks
Tier 1 (Made in China)
- Fiskars Watering Can gently and precisely waters indoor houseplants and plants on city balconies and patios
- Long, slim spout reaches high and low plants, and reaches the plant base for healthier growth
- Fiskars water can has a translucent spout marked with volume measurements to allow for precise watering
- Durable, lightweight, resin body is made of 30% post-consumer recycled plastic
- Contoured shape for comfortable grip, Lifetime Warranty
$7.95
Tier 2 (Made in USA)
- Comfortable, Easy-to-Use Handle
- Long Stem Spout Controls Water Flow
- Made with Shatterproof, Recycled, and UV-Protected Plastic
- Embossed Measurements on Side
- Made in the USA
$13.99
Tier 3 (Made in China)
- [Modern Design, Shape and Color] Dr. Uang 2.0L indoor watering can is functional and decorative,the nordic design makes it so lovely, it’s not only convenient for house plant watering, but also can be left out on a shelf…
- [Easy Cary & Pour] The handle of this house plant watering can makes it to be easy to lift with full water. You will feel more comofortable and less fatiguing to hold while watering the plants or flowers.
- [High-Quality Material] Dr.Uang watering can for plants is made of the dense thick plastic wall of the kettle, which is durable and sturdy then ensure quality and long-lasting use.
- [High-Quality Material] Dr.Uang watering can for plants is made of the dense thick plastic wall of the kettle, which is durable and sturdy then ensure quality and long-lasting use.
- [Large Water Storage] 1/2 gallon capacity indoor and outdoor watering can irrigate more than 4 bottles of water, which can reduce the trouble of frequent irrigation and extend the spout to make watering easier.
$15.99
Tier 4 (Made in China)
- Watering can is equipped with a standard detachable shower head
- You can water the plants with a gentle shower or a steady stream
- Plant watering can is great for both indoor and outdoor plants
- Long and narrow spout, ideal for hard-to-reach areas
- No cap and large design is easy to fill the water
$23.99
Tier 5 (Made in USA)
- Watering can
- Molded in water level indicators make it easy to determine proper water to fertilizer ratio
- Special features include an ergonomic handle and balanced design
- Versatile and durable; long, drip resistant spout; large, offset opening
- Available in evergreen color with capacity of 1-gallon
$23.78
Smooth Gardening’s Creative Watering Can Picks
Tier 1 (Made in China)
- Colorful child-sized watering can shaped like Sunny Patch’s Camo Chameleon
- Bright, clever design
- Durable plastic construction with built-in “tail” handle and branch-shaped spout
- Encourages kids and families to explore their world together
- Makes a great gift for preschoolers, ages 3 to 6, for hands-on, screen-free play
$8.43
Tier 2 (Made in USA)
- Classic, Elfish Garden Gnome
- Doubles As A Recyclable Sprinkling Can
- Easy-Hold Handle Allows For Comfort And Control While Watering Your Plants
- No Assembly Required
$16.99
Tier 3 (Made in China)
- Trendy Flamingo Design
- Sturdy Plastic
- Bright Color
- No Assembly Required
Tier 4 (Made in China)
- Watering can Toucan
- Size: approx. 25 x 37 x 13 cm.
- Weight: approx. 180 g.
- Material: plastic.
- Please note: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Due to the lighting conditions during product photography and different screen settings, the colour of the product may not be reproduced authentically.
$23.99
Tier 5 (Made in China)
- PRODUCT DETAILS: GARDENERS SUPPLY EXCLUSIVE Adorable Bees Skep Watering Can. Made from long-lasting low-carbon steel that is less prone to corrosion and won’t easily rust even for daily usage. Our lovely Bee-themed plant…
- BEST USE FOR: Indoor and Outdoor Gardening use. Watering our prized plants relieves stress and promotes calmness within. This adorable beehive-themed yellow watering can have an easy-pour feature with a long sprout for a…
- HIGH QUALITY: Gardener’s Supply Exclusive Our unique and exclusive portable watering can is built to last for longer years. Engineered and designed using low carbon metal that is rust-resistant and won’t corrode easily. …
- EASY TO USE: Can be operated even with our kids. Refill with the desired volume of water thru its perfect size opening and you’re good to go. Space saver and easy to keep safe for next usage. A must-have gardening access…
- INDOOR & OUTDOOR GARDEN TESTED & GUARANTEED: Every purchase you make is 100% guaranteed. We will exchange or refund your purchase for any product that is not what you expected or does not work as described during its lif…
$44.99
Proper Technique Complements Good Design
- Keep the can close to your body when carrying
- Use both handles when available
- Avoid twisting movements when pouring
Care and Maintenance
- Clean and dry the can thoroughly after each use to prevent mineral buildup
- Store in a shaded area to protect from UV damage
- Regularly check rose attachment(s) for blockages
- Inspect handles and grip areas for cracking and slippery goo (no gardener ever knows how it gets there…blame a slug)
Conclusion
Whether vintage or ergonomic, your watering can might be a conversation piece or a utilitarian tool humbly blending into any decor.
For additional manual watering options, check out Smooth Gardening’s Buying Guides for Ergonomic Garden Hose Nozzles, Ergonomic Watering Wands, and Ergonomic Garden Hoses.
