Do you know that fire and rescue services (FRSs) in England attended 549,913 incidents in the year ending June 2020. This is four per cent decrease compared with the previous year (573,776) but still a large number and people should take fire incidents seriously.
Fire disasters, flood, accidents are all unforeseen situations which may occur in our homes. Fire disasters are one of the most common incidents that can happen in the house. Electronic gadgets, cooking equipment, fireplaces, etc. can result in uncontrollable fire, leading to loss of lives and properties if not adequately guarded. Therefore, to prevent such or at least mitigate the damage, specific equipment such as a fire extinguisher might need to be put in place.
Fire extinguishers are devices that are used to put out fires. They can be filled with water, carbon dioxide, or dry powder, all useful in putting out a fire. It is therefore very essential to have this in your house in the event of a fire accident. This helps you to put out the fire faster than you can call a fire service. I recently just bought one, and I can tell you that it has been beneficial, mostly because I have little children who can be very playful.
If you are looking to get yourself a fire extinguisher for your house, then you should check out the best fire extinguishers for homes that will be reviewed here. To come up with this review, I considered certain factors, such as the features, contents, and overall performance of the fire extinguisher and price variations. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Fire Extinguisher for Home
1. FireShield PRO UK Carbon Dioxide Home Fire Extinguisher
Starting, we have the fire extinguisher, which uses BC powder as its fire-fighting agent. This device is straightforward to handle, and it comes with a controlled discharge to aid your use of it. This fire is ideal for small fires belonging to the B and C fire categories, including fires caused by greases, electrical equipment, solvents, gas, etc. It contains a strict warning against its use on Class A fires (big and fat fires). This fire extinguisher comes in very handy for minor fire accidents in your kitchen, home office, or other areas within your house. It is suitable for use outside the home too.
Features
- Compact and lightweight.
- 5 Year Warranty.
- Designed with a plastic bracket for mounting.
- Controlled discharge.
2. FireShield PRO UK Home Powder Fire Extinguisher
The FireShield Pro fire extinguisher is also a fantastic choice you might like to try out. It also consists of powder as its fire-fighting agent. It is well known for its amazing quality and is also very dependable when needed. It is ideal for fighting fires in categories A, B, and C. So, you do not have to worry if it’s a category A fire. This fire extinguisher can handle it. It comes with a mount holder just in case you want it mounted on your wall. It also offers you great value for your money because it can extinguish up to 3 categories of fire.
Features
- Consists of a hanging bracket.
- 5 Year Warranty.
- Contains a Brass Valve Assembly.
3. Kidde UK Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher for Home and Business
Looking for a fire extinguisher that is suitable for both your home and other places? Then you should check out the Kidde KS1KG Multi-Purpose fire extinguisher. This is an excellent choice for categories A to C fires. It is also safe for use on electrical fires. This device contains a simple mounting bracket. It is of excellent quality and comes in a compact design, which makes it easy to use. It is quite efficient, and its sturdy feel has made it a customer favourite.
Features
- Pressure gauge.
- Easy installation.
- Contains 8-second time discharge.
4. A2Z UK Powder Fire Extinguisher
This is another excellent quality fire extinguisher that you may need to try out. Suitable for use in a broader range of fires comes with a powder fire-fighting agent for efficiency. In case you are wondering if it’s heavy, it is lightweight and comes with a 34B fire rating, which is an outstanding feature because many other fire extinguishers come with only 21B. This makes it a lot stronger and reliable.
Features
- Approved for insurance.
- Extended 10 Year Warranty.
- Durable mounting bracket.
Read More: Safety Clothing
5. FSS UK Plus Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher for Home
A compact fire extinguisher, it is made to handle small fires. It also consists of a wall bracket and has a shelf life of 5 years. This fire extinguisher is sturdy and comes in a firm packaging, which ensures that the fire extinguisher is not dented while in transit, and it also ensures that the powder is well preserved. It is also built to British standards, just in case you are worried, and it also comes at a very reasonable price. It is incredibly very efficient in kitchen and oven fires.
Features
- Suitable for small fires.
- Rechargeable mounting bracket.
- Strong frame holder.
6. Metro Multi-purpose Fire Extinguisher for UK Homes
This fire extinguisher is suitable for use in B and C fire categories and electrical equipment. As usual, it also has a mounting bracket just in case you want it fixed on the wall of your kitchen. If you also need a pocket-friendly fire extinguisher, this is ideal for you because it is cheaper than most fire extinguishers. It has proven to be quite efficient and handy for travelling, which has made it the first choice for many. So, you can take this with you on vacation.
Features
- Suitable for use on electrical gadgets.
- High-quality packaging.
- Firm and sturdy holder.
7. FireShield UK Cooking Fire Extinguisher for Kitchen
This is a multi-foam extinguisher which offers you a speedy and powerful way of putting out fires. It is suitable for Class A, B, and F fires. It contains as it’s fire-fighting agent, an Aqueous Film Forming Foam, which mostly consists of water. This fire extinguisher’s unique function is its ability to extinguish fat and oil and other cooking-based fires. This makes it a must-have for your kitchen.
Features
- Suitable for textile, oil, and wood fires.
- Tackles Class F fires.
- Very little maintenance.
8. Firexo UK All Fires Fire Extinguisher
As the name implies, the Firexo All Fires fire extinguisher is suitable for all fires. It extinguishes any type of fire very fast. Due to this unique quality, you do not need to have different fire extinguishers for different fire categories. All you need is one of these in your house. This device cools off the fire in no time and is very light and straightforward to use. It also fights off re-ignition, so you need not worry.
Features
- Biodegradable.
- Environmental-friendly.
- Comes in 4 sizes suitable for all kinds of fire.
9. FireShield UK Wet Chemical F Class Cooking Fire Extinguisher
Here we have another FireShield fire extinguisher making it to this list. This particular one is different because it is specially designed for cooking fires. Hence, it is best suitable for use in your kitchen. Unlike other fire extinguishers with powder fire-fighting agents, this fire extinguisher consists of wet chemical fighting agents. It is designed to combat easily Class A and Class F cooking fires, which are the most common in the home because of cooking activities. It comes from a well-recognized and trusted brand. It is highly effective and comes in handy for fires aggravated by cooking oil.
Features
- Hanging Bracket.
- Blanket effect.
- Low-pressure applicator.
10. Smartwares UK Fire Extinguisher
The Smartwares fire extinguisher is the last to be reviewed on this list. It is a 2kg powder extinguisher suitable for tackling Class A, B, and C fires. It functions properly and is very good for use in the home. Smartwares fire extinguisher is two times more effective than the average foam extinguishers. It does not produce thermal shock upon contact with metal so that it can be used on metal surfaces in your house in the event of a fire accident. It also provides an effective shield to guard against radiated heat. Are you still looking for a suitable fire extinguisher? Then check this out.
Features
- Easy mounting.
- Complies with all necessary regulations.
- Lightweight.
Fire Extinguisher for Home UK product Guide
Having reviewed various types of fire extinguishers that you can use in your home. It is also imperative to consider multiple factors that must be considered before you get your home a fire extinguisher. This review will not be worth your time if you are not informed about all the key factors to consider. This is because, without it, you could end up wasting your money or buying a fire extinguisher that would not be suitable for your home or that will not meet the specifications of the type of fire that may occur in your house based on the building materials used on your house. Let’s begin.
What type of fire extinguisher do you need?
This is of utmost importance. For some people, it is the most crucial factor to consider when purchasing a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers come in different categories and fight different types of fires. If you look closely at this review, I have referred to various fire classes caused by other factors. Most fire extinguishers are made specifically for different types of fires. For example, some fire extinguishers are only suitable for Class A to Class C fires and are not ideal for Class F fires. Therefore, you should get a fire extinguisher that can fight the different types of fire that may occur anywhere in your house regardless of the class it belongs to. Fire extinguishers’ versatility is essential because you can get just one fire extinguisher that can fight various fire classes, which is both cost-effective and space-saving. This is why it is advisable to get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher. So, rather than buying different fire extinguishers for various fires. You get one which is suitable for most fires likely to occur in your home.
Home Gadgets and Building Materials
This is also quite important because the type of gadgets you have and the building materials used to construct your home will determine the kind of fires likely to occur in your house. Therefore, you must note your home gadgets and all the fire-causing agents in your house because this will determine the kind of fire extinguisher you should buy. This is because it is best to buy a fire extinguisher suitable for the type of fire that is likely to occur in your home based on the gadgets, appliances, and materials used in building your house. However, to be completely safe and prepare for any fire situation, you should get a multi-purpose fire extinguisher because this will come in handy for every fire that may occur because it is versatile.
Place where fire extinguishers are needed in your home
You should also note the places where fire accidents are likely to occur in your home because this determines the locations where you would need fire extinguishers. Even though you may have a multi-purpose fire extinguisher for all fire types, it may not prove very useful where fire occurs in one part of your house, and the fire extinguisher is very far away. This is why you must note the rooms and locations likely to be easily susceptible to fires and get fire extinguishers for all those rooms and places in your house.
Cost of the fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher’s cost is also high because you do not want to break the bank buying a fire extinguisher. Depending on the brand and quality, fire extinguishers can be quite expensive. Therefore, you should consider the versatility of the fire extinguisher before you purchase it. If the fire extinguisher is too costly and is not suitable for tackling different fire classes, it is not worth it. Therefore, you must ensure that you get a fire extinguisher that is both price-friendly and useful for the different types of fires that are likely to occur in your home.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
As much we try to preserve and protect our lives and properties by buying fire extinguishers, we must consider our health conditions. It has been noted over time that some people are allergic to the powder or other chemicals found in fire extinguishers, and this hurts their health. Therefore, you must consider the fire-fighting agents and contents found in a fire extinguisher before you think about purchasing it to ensure that it does not affect your health. By doing this, you will be able to discover whether you or any member of your family will be allergic to any of its contents. This helps you make an informed choice that will be both suitable for your health and combating fires.
Usability and design
It is also very essential that you consider the fire extinguisher’s usability and design you desire to get. Sometimes, sure-fire extinguishers are not usable because their handles cannot be easily controlled or navigated by someone without good fire training. There are also surefire extinguishers with manuals written in other languages and not English, making it very difficult to use and sometimes even dangerous.
Also, some fire extinguishers’ designs, weight, and structure make them quite challenging to carry. If this occurs, this might make the fire extinguisher useless because it may not serve the purpose it was bought for because it is too heavy. Therefore, you must ensure that the fire extinguisher you want to purchase has a manual that you can understand, and it is also lightweight to aid lifting. Some fire extinguishers also have very fragile mounting brackets, and this does not allow for easy mounting. You must also put this into consideration.
Read Customer Reviews
This is also another essential factor to consider. Reading customer reviews comes in very handy because it helps you have honest first-hand reviews from people who have used the products themselves. Brands and companies will only amplify their products’ strengths and will never inform you about their weaknesses. For example, looking at some of the products reviewed above, you can see that some disadvantages include low-pressure gauges. This was only discovered through the personal experiences of people. If others had not used the products themselves and informed others of these possible defects and weaknesses, we would have no useful guide on the best fire extinguishers to be bought.
Tips to avoid fire hazard
Tips for managing a fire
To help reduce the risk of fire, FRSs across the country highlight some simple steps people can take at home to avoid accidentally starting a fire.
• Install smoke alarms on every story of your home, in every bedroom, and outside sleeping areas.
• Take smoke alarms out of the test mode as soon as they start beeping.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Place smoke alarms where they will be seen in bedrooms, on stairs, high in the ceiling, and either side of the stairway.
• Ensure that batteries are replaced when they become out of date.
• Have an escape plan – think about how your family will get out of the house in an emergency.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every story of the house.
• Make sure there is a path clear to the exits.
• Do not overload electrical circuits – never switch the lights off and put a wet cloth over the sockets when cooking.
• Pay attention to young children. They have limited capacity to recognize dangers and do not usually develop as quickly as adults. Keep them out of the kitchen.
Tips to keep your home safe
- All fuel – oil, gas, coal, wood – must be clear of all combustibles such as curtains, clothing, mattresses, or rugs.
- Open all loft doors and keep flammable materials stored in an area at least 10 feet from the chimney and outside a clear area where it cannot be seen from the floor.
- Set all fires to the lowest heat setting possible and ensure chimney sweeps have carried out the necessary checks before lighting a fire.
- Keep your fire no more than a meter and a half from flammable materials such as curtains, rugs, paper or electrical equipment, and do not use ‘flues’ to dispose of coal or grease.
- Winter is a particularly dangerous time for chimney fires. Two-thirds of chimney fires during the colder months are started by embers that have fallen down the chimney.
- The most effective way to avoid chimney fires is by checking your fireplace frequently. Opening and cleaning the flue system periodically may prevent burning soot and creosote from accumulating.
- Causes of a chimney fire
- Coal combustion products are only produced from burning coal and wood in a space that lacks adequate ventilation. Some of the steam, ash, and other volatile materials normally part of combustible material are not burned; some may remain trapped in the chimney, which is why some of the gases become trapped there.
- Causes of a chimney fire
- The most effective way to avoid chimney fires is by checking your fireplace frequently. Opening and cleaning the flue system periodically may prevent burning soot and creosote from accumulating.
- Any combination of factors that may contribute to a chimney fire may include lack of ventilation, insufficient chimney lining, the improper use of the fireplace, improper fitting of the chimney, etc. Fires can also occur due to problems with combustibles in the fireplace and may start from any substance that comes into contact with the fireplace.
- Good chimney maintenance can help prevent chimney fires. Homeowners who have a gas or electric fireplace should have their chimney swept once a year. The cleaning procedure should remove or burn any soot that accumulates in the chimney so that it can no longer create a chimney fire.
- On a warm, sunny day, a BBQ, bonfire or lighted lamp, or electrical appliance can generate a considerable amount of heat. Check electrical appliances for frayed wires or broken connections; electrical devices must be kept away from flammable materials and anything that can easily catch fire.
- Check barbecues, hibachis, and barbeques before using to make sure they are operable and have plenty of fuel for a good cook-off.
- Keep flammable items and wet combustibles away from the fireplace, on the hob, or stove.
- Keep any open fire in the centre of the room so that it is not easily knocked over.
- When lighting a fire outdoor, make sure you put it out with sand or water before leaving it.
- Never leave a burning cigarette unattended and report any smouldering fires to the emergency services immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do most fire extinguishers come fully commissioned with a service label and certificate of inspection?
It comes in a box and is neither assembled nor tagged.
Most pictures show the fire extinguishers looking very short, especially where the powder is supposed to come. Is it that short?
Yes, the nozzle is short. This ensures a broad spread of the powder, which is precisely what is needed to fire out. It is highly effective and puts petrol fire out in seconds.
Is there a specific temperature that fire extinguishers are supposed to be kept between?
It is not supposed to be kept in sunlight or temperatures above 60⁰.
Does this have to be stored vertically or on its side?
Either way, it works perfectly.
Is this fire extinguisher suitable for kindling a fireplace?
Yes, it would work correctly.
Conclusion
Having reviewed 10 of the best fire extinguishers for a home in the market and all the essential factors to consider before you get one for your home, I am confident that you will be able to find one that will meet all your required specifications and will be suitable for you. If you are still not sure about the fire extinguisher to get, I’ll make a few recommendations to help you make that choice. My best submission will be the Firexo All Fires fire extinguisher because it is versatile in handling all types of fires, it is environmentally friendly, and has a stellar overall performance. My second recommendation will be the FireShield Cooking Fire extinguisher because it is kitchen suitable, requires very minimal maintenance, and leaves no residue upon use. My last choice will be the Kidde KSG Multi-purpose fire extinguisher because it is easy to install and comes with a strong mount bracket, and it comes with an easy to understand instructional Manual.
People get a fire extinguisher for different reasons, some to have it, and others because the law makes it mandatory on them. But we should not forget to know the first and major reason why we need to have an extinguisher; it is for safety incases of any mishaps. So, we are hoping that with the above review and guide, you can use it as a guide to get yourself some of the best fire extinguisher the UK.
