The Essential Fire Extinguisher Buyers Guide
Fire extinguishers are a very well known essential for fire safety for any area in which fires are possible to happen. Having a fire extinguisher in an accessible place can be the sole difference between a devastating fire and a minor inconvenience. Knowing that you need a fire extinguisher is the easy part, the hard part is shopping for one. There are various types, brands and models of fire extinguishers available on the market, making the process of finding the exact one you need rather difficult. But do not fret, that is where we come in! Our buyers guide aims to provide you with the exact amount of education and preparation so that you can start your shopping journey on the right foot!
Why do you need a fire extinguisher?
This may sound like a silly question at first, however, this is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself before you begin shopping. There are various types of fire extinguishers (which we will discuss in the next section), each of which more useful for certain circumstances than others. For instance some fire extinguishers are more suitable for electrical fires which are more common in homes and large buildings. Understanding your specific circumstances and potential risks will allow you to choose the exact fire extinguisher you need.
Types
As mentioned above, there are various types of fire extinguishers that can be purchased and understanding the different types is fundamental before you begin shopping. We will not be going into complete depth of each fire extinguisher type as that is beyond the scope of our buyers guide, however, we do encourage you to do your own research on each of the ones we mention below.
Some of the most known types of fire extinguishers include: Class A fire extinguishers (common issues/wood/paper), Class B fire extinguishers (oil/gasoline), Class C fire extinguishers (electrical), Class D fire extinguishers (metal) and finally, Class K fire extinguishers (cooking oils).
With the massive variety of types of fire extinguishers, it is absolutely essential that you understand your purpose for needing one so that you buy the right type for your needs.
Brand
Another key aspect you should consider before you begin shopping for your brand new fire extinguisher is the brand name.
When shopping for your fire extinguisher it is absolutely essential to consider the brand you are purchasing. Reputable, well-known brand names provide an extra layer of assurance that the product you are buying is high quality, safe and has the greatest chance at longevity. With something as important as a fire extinguisher it makes absolutely no sense to skimp out on quality and price.
Opting for cheaper, lesser known brand options is highly discouraged as they come with a ton of potential risks to your safety that make them not worth your investment.
Some of the most reputable brands of fire extinguishers include: H3R, Ansul, Kidde, First Alert, Amerex and ABC.
Budget
Another important factor to consider before you begin shopping for your new fire extinguisher is budget. Preparing a budget for beforehand helps narrow down your options more than you can imagine.
A personal budget immediately reduces your overall amount of choices, reduces your chances of developing choice paralysis and making the process of making a choice much easier.
Fire extinguishers can vary widely in price depending on the type and brand, so if you do not set limits for yourself beforehand, you may find yourself engaging with too many options, making the shopping experience daunting. Remember to keep brand names in mind when you begin preparing your budget!
Other considerations
There are a few other aspects to consider when shopping for your new fire extinguisher, however, they do not merit a category of their own. Just be sure to evaluate your individual circumstance to ensure it is aligned with the fire extinguisher of your choice.
Be sure to also consider: the labels and ratings of the fire extinguisher, where you plan to place it, the overall size of the fire extinguisher, learning how to use your specific fire extinguisher, when you may need to replace it and finally, the regulations of your jurisdiction.
Final thoughts
We understand that searching for a brand new fire extinguisher can be a tedious task. There are multiple types, brands and models making it hard to select the one that’s perfect for you and your specific needs.
We hope you take into account the brand name and the importance of sticking to well-known names while going through your shopping journey.
Remember to evaluate your specific needs so that you can select the fire extinguisher type that matches your situation. Not all fire extinguishers are made the same or produce the same effects depending on the materials in question.
Do not forget to also set a budget for yourself before you head out shopping! It will make shopping much easier and more enjoyable.
Following our buyers guide will direct you with just the right amount of education and preparation to find the perfect fire extinguisher for you!
We have also went out of our way to create a comprehensive list of The Best Fire Extinguishers to Have in the Case of an Emergency.
We took into consideration all of the factors we mentioned in our buyers guide so that our readers can get the best deal available!
Happy Shopping!