In a garden centre full of brightly coloured plastic watering cans, the Behrens galvanized steel can stands out by standing still. No special features, no colour options, no gimmicks. Just heavy-gauge galvanized steel made the same way it has been made for generations.
How We Tested
We put the Behrens 2-Gallon through three months of outdoor use, including vegetable bed watering, filling bird baths, and regular use in a busy garden shed environment where tools get knocked over, leaned on, and generally mistreated. We specifically tested it against the conditions that kill plastic cans - UV exposure, drops onto concrete, and being left partly full in hot weather.
Performance
The first thing you notice about the Behrens is the weight - empty, it is already noticeably heavier than any of the plastic cans we tested. This is the galvanized steel, and it is a quality signal, not a flaw. The gauge of the steel is substantial; pressing on the sides with moderate force produces no flex or deformation. This is a can you could step on accidentally without breaking.
Balance at full 2-gallon capacity is better than expected. The handle is positioned above the can’s centre of gravity when full, which means the load hangs naturally rather than pulling forward awkwardly. We watered a full vegetable plot - about 25 minutes of continuous use - without hand fatigue in the grip, though the overall weight does demand more from your arm than lighter plastic options.
The included brass rose head works well for standard garden watering. It produces a classic even shower pattern appropriate for seedlings, established plants, and everything between. It is not adjustable like the Dramm’s nine-pattern head, but it does its one job consistently.
Three months of outdoor testing including being knocked over twice, left out in three rain showers, and stored in a shed that reaches over 100°F in summer - the can shows no rust, no deformation, and no deterioration. The plastic cans in the same shed developed surface haze and one cracked at the base.
Who Should Buy This
The Behrens galvanized steel can is for gardeners who want to buy something once and never think about replacing it. At $28 it costs a little more than the cheapest plastic options but vastly less than it will cost to replace a plastic can every few years. If you are hard on your tools, garden year-round, or simply prefer owning things made of metal, this is the right choice. Its only real competition is the Haws enamel range, which offers more precision at higher cost.
Behrens 2-Gallon Galvanized Steel Watering Can vs. the competition
| Product | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Bloem Aqua Rite 2.6 Gallon | Bloem is lighter and cheaper but will not last as long as the Behrens steel. |
| Dramm 9-Pattern Can | Dramm has better spray versatility; Behrens wins on raw durability. |
Full specifications
| Capacity | 2 Gallon |
| Material | Heavy-gauge galvanized steel |
| Plastic Components | None |
| Finish | Galvanized (rust-resistant) |
| Best Use | Outdoor beds, heavy-duty garden use |
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Should you buy the Behrens 2-Gallon Galvanized Steel Watering Can?
The Behrens galvanized steel can is built to outlast every resin and plastic watering can on the market. It is heavy-gauge steel with no plastic components - no handle inserts, no plastic rose fittings, nothing that can crack or fade. At $28 it delivers decades of reliable outdoor use and a weight balance that feels genuinely good in the hand.
Frequently asked questions
Will the Behrens galvanized steel can rust?+
Galvanized steel is zinc-coated to resist rust. Under normal outdoor storage conditions, the can should not rust for many years. Avoid leaving water standing inside for extended periods and store upside down if leaving for a season.
How heavy is the Behrens can when full?+
Two gallons of water weighs about 16.7 lbs plus the steel body. It is noticeably heavier than plastic alternatives. The handle and balance point are well-designed to manage this, but it is worth considering for elderly gardeners or those with arthritis.
Does the Behrens come with a rose head?+
Yes, a standard fixed brass rose head is included. It produces a decent watering-can-style shower appropriate for most outdoor watering tasks.
