Choosing Fire Extinguishers and Storage in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Buy, and How to Store It

Why investing in the right fire extinguisher and storage matters

Fire safety isn’t just a legal checkbox for businesses — it’s practical common sense for every home. Picking the right extinguisher and keeping it properly stored and serviced can be the difference between a small, contained incident and a costly disaster. You want equipment that works when you need it, is easy to access, and won’t get damaged by damp basements or freezing sheds. In short: buy smart, store smart, and check often.

Where to buy fire extinguishers and storage solutions in the UK

If you’re ready to buy, the UK market offers a mix of big-name DIY chains, trade suppliers, online marketplaces, and specialist fire-safety stores. Below are reliable places to compare prices and stock — from multi-purpose hardware shops to firms that specialise in fire-safety kits and certified servicing.

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers looking for a wide range of extinguishers, wall brackets, and lockable cabinets. You’ll find affordable foam, water, CO2, and powder extinguishers, plus quick next-day options if you need something fast. Their product pages often include technical specs, so you can check ratings and mounting details before you buy.

B&Q

B&Q stocks home-focused fire extinguishers and basic storage solutions that suit kitchens, garages, and sheds. Their selection tends to be geared toward household use — think compact foam and CO2 models — and they’re easy to locate in-store if you prefer seeing an item before buying.

Wickes

Wickes offers a mix of home and light-commercial fire safety equipment. They typically carry standard extinguisher sizes and branded lockable cabinets designed to blend into utility areas. If you’re renovating a property or upgrading a utility room, Wickes is convenient for picking up both extinguishers and installation supplies in one trip.

Toolstation

Toolstation is another trade-friendly supplier with a competitive range of extinguishers and storage cabinets. Prices are usually competitive for small businesses and landlords, and you can find items by type and rating to match commercial premises requirements.

Safelincs (specialist)

Safelincs is a specialist fire-safety company that focuses exclusively on life-safety products. If you’re after certified equipment, bespoke cabinets, or tailored advice about signage and installation, specialist suppliers like Safelincs are worth a look — they provide guidance on standards and service options that general retailers don’t always offer.

RS Components

RS Components is known for industrial and technical products, including professional-grade extinguishers and high-spec storage cabinets. If your site needs more heavy-duty equipment or you want branded, certified items suitable for workshops and factories, RS is a good match.

Travis Perkins and Jewson

Builders’ merchants such as Travis Perkins and Jewson supply fire-extinguishing equipment geared to contractors and commercial premises. They’re useful if you’re fitting out a building site or managing multiple properties, offering bulk options and trade pricing.

Homebase and Amazon UK

Homebase covers household needs with easy-in-store pickup, while Amazon UK offers the widest selection and customer reviews. Amazon is handy for comparing brands and models quickly, but always check seller credibility and certification details before relying solely on a marketplace listing.

Types of fire extinguishers and what they’re best for

Choosing the right extinguisher type is essential — the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse. Here’s a straightforward guide to the common types you’ll see on UK shop floors, and where they belong in your home or business.

Water extinguishers

Water extinguishers fight Class A fires — wood, paper, and textiles. They are simple and affordable, usually weighing about 9 to 20 pounds depending on size. Don’t use them on electrical fires or grease fires in kitchens; they conduct electricity and will spread burning oil.

Foam extinguishers

Foam extinguishers are versatile for Class A and B fires (liquids such as paint, petrol). A household foam unit often weighs around 6 to 13 pounds and is a solid choice for garages and mixed-use areas. Foam helps to cool and suffocate the blaze and is safer on flammable liquid spills than plain water.

CO2 extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers are ideal for electrical fires and some liquid fires. They typically come in compact sizes that weigh about 4 to 20 pounds. CO2 leaves no residue, which makes it preferable for server rooms, kitchens with electrical cooking equipment, and near machinery where cleanup matters.

Dry powder extinguishers

Dry powder units are multi-purpose, suitable for Class A, B, and C fires; they’re commonly used in vehicles and workshops. Expect weights around 4.5 to 20 pounds. Powder can be messy and reduce visibility, so it’s often seen as a last-resort option indoors where cleanup and respiratory irritation are concerns.

Wet chemical extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for deep-fat fryer and cooking oil fires — the dreaded kitchen blaze. These units typically weigh about 9 to 13 pounds and are the recommended choice for commercial and heavy domestic kitchens because they cool and form a protective layer on hot oil.

Storage options: cabinets, brackets, and protective cases

How you store extinguishers affects readiness and longevity. Proper storage prevents accidental damage, corrosion, and freezing. Here are the common storage options and when to use them.

Wall brackets

Wall brackets are the simplest and cheapest solution. Mount an extinguisher on a bracket near an escape route or the risk area, with the top of the unit no more than about 5 feet off the floor for easy reach. Brackets keep the unit visible and prevent it from falling, but they don’t protect from weather or vandalism.

Lockable cabinets

Lockable fire cabinets protect extinguishers from theft, dust, and damage. Choose cabinets that are clearly labeled and have a break-glass or easy-open mechanism for emergencies. Cabinets are particularly useful in public areas, outside commercial kitchens, or where storage must be discrete but accessible.

Weatherproof storage and carrying cases

If you plan to store equipment outdoors, in an unheated garage, or on a boat, look for weatherproof cabinets and cases that protect against rain and freezing temperatures. Ports and marinas often require specific marine-grade containers, while trailers and vans benefit from secure carrying cases to prevent damage during transit.

How many extinguishers do you need and where to put them?

Many people ask: how many extinguishers are enough? For homes, the rule of thumb is simple: one on each floor and one in the kitchen area. For businesses, local fire safety guidance and risk assessments determine exact numbers, but here are practical pointers for typical settings.

Homes and flats

Place a small foam or CO2 extinguisher near the kitchen, another in the hallway close to escape routes, and one on upper floors if applicable. Ensure each unit is within a few feet of the main exit route so you don’t have to run through smoke to reach it.

Workshops, garages, and commercial premises

Larger or higher-risk areas need multiple extinguishers: one for the main entrance, one for the workshop floor, and additional units near flammable material storage. Position extinguishers so no work area is more than about 75 feet away from a unit in moderate hazards — but always refer to your risk assessment and local guidance for exact spacing.

Certification, standards, and what to look for when buying

Always buy extinguishers that meet UK and European standards. Look for BS EN3 compliance, BS 5306 guidance for placement and servicing, and the British Kitemark when available. Certification tells you the unit has been tested for performance and durability, and it’s often required for commercial insurance and safety audits.

Labels and expiry dates

Check the product label for the fire class rating, the extinguishing capacity, and the manufacturing or refill date. Many units have a pressure gauge; ensure the needle sits in the green zone and check expiry or service tags before purchase.

Manufacturer support and spare parts

Prefer suppliers that offer spare parts, refill kits, and servicing options. The ability to buy replacement valves, hoses, or a quick refill service can save money over time and keep your equipment compliant with safety rules.

Servicing and maintenance: keeping equipment ready for action

Buying an extinguisher is the start — maintenance keeps it reliable. Regular checks and professional servicing prevent failures when you need the unit most.

Routine checks and professional servicing

Visually inspect extinguishers monthly: is the pressure gauge in the green, the pin intact, and the unit free from dents and corrosion? Arrange a professional service at least once a year for most units; many businesses require annual inspections by a certified technician. Some types need more detailed checks every few years, including pressure testing.

Hydrostatic testing and recharge

Certain extinguishers require hydrostatic testing or full recharging at set intervals. Keep service records with each unit — they’re critical for insurance and compliance. If you’re unsure, specialist suppliers and service companies can advise on the exact schedule for your models.

Budgeting and value: how much should you expect to pay?

Price varies widely depending on type, size, and certification. A small domestic CO2 or foam unit may cost from around £15 to £40, while larger trade-grade extinguishers and lockable cabinets can range from about £50 to several hundred pounds. Specialist, branded, or certified commercial units will be at the higher end, but they often include warranties and service packages that add long-term value.

Buying new vs refill or reconditioned

Refilling or reconditioning is cheaper than buying new, but check that the work is performed by a certified technician and that the unit meets current standards afterward. For critical areas like kitchens or electrical rooms, new, certified units may be the safer investment.

Choosing for home versus business: different needs, different gear

Homes typically need compact, easy-to-use extinguishers and basic storage, while businesses must meet regulatory standards and insurance requirements. If you manage multiple properties or a workplace, invest in certified units, lockable cabinets, clear signage, and a documented maintenance schedule. For homeowners, pick simple-to-operate models and store them where guests or children won’t tamper with them.

Training and usability

An extinguisher is only as good as the person using it. Consider basic fire safety training for household members or staff. Choose straightforward models with clear instructions and test them during training so users gain confidence without risking a real emergency.

Final buying checklist

Before you checkout, run through a quick checklist: does the extinguisher carry the right class ratings for your risks? Is it BS EN3 or similarly certified? Will the storage cabinet protect the unit from weather and vandalism? Can you access professional servicing locally? And finally, is the unit placed where you can reach it quickly — typically no higher than about 5 feet from the floor?

Conclusion

Buying the right fire extinguisher and storage solution in the UK means balancing cost, suitability, and compliance. Major DIY and trade retailers like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, and specialist suppliers such as Safelincs or RS Components offer a broad range of choices. Match extinguisher types to the specific fire risks in your home or workplace, mount them at accessible heights, protect them with proper cabinets or brackets, and keep a regular maintenance schedule. A small upfront investment in the right kit and a simple routine check can give you huge peace of mind — and potentially save lives and property.