apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

My problem is that I have incredibly weak hands, and none of those look like they would be comfortable to be held whilst filled.

That Ikea one is really annoying - the water spills all over the dang place because there is no top to the spout area.

http://www.designboom.com/contest/view.php?contest_pk=6&item_pk=1807&p=1

the key is a long spout that allows you to get between the leaves to the base of the plant without disturbing the foliage much.

good one ana, I almost included that one but since it's a concept I left it out. That one would be super useful!

I actually have the Vallo from IKEA and love it and yes, it's red. Have had it for several years and have never had an issue of water sloshing out anywhere but at the end of the spout, the trick is to try and not pour fast and even there, it's fine and since most of my plants are in small pots, they don't require much water to begin with with exception of my tomato pot when it's planted with a tomato bush, it gets considerably more water but even there I've never had an issue w/ my IKEA watering can.

And if you have weak hands, best to use both hands to handle the watering can.

The great thing about the Vallo is that if you are filling it from the top of a water barrel (like I do) you can hold on to the spout and dunk the whole watering can into the water, filling it instantly, and not spilling it all over you!

Soho from Smith and Hawken
http://www.smithandhawken.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=prod23278&categoryId=cat120292&sku=23278

This is my favorite for indoor container plants. Long spout so you can get in between the leaves, large enough that you don't have to make a million trips, but small enough that it isn't too heavy, and nicely designed. Attractive enough to leave it sitting next to the plants, stainless steeel so it doesn't rust. I've had one several years and it is great.

The elephant is adorable! I can see how the IKEA ones could be a pain.

http://thebluepearlgirl.blogspot.com

I've also got the Vallo (in a really dark pink) and have loved it so far. It's relatively slender, pitcher-like profile also makes it perfect for placing in the sink to fill. I've also seen several immitators at places like Lowe's and Home Depot for around 3-5 dollars, for those not near Ikea.

I was given the Haws a few years ago. It's pretty small so when it's full it's not that heavy, and I like to hold it on the cross piece so it balances well. Plus, the end part comes off if you want a really small stream of water.

I have the Vallo, and it worked great when I was just watering house plants. Once I added a container garden on the balcony, it was just too small (too many trips to the faucet!). My GF just got me a bigger galvanized can with a sprinkling sprout. I love it! She got it at ACE Hardware. It's not listed on their site, but it's similar to this one on the Lehman's web site: http://www.lehmans.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=353&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=832&iSubCat=844&iProductID=353

SanDiegoAT-that smith and hawken can is so sophisticated! I love how elegant it is.

Oakjo--I agree, sometimes a classic is a classic for a reason!

I bought four of the baby elephant watering cans to give as sweetie gifts at Christmas, but I kept one :) It's American-made, plastic, and works just fine.

sunny--how big is it?

dang. elephant is out of stock. :(

I have the Vallo, and I have a lot of trouble with water pouring out the handle - it's continuous, and not capped, so if the can is full, it will pour down the handle. I also have a cute little yellow metal one from Big Lots that works fairly well, but it's time for a bigger one soon!

Oxo makes a really nice one. The sprinkler head detaches and stores in a slot on the body of the can, and the spout turns thru 360 degrees, allowing you to store it flush against the body of the can and rotate it out only to water (it doesn't spill as easily as most cans either when it's carried).

Comes in (at least) two different sizes.

http://www.gardengatestore.com/oxoCan.html
http://containergardening.about.com/od/reviews/gr/oxopourandstore.htm

I've also seen them at Target, at least in the past.

The watering can Ana posted is in production as the Twist & Shout, made by Fred:

http://www.worldwidefred.com/twistandspout.htm

Thanks for finding that, Mlle Kate!

I've had the Haws for years and love it. Never spilt a drop and can reach into tight spaces with it.