API Kirk Containers 5 Gallon Samson Stackers, Blue, 6 Pack (30 Gallons), Emergency Water Storage Kit - New! - Clean! - Boxed! Kit Includes one Spigot & Wrench

These API Kirk storage containers caught my eye when I was looking for sturdy tubs to organize the chaos in my garage and basement. Being able to stack them is huge for maximizing space. I've loaded up these 5 gallon jugs with heavy tools and supplies, stacked 6 high, and they hold up just fine without any cracks or breaks. The built-in handles make it easy for me to grab them and rearrrange things around when I'm working on projects. I dig that the lids snap on tight to keep dust and moisture out of my stuff. The spouts are pretty handy too for neatly pouring out liquids from the containers. For the price, you really can't beat these stackable tubs for basic storage needs. The only bummer is the bright blue plastic shows dirt and scuffs pretty easily over time. But I'm not looking for beauty pageant winners here - just solid, sturdy containers that can handle the abuse of my garage and hold up when stacked high.

I bought these to use as long-term emergency water storage. I would purchase them again.I have refilled these twice so far (every 6 months) and the water tastes perfectly clean with no plastic smell or taste. I use 1/8 tsp bleach per (5 gallon) container to treat the water.They are shipped with a sealed vent (with screw on cap) that can be cut open if you were planning on using these on a daily basis. However, I left the vent sealed to prevent contamination during long-term storage. It also comes with a lever spigot for those who intend on using the containers on a daily basis.The plastic feels very sturdy and does not bow out when filled with water. The pour opening has a screw lid that ratchets down tightly with the included sturdy plastic wrench. I did not experience any leakage when I ratcheted the lid down snuggly, turned the container upside down, and shook it. You may experience leakage if you do not tighten the lid enough.These stack well and safely. They do not shift or slide around when stacked and the bottom container does not seem to be stressed by having another stacked on top of it, though I'm not sure how three or more layers would fair.There was a slight plastic odor when I first opened them, but after I aired them out for 24 hours as directed and rinsed with bleach, the smell dissipated.The water does not fill up completely to the top so there is some sloshing inside the container when moving it, but not enough to throw you off balance while carrying by the handle.The design of the container is great for stacking and durability, but I wish it were possible to pour the last bit of water out without it getting "stuck" inside the nooks and crannies of the roof of the container. This is inconvenient but would not deter me from purchasing this product for my intended use.The container itself is lightweight, but water is heavy, and 5 gallons of water weighs about 42lbs. This size container probably wouldn't be a good option for seniors, disabled, or weak people.I called the manufacturer's customer service with a question and the rep was very helpful and took his time with me. They seem to be a smaller company who cares about their customer.

The containers arrived ahead of schedule with all the gaskets, lids, dispenser valve, and lid wrench present. I filled them immediately, and had no leaks overnight. The containers are heavy gauge plastic with no mold flash and stack as advertised. I'm 100% satisfied. Good job, guys!- Edit - I liked these so much, I ordered a second box, for a total of 60 gallons. They are much easier to handle than a 55-gallon drum, and when stacked take up less space.-Update- It's now 2 years 4 months since I first filled these, and stored them in my basement. I just emptied and refilled with fresh water, and I want to report that the water picked up no odor and tasted sweet. P.S. I've already used them twice when the water supply was interrupted.-Update- I have 18 of these now, stacked 3 high and storing 90 gallons in quite a small space. The oldest are 3 years 7 months, and no problems encountered.-Update- My containers are now over 5 years old. They have been filled and stacked, hauled around, and emptied and refreshed. Definitely not treated with kid gloves, and still good as new.-Update- After 5 years 3 months, one container developed a pinhole leak. That's pretty good performance, judging by the heavy use they've received. I'm going to order some more.

These are very sensibly and well constructed water containers. Having the broad caps that are pre-tapped for a 3/4" NPT fitting is great; this means you can use the vendor supplied spigot fitting, but that you can also easily construct some custom fitting. The air vents come sealed (i.e., they won't work as is), but punching a hole in them (so that they do allow air flow into the tank) is easy, and the threaded cap provides a much better seal than the little plastic stick-on caps that are supplied with many brands. The tanks are well designed to stack since the caps don't protrude; this also makes them great to pack into a car without having spigots/other things knocked off by other packed items or while getting tossed around on rough roads while camping. Along with the tanks, the vendor supplied a very helpful 2-page sheet describing how to clean the tanks, and directions for finding out how best to sterilize them and store water long-term (they don't give the instructions themselves, presumably for legal reasons), along with considerations/instructions for other aspects of the tanks. All in all, one of the most well written and informative instruction sheets I've seen supplied by a vendor for an item that they don't make themselves. Highly recommended!