For distributors in the firefighting equipment market, one of the most common questions from customers is:
“Should I buy a fire blanket or a fire extinguisher?”
While both are essential fire-safety tools, they serve different purposes. Understanding the differences allows distributors, wholesalers, and procurement teams to make accurate recommendations — and build trust with buyers in retail, industrial, commercial, and automotive markets.
This guide breaks down the key differences between fire blankets and fire extinguishers, helping distributors choose the right solution for each customer segment.
Contents
1. What Is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a sheet of woven fiberglass or high-silica fabric designed to smother small fires by cutting off oxygen.
Typical sizes range from 1×1m (household) to 8×10m (car/EV fire blanket).
Key advantages
- No mess, no cleanup
- Simple to operate — even children or elderly users can use it
- Highly effective for kitchen, clothing, and small commercial fires
- Essential for gas fires where extinguishers may spread flames
- Ideal for EV and car fire isolation when using large-size blankets
Best for
- Homes & kitchens
- Restaurants, food trucks
- Schools & offices
- EV charging stations
- Car workshops & parking facilities
2. What Is a Fire Extinguisher?
A fire extinguisher uses chemical agents — dry powder, CO₂, foam, or water — to physically cool, smother, or interrupt combustion.
Key advantages
- Effective for larger fires
- Covers multiple fire classes depending on agent type
- Required by regulations in many countries
Limitations
- Requires training
- Causes residue (dry powder, foam)
- Regular maintenance and recharging needed
- Incorrect use may worsen certain fires (e.g., grease fires)
Best for
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Warehouses
- Vehicles (portable extinguishers)
3. Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher: Key Differences
| Feature | Fire Blanket | Fire Extinguisher |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy — no training | Requires training |
| Residue/Cleanup | None | Heavy residue (powder/foam) |
| Maintenance | Zero maintenance | Annual inspection required |
| Fire Size | Small to medium | Medium to large |
| Ideal Use | Kitchen, clothing, EV car isolation | Industrial & structural fires |
| Risk of Misuse | Very low | Medium (wrong agent = danger) |
4. Which Should Distributors Recommend?
4.1 For Retailers & Supermarkets
👉 Recommend fire blankets
Consumers prefer a tool that is simple, affordable, and maintenance-free.
4.2 For Property Developers & Commercial Facilities
👉 Recommend fire extinguishers + fire blankets (bundle)
Many clients now purchase fire blankets as a supplement for kitchens, dormitories, and office areas.
4.3 For Industrial Clients
👉 Recommend fire extinguishers
They remain mandatory under most regulations.
However, industrial fire blankets (1.8m+) are increasingly popular for machine and welding areas.
4.4 For Car Workshops, Parking Garages & EV Charging Stations
👉 Recommend large EV Fire Blankets
Especially sizes 6×8m, 8×10m, 8×11m
They provide rapid isolation and buy time before firefighters arrive.
4.5 For Marine Safety Distributors
👉 Recommend both
Marine regulations often require extinguishers, while fire blankets are essential for galley fires and engine rooms.
5. Why Distributors Should Offer Both
Stocking both fire blankets and fire extinguishers lets distributors:
- Cover all fire scenarios
- Increase cross-selling opportunities
- Serve more industries (retail, industrial, automotive, marine)
- Improve profit margins, especially with EV fire blankets
- Meet compliance for different markets
In many cases, distributors report higher growth when offering bundled fire-safety kits.
Conclusion: Fire Blanket or Fire Extinguisher?
The best recommendation depends on the customer’s fire risk:
- Household / Light Commercial → Fire Blanket
- Industrial / Regulatory Environments → Fire Extinguisher
- Automotive / EV / Workshops → EV Fire Blanket
- Best Safety Approach → Use Both
A balanced fire-safety strategy always includes both extinguishers and fire blankets — each solving different problems.
📩 Ready to Source Certified Fire Blankets?
We manufacture EN1869 household fire blankets, industrial fire blankets, and EV car fire blankets in a 50-acre vertically integrated factory with TÜV certification.
👉 Contact us for catalogs, pricing, OEM/ODM options, and distributor support:
www.profireblanket.com
Email: sales@profireblanket.com
WhatsApp: +86 18770724038
