Einheitskanister

Einheitskanister, literally “standard canister,” is a German standardized fuel container developed for military use and widely issued during the 1930s and World War II. It was designed to replace the variety of earlier containers with a uniform size and construction to streamline logistics, handling, and interoperability across services. The conventional capacity is 20 liters, and the container is typically made of sheet metal with flat panels that facilitate stacking and stable transport.

The canister features a pour opening with a screw cap and an additional vent cap, commonly secured by a chain or tether to prevent loss. The overall shape and construction are intended to minimize leakage and to fit standard refueling interfaces used by vehicles, weapons, and support equipment. The design emphasizes durability and ease of handling in varied field conditions.

Production occurred at multiple German manufacturers during the war, contributing to its widespread military use. After the conflict, the Einheitskanister influenced postwar European fuel container designs and contributed to the broader development of standardized containers later adopted by NATO and other armies. In historical and collector contexts, the Einheitskanister is often cited as a key element of German military logistics and as a forerunner of later standardized fuel cans used internationally.