Which is the cheapest and most widely used extinguisher?

The water extinguisher is recognized as the cheapest and most commonly used type of fire extinguisher. One of the main reasons for its widespread use is that water is readily available, making it cost-effective to produce and refill. Water extinguishers are effective for Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and textiles. This type of extinguisher works by cooling the burning material and thus removing the heat element of the fire triangle.

Additionally, water extinguishers have minimal maintenance requirements and are easy to operate, which further contributes to their popularity. They are suitable for many residential and commercial environments where flammable materials would typically be present. Due to these factors, water extinguishers remain a preferred choice for various organizations looking to meet fire safety standards economically.