With the rising water cost and the increasing conservation awareness, people are turning to rain barrels to save money and conserve resources. Rain barrels are a great way to collect and store rainwater. You can use the water for outdoor tasks such as watering the garden, washing your car, or even flushing the toilet.
But with so many different types of rain barrels on the market, how do you know which is best for your needs?
This article will look at some of the best rain barrels available and how to choose the right one for your home. We will cover materials, design, size, and cost to help you decide when selecting the rain barrel that suits your needs. With the right information, you can ensure that your rain barrel will be a great addition to your home and last for many years.
Best Rain Barrels Reviewed
The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon rain barrel comes with a rain barrel stand. It makes it easier to fill watering cans since it raises the spigot further up from the ground. Moreover, the plastic stand secures the barrel and ensures it won’t be affected by strong winds or inclement weather.
This barrel is manufactured from rotomolded plastic, which is highly durable. It is resistant to cracking, fading, rotting, or insect infestation. Hence, you can be sure you’re getting a long-lasting product. The barrel is BPA-free, and the flat back means it can sit flush against the wall.
You’ll get a durable aluminum screen that helps to keep out debris, such as leaves and twigs, that can clog the barrel and make it difficult to use. It features a durable brass spigot allowing you to access the water stored in the barrel easily. It is convenient for gardening, lawn care, car washing, and other outdoor tasks. The spigot attaches securely to the barrel, ensuring it won’t come off over time.
Other features to like on the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon rain barrel include the authentic oak barrel appearance. It is also linkable to other barrels and includes a shut-off valve to allow hose hookup with overflow. It meets all the needs for water conservation and will be your best investment this summer as far as saving water, and money is concerned.
1st Runner Up
The FreeGarden RAIN 55 Gal. Barrel is made from high-quality injection-molded polyethylene for superior strength and durability. This ensures that the barrel can withstand the elements and any other potential damage. In addition to the strong material, the barrel also features a powder-coated steel screen that prevents debris and dirt from entering the barrel.
This rain barrel features an all-brass standard-size spigot, extension hose, and child lock screws. The brass spigot allows for a secure connection, while the extension hose provides easy reach to the water source. We like the high spigot since you can quickly fill watering cans. There are three spigot mounting locations meaning you can set it up to meet your needs.
The square shape allows flush wall and corner installations. Besides, it does not require a base since it remains stable even when full. Add this barrel to your water collection system since as many as three barrels can fit naturally, and it has a complete installation kit for simple setup.
2nd Runner Up
The Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 is made of durable BPA-free resin. It is safe for storing water for outdoor use and won’t peel, crack, or rot. We like its rustic appearance with darkened ribs that look great with any outdoor décor.
This rain barrel has a high-quality brass spigot for easy hose hookup. This spigot also doubles as an overflow spout that helps to prevent flooding. The brass spigot is both durable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring that it will last many years. The overflow spout will divert excess water from the barrel to ensure optimum operation.
The Good Ideas RW50-OAK Rain Wizard has a screened lid to keep out pests. This helps ensure that the water stored in the barrel is clean for outdoor use. In addition, it has a flat back that you can attach to the side of your house or fence. This feature is essential as it prevents tipping over, which can be dangerous around pets and children.
With all of its features, the Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 is a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded and durable rain barrel that you can use as a system with other rain barrels.
The FCMP Outdoor RC4000 50-Gallon Rain Barrel can lessen your burden on water resources. It is a child and pet-safe barrel with a spoke and wheel pattern, so kids and pets can’t access it. We like the placement of the overflow system since it allows the water to flow underneath the barrel, protecting your house’s foundation. It is a convenient feature, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
Moreover, you can direct the overflow to another barrel using the spigots on the side. The included 40″ garden hose is incredibly versatile as it allows you to connect your rain barrel to a nearby spigot or hose bib to fill up a gardening can or bucket easily.
The debris screen included with the RC4000 is a vital feature for keeping unwanted debris like leaves and mosquitoes out of your rain barrel. It prevents your rain barrel from becoming clogged and keeps your water clear.
The FCMP Outdoor RC4000 is made of recycled BPA-free polyethylene. Thanks to the large opening, it collects water fast, unlike rain barrels with small water collection ports. It’s a reliable rain barrel that can stand up to the elements. The only drawbacks are with the mesh screen since it does not have a fastener. Hence, it can easily blow away.
The FCMP Outdoor RC4000 offers functionality, affordability, safety, and style. It is our best rain barrel under $150, offering great value for money.
The Algreen Products Cascata is beautifully designed to look like a large terracotta pot. It’s a large rain barrel that can hold 65 gallons of water. This rain barrel is made of rotomolded plastic. This material is known for its durability and strength, making it ideal for outdoor use. It is resistant to weathering and corrosion as it also features a double wall. The plastic helps keep the barrel’s lightweight, making it easier to handle and transport.
Algreen Products Cascata has two overflows. This feature allows for more water to drain without attaching a hose. In addition, you can attach multiple barrels. The corrosion-proof screen guard keeps leaves and spine needles out. It comes with a decorative planter that’s dual-walled for decorative purposes.
This rain barrel is compatible with the Algreen Rain Barrel Pump Kit. This kit makes it easy to pump the collected water from the drainable to where it is needed. It is beneficial for pressurizing the water for car washing. You can also use one overflow to connect to the Algreen deluxe diverter kit, so water from your downspout goes directly on top of the barrel.
Algreen Products Cascata is a highly functional and durable rain barrel. Suppose you’re looking for a high-capacity water barrel that looks lovely in your garden. This model is the best pick.
The first unique feature of the 50 Gallon VINGLI Rain Barrel is its heavy-duty, rigid, 3-ply plastic PVC walls. This means the tank can withstand a wide range of temperatures, including winter cold, without suffering any damage. It is ideal for inclement weather areas since it is crack-resistant.
This water barrel has a dual zip top that allows easy water access. It comes with a PVC mesh fabric and an inlet filter to keep debris, insects, and dirt away. There’s also an overflow valve with a filter. It comes in handy for draining excess water and connecting to other barrels.
Everything you need to install this water barrel is included in the package. You’ll get two rubber rings to install inside and outside the spigot to prevent leakage. At the end of the water collection season, fold the VINGLI down for easy storage. The build quality and functional features make it the best choice if you want a collapsible rain barrel.
Although it comes in a simple design, the Upcycle 55 Gallon Gray Rain Barrel does its job. It uses high-density, food-grade polyethylene since it’s a repurposed product that previously carried pickled food. The company uses PH-neutral soap and water to clean the barrel so no harsh contaminants will make it into your water.
The high-quality plastic construction allows you to leave this water barrel outdoors, even during winter. The barrel includes a heavy-duty screen that will keep out unwanted debris. This barrel has a water spigot at the bottom. As such, you can attach a hose, drip tubing, or landscape tubing. However, if you want to use it with watering cans, it’s best to place the barrel on a wooden pedestal.
The Upcycle 55 Gallon Gray Rain Barrel also includes an overflow spout, and it can link with another barrel using the linking hose fitting. You get a helpful water barrel at a cost-effective price for cold seasons.
If you desire an authentic rain barrel made of wood, the Aunt Molly’s Barrels Whiskey Barrel is an excellent choice. This barrel includes a downspout connector, brass spigot, three overflow male hose connectors, and a bottom drain plug.
This water barrel is made from recycled white oak. As such, it’s important to keep water in it at all times since it’s susceptible to warping and leaking. If it dries out, putting water in it will help it reseal itself in a few hours. At 105 pounds, this water barrel is also heavy hence exercise caution when moving and installing it.
The Aunt Molly’s Barrels Whiskey Rain Barrel will hold 53 gallons of water. It’s ideal when you want an authentic rain barrel in a vintage style.
Best Rain Barrels Buyers Guide
A rain barrel is a great way to conserve water and save money on the water bill. It’s an easy and effective way to collect rainwater from your roof and store it for use in your garden or around the home. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for when buying a rain barrel.
Capacity
The capacity of a rain barrel is an important factor to consider when buying one. You should pick a size that is appropriate for your needs. If you live in an area with significant rainfall and condensation, you may want to get a larger barrel, or multiple barrels will come in handy. However, one barrel can be sufficient if you live in a drier climate.
Material
Rain barrels are available in various materials, such as plastic, metal, and wood. Plastic is the most common material used for rain barrels and is usually the least expensive. Metal barrels are more durable and can last longer, but they can be more expensive. Wood barrels are the most attractive but must be maintained regularly to prevent rotting.
Design
Rain barrels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Choose a design that will fit the style of your home and landscape. Look for barrels with a removable lid for easy cleaning, overflow ports to prevent flooding, and adjustable spigots for easy access to the water.
Location
Where you place your rain barrel is important. Make sure it is located in an area where it can collect the most rainwater. It should also be placed away from trees and shrubs to prevent debris from entering the barrel.
Maintenance
Rain barrels need to be maintained regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. Clean the barrel regularly to remove any debris or algae that may have accumulated. Also, check the spigot and lid for any cracks or leaks that may need to be repaired.
Price
Finally, consider your budget when buying a rain barrel. Prices can vary significantly depending on the size, material, and design. Consider all of the factors mentioned above to find a barrel that meets your needs and falls within your budget.
Our Pick
The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon is designed to be a long-lasting solution for all your water storage needs. It’s rugged, easy to maintain, and can be used as a water collection system. Get it for its functionality, safety measures, and overflow system for peace of mind while saving water and money.
Special Mentions
These rain barrels also deserve mentioning since they do a great job, although they have some drawbacks.
Good Ideas Impressions Palm 50: Although this rain barrel is an excellent way to collect rainwater for your garden, the overflow system does not keep water off the ground and is likely to get off through the top opening.
Winston Porter Ahriya 50 Gallons Weather-Resistant Rain Barrel: This decorative water barrel looks good and is extremely durable. However, it cannot withstand the cold; hence it should be stored indoors during winter. It is also likely to flood during heavy rain.
RTS Home Accents 50 Gal. Rain Barrel: This model is designed from recycled plastic, which goes along with conservation measures. It also has a flat back and is rot and fading-resistant. Nonetheless, you will notice that it expands when filled with water, so it’s best to mount it to stabilize it.
Rain BarrelUSA Weather Resistant Plastic Rain Barrel: The barrel is a great way to save water and reduce your environmental impact. It is easy to set up and take down, and its durable construction enhances longevity. The only downside is that you must be careful not to tear the zipper when handling the barrel.
Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel: This is an upcycled rain barrel from a food-grade barrel. It includes a brass spigot, an overflow valve, and a downspout adapter. Still, the overflow valve drains water slower than it’s coming in, so it’s likely to overflow in areas with heavy rainfall.
LOSTRONAUT Water Barrel: If you want a collapsible rain barrel, you have another option in the LOSTRONAUT. It is much cheaper than the VINGLI, with a slightly higher capacity of 53 gallons. Nonetheless, it is susceptible to leaking even with the rubber sealants included.
