When researching the best rain barrels, we evaluated products based on their size, capacity, material, style, and overall performance. Our top pick, the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel, offers rugged, weather-resistant construction and plenty of convenient features, including a filtering screen and dual overflow valves. Here are the best rain barrels. Dual overflow valves prevent water from flooding your outside wall if the barrel fills up. It can also be connected to other barrels to collect more water. Another welcome feature is an aluminum screen that helps keep debris and insects out of your collected rainwater. This rain barrel only comes in brown, which is neutral enough to work in any outdoor space, but we would have appreciated a few more color options. We found some reports of leaks, but this product is backed by a one-year warranty against defects. Another fairly common complaint is that the barrel tends to bulge when full, which may cause it to push away from the wall. For that reason, you may want to install it a few inches away from the wall rather than completely flush against it. Price at time of publish: $103 This rain barrel features a stainless steel mesh screen that effectively keeps out mosquitoes. It also comes with an extension hose and child-lock screws to secure the lid. The barrel is made of high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic that is BPA-free and UV-resistant. It’s available in three colors–beige, black, and bright green. We did find some reports of leaks and cracks, with most of the cracks occurring after a hard freeze. And although this product is covered by a one-year warranty against defects, water damage from freezing temperatures is not covered. Consider storing the barrel indoors if it’s not being used in the winter. Price at time of publish: $113 The spigot is pretty low to the ground, so you may need to put the barrel on a stand to use it with a watering can. At 105 pounds, this rain barrel is extremely heavy, which could be a challenge when installing or moving it. It’s also significantly pricer than most of our other picks, but its vintage-inspired design and real wood construction set it apart from the competition. Price at time of publish: $399 Equipped with two spigots, it can easily be hooked up to a hose or another barrel. The front spigot is an ideal height and can be used to fill watering cans and jugs. The side spigot is much lower to the ground and better suited for a hose hookup. A routed channel diverts excess water to the front spigot, so you don’t have to worry about flooding your foundation. The top of this rain barrel can be used as a planter, which adds to its versatility. It also has a removable screen, which helps to prevent insects, pests, and debris from getting into the water. A small number of users encountered some drainage issues and others reported that the barrel overflows in heavy rainfall—be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you notice any defects. Price at time of publish: $199 The flat black design allows the barrel to sit flush against a wall, and the front-side overflow prevents water from saturating the wall. It’s made from a durable polyethylene and designed to resemble a traditional oak barrel. The brass spigot can connect to your hose or be used as an overflow spout. It’s important to note that the spigot is very low to the ground, which would hinder you from filling a watering can or another container. However, you can purchase a stand from the manufacturer if needed. Like many on this list, it comes with a plastic mesh screen to keep out debris and insects. Price at time of publish: $149 This unit features a planter at the top, which is equally functional and decorative. Like most rain barrels with built-in planters, however, the plants can flood easily. This rain barrel’s capacity is limited when compared to other models, but it’s a great choice for smaller outdoor spaces and people that don’t collect that much water. Price at time of publish: $183 This rain barrel is as stylish as it is functional. Its distressed finish, which is reminiscent of a coral reef or tree trunk, will make a nice addition to any yard. The large opening at the top can be used as a planter to make it more decorative. Keep in mind that plants may get flooded in heavy rainfall. This barrel comes in eight natural colors, including green, oak, and terra cotta, to match your outdoor aesthetic. It’s significantly more expensive than standard 50-gallon rain barrels, but its extra-large capacity and stylish design is worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $399 This tank is available in three sizes–50, 66, or 100 gallons–to suit a variety of needs. It only comes in one color, a forest green that should be unobtrusive in most yards. Due to its softer structure and lightweight (only 4.4 pounds), this unit needs to be placed on level ground to prevent it from tipping over. Also, you should never attempt to move the barrel while it’s full. Price at time of publish: $40 This unit is equipped with a debris screen, but some users say the mesh isn’t fine enough to keep out mosquitoes. The barrel has a large opening at the top, which makes for easier installation. Thanks to the flat back design, it can sit flush against a wall. It also has a spoke and wheel pattern at the top that prevents children and pets from falling in. We found some reports of missing parts, so be sure to account for all pieces upon arrival. Price at time of publish: $129
Material
Most rain barrels are made of heavy-duty plastic, which provides UV protection and a good amount of durability in the outdoor elements. However, most plastic rain barrels are not freeze-proof and may crack in colder temperatures. A rain barrel made from wood is a more sustainable option, and many users appreciate the traditional aesthetic. However, wood barrels are much pricier and are more prone to rotting, leaking, and insect damage than those made of plastic.
Style
Rain barrels run the gamut from utilitarian to highly decorative. If you’re not concerned about looks, a basic model should do just fine. On the other hand, if your rain barrel will be the focal point of a yard or garden, you might want to splurge on a stylish option. Some models have a planter on top where you can grow flowers or herbs. Others offer a more classic aesthetic and are designed to look like traditional oak barrels. Some models come in a variety of colors to match your backyard accessories.
Special Features
A filtering screen will help keep debris and insects out of collected rainwater. It’s important to stop debris from clogging the spigot or hose and interfering with the operation. If you have children or pets, look for a model with a safety lid that will prevent them from falling in. Some lids are lockable, while others have bars across the top or child-lock screws to keep the lid secure. Most rain barrels have a threaded spigot that can be attached to a garden hose. To ensure proper water flow, the hose should be connected below the water level of the rain barrel. Some models come with an extension hose or garden hose for added convenience. A diverter kit allows users to connect the barrel to a downspout. If the barrel gets too full, it will redirect the excess water into the downspout, and prevent it from pooling around your home’s foundation.
Installation
Most rain barrels require some minor assembly and need to be connected to a downspout. To prevent it from tipping over and causing injury, a rain barrel should always be installed on a level surface. Rain barrels that come with a stand or have a flat back design to sit up against a wall are less likely to tip over.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. To select the best rain barrels for this roundup, she considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their size, capacity, material, style, and overall performance. Sage also took hundreds of customer reviews, as well as write-ups from third-party websites into consideration. For expert insight, she interviewed Finch + Folly’s Allison Vallin Kostovick, an organic gardener based in Maine. In areas where water is scarce and costs are high, a rain barrel can help lower your water bill. Since they don’t use any energy, you get a double bonus because you’ll save on water and electricity.
