Introducing the eco-conscious homeowner's ally – rain barrels. This guide unlocks the potential of these water-saving marvels, designed to harvest and utilize rainwater for a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. Dive into the world of rain barrels, where environmental consciousness meets practicality. Learn about their myriad benefits, from reducing water bills to mitigating stormwater runoff. Embrace the power of rain, one barrel at a time, for a more water-wise and environmentally friendly future. Our top choice, the FCMP Outdoor Rain Water Barrel, combines a user-friendly design with a top-of-the-line construction to last as a long-time companion to your growing garden.
Our Top Picks For Rain Barrels
The Best Rain Barrels
Best Overall
Designed to mimic a traditional wood barrel, the FCMP Outdoor Rain Barrel is 24-inches tall, 24-inches wide, and 32-inches deep. The big hole and flat back design make the whole installation process and placement a lot easier. It also features an overflow system that closes up the barrel when it reaches its full capacity. Spigots on the side allow you to connect multiple rain barrels for expanded water storage.
Pros
- It is one of the best rain barrels overall
- You will be able to connect 2 rain barrels
- The aluminum mesh screen blocks debris and mosquitoes
Cons
- Users say that the barrel can’t handle cold temperatures
Great Brand
The Mirainbarrel Food Grade Rain Barrel is made out of only reused plastic, which makes it extremely durable, reliable, and sturdy. It is suitable for the outside as it can handle high temperatures and features a big hole that lets the water promptly flow into the barrel. The rain barrel can handle up to 58 gallons of water, which is more than many other products on the market. Plus, it includes a great brass spigot and protective mesh screen, which will prevent insects and debris from going in with the water.
Pros
- It is made out of reused plastic
- Sealed with waterproof 100% silicone caulk
- Easy on/off top lid with plastic mesh screen
Cons
- The design and colors are a bit basic
Most Compact
Are you looking for a solution to reuse the rainwater in your yard or garden watering process, then we have the perfect product for you – VINGLI 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel. The foldable design will allow you to easily fold it and store it in your garage. It is manufactured out of an anti-corrosion PVC material that is a lot more sturdy than traditional barrels. The 50 gallons of water capacity is more than enough for any plant watering needs. When the capacity is full, the overflow outlet releases extra water out of the barrel.
Pros
- It has a pretty compact design
- Made out of high-quality PVC fabric
- Thanks to the green color, this rain barrel will remain unspotted in the garden
Cons
- It has a plastic spigot
Easy to Use
Save water and protect the earth with the LOSTRONAUT Portable Rain Barrel system. It is made out of 3-ply PVC material and features a quick assembly. The max capacity of this rain barrel is 53 gallons, and the dimensions are 27.5-inches tall and 24-inches wide. The rain barrel also includes a high-flow spigot, overflow system, leak-proof washers, six sturdy legs, etc.
Pros
- Quality plastic exterior withstands any environment
- The foldable design makes it pretty portable
- Includes 25 colorful garden tags
Cons
- It is made out of soft PVC material
Classic Design
A rain barrel that has the exact same look as an old wine barrel will surely add a classy and elegant touch to the garden. The RTS Home Accents rain barrel has a maximum capacity of 50 gallons and a flat back that allows it to sit against a wall. It features a durable aluminum screen that will prevent all the dirt and insects from getting in the barrel to keep the water clean. The rain barrel is 33.5-inches tall, 24-inches wide, and 18.25-inches deep.
Pros
- It is extremely easy to set, and the instructions are easy to follow
- Highlights an attractive liquor barrel design
- The spigot is really durable & easy to use
Cons
- The barrel can bow outwards when full
Value for Money
The Good Ideas Rain Barrel is a nice-looking barrel that features an appealing faux oak finish. It appears in a variety of color options, so finding the perfect match for your house exterior won’t be a problem. The barrel is made out of long-lasting polyethylene that won’t split or crack even in the coldest weather conditions. The top of the barrel is fully covered except for the rust-proof mesh to block foreign objects.
Pros
- It is available in 5 gorgeous colors
- The plastic material can withstand freezing temperatures
- Easy-to-operate spout with a compatible hose connection
Cons
- 40-gallon capacity is less than all the other models on our list
Most Aesthetic
The Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel has everything you might want from a rain barrel – elegant design, huge 65-gallon water storage, a high-quality brass spigot, plus a six-foot hose with an On/Off nozzle. It is manufactured out of roto-molded plastic that is resistant to cracking, hence this rain barrel should last you a long time without showing any noticeable signs of wear and tear.
Pros
- It has a premium look and feels
- You will be able to link 2 barrels at the same time
- Made from roto-molded plastic that won’t break
Cons
- The hose might need replacing after some time
The Right Rain Barrel for You: A Buyer's Guide
As the name implies, rain barrels can help in decreasing water usage in your home as they collect rainwater that falls off the roof. However, there are several things that you should keep in mind. In this buyer’s guide, we will mention all the factors you need to consider when going shopping for a rain barrel, be sure to read this guide in its entirety before making a final buying decision.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Rain Barrel
Capacity
When picking a rain barrel, the first thing that you should consider is the capacity of the model. The rain barrel appears in various sizes. You can pick the storage capacity, depending on the location that you will place it (e.g. next to a rain spout) and the amount of rain you get.
If you want a rain barrel for your small yard, then a 50-gallon capacity is sufficient. However, if you have a farm or bigger yards, then select a rain barrel with a 65-gallon capacity or even more.
Material
Just note that your rain barrels will be outside during all weather conditions, so it’s really crucial to pick a durable material. Rain barrels can be made out of various materials, but the most common one is plastic – it is extremely durable, portable, and long-lasting. For those mindful of keeping the environment safe, there are even barrels made out of 100% recycled plastics.
In the past, you could see a lot of oak barrels; they give a beautiful natural look when placed in the garden. However, they can spoil and degrade over time, so they aren’t practiced as often today.
Appearance
Even though some people don’t mind the appearance of their rain barrels, there are others who have a specific aesthetic in mind. Rain barrels appear in all types of forms & colors, so picking a matching design with your house exterior can be a lot easier than you expected.
Wood rain barrels have a more traditional look and give a natural appearance to easily blend in with your garden. On the other side, plastic rain barrels are available in a wide variety of styles and colors to easily match any occasion.
How Did We Choose the Highest-Rated Rain Barrels?
We have gone through a lot of rain barrels, but in order to choose only the best ones, all of the products in our review had to pass the following criteria:
Customer Reviews: This is surely one of the most important factors for us. By reading the customer reviews, we were able to get a clear impression of the product and whether it’s really worth it.
Quality: We have researched hundreds of rain barrels, but we only included ones that are made out of high-quality materials.
Brand: There are a number of companies selling rain barrels in the market; we’ve tried to mention only the best brands.
What Is the Price Range of a High-Quality Rain Barrel?
If you want to buy a rain barrel, then you can expect to pay from as low as $60 and all the way up to $500, or even more. The price will mainly depend on the brand, capacity, material, and features of a rain barrel. So, assess your budget for a rain barrel before evaluating options because this will help you eliminate many options.
What Are Some of the Most Important Features To Consider in a Rain Barrel?
Safety
Picking a rain barrel that has safety features included is a really wise consideration. The rain barrel design should be both animal-proof and child-proof. Furthermore, you’ll need to make sure that the base of the barrel sits firmly in the ground to prevent accidental tipping.
Overflow
Another important feature that you should keep an eye on is the overflow system. This is a valve unit that will automatically close up when the barrel reaches the maximum capacity of water. The overflow system will help you prevent any cracking and splitting from an over-filled rain barrel.
UV protection
If you live in a territory where the temperature is high and there is extreme sunshine throughout the whole day, then we suggest that you buy a rain barrel with UV protection to avoid deterioration.
Filter
Be sure to choose a rain barrel with a secure cover and a filter system that will keep the water clean. Some harsh rains and roving insects can push debris and contaminants into the rain barrel, which will make the water dirty. Some of the best rain barrels also have mesh screens to block the twigs, leaves, or other contaminants from getting inside the barrel.
Also, if the rain bottle isn’t covered, then this can be the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes in the summertime. Getting your garden or backyard loaded with mosquitoes can be a really unpleasant experience, especially in summer.
How Do You Install a Rain Barrel?
If you’re ready to get going on collecting rainwater but not sure where to begin, check out this how-to video for beginners.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have a better understanding when it comes to rain barrels. There are various options to choose from, but with the help of our buyer’s guide, you’re sure to find a rain barrel that will meet all your needs.
People Also Asked
What happens when a rain barrel reaches full capacity?
Whenever a rain barrel is full, the overflow mechanism kicks in, and it prevents any more water from going in the barrel. Be sure to position your rain barrel correctly to ensure it doesn't tumble over when it reaches full capacity.
Should you clean a rain barrel?
Yes, you should! We suggest that you empty the rain barrel and perform a complete cleaning before the rainy season starts. This will ensure that the water in the barrel stays clean and safe to drink.
How much rain will it take to load the whole rain barrel?
If you place the barrel under a drainpipe, then a 50-gallon rain barrel will be able to completely fill up in just one rainstorm. So, if you are located in a wet area, you can easily take advantage of placing multiple rain barrels.
Can you water plants with rain barrels?
Yes, it is entirely safe to use your rain barrels to water any type of vegetables or flowers. The water inside the rain is generally considered to be safe to use for any kind of plant.
What is the perfect rain barrel capacity for me?
Choosing the rain barrel capacity will mainly depend on your needs and your personal preferences. If you have a garden that requires a lot of watering, then be sure to get the most capacity possible or connect multiple rain barrels at once.
