Water storage is a vital preparation strategy for every American home. The human body can go for a few weeks without food, but only a few days without water. Having clean, fresh drinking water on hand is a vital concern for any household.
Then there’s the issue of preparing water for your garden. You might not need a drinking water reserve. However, you could use a rainwater reserve for collecting water for the garden. There are a variety of reasons why you might want to store water, and a rain barrel is an excellent way to naturally manage this resource.
In this post, we’ll review the best rain barrels and make suggestions on the best models for your yard.
Our Top Picks
We reviewed dozens of rain barrels to come up with the options n this review. Out of all the models we looked at, we settled on these three as our top picks. We have a rain barrel to suit any budget or accommodate any water requirements. Check through these top picks and make your selection in minutes.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Best Pick: Upcycle 55 Gallon Rain Barrel
The Upcycle 55-gallon rain barrel is a great choice for your home. This model features design and construction with HDPE high-density polyethylene. This rain barrel presents a sustainable way to collect water for your garden. This model features a reconditioned barrel, with a black color to prevent algae growth in the water. - Runner Up Pick: 66 Gallon Rain Barrel
This 66-gallon model stores enough rainwater to feed a small garden. The top mesh design for the water inlet filter keeps leaves and insects out of the container. As a result, you get clean, filtered rainwater into your barrel ready for the garden. - Budget Pick: Goflame Rain Barrel
- This Goflame rain barrel is a top model for your garden this rainy season. Featuring a collapsible design, the Goflame is a foldable water reservoir you can set up in minutes in your backyard. This 50-gallon model is the ideal choice for small to mid-sized gardens, with an overflow valve and spigot included in the kit.
Rain Barrel Reviews
Now that you have a brief introduction to our top models let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also look at a few other models we think are worthy of including in this review of the best rain barrels.
Check out our buyer’s guide section after you finish with the reviews. We’ll give you some helpful tips on picking the right rain barrel for your application.
Upcycle 55 Gallon Rain Barrel – The Best Overall Rain Barrel
The upcycle rain barrel wins our award for the best overall rain barrel in this review. If you have a mid-sized lawn and garden, this rain barrel is all you need to keep the water flowing through the dry spells of the rainy season. The 55-gallon capacity is ideal for watering a few flowerbeds and a small lawn throughout the summer.
- Dimensions: 22 diameter x 38H inches
- Made of food-quality recycled high-density polyethylene
- Holds 55 gallons of recycled rainwater
- Links to other barrels to fill from one downspout
- Bottom spigot fits standard garden hose
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model comes with a black HDPE construction for sturdy use and easy stacking onto a base. The Upcycles black color ensures there’s no mold or algae growth in the water, reducing the rain barrel’s maintenance. This barrel fills quickly and comes with a filtered inlet to remove debris.
You get a spigot and overflow kit included with the Upcycle, with everything you need to manage your new water supply.
- Premium HDPE construction
- Blackout design for anti-microbial protection against algae and mold growth
- Maximum capacity 55-gallons
- Suitable for mid-sized gardens
- Comes with a spigot and overflow
- Has a plastic spigot instead of metal
66 Gallon Rain Barrel
This rain barrel is a close runner-up for our top pick. If you have a mid-sized to a large garden, the COMYEE 66-gallon model is a great choice. This collapsible model has a 66-gallon capacity, making it a great choice for mid-sized to larger gardens.
You get a mesh water inlet filter to keep debris out of the barrel, and a dual-way zipper for easy assemble and breakdown. The rain barrel gets it support from sturdy polymer rods, with a UV-resistant PVC liner that’s durable and weather resistant.
- Saving the water: A sustainable solution to reuse the rainwater in your garden watering or etc. At the same time save your water bill! Based on calculation, this rain barrel can save your water bill up to 40% per year!
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: Our rain barrel is made from PVC frame and anti-corrosion PVC mesh fabric. It is designed for long-term usage even in the cold winter time. Unlike traditional barrels, this barrel is crack-free and more durable.
- PREVENT LEAKAGE: Two rubber rings come with each spigot and water outflow valve. Install one ruber ring inside, the other one outside of the barrel can efficiently prevent leakage. Top mesh design keeps leaves, insects away from your clear water.
- EASY STORAGE AND REUSABLE: The foldable design allow you to carry it easily and store it in your garage or utility room with minimized space. Whenever you need it again, it is always reusable in simple assembly.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Capacity available in 50 Gallon, 66 Gallon, and 100 Gallon. Simply place it under a downspout and let water run through the mesh top. Outflow valve included for water outflowing or connecting to another VINGLI rain barrel.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This rain barrel comes with an overflow kit, spigot, and switch, and a faucet to Accommodate your watering requirements. This rain barrel; is our top choice for the best premium model in this review.
- Dual-way zippered top
- UV-resistant PVC construction
- Debris filter, overflow, and spigot with switch
- Faucet with a hose connection
- 66-gallon capacity for larger gardens
- Collapsible design
- Not a permanent fixed barrel
- A bit large for smaller gardens
Goflame Rain Barrel – The Best Budget Rain Barrel
This collapsible model features a mesh PVC design, with a foldable design for easy transport around the yard. You get everything included with your kit. There’s a liner and the sturdy frame rods included, along with all the fittings you need.
- Mesh cover design: This rain barrel can be folded, which makes it easy to store and carry. Besides, its green surface naturally fits in with your backyard sight. Its top mesh is newly designed to keep out animals, debris and it is also easy to remove for cleaning and maintenance.
- Collect water :During heavy rain falls, a typical roof can produce hundreds of gallons of water if you have connected few more barrels.One rain barrel can provide 60 gallons of clear rain water when it is full.
- Durable and sturdy materials: Our rain barrel is made of PVC frame and Anti-corrosion PVC mesh cloth, which is durable. While most barrels will crack or become brittle in the winter time, the durable materials of the item ensure stability and long-time using.
- Easily use: You just need to place this rain barrel under a downspout and let water run through the mesh top into the storage area, and if it was full filled with rain water, excess water will outflow from the top drain-pipe.
- Efficient equipment: When drought sets in and rain is short, rain barrels can provide precious water you need for your lawn and garden. By saving that water, you can reduce your average water usage by up to 40%.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You get a spigot and switch, along with a faucet, rain filter, and an overflow kit. The top of the rain barrel features a dual zipper system for easy setup and breakdown of this rain barrel. This 50-gallon model is a good choice for small to mid-sized gardens.
- Collapsible design
- Comes with a spigot, faucet, debris filter, and switch
- Mesh design for easy debris filtering
- UV-resistant PVS material for weatherproofing
- Easy setup
- Supports a maximum capacity of 50-gallons
- Good value for money
- Could have 5 to 10-gallons more storage
Lostronaut 53-Gallon Portable Rain Barrel
This portable rain barrel is a great choice for your yard. You get a 53-gallon capacity, making it suitable for mid-sized lawns. The Lostronaut features design and construction with 3-ply PVC for a durable liner that’s weatherproof and UV resistant.
- 53 Gallon Capacity, 27.5'' tall x 24'' wide. Portable, collapsible, quick no-hassle assembly and storage. Easy to transport
- Built with the highest quality duty, 3-ply PVC material and super-tough zipper, UV-heat/cold-freeze resistant. Built to last outdoors
- Pack list: high flow spigot, downspout spigot, overflow spout, leakproof washers, 6 sturdy legs/feet, super-tough barrel with filtered intake hole
- Includes 25 colorful lawn and garden tags. Label all the plants that are grown with your new watering system
- Sustainable, smart, eco-friendly system. Conserve water, save on utility bills and save the earth. Satisfaction guaranteed
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The collapsible frame and liner make setup and takedown of this unit simple. You get all the fittings you need to set up the rain barrel, including a high-flow spigot, an overflow kit, and a frame. This model is freeze-resistant, and the superior choice for colder regions of the United States.
- A great portable choice for camping trips
- Comes with two spigots, a faucet, and an overflow kit
- Easy setup and breakdown
- 53-gallon capacity for mid-sized gardens
- Constructed with 3-Ply PVC material for additional durability
- Freeze resistant
- Plant labeling system included
- Smaller Capacity
LDAILY 100 Gallon Foldable Rain Barrel
If you’re looking for a rain barrel for a large garden, thisLDAILY model is your top choice. This rain barrel has sufficient water storage for your flowerbeds and lawn, featuring a 100-gallon capacity. You get a mesh inlet filter and a secure filter outlet for a debris-free rain barrel.
- 💧【Functional Water-saving Equipment】Water is the source of human life. The rain barrel provides a great and effective solution for you to save water. You can use these water collected by the rain collection barrel for flowering watering, car detailing or any emergency water shortage. What's more, your average water usage can be reduced by up to 41% after use with this water storage containers.
- 💧【Prevent Leakage & Filter Impurities】Both spigot and outflow on our rain barrel is equipped with ruber rings to prevent leakage. Besides, The built-in filter and the top mesh design can effectively keeping out bugs, animals, debris with unique top mesh design.
- 💧【Selected Premium Material】 The rain barrel is made of high quality PVC frame and anti-corrosion PVC mesh cloth, which are super durable and sturdy to have a longer lifespan. It is extra tough without cracking or becoming brittle easily even in cold winter and intense UV rays.
- 💧【Foldable Design for Space-saving】 The rain barrel features a foldable design for easier carrying and storing. You can store it in your utility room or garage with ease. Then take it out to use the next year.
- 💧【Easy to Use & Maintain】Just place the rain water collection barrel under the downspout and let the water flow from the top of the mesh to the storage area, then it can start working and save the rain. If it is full of rain, excess water will outflow from the top drain-pipe for better using experience.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model comes with a full range of fittings, including two spigots with dual switches, and an overflow kit for water management. The two-way zippered lid makes setup and takedown easy. Standing 38 .6-inches tall, this model stows away out of sight.
- Good value for money with a large storage capacity
- Maximum 100-gallon Storage
- Suitable for large gardens
- Large water inlet filter
- Extra durable PVC design with high-quality stitching
- Dual spigots included with overflow kit
- A bit large for mid-sized gardens
Smart Tank 50 Gallon Stackable Water Storage Tank
Those people wanting a water storage barrel for the garden or clean drinking water can check out this model. While it’s more of a storage unit than a rain barrel, it’s easy to modify it to accommodate a downspout intake.
- Be Prepared, Store Your Water! This 50 gallon water storage tank will ensure you're prepared for any emergency during natural disasters and water shortages. With a 50 gallon water capacity, this water storage container is safe and convenient for any emergency.
- Hygienic & Safe Drinking water: The Smart Tank water storage containers are reinforced with a specially blended UV-resistant plastic that protects your water. The tank cap and standard garden hose spigot makes for an easy rotation system, this water tank will keep your water safe for when you need it most.
- Premium & Extra-Durable Construction: Manufactured with a rugged high-density polyethylene material (HDPE), this emergency water container is BPA-free, and made from FDA/NSF compliant materials and engineered to handle the pressure of hundreds of gallons of water for decades.
- Stackable, Prepare With More Than Just One: Our water storage containers are stackable and durable. They are great space savers and allow you instant access to water whenever you need it. Simply connect the spigots to a standard garden hose and you’re all set.
- Space-Saving Design: Our water tanks unique design allows it to fit through any standard doorway. Dimensions: 24"x24"x30". All our water containers are covered by our 3 year manufacturer guarantee against any manufacturing defect. The water tank weighs 24 pounds empty and 440 pounds full.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This storage unit lasts a lifetime featuring design and construction with high-density materials, with a BPA-free rating. You get a 50-gallon capacity, with a stackable design. You get an inlet and outlet and handles on the sides for easy movement.
- BPA-free construction with HDPE
- Made in the USA
- Comes with an inlet valve and spigot
- Stackable design
- Premium Price
VINGLI 66 Gallon Foldable Rain Barrel
The VINGLI rain barrel is a superior choice for relieving the water needs of your garden. This 66-gallon model is suitable for medium to large gardens and comes as a collapsible design. The durable PVC mesh cover and liner ensure you get a durable rain barrel that lasts for years.
- Saving the water: A sustainable solution to reuse the rainwater in your garden watering or etc. At the same time save your water bill! Based on calculation, this rain barrel can save your water bill up to 40% per year!
- HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS: Our rain barrel is made from PVC frame and anti-corrosion PVC mesh fabric. It is designed for long-term usage even in the cold winter time. Unlike traditional barrels, this barrel is crack-free and more durable.
- PREVENT LEAKAGE: Two rubber rings come with each spigot and water outflow valve. Install one ruber ring inside, the other one outside of the barrel can efficiently prevent leakage. Top mesh design keeps leaves, insects away from your clear water.
- EASY STORAGE AND REUSABLE: The foldable design allow you to carry it easily and store it in your garage or utility room with minimized space. Whenever you need it again, it is always reusable in simple assembly.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Capacity available in 50 Gallon, 66 Gallon, and 100 Gallon. Simply place it under a downspout and let water run through the mesh top. Outflow valve included for water outflowing or connecting to another VINGLI rain barrel.
Last update on 2024-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This AltiPrime model comes with all the fittings you need for setup. You get an overflow kit, along with a spigot and switch, and a filter setup included. This model features a dual zip-system on the led for easy installation and takedown.
- Mesh collection filter to keep out debris and bugs
- Dual zipper design for easy setup
- Strut design for additional stability
- Overflow kit and spigot with switch included
- UV-Resistant PVC mesh design for weather resistance
- 66-gallon maximum capacity
- A bit small for large gardens
Rain Barrel Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have an idea of the best rain barrels available, let’s help you settle on the right rain barrel to meet your needs. In this section, we’ll look at the important considerations for making your purchase.
We’ll advise you on making an informed purchase decision on the best rain barrels to suit your yard.
Can I Make a DIY Rain Barrel?
If you have the time and the skillset to make yourself a rain barrel, you can do so with inexpensive materials and a few tools. Making a rain barrel isn’t rocket science, but if you have no experience with DIY projects, it’s a better idea to purchase a prefabricated kit.
All the models in this review come with all the pieces you need to make a rain barrel. They offer easy setup, even for someone that has no previous DIY experience. You might pay a bit more for a prefabricated kit, but it’s less time and hassle than trying to build one yourself.
What’s the Best Material for Use in a Rain Barrel?
The EPA recommends rain barrels as the best way to conserve rainwater for use in your garden. Rain barrels come in two designs – fixed and collapsible. Fixed models usually feature design and construction with durable polymers like high-density polypropylene (HDPE). These models are stable in many cases and come in a range of colors. However, HDPE is expensive, and many homeowners may opt for a more cost-effective solution.
Collapsible rain barrels feature design and construction with flexible fabrics like PVC. These materials provide excellent weather-resistant while making it easy to break down the rain barrel for use in different areas around the yard.
Both HDPE and PVC are great choices for your rain barrel material, and they offer excellent UV-resistance. Plastics work better than metals for your rain barrel. With polymers, you don’t get corrosion or contamination.
What to Look for When Choosing a Rain Barrel?
There are dozens of models of rain barrels out there. Even the ten in this review might be too much choice for you to handle.
Looking through all the features and components of a rain barrel might leave you scratching your head in confusion. In this section, we’ll unpack the characteristics and features of a good rain barrel.
#1 Safety first
When assessing your garden for a rain barrel, remember to check for safety first. Makes sure your home isn’t using any old lead paint formulations on the gutters and check for any other unsafe materials on your roof that might contaminate your water supply.
Consider the shingles on your roof. If you have tar or gravel shingles, they may wear away, sending debris down your gutters and into your rain barrel, causing a buildup of sediment. Sediment buildup means you’ll need to empty and clean the rain barrel more often.
#2 How much rainwater can you collect in the barrel?
When assessing your ideal rain barrel, look at the capacity of the model before making your purchase. For small yards, a 50-gallon capacity is sufficient.
With mid to large-size yards in freestanding homes, you can do up to a60-gallon capacity. Estates, orchards, and farms can befit from lager models holding upwards of 200-gallons. Larger sizes might be necessary for drier regions that receive less rainfall throughout the season.
#3 Look for a secure lid and a filter
Make sure you choose a model with a secure cover and filter system. A secure screw-on lid or dual zipper system is critical for your rain barrel.
The best models ensure that nothing can enter the barrel, expect rainwater. Look for models that include filter systems. The filter helps to remove garden debris like leaves and twigs that run down your roof and through the gutter system.
#4 Look for a model with overflow protection and multiple spigots
Your rain barrel should feature an overflow kit to prevent issues with capacity when the barrel is full. An overflow valve helps to remove the excess water, without compromising the structural integrity of the barrel. Spigots are a critical part of your rain barrel, and essential for draining and watering duties.
#5 Look for a model with a sturdy design
If you’re buying a solid HDPE model, you don’t have to worry about the setup; it’s a plug-and-play design that fits directly to your existing gutter system. However, collapsible models take more effort to set up and breakdown.
These models feature sturdy struts to form the shape of the rain barrel. The PVC construction and mesh design make the barrel flexible, but lightweight. As a result, you get a portable rain barrel that’s easy to move around your yard.
How Do You Install Your Rain Barrel?
When purchasing your rain barrel, the setup and installation are a concern. If you’re purchasing an HDPE model, it’s a simple installation. A collapsible design with PVC material and support struts might take more effort, and multiple people, depending on the size of the barrel.
Here is a brief guide on setting up your new rain barrel.
#1 Location, Location, Location
When installing your new rain barrel, its location in your yard is the most critical aspect of setting it up. You need to set up the barrel close to a downspout. The setup must allow you to divert the flow of water into the barrel easily.
#2 Place the barrel on a sturdy, flat base
After selecting your setup space, examine the area around where you want to set up the base. The floor should be level, with plenty of support.
Remember, a 50-gallon rain barrel weighs around 450-lbs, and that’s a lot of weight. You can’t set that upon a small wooden stool and expect it to have the necessary support.
#3 Mount the rain barrel on a stand
Choose a stand that keeps the rain barrel off the ground. This strategy prevents the cold ground from cooling off the water, and it prevents bugs from finding your rain barrel. Elevating the barrel makes it easy to access the spigot.
#4 Measure out and mockup your rain barrel placement
Before setting up and installing your rain barrel, mock it up around the installation site. Take accurate measurements of the base, and account for where you want to position the faucets and spigot.
#5 Secure the lid and wait for the rain
After setting up your rain barrel, secure the lid and wait for the storm. After the first downpour, go out and check on your barrel to make sure everything is ok. A common rookie error for most new owners is leaving the spigot open. As a result of the error, the barrel leaks out the water instead of filling it.
Is Harvested Rainwater Safe to Drink?
If you live out in the mountains, away from industry and pollution, you should have no issues drinking water collected in your rain barrel. However, it may cause a mild reaction in your gut, giving you loose stool.
If you live in the city, we recommend you avoid drinking water from your rain barrel. There are plenty of chemical contaminants and carcinogens in the air around cities, which ends in rainwater.
You can purchase specialized water purifiers and cleaners to make your rainwater drinkable, but they generally come with expensive price tags. Here are a few general rules of thumb when it’s not safe to drink water from your rain barrel.
- If your roof receives treatment for pathogens like mold
- Your roof features zinc strips
- You have copper gutters
What do you do with the Water in Your Rain Barrel?
We recommend avoiding collecting the water from the first big rain of the season. This initial storm will clean all the debris, animal droppings, and pollutants from your roof, washing it.
After the first storm passes, hook up your rain barrel to the downspout and start harvesting rainwater. By avoiding collecting the first wash, you have less debris in your rain barrel, reducing the maintenance needs.
What Is the Proper Procedure for Maintaining a Rain Barrel?
Your rain barrel collects a small amount of debris over the rainy season. Therefore, at the end of the season, it’s a good idea to clean it out. If you live in a colder region of the US, make sure you empty the rain barrel and pack it away until next season.
Rain Barrel FAQs
How often do you need to empty a rain barrel?
We recommend emptying the rain barrel and cleaning it before the start of the rainy season. If you live in a region experiencing freezing temperatures in the winter, either disconnect your rain barrel or remove it until the ground thaws and the rains start.
What happens when a rain barrel reaches capacity?
When the rain barrel reaches maximum capacity, the overflow kicks in, and the rain gutters from the barrel as normal. However, it’s important to position your rain barrel correctly. A full barrel 50-gallon can weigh up to 450-lbs.
Therefore, you need a stable base around the barrel to ensure it doesn’t topple over under the weight. Look for models with release valves. During heavy downpours, this valve assists with the overflow of excess water.
Can the water in my rain barrel go bad?
Water doesn’t go “bad.” However, water can experience contamination with chemical compounds or biological pathogens. If you store water away from contact with concrete, in a dark, cool area of your home, you can keep it indefinitely.
Is it illegal to harvest rainwater?
The only state that forbids and outlaws the collection of rainwater in Colorado. Residents may not own water barrels. The rest of the states can harvest up to 110-lbs at a time, although we don’t know if the EPA actively enforces these laws.
The Verdict – The Best Rain Barrels
If you’re looking to collect rainwater for your garden or storage around your home, we recommend taking one of the rain barrels in this review. There are models to suit any application and any size garden. Regardless of your water requirements, we have something to suit your needs.
- If you’re having trouble settling on a model for your garden, why not take one of our top picks? The 66 Gallon Rain Barrel is a great choice for a collapsible model, with 66-gallons of water storage, making it ideal for mid-size to larger gardens in townhouses, complexes, and freestanding homes. You get everything you need with this kit, including a filter, dual-switches, and spigot.
- The Upcycle 55 Gallon Rain Barrel is a sustainable option, with HDPE construction. This black container keeps the light out of the water, ensuring no chance for mold growth. You get a filter on the inlet to remove all debris, as well as a spigot and overflow. This model is a great choice for smaller to mid-sized gardens, offering an environmentally-friendly way to conserve water.
- The Goflame Rain Barrel is a collapsible design featuring tough PVC material and rigid supports for use around the home. This model features a filter and a spigot, holding 50-gallons of rainwater for your garden and lawn. This model is a great choice for smaller yards in townhouses and cluster homes. Choose a rain barrel and reduce your yard’s annual water consumption by up to 40%.