The best rain barrel for me may not be the best rain barrel for you. There are so many factors to take into consideration.
I actually did a pretty extensive post on how to pick the right rain barrel for you that you might want to check out before laying down the money for one.
For me, since I’m so new to all this rain harvesting, I knew I wanted a barrel that could water the garden yet would be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. I was looking for basically a decorative rain barrel that could hold at least 50 gallons and wanted to keep the price to somewhere under $100.
We shall see if that happens. lol
So, what I’ve done is separated the rain barrels according to price points, then within that price point which one had the highest rating. Out of those, I narrowed it down to the barrels that fit my needs.
When looking at these rain barrels keep in mind that you can add a DIY Rain Barrel Diverter Kit as well as a barrel base to add more function to them.
One last thing before you check out these rain barrels…take the time to read the reviews, the questions that have already been answered and do your own research as well.
I’ve tried to add as much information as I can on these rain barrels but you may have further questions that can be answered on the product review pages.
Shop Rain Barrels by Price/Gallons:
Rain Barrels Under $100 (Up to 50 Gallons)
Rain Barrels Between $100-$200 (50 Gal. – 58 Gal.)
Best Rated Rain Barrels Under $100 (40-Gallons - 50 Gallons)
RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot
How many Gallons: 50 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Brown
Material: Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: 33.5″ tall x 24″ wide x 18.25″ deep
More Details:
Take a look closely and you’ll notice that this rain barrel actually has a flat back that will sit flush against your wall. Molded into each barrel is an authentic oak barrel texture that will not fade, rot or have any insects infesting the barrel.
It has an aluminum screen that helps keep out the insects and any debris that may be falling around it. Since it is a closed top this is much safer for children and pets.
With a brass spigot shut off valve and a hose hook up with dual overflow, no wonder this is one of Amazon’s Choices.
There is also a 1 year manufacturer warranty on this barrel.
RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon ECO Rain Water Collection
How many Gallons: 50 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Black
Material: 100% Recycled Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: 24″ x 19″ x 34″
More Details:
This rain barrel is unique in the fact that it is made from 100% recycled plastic. It also has the flat back to sit flush against the wall.
It comes equipped with a screen protector that helps keep the out the insects and any debris that may be falling around it. This rain barrel is also safe for children and pets with its closed top feature.
Comes with a plastic spigot shut off valve for hose hook-up with a dual overflow that keeps water from flooding around your foundation.
Remember to drain your rain barrel when temperatures get to the freezing mark.
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Rain Barrel, 40-Gallon Oak
How many Gallons: 40 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Oak/Black/Green/Khaki/Terra Cotta
Material: 100% recycled resin
Overflow Valve: No
Size of Barrel: 28.25″ x 22″ x 21.5″
More Details:
I started seeing a pattern with all these rain barrels. Majority of them have flat back so they can sit flush against the wall. This rain barrel is no different.
Although this is only a 40-Gallon barrel it packs a punch with it’s reviews and all the features it offers.
From the faux oak design to the variety of colors that you can choose from.
This barrel is closed so its great for keeping out small kids, animals, insects and debris.
Only downside I see to this barrel is the fact that it does not have an overflow valve however you can easily attach one.
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Rain Barrel, 50-Gallon Sandstone
How many Gallons: 50 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Sandstone/Terra Cotta/Dark Granite
Material: Polyethylene Resin
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: 22″ x 23″ x 30″
More Details:
This decorative rain barrel is exactly what I am looking for. Something that will collect the rain water but also give me a place to plant flowers and make it look nice.
This barrel is BPA free and has a mesh screen that protects again debris and insects. It is shaped round in the front but in the back is flat so you can position it against your home.
With a sturdy brass spigot and an overflow valve, you will be the envy of your neighbors with this rain barrel.
From what some reviewers are saying this was very easy to install taking them less than 10 minutes.
Best Rated Rain Barrels Between$100-$200 (50 Gallons+)
FCMP Outdoor RC4000-BRN Catcher 4000 Rain Barrel
How many Gallons: 50 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Open
Color: Brown
Material: Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: 24″ x 24″ x 32″
More Details:
Being in production for over 25 years, this rain barrel boasts of being the gold standard in rain barrels. With over 375,000 barrels sold and a 4.5 start review it’s no wonder this is one of the best rain barrel out there.
This is an open barrel but it comes with an aluminum mesh screen that covers the entire opening. This mesh helps to keep out debris, critters, and insects keeping your family safe from insect borne illnesses.
It has an overflow connection located on the back which allows the water to flow down and underneath the barrel keeping it away from the foundation.
There are spigots on the side of the barrel that allow for you to link more barrels together to catch even more rain water.
Food Grade Rain Barrel, Upcycled
How many Gallons: 58 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Open
Color: Red
Material: Food Grade Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: 22″ x 22″ x 40″
More Details:
Another 4.5 stars out of 5 for this rain barrel. Of course to me all I see is a pickle barrel that I use to play with when I was younger (you can read all about that here) but this rain barrel honestly is no joke.
Super durable, has a brass spigot with an overflow valve so you don’t have to worry about the water washing away the foundation.
It has an easy twist on/off lid along with a mesh covering to keep out those pesky insects and dirt and debris that may try to fall into the water.
Great thing about this product is that a downspout adapter is included.
Oh and when reading the reviews lots of people were super impressed with the customer service aspect of ordering this particular rain barrel.
To me, I’ll pay extra any day of the week for superb customer service.
50 Gal. Gray Flat Back Whiskey Rain Barrel with Integrated Planter and Diverter System with Black Accent Bands
How many Gallons: 50 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Gray/Flat Black
Material: Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: D-20″ x W-25″ x H-30″
Diverter Kit Included: Yes
More Details:
When reading the reviews one thing kept sticking out…the fact that this barrel has a planter and has such great curb appeal.
With its closed lid there is no need to worry about mosquitoes or any other harmful pests getting into.
The back of this barrel is flat so if you’re putting it up against a wall this will work perfectly. One of the downsides of the flat back is that it tends to bulge when the barrel is full so keep that in mind when purchasing it.
Finally, this does come with an easy to install diverter along with a short outlet hose that has a mini on/off switch.
For the most part many buyers really loved this but one big complaint was they didn’t feel like it help enough water. So if you’re looking for something with curb appeal and don’t need that much water than this rain barrel will be perfect for you.
55 Gal. Blue Plastic Drum DIY Rain Barrel Bundle with Diverter System
How many Gallons: 55 Gallons
Open/Closed Top: Closed
Color: Blue
Material: Plastic
Overflow Valve: Yes
Size of Barrel: D-23.3″ x H-34.8″ x W-23.3″
Diverter Kit Included: Yes
More Details:
With 97% of the customers who bought this rain barrel recommending it, you can’t go wrong. What this blue barrel lacks in curb appeal it makes up for it with the water it holds.
The one thing that reviewers couldn’t say enough about was how easy this DIY Rain Barrel was to put together and how durable it is.
I love what one reviewer said about being handyman challenged lol, so having all the required fittings and drill bits, along with detailed instructions he was able to start using his rain barrel in no time.
Finally, this barrel is very easy to winterize and comes with a diverter system, spigot, drain and other parts.
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9 thoughts on “What are the Best Rain Barrels on the Market”
Oh good,just perfect. I’m happy you could give this kind of post here because I have been looking to get a good rain barrel for my mum who is so into plants. She says she’s trying to make the best of the rainwater to water her plants. Seeing the amount of barrels you have researched here, aim sure you know so much about this. I would buy the barrel with the belihhest size. Thank!
Hey Riley,
That is so sweet you are buying your mom a rain barrel. Are you in the states or overseas? I’m curious to know if overseas has some of the same laws concerning rain barrels and rainwater harvesting as we do here. I’m actually in Florida and this year 2020 as if it hasn’t been crazy enough, the rain has all but stopped here. We’ve had beautiful, sunny, sometimes very hot days with no rain in sight.
Thanks so much for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions about choosing the best rain barrel for your mom. I’d be happy to help.
Be Blessed,
Audrey
wow! This is good information especially during rainy season. One can purchase one of these barrels to get reasonable amount of water for different purposes.
For me, I love the “55 Gal. Blue Plastic Drum DIY Rain Barrel Bundle with Diverter” because it rains more in my area and it can hold just about enough water to meet my every use and I love this barrel because it is very easy to winterize and comes with a diverter system, spigot, drain and other parts and that is so cool! Thanks so much for this post! It really helped.
Hey there, Thanks so much for stopping by. I’m thinking the same thing, the 55-gallon bucket one is what I’ve been looking at. Of course, for me I want it to be decorative too so I’m still on the fence as to which rain barrel I’m getting. So many to choose from for sure.
If you have any questions be sure to let me know and I’ll be more than happy to help.
Be Blessed,
Audrey
Rain Barrels.wow I am so amazed about this rain barrels because I am into farming and I have been thinking of how to store rain water for my plants.i will love to get some of this rain barrels.this is really nice I can still have more of it for my friends who is into farming too I think he will love it.
Some of these water barrels looks very nice and you can have a nice decoration and also use the water gathered for watering the plants. I always liked these cozy looking gardens that have the necessary decoration to go with them. It gives you such pleasant feelings just to look at it.
No water should go to waste so this is the perfect item to do some economy and help the environment also. Great list you made there and it’s perfect for all those garden lovers. Cheers!
Hey Stratos,
Thanks so much for stopping and commenting. You’re absolutely right, no rainwater should go to waste! If you’re looking to reduce your water bill and help the environment at the same time, rain barrels are the best way to do that. I’m looking at getting 2 rain barrels for my backyard. 1. will be to water my plants and grass and the other one will be to supply water to my hydroponics garden. I’m excited about both of these coming in and getting it all setup.
Thanks again for stopping by.
Audrey
Hello Riley,it’s indeed a good thing that you are getting a rain barrel for your mum, but at the same time, I prefer the 50 gallon sand stone it is decorative and at the same time it creates a place where you can plant flowers at the same time.it can collect the rain water and also gives a place to plant flowers and make it look nice.This barrel is BPA free and has a mesh screen that protects it against debris and insects.Again thanks and keep up the good work.
Definitely like the decorative barrels too. Another plus is that BPA free barrel to water the garden as well. Thanks for the comment and stopping by.
Be Blessed,
Audrey