Rain barrels are a simple and effective way to collect and store rainwater for use in your garden. They help to conserve water and reduce your reliance on municipal water supplies, which can save you money on your water bill. However, with so many different rain barrels on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.
In this article, we will review some of the best rain barrels available, exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Read Next
- Why A Rain Barrel?
- Best Rain Barrel Reviews
- 50 Gallon Urn Style Rain Barrel
- KYOTO Koolscape RBSS-75 75-Gallon Rain Barrel, Sandstone-Finish
- Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel 65-Gallon, Terra Cotta
- Rain Wizard Rain Barrel Urn 65-Gallon, Terra Cotta
- RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel with Brass Spigot, Wood Grain
- Suncast RB50D 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
- Achla Designs RB-02 Green Rain Barrel - 75 Gallon
- What to Look for in a Rain Barrel
- Rain Barrel Maintenance
- Conclusion
- 💬 Feedback
Why A Rain Barrel?
There is an old saying that tells us to save up for rainy days. But did you know that you can also start saving for the dry season when it starts raining? That’s what rain barrels are for. It lets you store rainwater that you can use to clean your garage, water your garden and wash your car.
Rain barrels are connected to your downspout and can store between 30 to 100 gallons of rainwater. The earliest rain barrels are made from recycled plastic containers used to transport spices however, this will need some training and additional materials to make.
Ready-to-use rain barrels are now widely available in the market. From the most simple and straightforward designs to the most intricate ones that resemble vintage wine barrels, there is surely one that will fit your preference.
Best Rain Barrel Reviews
If you don’t own one yet, or just want additional water storage, this is your ultimate rain barrel buying guide.
Here’s a quick look at the best rain barrels in the market today:
50 Gallon Urn Style Rain Barrel
The battle for the best rain barrel is now head-on in terms of design and functionality. This 50-Gallon Urn Style Rain Barrel battles in both categories as it can pass as a terracotta urn just by looking at it. It comes with a receiving nozzle where water from the downspout goes directly.
It has a mesh debris drain to prevent leaves and insects from getting into the barrel. The rest of the top of the barrel is enclosed and is intended to be a planter. Made from durable, UV-resistant plastic, designed and molded to look like a real clay urn.
It can match and become an instant accent to your garden especially when the planter on top is utilized. Comes with a 3-ft. hose, a shut-off valve, a hanging clip, and an elbow. The hose receptacle also has a threaded seal making it easy to remove the hose and drain the water.
PROS
- Decorative rain barrel
- Will match any garden theme especially since it has a planter top
CONS
- Weak hose holder and needs reinforcement
- The overflow holes are too small
- There are reports of spigot leaks
Bottom Line
Buying a rain barrel can be tricky. Almost every brand comes with a stylish and garden decoration-worthy rain barrel. That makes the accessories and durability a top priority. For this Urn Style Rain Barrel, even with a promising sturdy build, some accessories need to take a second look.
KYOTO Koolscape RBSS-75 75-Gallon Rain Barrel, Sandstone-Finish
If you are looking for a touch of zen in your rain barrel, this is the perfect match for you. This rain barrel with a 75-gallon capacity sports a modern zen design with the durability of plastic.
It can withstand extreme temperatures since it is made from rotational molding plastic. It comes with a brass spigot and an overflow spout on top.
One nice feature of this rain barrel that other brands don’t have is the drain plug at the bottom. It is easy to access to drain water, most especially sludge at the bottom of the barrel. It also comes with a rust-proof debris cover.
There are no complicated installations or connections necessary. Just let the downspout sit on top of the rain barrel and it will start collecting rainwater.
PROS
- Decorative rain barrel
- Simple setup and installation
- Elevated brass spigot, height is perfect to fill watering cans
CONS
- The overflow hole is too small
- There are reports of spigot leaks
Bottom Line
Not every barrel with this much rainwater storage capacity can be this attractive. Kyoto Koolscapes Rain Barrel scores positive points in terms of design, durability, and ease of setup. However, the brand may need to improve its spigot and overflow hole.
Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel 65-Gallon, Terra Cotta
Form meets function in the Algreen Cascata Rain Barrel. It looks like a real giant clay pot and it comes in 3 different colors – Terra Cotta, Gray, and Dark Brown.
It also has everything you may look for in a rain barrel. A decent 65-gallon capacity, a brass spigot, and a 6-feet long watering hose with a shut-off nozzle. A removable planter sits on top of a corrosion-proof screen guard for added garden appeal.
It is made from a double-walled rotomolded plastic that guarantees not to crack, chip, or fade. It can be attached to your downspout through an eavestrough nozzle on the double-walled crown planter.
There is also an overflow valve at the back and a built-in hook for the garden hose that comes with it. The overflow valve also serves as a linking valve for similar Algreens rain barrels using Algreen’s linking kit.
PROS
- Decorative rain barrel
- Premium look and feel
- Simple setup and installation
- Proven durability
- Linking-ready
CONS
- The hose needs replacing after a while
Bottom Line
Algreen Rain Barrel got the nod of users in almost all areas - a sturdy build, a planter top, an aluminum mesh, link-readiness, and more. Except for one, the 6-feet long hose, that comes with it lacks durability and is the most common concern.
Rain Wizard Rain Barrel Urn 65-Gallon, Terra Cotta
Rain wizard is a trusted name when it comes to rain barrels. It comes in a stylish terra cotta urn made with BPA-free plastic. With a 65-gallon capacity, it can give you big savings on your water bill.
Bonus, it has a self-draining full top planter that can be used for flowering vines to draw more attention to the rain barrel and your garden. The drain also ensures that the plants will not be soaked and rot due to excess water.
A meshed screen keeps the barrel from getting dirty from leaves, twigs, and insects that may be washed away from the downspout. Unlike other rain barrels, Rain Wizard has a flat-back design that can be placed tightly against the wall so it won’t occupy too much space.
The routed channel on top makes way for excess water to be diverted in front of the barrel – a smart design to keep water away from your foundation. The brass spigot is also durable and adds extra appeal to the overall design. It is also linkable to rain barrels under the same brand and has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
PROS
- Decorative rain barrel
- Premium look and feel
- Smart design of the flat back and the overflow diversion channels
- Proven durability
- Linking-ready
- 1-year warranty
CONS
- Spigot is too low
- Downspout needs to be modified to sit on top of the mesh screen
Bottom Line
From a trusted brand of rain barrels, Rain Wizard Rain Barrel is easy to fall in love with, with its flat-back design and premium look. However, users are advised to prepare to do some modifications on their downspouts to ensure that the barrel catches the water properly.
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Water Collection Barrel with Brass Spigot, Wood Grain
A rain barrel that looks exactly like an old wine or water barrel is sure to add an elegant and vintage touch to your lawn or garden. It comes in three colors – Oak, Green, and Brown. The brass spigot matches the vintage design really well.
The oak barrel texture was achieved using a mold and is guaranteed to remain free from fading, rotting, and insect infestations. The flat back design enables users to save space as it can be placed against the wall. It is also linking-ready.
The aluminum screen will remain corrosion-free and keeps the stored rainwater free from any kind of debris. The spigot is hook-up ready with a garden hose. However, the barrel needs to be elevated to fill water cans.
RTS Home Accents Rain Barrel is made from virgin food-grade polyethylene, has a 50-gallon capacity, and does not require a complicated setup due to the large mesh-covered opening for the downspout.
PROS
- Decorative rain barrel
- Premium look and feel
- Smart design of the flat back and the overflow diversion channels
- Linking-ready
CONS
- The flat-back design gets distorted when the barrel is full
- Spigot needs reinforcement or replacement over time
Bottom Line
The design is attractive, it is linking-ready and the flat back design is a space-saver. However, users say it only saves space unless it is full. This brand will have to reinforce its material, especially at the back to address this concern.
Suncast RB50D 50-Gallon Rain Barrel
Suncast Rain Barrel comes in a more straightforward and linear design. It is meant for those who do not want preparations and setups for their downspout anymore.
This square rainwater storage comes with a tight-fitting lid with a mesh that filters any unnecessary debris. It comes with two sturdy hoses, one to drain excess water and the other one to fill your water buckets and cans.
The middle part of the lid is deeper than the rest, allowing maximum water flow inside the barrel. The front part of the lid also has a channel to let any excess water flow.
PROS
- Affordable
- Durable body and accessories
- Linking-ready
CONS
- Lack of aesthetic appeal
Bottom Line
Not everyone is a fan of fancy-looking rain barrels. If you are after functionality and durability, this one will definitely bring you great savings.
Achla Designs RB-02 Green Rain Barrel - 75 Gallon
The leaf green color of this rain barrel makes a nice complement to every garden or lawn. It holds up to 75 gallons of rainwater and it has a removable debris screen.
It is ready to be linked with another Achla Rain Barrel in seconds if you need more rainwater storage. Each rain barrel comes with a linking kit so you don’t need to buy it once you decide that you need it.
It has a built-in 4-ft. hose and a thumb valve where the hose sits perfectly and neatly. Users say the rain barrel itself can stand the test of time, however, the hose and the overflow hose will need to be replaced with more sturdy ones.
PROS
- Premium look and feel
- Durable body
- Linking-ready
- Linking accessories included
CONS
- Expensive for its look and capacity
Bottom Line
With its high price point, too much is expected from this brand. Although users can attest to the durability of the barrel itself, it is just fair if the brand can equip it with a more sturdy hose.
What to Look for in a Rain Barrel
Not all rain barrels are created equal but most of them are in the same price range. These are the rain-barrel must-haves that you should look for before buying one :
- Brass spigot. Having a spigot is nice. Having a brass spigot is better. But make sure that the brass spigot that comes with your rain barrel will last you for a very long time. A durable one will cost you $3 to $5 each and if the barrel you are eyeing comes with a dependable and sturdy one, that’s one positive point for it.
- Sludge drain. The first rain after a long dry season can bring in dirt from your roof to the rainwater you are saving on your barrel. No debris cover can prevent that. The only way to get rid of the dirt particles is to let them settle and sit at the bottom of your rain barrel. If your rain barrel has a sludge drain, you can open it a few days after the rain has stopped and let the dirty water at the bottom be flushed out.
- Rain barrel links. More and more customers see the value of having a rain barrel. Most people start with just one and eventually add more after seeing the savings and convenience it can give. Rain barrels that can be linked will minimize overflow from the primary rain barrel and will save more rainwater for garden and greywater use.
- Debris cover. Our roof gutter can harbor dried twigs, leaves, and dead pests that only a good amount of rain can push out. A debris cover will strain all of these foreign objects from the rainwater you are trying to conserve. It will also keep mosquitoes from making your rain barrel a breeding ground for their eggs, which is a very important consideration.
Rain Barrel Maintenance
- Clean it regularly, ideally, after every time you empty it. Combine two (2) cups of baking soda and two (2) cups of water to achieve a paste-like texture. Using a sponge, apply the mixture liberally inside the barrel. Let it sit for a couple of hours. Wash with pressurized water until dirt build-up, especially at the bottom of the barrel is gone.
- Check for leaks, unusual bumps, and irregularities. The last thing you want to happen is to flood your area with 50 gallons of water or so, due to an unnoticed leak on your rain barrel. Some rain barrel manufacturers offer a limited-time warranty and you should have it replaced for any defects within the warranty period.
- Keep the debris cover on. The mesh cover of your water barrel does more than just keeping it free from dried leaves. It is also a safety measure against accidents involving children and pets
- Prepare for winter. You may either keep it inside or leave it outside. If you prefer to leave it outside, unhook it from your downspout, empty it and put it upside down.
- Keep it elevated. Keeping your rain barrel elevated keeps it from the natural ground activities under it. It might be a hiding place for earthworms, insects and other pests and might compromise the durability of your rain barrel. An elevated barrel makes it easy for you to fill watering cans and buckets as well.
Conclusion
Algreen Products Cascata Rain Barrel 65-Gallon, Terra Cotta tops our list for the Best Rain Barrel. It has a premium and luxurious feel in its design. It also has a better storage capacity compared with other brands. You can use it straight out of the box and it costs less that other rain barrels with a smaller capacity. It will surely be a great accent in your garden and yard and its double-walled design will last you a very long time.
With a long list of benefits, it can bring you, it is really practical to own a rain barrel. This review highlighted the best rain barrels in the market based on their capacity, appearance, accessories, price, and durability.
Whether it is a simple-looking water barrel or a more sophisticated urn-style one, all rain barrels will surely help you save up water not just for dry and hot days but for everyday utility and garden use.
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