Collecting water runoff in a rain barrel is an environmentally friendly and simple way to keep a home garden or lawn watered all season long. Often made of heavy duty plastic to avoid deteriorating over time, they’re relatively inexpensive to buy, easy to set up, and come in a range of styles that can complement any backyard look.
Jessica Foster, merchant at The Home Depot, says, “When shopping for a rain barrel, it is important to consider various factors such as the material, size, color and capacity that best suit your water-saving needs.” Plastic rain barrels are long-lasting and durable, while stone or clay models blend in seamlessly with your backyard.
Master gardener Jolene Wainwright of Our Sanctuary Garden says that there are a few perks to having a rain barrel in your backyard. Rainwater can not only help lower your water bill, but it’s also beneficial to plants. “Plants love [rainwater] because it is oftentimes softer than tap water and doesn’t contain chlorine,” she says. She recommends “getting one that has a spigot at the bottom of it to allow you to access the water whenever you need it.”
Plus, Foster explains, “Rain-barrel water has many uses other than watering your lawn or gardens. Storing rainwater is an eco-friendly alternative for outdoor tasks like landscape irrigation, washing the car and giving your dog a bath.”
What We Tested
We evaluated the durability, effectiveness, and ease of use of each rain barrel we tested. For more information on how we tested rain barrels, check out our testing process below.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal. Plastic Drainable Dual Overflow Planter Rain Barrel at Wayfair$163
Best with Diverter:
Best with Hose:
Why You Should Get It
This rain barrel has two spigots, so you can either connect to a hose or use them to fill containers.
Keep in Mind
The top planter is rather small, with limited space.
The Good Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver earned top marks for effectiveness and ease of use during our testing. The two brass spigots are the standout feature of this rain barrel. There is one located low to the ground and another about midway up the barrel.
This gave us some flexibility because we could connect one of the spigots to a garden hose, collect the rainwater in a container to use, or even run a hose to another rain barrel if necessary to catch more water. During a heavy downpour, we found that these two spigots allowed for easy draining and prevented any overflow.
The rain barrel is made of a sturdy plastic that did not show any signs of wear or tear during the testing period. The amount of sun exposure did not impact the rain barrel’s appearance and did not cause any discoloration, which bodes well for someone who is looking to place their rain barrel in a sunny spot of their yard.
With a capacity of 50 gallons, we found that this rain barrel collected water easily, without any leaks or cracks. Its debris filter is integrated with the top planter feature, which is able to be removed, should you not want to plant anything there. Keep in mind, the top planter is rather small, and so you will be limited in what you can plant.
How It Performed After Six Months
After using this rain barrel for six months, we continued to be impressed with its durability and performance. It held up well over the entire testing period, but we were pleased that it didn’t show any signs of damage or wear after a week of almost continuous rain and thunderstorms.
We also appreciated that it was incredibly low maintenance—we never had to clean or repair the rain barrel. And despite the fact that it held a large amount of water, we never experienced any issues with mosquitos or other pests.
The only complaint we had with this rain barrel was that the planter at the top of the barrel was too shallow to plant anything. However, because it was so durable and easy to use, we didn’t mind this flaw.
Product Details: Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 32 x 23.25 x 23.25 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons
Key Terms to Know
- Spigot: The device that, when turned, allows for the flow of water from a faucet. Many rain barrels feature spigots so that you can release the rainwater from the barrel for use, or to connect a hose.
- Runoff: When it rains, the water that runs down your roof, into the gutters, and onto the ground is called runoff. This runoff can be collected by rain barrels and stored in the drum.
- Capacity: The amount of rainwater a rain barrel can hold, which is measured in gallons.
Best Decorative
Good Ideas 42 Gallon Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver
Why You Should Get It
It has a planter top that offers 1 square foot of space for flowers, herbs, and more.
Keep in Mind
This rain barrel blew over during testing.
When it comes to making a useful addition to your backyard space, the last thing you need is an eyesore. The best decorative rain barrels combine style and function, which is why we chose the Good Ideas Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver after testing.
With a capacity of 42 gallons, it is smaller than the average rain barrel, which usually holds about 50 to 55 gallons of water. We loved that it had a planter on top, which was perfect for annual flowers.
We found during testing that it easily collected rain water, even during a light rain, and that the debris screen was extremely effective. We noticed that the hole for the debris screen is quite small, but that did not keep the rain barrel from filling up quickly under a downspout.
It also has two spigots, one for connecting to a hose and another for filling a watering can. We filled our watering cans with ease during testing, but found that the hose would not stay attached to the lower spigot.
When it didn’t have plants or water in it, this rain barrel did tip over in high winds during our testing. However, with plants and water, it was sturdy enough to stay upright for the remainder or the testing period. Even so, the fall did not result in any cracks or dents, which leads us to believe this is a durable rain barrel.
Product Details: Material: Polyethylene plastic | Dimensions: 31.5 x 19.5 x 24 inches | Capacity: 50 gallons
Why You Should Get It
The flow from the spigots is strong, making filling buckets or using a hose easy.
Keep in Mind
This rain barrel does not have a debris screen.
When looking for the best option for your home, a model with a diverter will allow your rain barrel to fill to capacity, but then it will automatically send water through a downspout and away from your home’s foundation.
This is helpful if you live in a rainy climate and don’t want to worry about forgetting to open your rain barrel’s spigots to avoid overflow. The Earthmark EarthMinded RainStation 45-Gallon Rain Barrel is our pick for the best rain barrel with a diverter.
During testing, we found that this rain barrel, which is made of high density polyethylene resin, was sturdy and effective at collecting water at a reasonable rate.
The spigots of this barrel, which are made of plastic, function well—when the barrel was full we found that the water flowed from them freely and with a fast flow rate. We connected a long hose to the spigot and the pressure was steady enough to water plant containers around the porch.
This rain barrel also comes with a reversible lid, which can be used to grow herbs or plants on top, which helps it to blend into your outdoor space and provide decoration. Keep in mind that this rain barrel does not have a debris screen, so you may find leaves in the water as it flows from the gutters to the barrel.
How It Performed After Six Months
We continued to use this rain barrel for six months, and it continued to capture rain water well. There were no signs of wear or tear at the end of the testing period, and the spigots never leaked. We also didn’t experience any issues with bugs or pests getting into the barrel.
We placed the rain barrel close to a front porch, and the placement made it easy to water the porch flowers. There was always plenty of water in the barrel thanks to frequent summer showers, but when the water levels were low, we were able to use the lower spigot without issue.
No maintenance was needed to upkeep this rain barrel, but we did notice a little bit of pollen build up in the barrel that we plan to scrub off after the gardening season. We will continue to use the barrel after the testing period because we loved how easy it was to use, and we liked being able to use the water without raising our water bill.
"I will definitely continue to use the product because it has made watering containers on my porch much easier. I just fill a watering can from the barrel to water, rather than dragging over a hose from the side of the house and then coiling it up when I'm done. Plus, all that water is totally free." -Viveka Neveln, senior garden editor for Better Homes & Gardens
The planter atop the barrel also performed well, and it didn’t affect the rain water collection at all. When the barrel was completely full of water, the water touched the bottom of the planter and kept the soil moist. We were worried this would make the soil too moist, but our plants seemed to love the extra moisture.
There is only one improvement that we would make to this rain barrel—we wish there was a way to tell at a glance how much water was in the barrel. We could usually gauge how much water was in it based on how fast the water flowed from the spigot, but we would love an easier way to tell without opening the spigot.
Product Details: Material: High density polyethylene resin | Dimensions: 24 x 34 x 24 inches | Capacity: 45 gallon
The 11 Best Rain Chains For Your Home and Garden in 2024
Why You Should Get It
It was able to withstand high winds during testing and its debris screen was very effective.
Keep in Mind
This rain barrel only comes in a gray granite colorway.
Many rain barrels come with the option to attach a hose, but not all have one included to make the user experience seamless. The FCMP Outdoor Catalina 45-Gallon Rain Barrel is our pick for the best version with a hose because it is functional, easy to use, and effectively collects rain while keeping out debris.
With a capacity of 45 gallons, we found that this rain barrel filled up very easily and effectively, even while raining extremely heavily. We found that this barrel, made of polyethylene plastic, was durable and did not budge, even amidst high winds.
It has a debris screen that worked well at keeping leaves and debris from the water, especially during storms. After withstanding days in the sun, this rain barrel proved to be durable once again, showing no signs of discoloration or bleaching in the sun.
The hose, which is 40 inches long (about 3.3 feet), has a clip on the side of the barrel, which allows the hose to be stored against the barrel while not in use, rather than getting tangled on the ground. In addition to the attached hose, we found that we could also attach a longer garden hose, should we want to use it on a flowerbed farther away or while washing a car.
We were also impressed by how easy it was to set up. From start to finish, it took us only 10 minutes, including the installation of a gutter extender. Keep in mind that this rain barrel only comes in a gray granite color, which may not blend into your current outdoor decor.
How It Performed After Six Months
This rain barrel was still in excellent condition after using it for six months—it didn’t fade or sink into the ground, and there wasn’t rust on the spigot or any other parts of the barrel.
We liked how easy it was to use, and it made watering our plants feel like less of a chore. It blended into our tester’s garage, and we appreciated that it wasn’t an eyesore like some rain barrels.
The filter on top of the barrel stopped mosquitoes, bees, and even spiders from falling into the water. We never saw any bugs in the water when using the spigot, which confirmed that the filter helped prevent insects and debris from getting in the water.
There was only one flaw that prevented this rain barrel from earning a perfect score—the clip that held the water hose to the barrel frequently fell off. It was simple enough to reattach it, but we wish it stayed in place better.
Product Details: Material: Polyethylene | Dimensions: 22.5 x 20.5 x 29.75 inches | Capacity: 45 gallons
The Bottom Line
While looking for the best rain barrel for your home, it is important to keep in mind the size of your yard, how much rain you typically get in your area, and what style you’d like it to have. Our best overall pick is the Good Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver.
Our Testing Process
In order to find the best products, we tested 14 rain barrels in our own backyards. Before installing our rain barrels, we made sure that our downspouts and gutters were clean and functioning.
Then, we installed the rain barrels on grass or dirt, digging out 1 to 2 inches and creating a level surface, setting it up beneath the gutter or downspout. We made sure to direct the flow of water away from our homes so as not to damage the foundation.
Then, we waited for it to rain, taking note of how much it rained in our area and how quickly the barrel filled up. Once filled, we used the rainwater (within a week or two) to water plants or in other ways around the home.
We also maintained the rain barrel as needed, leaving the spigot open when not collecting rainwater, inspecting it regularly for damage or leaks, clearing away anything blocking the debris screens, rinsing it out as necessary, and draining and disconnecting the barrels before storing.
What to Know About Rain Barrels Before Shopping
Material
“When shopping for a rain barrel, it is important to consider various factors such as the material, size, color and capacity that best suit your water-saving needs,” Foster says. Plastic rain barrels are long-lasting and durable, while stone or clay models blend in seamlessly with your backyard.
Plastic: Many rain barrels are made of plastic, which include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polyethylene, polyethylene resin. “A high-density plastic is a good choice because it resists rotting and rust, while also being lightweight and easy to move if necessary,” Wainwright says.
In fact, most rain barrels are made of high density plastic for this very reason. “Plastic [rain barrels] are the most popular due to their lightweight, easy-to-clean and generally inexpensive qualities,” Foster says.
Our pick for best overall, the Good Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver is made of plastic, which we found to be durable during testing.
Stone and Clay: “Stone and clay rain barrels capture smaller amounts of rainwater than other types of barrels,” Foster says. “They can be decorative and make attractive additions to small flower and vegetable gardens.”
Wooden: “Wood is typically more expensive than plastic,” Foster says. “Wood rain barrels can be made of oak, beechwood, cedar or hickory.” If you choose a wooden model, be prepared: they’re more likely to leak, rot, or even be damaged by insects.
Type
Rain barrels come in a wide array of styles, from utilitarian to elegant. It's important to consider where the barrel will be placed when deciding on the best rain barrel for your space. If it will be tucked away where no one will see it, then perhaps having a basic model is the way to go.
But if the rain barrel needs to be placed in a central location in your garden, patio, or backyard, you might want to consider choosing a model that matches your backyard decor or other exterior accents.
Our pick for best decorative rain barrel, the Good Ideas Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver, has 1 cubic foot of space to plant flowers or herbs and has a classic shape that looks great in any space.
Other rain barrels, like the EarthMark EarthMinded RainStation 45 gal. Rain Barrel with Diverter System, have a reversible top, so you can choose if you’d like to plant flowers or leave it as is.
Capacity
Depending on how much water you are hoping to collect and what the average rainfall is in your area, the capacity of your barrel is something you will need to consider when shopping.
“Residential rain barrels range from small 15-gallon models to larger commercial and industrial models that hold up to 5,000 gallons,” Foster says. “Rainwater barrels are easy to find in sizes ranging from 40 to 80 gallons, but the average size for most households is 55 gallons.”
Our pick for best overall, the Good Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver, has a 50 gallon capacity, while the Good Ideas Savannah Elevated Garden Rain Saver has a smaller capacity of 42 gallons.
If you like a smaller model but anticipate more water, many options allow you to connect multiple barrels to collect the overflow. If you anticipate your rain barrel will regularly overflow, make sure the barrel's overflow feature will move water away from your home's foundation, like our pick for the best rain barrel with a diverter, the EarthMark EarthMinded RainStation 45 gal. Rain Barrel with Diverter System.
Other Rain Barrels We Tested
Algreen Weather Resistant Drainable Dual Overflow Rain Barrel
The Algreen Weather Resistant Drainable Dual Overflow Rain Barrel impressed us with its 65-gallon capacity, which handled heavy rainfall with ease. While we also liked its planter top for aesthetics, we found that it did slow down the process of collecting rainwater.
Gardener's Supply Company Rainwater Urn, 50 gal
We loved the look of the Gardener’s Supply Company Rainwater Urn. It filled up quickly and effectively on a rainy day with minimal fuss during testing. We liked that it features both a metal spigot 33 inches from the ground and another spigot connected to a 4-foot hose that was 4 inches from the bottom of the barrel. Though we didn’t observe any blockage during the test, we noted that the debris screen did feel rather small and had the potential to get blocked easily.
Vingli 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel
Initially, we recommended the Vingli 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel because we liked how easy it was to move around and store when it wasn’t in use. However, after testing it for six months, we found that it no longer met our expectations. The filter at the bottom of the barrel clogged easily, and it was difficult to clean since we had to drain the entire barrel to remove the debris. The spigot was also too close to the ground, so we couldn’t place a watering can under it. If you don’t mind cleaning the filter often and have a stand to place the barrel on, it would be fine to use, but it isn’t the best option in our opinion.
Your Questions, Answered
How much are rain barrels?
The cost of rain barrels vary depending on a few factors, including its material and size. Typically, rain barrels with a larger capacity cost more than those with a lower capacity.
Our choice for the best rain barrel overall, the Good Ideas Impressions 50 Gallon Nantucket Rain Saver, typicaly retails for around $200. Typically, collapsible rain barrels are less expensive—the Vingli 50 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel, for example, is less than $50.
Are rain barrels worth it?
Rain barrels are worth the investment, according to Wainwright. “Up to 30% of daily water use is used outdoors, having a water catchment system in place will reduce your need to use municipal water,” she says. She adds that some areas even incentivize having rain barrels, offering rebates for those who do.
How often do you replace a rain barrel?
There are a few ways to ensure that your rain barrel stays in good shape for years. First, if you’re going to be away from your home for some time, you’ll want to open the spigot and be sure the run off drains away from your home’s foundation.
You’ll also want to disconnect your rain barrel during the winter to keep it from being damaged. The length of time they last depends largely on their material, but they can typically last for upwards of 10 years.
Who We Are
Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. For this story, she compared our testing insights to determine the top performers. She also spoke with Jolene Wainwright of Our Sanctuary Garden, who is a WSU master gardener in Lewis County, Washington.Jessica Foster, merchant at The Home Depot, also provided insights and advice.
Laura Fisher is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She has been writing about home projects and cooking for four years, and also served as a community organizer in NYC's network of community gardens where she was involved with many rainwater harvesting systems installations.