The 9 Best Rain Barrels for Watering a Garden in 2021

Last update on 2021-08-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

A rain barrel is a water collection system you can set up in your yard. You buy a barrel, let it collect water from your gutter, then use it for watering your garden or taking care of outdoor tasks. If you pay for water, using what nature gives you is an excellent option.

Knowing you need a rain barrel is the easy part, but choosing one that you like is quite a challenge. There are different sizes, styles, and qualities to look out for, not to mention various price tags with which to contend. Take your time to view these products below, and you’ll hopefully find a new rain barrel that meets the mark in more areas than one.

1. Algreen Products Rain Barrel

Even though a rain barrel has a job to do and doesn’t have to look the part, this one from Algreen can be both functional and decorative. It sits pretty in any yard, looks like authentic brownstone pottery, but features roto-molded plastic instead. As a result, it’s going to last a long time and won’t corrode, fade, crack, or chip like a regular rain barrel might.

However, that’s not all you will love about this product. Its sleek and stylish design means it’s suitable for all gardens, and its 50-gallon capacity means it will take some time to fill it up. The bottom attachment also allows you to make the most of all the water, not only where the brass spigot sits.

If you have more water than barrel space, you can connect more to it for a dual overflow system. This rain barrel will be a convenient addition to anyone’s yard. That’s not to say that it’s the best on the market. If you don’t add water to it right away, it’s light enough to blow away in the wind. The spigot is also not high quality, you can’t remove the lid to clean it, and the standing water on top will attract mosquitos. It has flaws, but this rain barrel may still capture your attention for its functionality and beauty.

2. Fiskars Rain Barrel System

If you don’t mind paying a bit more money for a rain barrel if it means you’re going to get a beneficial experience with it, then check out this model from Fiskars. There’s no denying it costs a bit more to buy than other rain barrels on the market, but the feature list will have you understanding why in no time.

When you buy it, you get a cover, spigot, and diverter with it. You also get detailed instructions to ensure you install everything correctly and with minimal hassle. The faucet is all integrated, unlike other models, all to help you have no trouble when you fill up buckets, planters, and watering cans.

The construction of the rain barrel is also another standout feature. As it contains UV-treated polyethylene, it’s robust and hardy to last the distance. The interior is black as well, to reduce the instance of slime. However, as you can remove the cover, you’re able to clean the barrel out as you need.

This barrel holds 58 gallons of water, weighs 17 pounds on its own, and ties in beautifully with the natural environment. While you may like to replace the spigot with something more durable, it’s a small price to pay for what is ultimately a standout barrel for your backyard.

Features

• Cover, spigot, and diverter included
• Integrated spigot
• UV-treated polyethylene construction
• 17 pounds
• 40 x 23 x 26 inches
• 58-gallon capacity

Pros

• Ties in with natural environments
• Comes with a diverter and cover
• You can take the lid off to clean the barrel
• Easy-care polyethylene construction
• Generous size
• The spigot is built in for effortless filling of buckets and other items

Cons

• The spigot leaks
• The plastic valve is not durable

3. RTS Companies Inc Rain Water Collection Barrel

If you like the idea of having a rain barrel that looks like an authentic oak barrel, then set your sights on this product from RTS Companies Inc. As most people know, wood rots and deteriorates over time, but you can get the look and feel of a real oak barrel but without the risk of it falling apart.

This rain barrel won’t rot, fade, or even let insects inside it thanks to the aluminum screen. It also doesn’t have any massive opening points, so it’s safe for homes with children and pets. This 50-gallon rain barrel offers many helpful features for those looking to collect their rainwater. It has a lovely brass spigot, but you may struggle with threading, and it’s available in three colors. These shades tie into your outdoor environment perfectly.

If you find you’ve had more rain than you anticipated, there’s a straightforward solution. The barrel comes with a dual overflow system, enabling you to transfer water to a new barrel. It may pay to keep an eye on the water level, however, as the overflow is quite high up in the barrel. All in all, this affordable and robust rain barrel is one that’s worth a closer look.

Features

• Brass spigot
• Brown, green, and tan color options
• Oak barrel texture
• Fade, rot, and insect-resistant
• 33 x 24 x 18 inches
• 50-gallon capacity
• Aluminum screen
• Brass spigot
• Dual overflow option

Pros

• It has a flat back so you can set it flush against your wall
• Lovely color options
• It looks like an oak barrel
• It has a screen to stop insects and debris getting into the water
• There are no large openings for safety around pets and children
• It has an overflow to prevent it from flooding
• Generous size
• Affordable to buy

Cons

• The flat back bulges once it’s full
• The overflow section is not low enough
• The spigot doesn’t thread straight

4. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Rain Barrel

If authenticity is what you seek with a rain barrel, then that’s what you will get with this unit from Good Ideas. Following on the same lines as a traditional rain barrel, you can expect for it to tie in beautifully with your home and yard.

Firstly, you can choose a barrel that’s green, terra cotta, khaki, oak, or black to suit your needs. They look how an oak barrel looks, but you may like to color the bands as they do not come pre-painted. This 50-gallon barrel also has a flat back so you can set it against your home or a fence, and it features FDA-approved and BPA-free polyethylene that will last the distance. This material has even been rotationally molded to make sure it doesn’t crack – even in colder climes.

It’s affordable, authentic, has an effortless installation process, and comes with a relatively hardy spigot. However, this is not all that easy to install. There is also a few inconsistencies in style if you buy more than one, but overall, it’s an exceptional option for the avid gardener or lifestyler who prefers to have convenient access to water outside.

Features

• Oak, black, green, khaki, and terra cotta color schemes
• 50-gallon capacity
• Flat back design
• BPA-free polyethylene
• FDA approved materials
• Anti-debris screen
• Rotationally molded
• Oak barrel style

Pros

• It looks like an authentic oak barrel
• Plenty of color options
• Its rotational molding stops it from cracking
• The polyethylene is long-lasting and strong
• The flat back means you can set it flush against your home
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• You have to paint the barrel bands yourself
• Inconsistent design between barrels
• The spigot is not easy to install

5. Algreen Products Barcelona Rain Barrel

If your goal with your new rain barrel is to ensure it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb, then there’s every reason to consider buying this barrel from Algreen Products. It looks the part, features a terra cotta color scheme, texture, and granite look to look like any other plant pot, but has a job to do. It holds 100 gallons of water and does it well.

However, while it holds water correctly, it has many flaws that may see you running in the opposite direction. There are significant problems with quality control, and you may find you are missing pieces such as screens, spigots, and instructions. If you can get in touch with the manufacturer, you may have some luck having those items posted to you.

The spigots are supposed to be brass but often arrive plastic, and the lower valve is inferior quality, so will not last very long. On a much brighter note, however, there are a few things that may help this rain barrel claw back some dignity. It won’t chip, crack, or fade, it doesn’t feature any BPA, and its roto-molded construction means it will last the distance. It also offers you the option of running a dual overflow system – convenient for if you have more water than space. Spend time researching every part of this rain barrel before making a decision. It could save you a lot of money.

Features

• 100-gallon capacity
• Terra cotta color
• Granite look
• Rock-like texture
• Chip, crack, fade-free design
• BPA-free
• Roto-molded plastic
• Brass spigot
• Corrosion-proof screen
• Bottom fitting attachment
• Dual overflow system

Pros

• It looks like an authentic pot
• Affordable to buy
• Holds a lot of water
• Ties in beautifully with your plant pots
• It traps bugs and debris to stop it from getting into your water
• Durable construction

Cons

• Some people receive plastic spigots instead of brass
• The lower valve is inferior quality
• Parts often missing

6. Forest City Rain Barrel

Even though the overflow system of this rain barrel is not overly useful, don’t let it detract from the other features of this product. It may not be perfect, but if you know you don’t get all that much rainfall for an overflow system to be necessary, it’s worth a closer look.

What first appeals about this rain barrel is its style. It looks like a traditional rain barrel – both with its spoke wheel pattern and brown color scheme. Where it differs, however, is that it has a flat back. The back proves to be convenient as you can set it flush against fences and your home with no problems at all.

When it comes to collecting water, it does it well. It has a side spigot that enables you to fill up watering cans, buckets, and more, and it also comes with a range of accessories. The overflow connection is one of these parts, but as previously mentioned, it’s not the best. You may like to buy a superior quality one separately.

This rain barrel is also safe to be around pets and children and comes with a debris screen to stop dirt and insects from affecting your water. The cover, however, doesn’t sit in place, so you may need to secure it, so it doesn’t blow away in the wind.

Features

• Flat back design
• Spoke wheel pattern
• Overflow connection
• Side spigot
• Debris screen
• Accessories included
• Brown color scheme

Pros

• It comes with everything you need to collect water – including hoses, overflow systems, and more
• Affordable to buy
• Looks like a traditional oak barrel
• It’s child and pet-safe
• Debris and insects can’t get into it

Cons

• The cover doesn’t stay on the top and can blow away in the wind
• The overflow system is not overly functional

7. Mirainbarrel Rain Barrel

Everything deserves a second chance, which is what makes this rain barrel so unique and worth a closer look. Instead of being a brand-new product, it is an old food-grade plastic barrel that once housed food, and now you can use for your rain collection.

It holds 58 gallons of water, comes with a brass spigot, and has been fitted out with waterproof silicone caulk sealant for your peace of mind. It also has all the fixtures and fittings as a standard rain barrel but with a more affordable price tag. You can enjoy the robust plastic construction, twist top lid to keep insects, pets, and children out, and the mesh screen that keeps your water pure.

This rain barrel also comes with a downspout adaptor and overflow valve. However, it tends to flow out slower than it fills, creating some spillage in the process. When you buy this rain barrel, you may also like to clean it out properly as bugs are attracted to the food smell that once sat within the barrel. All in all, if you want a useful rain barrel that will do the job, this one is it.

Features

• 58-gallon capacity
• Food-grade plastic
• Brass spigot
• Included overflow valve
• Twist top lid
• Plastic mesh screen
• Downspout adaptor
• Waterproof silicone caulk sealant

Pros

• You can clean it easily
• The plastic is safe
• The lid stays on securely
• Insects and dirt can’t get in
• Safe for use around pets and children
• High-quality spigot
• Long-lasting construction

Cons

• They have been in use with food, so the bugs are attracted to the old food remnants
• It drains out water too slowly

8. Good Ideas Rain Barrel

A rain barrel doesn’t have to be an eyesore in your yard. It can end up being a standout addition that looks like a regular planter pot. That’s what’s on offer from Good Ideas – a rain barrel that looks like a planter but secretly holds a convenient supply of water for your gardening needs.

It looks like a lovely planter pot, holds 50 gallons of water, and you can even choose from nine different colors. Select a color that suits your backyard style the best. Unlike other barrels on the market, this one also comes with two spigots – although you may have trouble with threading initially. You can have one attached to the overflow management system, while you use the other for attachment to your hose or filling watering cans. It doesn’t get much better than that!

If you want your water to remain clean, the anti-debris screen coupled with the BPA-free plastic can help keep it as pure as possible. This unique rain barrel is one that’s well worth a closer look.

Features

• 50-gallon capacity
• Nine color options
• Self-draining construction
• Dual spigots
• Anti-debris screen
• Overflow management system
• BPA-free construction

Pros

• Vast selection of colors to choose
• Unique design
• You can attach the overflow and use a hose at the same time since it has two spigots
• It will drain itself
• It has a screen to stop bugs and debris from getting into the water
• It’s stylish to tie in beautifully with your home and garden

Cons

• No holes for drainage in the planter so any plants drown
• The spigots don’t thread nicely

9. The Rain Barrel Company Rain Station

A rain barrel doesn’t have to be ugly. It can be functional as well as pretty. If you buy one from The Rain Barrel Company, you get a beautiful rain barrel that looks the part but does the job too! It has a 45-gallon capacity which is less than others but features recycled plastic resin which is robust and built to last. What you need to be aware of, however, is that this rain barrel does not like cold weather. You should cover it or put it in your garden shed during intense wintry weather.

You can buy it in a terra cotta or charcoal color scheme, enjoy the premium accessories such as the garden hose connection and flexi-fit diverter, and enjoy being able to use the overflow and tap at the same time. The faucet can leak, but it’s not enough to be a significant problem.

This affordable rain barrel is also straightforward to set up with the overflow, you can connect it to several barrels, and it will be an attractive addition to your yard. Take a closer look and see what you think. You’re bound to be impressed. 

Features

• 45-gallon capacity
• Recycled plastic resin construction
• Terra cotta or charcoal color scheme options
• Garden hose connection
• Spigot included
• Flexi-fit diverter for gutter connection

Pros

• It has a unique and stylish design
• Affordable to buy
• High-quality accessories
• Effortless to set up the overflow system
• Two color options
• An area to fill your bucket and connect to the overflow system
• You can link up more than one barrel

Cons

• The faucet leaks
• It doesn’t do well in freezing weather

Considerations for Purchasing a Rain Barrel