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The Spruce
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Good Ideas 50 Gallons Gal.
With a total capacity of 50 gallons, this rain barrel filled quickly on days of heavy rain.
Note that this rain barrel does not come with a diverter hose to attach to your downspout.
PHOTO: Wayfair
The diverter helps excess water drain into your downspout instead of overflowing into your barrel.
Our only complaint after months of use has been the planter.
We loved how easy it was to maintain.
The Good Ideas Plastic Overflow Planter handled big rainstorms, and has two useful spigots.PHOTO: The Spruce
We just brushed debris off the screen about once a week to keep it clear.
It comes with a 40-inch garden hose that we found was perfect for watering nearby plants.
Overall, it was easy to maintain.
Thankfully, the debris screen was very effective in keeping out leaves, dirt, and other garden grunge.
Its flattened back makes it easy to stand close to a wall, although its shape is mostly round.
you’re able to also attach a longergarden hoseif you’d like.
It holds up to 90 gallons of rainwater, making it one of the highest-capacity rain-catchers out there.
We also love the two spigots, which make it easy to pull up the water when needed.
While testing, we found the two brass spigots sturdy and easy to use.
One is located down low and around a third of the way up.
We found it easy to attach a small hose to one of the spigots to help water nearby plants.
It’s also easy to set a watering can underneath the higher one to access collected water.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We also love the barrel’s unique look.
When in use, the barrel was very sturdy and collected almost more water than we needed!
We also had no issues with mosquitos near the barrel during six months of testing, which was surprising.
The FreeGarden RAIN Rain Barrel’s spigot is low to access, so small pots or a hose is ideal.The Spruce
However, the spigot filter would get clogged occasionally and needed to be cleaned for better water flow.
This reduces the chance ofmosquito problems(we had none during testing!
), and also keeps leaves and other garden grunge out of the barrel without needing a screen.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We also loved using the flower planter on top.
When the barrel was full, the water would get into the planter to help keep the soil moist.
Plus, it looks like a traditional planter, so it blends in well with our outdoor area.
The FCMP Plastic Rain Barrel Spigot’s screen helped keep out debris effectively.The Spruce
Note that this barrel could blow over if empty.
On our first day of testing, exceptionally high winds knocked it over before any rain had fallen.
We found this cute choice from Good Ideas to be not only attractive but also sturdy and effective.
PHOTO: Wayfair
The back of the 50-gallon barrel is flat to sit flush against a wall, conserving space.
It has two inset handles for moving it when necessary (although it is very heavy when full).
The debris screen was very effective at keeping bugs and grunge out of the barrel’s interior.
The Good Ideas Impressions 90 Gallon Rain Barrel has two brass spigots that were easy to use.PHOTO: The Spruce
However, the spigot worked well and was easy to open and close.
We observed no signs of leaks, cracks, or other damage over six months of use.
It comes with a 6-foot hose that attaches to the brass spigot.
If you want a barrel with a planter, we suggest going with ourbest with planterpick instead.
When we did use the planter, it would block water from entering the barrel and it would overflow.
However, it worked perfectly with the planter removed.
We also found it somewhat time-consuming to assemble, and it leaked the first time we connected the hose.
Once we figured out that issue, it’s been working without any problems.
We also love the flower planter on top.
It also has a planter on top and two spigots.
We also found it easy to install and effective at holding a considerable amount of rainfall.
Before installing the rain barrels, we checked that the downspouts and rain gutters were clear and functional.
Effectiveness: We noted how often rain fell during the testing period and how quickly the barrel filled.
The rainwater was not used for cooking, drinking, bathing, or watering edible crops.
Once emptied, the rain barrels were rinsed to remove sediment and other debris.
Remember that it isnt raindrops filling your barrelits water running off the roof and pouring through the downspout.
Even a 50- or 60-gallon barrel will quickly fill up over an hour of half-an-inch of rainfall.
Our best overall pick, theGood Ideas Impressions Nantucket Rain Saver, holds up to 50 gallons of water.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Our best large pick is theGood Ideas Impressions Bark Rain Saver, which has a 90-gallon capacity.
Material
Almost all rain barrels are made of sturdy plastic.
This screen also helps prevent pets, wildlife, or curious kids from accessing the barrel’s interior.
The Vingli Collapsible Rain Barrel was easy to set up and take down when needed.The Spruce
Because rain barrels can fill very quickly during heavy rainfall, overflow can be a problem.
Installation
Most rain barrels require some minor assembly, often as little as screwing in the spigots.
Rain barrels should always be set on a level surface, preferablyconcrete or pavers.
PHOTO: The Home Depot
Why Trust The Spruce?
Michelle Ullmanis a writer for The Spruce, specializing in home improvement, landscaping/gardening, and tools.
She also considered feedback from customers, both positive and negative, about each of our recommended options.
The lid on the EarthMinded RainStation Rain Barrel can be flipped over and used as a planter.PHOTO: The Spruce
Our Experts:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Collecting Rainwater and Your Health: An Overview.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We loved the build-in planter on top, which we used all summer and our plants thrived.The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Good Ideas 50 Gallon Plastic Drainable Rain Barrel was easy to install under a downspout.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: Wayfair
The Algreen 65 Gallon Rain Barrel works best with a hose, although the water pressure is weak.PHOTO: The Spruce
The Spruce
We tested options from 45 to 90 gallon capacities in a range of materials.The Spruce
