Made of plastic with a brass spigot, so that it won't rust. Has a nice rustic appearance to match outdoor decorations. Contains a special mesh on the inlet of the barrel for filtering out branches, leaves, and other debris.
Can be difficult to screw in the spigot correctly.
This is a simple rain barrel, which offers few extras outside of its appearance. Due to its construction from natural materials, it should last you for many years and require little in the way of maintenance.
50 gallon
Plastic with authentic oak texture
Flat back for sitting flush against a wall
Linkable to other rain barrels
Screen to keep out debris and insects
Shut off valve for hose connection with dual overflow
34.7 x 24.2 x 19.4 in
1 year
Due to its high and narrow design, it can easily be placed in a niche or hidden behind a house without taking up space or getting in the way. Made of roto-molded plastic that won't be easily damaged or corrode.
Circular shape makes placement tricky in crowded areas.
The large capacity of this rain barrel is perfect for those who live in areas of heavy rainfall. Since multiple barrels can be linked together, there is almost no risk of flooding your lawn or garden from overflow.
80 gallon
Roto-molded plastic
Can be equipped with two overflows to allow for linking multiple barrels
Able to withstand extreme temperature changes and won't chip, crack, or fade
High quality brass spigot included
24 x 24 x 49 in
20 years
The wide, sloped design of the lid ensures that rainwater is collected efficiently, without standing water left on the lid. The long, flexible runoff hose prevents overflows from causing havoc in your yard.
The simple design may not be pleasing to everyone.
The design of this rain barrel makes it perfect for those who want to maximize the amount of rainwater collected. The convenient overflow system allows for flexibility in linking mulitple rain barrels or for connecting to drainage systems.
55 gallon
Durable plastic
Sleek flat backed square design
3 additional spigot mounting locations
Higher spigot accommodates most watering cans
33 x 23.5 x 23.5 in
1 year
Multiple spigots placed at different elevations allow for very flexible options for connecting to a hose or filling watering cans of up to 5 gallons. The top of the barrel is designed for the placement of plants, to add a decorative feel.
Planter doesn't drain very well, leaving excess water on the top.
This rain barrel is ideal not only for collecting rainwater, but also for adding a decorative flair to your yard. The palm tree texture of the body allows for it to easily blend in with trees, or even look good standing alone.
65 gallon
Polyethylene
Meshed screen blocks debris from entering your water supply
Equipped with a sturdy brass spigot
Routed channel diverts excess water to the front of the barrel
Dual spigot locations for hose or five-gallon bucket
25.2 x 25.2 x 42 in
1 year
Has a beautiful ceramic vase-like design that fits perfectly in a garden. The placement of the spigot is located in an ideal spot, perfect for connecting a hose and also for allowing the spigot access to the maximum amount of collected water.
Some models ship with a plastic spigot instead of brass.
If you like the look of garden items and tools made of natural materials, then this model is worth your attention. Despite being made of plastic, it can't be distinguished from authentic ceramic vases. Much less fragile than a real ceramic vase.
50 gallon
Roto-molded plastic
High-quality brass spigot
Corrosion-proof screen
Bottom fitting attachment which allows for access to 100% of water in unit
Can be linked multiple rain barrels with Algreen's linking kit
34 x 26 x 26 in
20 years
Large Capacity With Rustic Look
Most rain barrels that are sold for homes are usually made with some kind of a decorative look. Many are made to look like large vases, but it's not often you see one that has an old rustic look to it. However, the RTS Companies Inc Accents Rain Water Collection Barrel was made with just this aesthetic in mind. Made with the look and shape of a large oak barrel, but containing a plastic body that has been given a wood grain texture, this model will fit perfectly in any yard that has been decorated in a rustic fashion, including wooden yard fixtures and a wooden fence.
With a relatively small footprint, this rain barrel can ideally be placed next to a fence or against the wall of the house, underneath the rain gutter drain. The rain barrel has a flat back, which makes it quite easy to place up against the house or another flat vertical object, such as a fence or shed. Along with the large 50 gallon capacity, this rain barrel should fit well in any yard near a garden, and it's shape allows for maximum flexibility in its placement.
High Quality Accessories
Given the good quality aesthetic of the rain barrel itself, the well-designed accessories help make this model stand apart from its competitors. The rain barrel includes a high-quality brass spigot, which is located near the very bottom of the barrel. This placement allows for the use of nearly all of the water that has been collected in the barrel, although it's placement is close to the ground. However, a rain barrel stand can be purchased separately, which allows easier attachment of a hose and plenty of space for watering cans.
Simple Rain Barrel Done Right
Although light on additional accessories, which includes an easy to remove filtering mesh and an overflow drain, the high quality of the rain barrel coupled with its pleasant look and feel should make this model ideal for those who just need a simple rain barrel that looks good in their yard.
| Last updated price | $274.88 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B001AYKERO |
Elegant And Sturdy Design
Those who have higher capacity needs in a water barrel should take a look at the Algreen Products Athena Rain Barrel. This 80-gallon rain barrel is definitely on the higher end of capacity for rain barrels made for the yard, but don't think of this rain barrel as simply being utilitarian in nature. Made of roto-molded plastic that won't chip, fade, or crack, it features a ceramic appearance that looks authentic, even next to a real ceramic vase. This beautifully elegant design will surely be easy on the eyes in almost any yard.
The appeal of this rain barrel isn't limited to its high capacity or build quality, though. Despite the high capacity, it has a small footprint, which makes it's placement easy in almost any spot. Also featuring a brass spigot located near the bottom, the placement is high enough to allow easy access for almost any need, yet it also allows for use of 100% of the water that has been collected in the barrel, which means that water will never be wasted.
Plenty of Accessories
The elegant design of this rain barrel isn't the only thing it has going for it. Along with the conveniently placed spigot, it features a corrosion-proof screen that filters out debris and prevents most insects from getting inside. Dual water overflows also allow for easy drainage of excess water, and with the addition of Allgreen's linking kit, multiple rain barrels can be linked together to increase your water storage capacity. The only downside to this rain barrel is that the circular design can make it difficult to place comfortably in a crowded area.
A Beautiful Barrel With Many Advantages
Many high capacity rain barrels are strictly utilitarian in nature with almost no decorative aesthetics, but this model is definitely an exception. With all of the additional features put together with its beautiful appearance, this rain barrel should have wide appeal, especially for those in need of its high capacity.
| Last updated price | $275.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00HSHCWL8 |
Made For Maximum Utility
Many rain barrels that are made for home use tend to be focused on beautiful and pleasing looks. Of course, this is important for those who like having an appealing decorative look to their yard, but this tends to leave out the importance of utility. Many of these rain barrels are more focused on looking good than on giving the owner maximum utility. For those of us who want our rain barrels to do the best possible job at collecting rainwater, the Enviro World EWC-10 Rain Barrel is definitely worth a look.
Featuring a square shape with rounded corners, this rain barrel will fit naturally in almost any location within your yard, whether it be right next to the wall or your house, or hidden out of sight in a corner. Made of high-quality injection molded plastic, it will last you for many years while allowing for easy cleaning, helping it to look brand new year after year. It also features an easily replaceable lid with a wide top that is slanted inward, which allows for the maximum collection of rainwater.
Simple Yet Modern Design
Located on the slanted lid is a high-quality mesh screen that fills the center, which allows rainwater to pass through unhindered while filtering out even the smallest of debris. The rain barrel also comes with a brass spigot, placed low enough to maximize use of the collected rainwater, while also located high enough to allow for easy access without having to use an additional base. Dual overflow outlets allow for the connecting of an included overflow hose, which allows for the easily funneling of overflow rainwater. Multiple rain barrels can be linked together with the included hoses.
Perfectly Functional
While not without its flaws, including it's non-decorative look and the higher spigot placement, this rain barrel is best suited for those who prefer a high functioning rain barrel over a decorative look. If you prefer a rain barrel that is the best at doing its job, then this model will serve your needs for years to come.
| Last updated price | $174.64 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00FWN9QK0 |
Highly Decorative Rain Barrel
As many rain barrels that are on the market are made with decorative features in mind, it takes a very special rain barrel to stand out among the pack. The Good Ideas IMP-L65-DAR Rain Barrel and Planter Top would fit this bill perfectly. As far as a decorative rain barrel goes, this model is certainly at the top of the heap. Featuring a sturdy polyethylene body with a palm trunk texture, this is one of the most beautiful rain barrels available, and will look great in almost any type of environment. Its small footprint lends itself to being easy to place anywhere, whether in the front or back yard, or flush up against the house.
That's not to say that the only good thing about this rain barrel is its looks. Featuring two different brass spigots at varying heights, this works perfectly well for its intended use at collecting rainwater and for allowing convenient access to the stored water. The 65 gallon capacity also ensures that it has enough space for storing rainwater from even the heaviest of storms.
Great At Both Form And Function
Although many highly decorative rain barrels often look better than they work, this model excels at both. As with most rain barrels, it features a mesh plastic screen on the top which filters out debris and keeps out insects, while still allowing water to flow into the barrel unhindered. There is also an overflow outlet located in the front of the barrel, which diverts any overflowing water away from the back. Although there is no linking kit included with the rain barrel, one isn't really needed as the second spigot can be used as such with a standard garden hose attached to it.
The top of the rain barrel also features a planter, where flowers or small vegetables or herbs can be planted. Although the planter does contain a small hole for excess water to drain, a lot of excess water will often remain there, especially without any plants or flowers filling it. However, this is about the only negative thing that can be said about this rain barrel.
Great Rain Barrel For The Price
With all of the positives that have already been stated about this rain barrel, it is also one of the most affordable models on the market. Those who are looking for a premium rain barrel that both looks and works good and also doesn't cost a fortune can do no wrong with the Good Ideas IMP-L65-DAR Rain Barrel and Planter Top.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00NP5EEFY |
Indistinguishable From Real Ceramic
There are many great looking rain barrels available for sale, but many of them look like cheap imitations of the real items that they are designed to look like. The Algreen Products Castilla Rain Barrel is not one of them. This decorative rain barrel, made of solid roto-molded plastic, is virtually indistinguishable from a real ceramic vase while not being nearly as fragile. Anyone looking at it even from up close wouldn't know that it's not real ceramic unless they touched it. With its beautiful design, it looks great in almost any type of environment, and even contains a small planter on top for an added decorative touch.
Although it's a beautiful and highly decorative rain barrel, it also functions quite well for its intended purpose of collecting and storing rainwater. With a 50 gallon capacity, this rain barrel can collect and store plenty of water for your outdoor watering needs. Although it has a wide footprint, it is quite sturdy and will sit well on almost any type of terrain, so there's little need to worry about it tipping over.
Standard Features And More
This model features many of the standard features of most other rain barrels available, but also has a few of its own as well. The top of the barrel contains a planter that is perfect for growing small plants, as well as a corrosion-proof screen for filtering out debris and insects. As it is an Algreen Products rain barrel, it contains dual overflow outlets that can be linked to multiple rain barrels with the Algreen's linking kit, allowing for the storage of excess water. The spigot, which on some earlier models was made of plastic, allows for the use of filling a watering can, while a bottom fitting attachment can be added which allows access to 100% of the water in the barrel.
Great All Around Rain Barrel
With the excellent combination of a beautiful and elegant design and it's standard functions for storing collected rainwater, the Algreen Products Castilla Rain Barrel will fit your needs perfectly while looking great in any environment. Anyone who values this combination of features should take a good look at this model.
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B007634JP6 |
What Is a Rain Barrel?
Rain barrels are devices that are used for the collection of rain water. They can come in all different shapes and sizes, ranging from large industrial sizes used for purposes such as agriculture to small barrels that can be easily placed in a yard. Rain barrels made for home use generally have a very simple design, with small footprints allowing for easy placement within the yard. Most have accessories that are either built directly into the barrel, or are easily attached to give you more flexibility with the use of the collected water.
Typical rain barrel accessories include a spigot that allows for the use of the collected water. Many spigots allow for the attachment of a hose for the use of water away from the barrel. Some other accessories include overflow hoses that allow for the easy funneling of overflow water, or for linking to additional barrels. Many rain barrels are specially designed for decorative purposes, and can include carefully crafted bodies for a special aesthetic appeal, or even for the addition of plants or flowers on the top.
What Features to Compare
Figure Out What You Need
With the large variety of rain barrels that are available, you will first need to determine what your exact needs are. Keeping in mind such requirements as capacity and extra features will help determine which one you should buy. For instance, anyone with a large garden who wants to use rainwater to water it should buy a larger capacity one that allows for the connection of a hose, whereas those who have smaller needs should be perfectly happy with a smaller rain barrel.
Placement and Aesthetics
Another important factor for determining which rain barrel to buy is where exactly it will go. If you are placing it near a well decorated garden and have very little room, then obviously a small one with a decorative aesthetic will work better than a large one with bland colors. Most rain barrels are made with aesthetics in mind, so finding one to match your specific location shouldn't be a problem. The shape of the rain barrel may also determine where you can place it, as those with rounded designs may not work well placed directly next to a wall or hidden in a corner.
Standard Features
One last thing to keep in mind is to make sure that whichever rain barrel you get has some kind of protective screen to keep out insects and debris. Sitting water can be a breeding ground for mosquitos and debris can clog up the spigot, so a protective screen is a must in almost any use case. The vast majority of rain barrels available do come with such, but it's best to make sure that your specific model has a good quality screen.
Sources:
1.Sara Elliott How Rain Barrels Work, HowStuffWorks.
2. Catchwater, Wikipedia. Last updated on August 21, 2017.
3. 7 Tips for Choosing a Rain Barrel, DoItYourself.
4. Beth Botts Rain barrels: 5 things to consider before you buy, Chicago Tribune.