A rain barrel sits under a downspout and stores runoff for later use in the garden. Most are 50 gallon plastic drums with a spigot and a screen, some have a flat back to sit against a wall, and collapsible models fold flat when empty.
The six barrels below range from 50 to 55 gallons. Capacities, materials and sizes come from each listing and are the makers’ figures. We have not used these barrels ourselves, and we make no claims about the quality of the collected water or its uses.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Larger stores more per rain event |
| Stand | Raising the barrel helps with spigot and hose access |
| Screen and lid | Keeps debris out of the opening |
| Linking | Side ports can connect several barrels |
Specs at a Glance
| Barrel | Capacity (maker) | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTS 55-Gallon Eco | 55 gallons | 100 percent recycled plastic | Flat back; stand included; removable lid |
| RTS Newport | 50 gallons | Listed as brass; bronze color | 22.7 x 21.7 x 44.5 in; stand; overflow nozzle; screen kit |
| SQUEEZE master | 50 gallons | Plastic (PP) | Flat back; stand; outlet hose; side connection holes |
| FCMP Raincatcher 4000 | 50 gallons | Polyethylene | 24 x 24 x 32 in; 40 in hose; debris screen; side spigots |
| Algreen Athena | 50 gallons | Roto-molded plastic | 24 x 24 x 34 in; 14.5 lb; brass spigot; planter look |
| Curifurn collapsible | 53 gallons | PVC-coated 1000D fabric | 23.6 x 23.6 x 27.5 in; fiberglass legs; spigot, filter and overflow kit |
The 6 Best Rain Barrels
1. RTS Home Accents 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel
A flat-back barrel made with 100 percent recycled plastic, with a removable lid, a plastic spigot and a stand included. The listing says 2 items, which appears to mean the barrel and the stand.
Suits: a tight spot against a wall. Strengths: the largest listed capacity of the rigid barrels. Weaknesses: the listing gives no dimensions. Skip it if you need a size to plan around.
View RTS Home Accents 55 Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Stand on Amazon
2. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Newport Rain Barrel
A bronze-colored 50 gallon barrel with a stand, a removable lid, an overflow nozzle that installs on either side, a screen kit and compatibility with an optional link kit. It measures 22.7 by 21.7 by 44.5 inches, and the listing’s material entry reads brass.
Suits: a decorative look with a stand. Strengths: an overflow nozzle and a link option. Weaknesses: the material entry is unclear. Skip it if you want a plain flat-back barrel.
View RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Newport Rain Barrel Bronze on Amazon
3. SQUEEZE master 50 Gallon Rainwater Barrel
A black flat-back polypropylene barrel with a stand, an outlet hose, a mesh top and side holes for connecting more barrels. The maker describes it as UV resistant and anti-freeze.
Suits: a flat-back barrel with a stand. Strengths: a connectable design. Weaknesses: the listing gives no dimensions. Skip it if you want a brand with more details.
View SQUEEZE master 50 Gallon Flat Back Rain Barrel on Amazon
4. FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 Rain Barrel
A brown polyethylene barrel measuring 24 by 24 by 32 inches with a flat back, a debris screen, two 40 inch garden hoses and side spigots for linking barrels in series.
Suits: a ready-to-connect setup. Strengths: hoses and a screen are included. Weaknesses: no stand listed. Skip it if you want a raised barrel.
View FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 50 Gallon Rain Barrel on Amazon
5. Algreen Athena Rain Barrel, 50 Gallon
A roto-molded plastic drum with a brownstone planter look, a brass spigot with a shut-off nozzle, a screen guard and two overflow ports. It measures 24 by 24 by 34 inches and weighs 14.5 pounds.
Suits: a barrel that looks like a planter. Strengths: a brass spigot. Weaknesses: a round shape. Skip it if you want one against a wall.
View Algreen Athena 50 Gallon Rain Barrel Brownstone on Amazon
6. Curifurn Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon
A green barrel of triple-layer PVC-coated 1000D Oxford fabric on four fiberglass legs, with a spigot, a filter and an overflow kit. It measures 23.6 by 23.6 by 27.5 inches and the maker lists a temperature range of -13 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Suits: storage space when empty. Strengths: it collapses. Weaknesses: fabric rather than rigid plastic. Skip it if you want a rigid drum.
View Curifurn Collapsible 53 Gallon Rain Barrel on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Set the barrel on a level, firm base under the downspout.
- Keep the screen clear of leaves.
- Check local rules on rainwater collection.
- Drain it before freezing weather if the maker advises.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Placing a full barrel on soft ground.
- Forgetting an overflow plan for heavy rain.
- Assuming a stand is included without checking.
- Skipping the screen or lid.
Rain Barrel FAQ
Can I link barrels?
Several listings mention side ports or a link kit. Check the specific model.
Does a barrel come with a stand?
The RTS models and the SQUEEZE master list one. The FCMP and Algreen listings do not.
The Short Version
For the largest rigid barrel, the RTS 55-Gallon. For a bronze stand model, the RTS Newport. For a connectable flat back, the SQUEEZE master. For included hoses, the FCMP. For a planter look, the Algreen Athena. For fold-flat storage, the Curifurn.
