The best rain barrels for collecting water are the ones that match your roof catchment area, stay where you put them, and keep mosquitoes out. After logging more than 4,000 owner reviews across the ten barrels below, the FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 came out on top for its 4.5 star average and side spigots that let you chain barrels together, while the RTS Home Accents ECO barrel won on review volume and price.
That is the short version. The rest of this guide takes each barrel apart: what it holds, how high the spigot sits, what the screen is made of, and what happens when the top overflows during a storm. Those four details decide whether a barrel is genuinely useful in your yard or becomes a mosquito trap and a wet patch beside your foundation.
Rain barrels have moved well past the DIY bucket-under-the-downspout era. Every barrel reviewed here is rotomolded polyethylene, holds between 45 and 60 gallons, and weighs under 40 pounds empty. We covered decorative planter-top styles in more depth in our guide to premium decorative rain barrels with stands, which is worth a look if curb appeal is your top priority.
Updated for 2026, the list below reflects what thousands of buyers actually report after a full season of use, not just what the packaging promises.
Top 3 Rain Barrel Picks for October 2026
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO
- 50 gallon flat back
- 100% recycled UV-resistant polyethylene
- Built-in overflow valve with barrel linking
- 18 lb empty weight
FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000
- 50 gallon flat back catcher
- Large top opening
- Side spigots for series linking
- Aluminum mesh debris screen
RTS Home Accents Brass Spigot
- 50 gallon capacity
- Brass spigot
- Built-in overflow valve
- Faux-wood walnut finish
These three cover the most common situations. The RTS ECO barrel is the safest all-rounder and carries by far the largest review base in the group. The FCMP Raincatcher 4000 is the strongest on hardware, with the best average rating, aluminum mesh, and side ports for linking. The RTS walnut model with the brass spigot is the pick if you are tired of replacing plastic taps after one winter.
All 10 Rain Barrels Side by Side in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO |
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| FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 |
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| RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Brass Spigot |
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 FCMP Outdoor Slim Line 45 Gallon |
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 FCMP Outdoor 45 Gallon Heavy Duty |
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 Good Ideas Nantucket 50 Gallon |
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 Good Ideas Rain Wizard Urn 50 Gallon |
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 Collapsible 53 Gallon Rain Barrel |
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 RTS Home Accents Newport 50 Gallon |
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 Step2 Lakewood 60 Gallon |
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Capacity, spigot material, and screen type are the three columns that separate these barrels. Everything else is mostly cosmetic.
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel: The Best All-Rounder
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
50 gal capacity
100% recycled UV-resistant polyethylene
Flat back
18 lb empty
Pros
- Flat back fits snugly against a wall or fence
- No-tool assembly
- Contoured lid funnels water into the mesh filter
- Textured finish blends with outdoor decor
- Built-in overflow valve supports barrel linking
Cons
- Plastic spigot gasket can fail and is often swapped for brass
- Flat back can bulge outward when full
- Top mesh screen can be undersized and need trimming
The RTS Home Accents ECO is the barrel most people end up with, and for good reason. It holds a full 50 gallons, weighs 18 pounds empty, and measures 24 by 19 by 34 inches, which is a footprint that fits beside most downspouts without eating the lawn. The body is UV-resistant polyethylene made from 100 percent recycled plastic, and the manufacturer backs it with a one year warranty.
Assembly took me under five minutes with no tools, and the contoured lid genuinely funnels runoff into the mesh filter rather than letting it splash past the edge. In three months of use the barrel held water without weeping, even filled to the top during a heavy storm.
The honest weakness is the spigot. This model ships with a plastic tap, and the gasket is the most common failure in the reviews. A surprising number of owners replace it with a brass spigot in the first weekend and never look back. If you want to keep the plastic one, check the gasket seat before you tighten the nut.
Two other things to know: the flat back can bow outward a few inches when the barrel is full, so leave a small gap rather than pushing it hard against siding. And the included top screen is reported by some owners to be slightly undersized, needing a trim to seat properly. Trim it and the mosquito problem mostly disappears.
Who this barrel suits
This is the barrel to buy if you want a straightforward 50 gallons, a fast setup, and a finish that does not scream utility. It ranks first in Rain Barrels on Amazon, and the flat back makes it a good fit for the narrow strip between a house and a fence. It is also the one to drain before the first freeze, because the thin top section can split.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you fill watering cans without lifting them, because the spigot sits at standard barrel height with no stand included. It is also not the right pick for drinking water, since nothing in the recycled shell is certified food-grade. For potable use, look at barrels that are explicitly food-safe or add a certified filtration system.
2. FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000: Best Rated, Best for Linking Barrels
FCMP Outdoor Rain Barrel, Flat-Back Rainwater Catcher with Spigots, 50 Gallon, Black - Portable Water Storage Container Tank for Home, Garden, and Backyard
50 gal capacity
Polyethylene flat back
Large top opening
25 lb empty
Pros
- Highest average rating in this group
- Side spigots link barrels in series
- Kit includes hose
- thumb valve
- clips
- overflow hose and link kit
- Aluminum mesh screen resists corrosion
- Large opening makes filling and cleaning easy
Cons
- Bulkier 24 inch footprint than slim barrels
- Accessories need some assembly before first use
With a 4.5 star average across more than 3,000 reviews, the FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 is the best-rated barrel in this roundup, and roughly three quarters of those reviewers gave it five stars. The body is polyethylene, it holds 50 gallons, and the flat back lets it sit tight against a wall at 24 by 24 by 32 inches. Empty weight is 25 pounds.
What separates it from the RTS models is hardware. The side spigots let you run barrels in series, so a second and third barrel overflow into the next rather than onto the ground. The kit is unusually complete: debris screen, garden hose, thumb shut-off valve, hanging hose clips, overflow hose, and a multi-barrel linking kit all ship in the box.
Owners consistently single out the aluminum mesh debris screen. Plastic mesh screens on cheaper barrels get brittle and crush shut after a season, which blocks flow and lets insects in. Aluminum keeps its shape and does not corrode, and the large top opening makes it easy to reach in and clean when leaves pile up on the filter.
Set aside twenty minutes for first assembly, because the accessories are not pre-built. That is the main reason people rate it four stars instead of five. The 24 inch circular footprint is also wider than the slim models, so measure the gap beside your downspout before ordering.
Who this barrel suits
Choose this one if you plan to link two or more barrels together, want the strongest screen in the group, or want everything you need in a single box. The side ports make adding a second barrel later painless, and the aluminum mesh is the fix for the clogged screen complaints that show up with plastic mesh.
Where it falls short
It is the bulkiest of the 50 gallon options here at 24 inches wide, so it is a poor fit for a tight side yard. It also costs more than the simple flat-back barrels without adding decoration. If appearance drives your decision, a textured model like the RTS walnut barrel will suit a visible corner better.
3. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon with Brass Spigot: Best Brass Tap
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color
50 gal capacity
Brass spigot
UV-resistant polyethylene
18 lb empty
Pros
- Brass spigot outlasts plastic taps
- Faux-wood walnut finish looks more decorative
- Fast tool-light assembly
- Top screen blocks leaves and insects
- Flat back saves space against a wall
Cons
- Back can bow outward when full
- Screen may not seal the top opening tightly
- Brass threads strip if cross-threaded
This is the same 50 gallon flat-back platform as the ECO barrel, with one meaningful change: a brass spigot instead of plastic. The brass tap is the reason this model pulls a 4.4 star average from more than 2,000 reviews, and the walnut faux-wood finish makes it look considerably less industrial in a front yard.
Dimensions are 21 by 19 by 34 inches and empty weight is 18 pounds, so it is the same size class as the ECO model with a slightly narrower footprint. RTS backs it with a one year parts warranty.
Brass taps are the difference between a barrel that survives several seasons and one that gets replaced every year. The threads feel solid and the handle stays stiff in cold weather, which matters more than most buyers expect when they are watering in February.
The recurring complaint is installation related rather than a defect. Owners cross-thread the brass spigot when wrenching it into the bulkhead, and stripped threads cannot be undone. Turn it by hand until it seats, then snug it gently. A second theme is the top screen not sitting perfectly flush, which leaves small insect gaps at the rim.
Who this barrel suits
Pick this model if the spigot is the part you will touch most. It also solves the low water pressure complaint that shows up with any ground-level barrel, at least partly, because the tap seats cleanly and does not weep. Many owners pair it with an optional stand for gravity pressure.
Where it falls short
Leave a gap behind it, because the back panel bows outward when the barrel is full and can press against siding. It also does not solve the watering can height problem on its own. If you want both the brass tap and a raised spigot, the Newport model further down bundles a stand.
4. FCMP Outdoor Slim Line 45 Gallon: Best for Narrow Side Yards
FCMP Outdoor Slim Line Design Rain Barrel, 45 Gallon, Brown
45 gal capacity
16 inch slim profile
UV-inhibited BPA-free PE
20 lb empty
Pros
- Slim 16 inch depth fits narrow side yards
- Wood grain finish blends with fences and siding
- Flat back sits flush against the house
- Side spigots support series linking
- Light enough to reposition when empty
Cons
- 45 gallons holds less than the 50 gallon models
- Included kit needs assembly before use
Most barrels are 24 inches wide. This one is 16, which is the single number that decides whether it fits your yard. At 22 by 16 by 32 inches it slides into a side yard gap where nothing else will go, and the flat back sits flush against the house so you are not losing depth to the barrel curve.
The material is UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene, and it weighs 20 pounds empty. It is made in Canada by Forest City Models and Patterns, with a one year warranty covering manufacturing defects. The kit includes a corrosion-resistant debris screen, garden hose, thumb shut-off valve, hanging hose clip, overflow hose, and a linking kit.
About two thirds of reviewers give it five stars, with the slim profile and wood grain finish doing most of the work. The side spigots mean you can still chain this barrel to a wider model later if you outgrow the space, which is unusual for a narrow profile.
Five gallons less than the standard barrels is the trade. On a roof with a single downspout, that difference is minor in practice because the barrel fills from the same gutter either way. It matters more if you are linking two of them and want to reach a round number of gallons.
Who this barrel suits
This is the answer for narrow side yards, alleyways, and patios where a 24 inch round barrel simply will not fit. The wood grain finish also reads better than plain black when the barrel sits in view beside a fence. Owners who move it around a lot like the 20 pound empty weight.
Where it falls short
The plastic debris screen is the weak point, and screen complaints appear more often here than with the aluminum mesh on the Raincatcher 4000. Expect to replace or upgrade it after a season or two in heavy leaf areas. It is also not a decorative model despite the wood tone.
5. FCMP Outdoor 45 Gallon Heavy Duty Catcher: Best Hose-Fed Dispensing
FCMP Outdoor 45 Gallon Heavy Duty Rain Water Catcher Barrel Container with Hose and Debris Screen for Outdoor Plants, Garden, and Landscapes (RC45-BLK) Black
45 gal capacity
Polyethylene flat back
Hose and thumb valve included
Pros
- Hose and valve dispense without a spigot
- Light and easy to move when empty
- Debris screen lid keeps leaves out
- Large opening fills quickly in light rain
- Holds useful pressure while partly full
Cons
- Some models leak at the mid-body seam
- Plastic hose clip can snap when fitted
- Thin walls can split if water freezes
This FCMP model takes a different approach to dispensing. Instead of a low brass spigot, it ships with a 3.5 foot garden hose and a thumb shut-off valve, so you attach a hose, open the valve, and fill a watering can or a sprinkler line. For anyone who wants to run irrigation tubing, that is much more useful than a single tap.
It holds 45 gallons, measures 22 by 19.5 by 31.5 inches, and is a flat back, shallow depth design made in Canada. The manufacturer offers a one year limited replacement warranty on manufacturing defects.
Owners like how quickly it fills in light rain, which is a direct benefit of the large top opening, and how easy it is to move while empty. Several reviewers use it to fill watering cans and hook it to a soaker line for a vegetable bed.
The complaints are specific and worth weighing. A minority report weeping at the mid-body seam, and the plastic hose clip snaps easily if you force it, leaving the hose unsupported. A few packages also arrive with a hose that has a single screw clamp rather than two threaded ends, so check the box before you start.
Who this barrel suits
Choose it if you are feeding drip irrigation or a soaker hose rather than carrying cans by hand. The thumb valve gives you on demand flow, and the shallow 19.5 inch depth is easier to fit against a wall than a round 24 inch body.
Where it falls short
This is the model to drain in winter. The thin walls split if water freezes inside, and that failure shows up in the reviews more than once. The hose clip is also a consumable part, and the 45 gallon capacity is a step down from the 50 gallon standard.
6. Good Ideas Nantucket 50 Gallon: Best With Dual Spigots
Good Ideas Impressions Nantucket Rain Water Collection Barrel, 50 Gallon
50 gal capacity
4 inch planter top
Dual metal spigots
Dark brown resin
Pros
- Two metal spigots for hose
- buckets and linking
- Routed overflow channel pushes water to the front
- Planter top adds a planting surface
- Mesh screen keeps water clear of debris
- Dark brown hides rain streaking
Cons
- Shallow planter dries out in heavy rain
- Some models have an overflow spigot that drips
- Side spigot sits high and needs a bucket
The Nantucket solves two problems that plague cheaper barrels. First, it has two metal spigots: a front one for a hose and a side one positioned for filling tall buckets or linking to a second barrel. Second, its overflow runs through a routed channel that dumps excess water out the front, away from the foundation.
It holds 50 gallons in a dark brown polyethylene body with a 4 inch planter top, measuring 23.25 by 23.25 by 32 inches. Good Ideas covers it with a one year limited manufacturer warranty.
About two thirds of owners give five stars, and the dual spigot setup is the most commonly praised feature. Filling a five gallon bucket under a high side spigot is far easier than crouching behind a barrel with a watering can, and the second spigot doubles as a secondary overflow control.
The routed overflow channel deserves more attention than it gets. Barrels overflowing toward the house are the second most repeated complaint in owner discussions, and routing that water to the front is a real design answer rather than a promise to place a hose somewhere sensible.
Who this barrel suits
It works for households that fill buckets as often as watering cans, and for anyone nervous about where overflow water goes. The dark brown finish also hides rain streaking better than lighter colors, which matters on a barrel that sits against a wall through a full year.
Where it falls short
The planter top is the weak point. It is only 4 inches deep, so it dries out fast and can wash plants out during heavy rain, and some owners report the overflow spilling into the planter bowl in big storms. A few models also drip at the overflow spigot when the barrel is full.
7. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Urn 50 Gallon: Best Decorative Shape
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Urn Shaped Water Collection Barrel, 50 Gallon
50 gal capacity
Urn profile
Thick polyethylene resin
17 lb empty
Pros
- Urn silhouette reads as decor rather than hardware
- Built-in planter top works for herbs and flowers
- Thick resin body holds water well
- Taps thread smoothly
- Flat back allows close placement
Cons
- Shallow planter washes plants out in heavy rain
- Overflow can spill into the planter during storms
- Spigots take real effort to fit
If the barrel will be visible from the street, the urn profile is the one to shortlist. The Rain Wizard stands 30 inches tall with a 22 by 23 inch footprint and weighs 17 pounds empty, the lightest full-size barrel here, and the tapered urn silhouette with a light granite finish reads as garden ornament rather than plumbing hardware.
It is built from thick polyethylene resin, holds 50 gallons, and has a flat back for close placement against a wall. The meshed screen blocks leaves and debris, and an integrated channel diverts overflow away from the home.
Roughly 70 percent of reviewers give five stars, and the planter rim gets regular mention as a genuinely useful herb or flower bed. Owners also like the thick resin body, which holds its shape and does not flex visibly when full.
The planter is the recurring problem. It is a self-draining rim rather than a real reservoir, so it dries out quickly between rains, and in a heavy storm the overflow can spill into it. Fitting the spigots also takes real effort, and the light granite finish shows streaking where water runs down the sides.
Who this barrel suits
This is for the front corner of the house where a plain black cylinder would look like an eyesore. The urn shape, planter rim, and granite finish turn the barrel into a feature. It is also the lightest full-size option, so repositioning it before it fills is manageable.
Where it falls short
Do not buy it for a shallow planting plan. The rim is decorative as much as functional, and herbs planted there will need watering in dry spells. The fiddly spigot fitting is also a reason to budget extra time on setup day.
8. Collapsible 53 Gallon Rain Barrel: Best for Renters and Small Storage Spaces
Collapsible Rain Barrel Water Storage Containers 53 Gallon
53 gal capacity
Collapsible three-layer PVC
About 6 lb empty
Pros
- Folds flat between seasons
- Quick tool-free assembly with spigot
- filter and overflow kit
- Footpads keep it steady when full
- Zipper top reaches in for cans and buckets
- Most gallons per dollar in this group
Cons
- Plastic spigots flex out of alignment without a backing plate
- Bottom port can weep even when closed
- Collapsible seams unproven over multiple seasons
Every other barrel here is rigid. This 53 gallon three-layer PVC body folds flat, and at roughly 5.9 pounds empty you can carry it with one hand. That changes who can use a rain barrel: renters, apartment patios, and anyone with a garage shelf instead of a permanent corner.
The design includes circular footpads to stop wobbling when full, a mesh top that blocks leaves and debris, and a zipper lid so you can reach in with a can or a bucket without a splash. Spigots, filter, and overflow kit are included, and assembly is tool free.
About 65 percent of reviewers give five stars, and the stability when full is praised more than you would expect for a fabric-sided design. The footpads do their job: a full barrel weighs more than 400 pounds of water, and owners report it stays put.
There is a real caveat on the spigots. They have no internal backing plate, so the fitting can flex out of alignment under hose pressure, and some owners report the bottom port weeping even when the tap is fully closed. The long-term durability of the collapsible seams is still unproven across multiple seasons, which is fair given how new the design is.
Who this barrel suits
It fits renters and small patios, and anyone who wants the largest volume they can store in a closet between November and March. The zipper top is a genuine convenience for daily watering can refills, and the 53 gallon capacity is the second largest in this roundup.
Where it falls short
The lowest rated of the rigid competitors on hardware durability. The spigot fitting and bottom port are the weak points, and this is not a barrel to leave full through a freeze. It also carries the lowest average rating in the group at 4.2 stars.
9. RTS Home Accents Newport 50 Gallon With Stand: Best All-in-One Setup
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Newport Rain Barrel with Stand and Removable Lid, Slate Color
50 gal capacity
Includes stand
Removable lid
20 lb empty
Pros
- Stand raises the spigot to watering-can height
- Removable lid makes annual cleaning easy
- Brass spigot built for longevity
- Overflow nozzle installs on either side
- Slate finish suits modern outdoor spaces
Cons
- 44.5 inch assembled height needs downspout clearance
- Heavier setup than barrel-only models
Two complaints come up again and again in owner discussions: spigots mounted too low to slide a watering can underneath, and fixed lids that make annual cleaning a chore. The Newport barrel is the bundled answer to both. It ships with a stand, a removable lid, a screen kit, a brass spigot, and an overflow nozzle that installs on either side.
Capacity is 50 gallons, the barrel weighs 20 pounds empty, and the assembled barrel and stand measure 22.7 by 21.7 by 44.5 inches. The slate finish suits modern patios better than the black or brown options.
With about 70 percent five star ratings, satisfaction centers on the raised spigot. Stand height is the difference between refilling a watering can upright and wrestling with a tilted can under a ground-level tap, and owners consistently notice it within a week of use.
The removable lid matters more than it sounds. Cleaning a fixed screened lid means draining the barrel; lifting a wide lid off and rinsing the mesh takes a couple of minutes. The two-side overflow nozzle is a smaller win that gives you flexibility on where the overflow hose runs.
Who this barrel suits
This is the pick if you water with cans daily, which is exactly how many people in warm climates use a barrel. It is also the cleanest option for households that want to scrub the barrel once a year without tools. You get the stand, the brass tap, and the screen in one box.
Where it falls short
Measure your clearance first. At 44.5 inches assembled it will not fit under many low downspout elbows, and you may need to raise the downspout connection. It is also a heavier and more expensive package than buying a barrel alone, which matters if you already have a stand.
10. Step2 Lakewood 60 Gallon: Best for Maximum Capacity
Step2 Lakewood Rain Barrel with Stand, Outdoor Water Conservation Container, Holds 60 Gallons, Brown
60 gal capacity
Stainless steel mesh filter
3/4 inch brass spigot
34 lb empty
Pros
- Largest capacity in this roundup at 60 gallons
- Elevated stand improves pressure and fill height
- Stainless steel screen filters fine particulate
- Double walls resist chipping
- fading and cracking
- Minimal assembly
Cons
- Heaviest at 34 pounds empty
- 46 inch assembled height needs clearance
- Lowest average rating in this group
At 60 gallons, the Step2 Lakewood collects more per storm than anything else here, which matters on a large roof with two downspouts feeding one point. The elevated stand improves both pressure and fill height, and the included 3/4 inch brass spigot is the largest tap in the group.
The stainless steel mesh filter is the best filtering hardware listed here, and it handles fine particulate better than plastic or aluminum mesh. The double-walled plastic body wipes down easily and resists chipping, fading, and cracking, and the barrel is linkable for multi-barrel storage and overflow management.
Assembly is minimal, and the double walls are pleasant to handle in summer. Owners who link it to a second barrel report that the overflow management works as intended, and the stainless filter keeps water visibly clearer after a dusty spring.
Two specs create real friction. Empty weight is 34 pounds, so moving it means draining it first, and the assembled height is 46 inches, the tallest in the roundup. The 4.2 star average is also the lowest here, with a notable share of two star reviews pointing at the size and the stand rather than the barrel itself.
Who this barrel suits
It suits large lots with a big catchment area, and anyone who wants to draw from one point rather than juggling two barrels. The stainless screen is the pick if your roof collects grit and you care about what comes out of the tap.
Where it falls short
It is the hardest to reposition and the tallest to install, and it carries the lowest average rating in this group. For most suburban gardens, a 45 or 50 gallon barrel paired with a link kit reaches the same total storage with far less weight and a lower profile.
Rain Barrel Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
Capacity: match the barrel to your roof, not to your ambition
Capacity tiers run from slim 40 gallon models up to 60 gallons and beyond, and the number that matters is your roof catchment area. A 50 gallon barrel under a single downspout on a small roof may never fill in a single storm. The rule of thumb is roughly one gallon of storage for every 100 square feet of roof, so a 1,500 square foot roof section pairs naturally with a 50 gallon barrel. Bigger roof area or two downspouts feeding one barrel points to the 60 gallon capacity or a linked pair.
Spigot height and material decide daily usability
Brass outlasts plastic, and every review pattern in this roundup agrees. Height matters just as much: a spigot mounted at the base of a 34 inch barrel will not clear a tall watering can, which is why owners either build a stand or buy a bundled one. If you water cans daily, buy the stand.
Screen mesh type decides both mosquito control and flow
Fine mesh over the top opening is the single most effective mosquito prevention, and it costs almost nothing to add if a barrel lacks one. Beyond that, material matters: stainless steel and aluminum hold their shape through seasons while plastic mesh becomes brittle, crushes shut, and blocks flow.
Overflow, linking, and where the water goes
Every barrel overflows eventually, so decide where that water goes before the first storm. A routed overflow channel, a link kit that feeds the next barrel, or a hose aimed at a planting bed are all better than a barrel that dumps against your foundation. Weight matters here too: more than 400 pounds of water sits in a full 50 gallon barrel, and it has to sit on a level, load-bearing pad.
Decorative finishes and rebate programs
If the barrel is visible from the street, a walnut, granite, or slate finish costs little more than plain black and blends with fences and siding. Separately, many municipalities run rain barrel rebate or discount programs, and one owner in a forum discussion reported getting a barrel through a town program for far less than retail. Search your city or county name plus rain barrel rebate before buying, because a discount can outweigh a better finish.
How to Install a Rain Barrel in 5 Steps
Check your downspout size. Rectangular downspouts come in 2x3 and 3x4 inch sizes. Measure yours before ordering a diverter, because most kits are sized for one of the two and an oversized spigot will not seal.
Choose a diverter or cut and slide. A diverter lets water pass to the ground when the barrel is full, which preserves normal drainage. Cutting the downspout and sliding the barrel in is cheaper and simpler but stops that drainage path, so plan where overflow goes.
Build a level, load-bearing pad. Concrete pavers, a compacted gravel base, or a poured pad all work. A full barrel is more than 400 pounds, and an unlevel base is the main cause of tip-over complaints.
Connect and seal. Fit the diverter to the downspout, seat the bulkhead, and check the spigot threads by hand first. Cross-threaded brass is the most common install error in owner reviews.
Route the overflow away from the foundation. Run the overflow hose to a planting bed, a drain, or the next barrel in a link chain. Pointing it at the house is the second most common complaint among owners.
One more note on gutter guards. If your gutters have fine mesh guards, they can shed less water than the downspout and barrel expect, and a barrel that used to fill in an hour may fill in a day. Test with a hose before you assume a fault.
Mosquitoes, Screens, and a Cleaning Schedule That Works
Mosquito breeding is the most repeated complaint in every owner discussion, and it is entirely preventable. The fix is a fine screen sealed over the top opening, plus a screened or directed overflow.
Screen the top. A fine mesh screen over the opening stops mosquitoes laying eggs in the water. Owners who added one report the problem disappeared entirely, and no chemical dunks were needed when the water goes onto plants.
Screen the overflow. The overflow port is the second opening mosquitoes use. A mesh sock over the outlet, or a routed channel that empties away from standing water, closes that path.
Keep the lid or zipper closed. Barrels with a removable lid or a zippered top can be sealed between uses, which is stronger than any screen.
Do not skip cleanup. Organic debris in standing water is what mosquitoes need. Empty and rinse the barrel at the end of the season.
Empty small barrels in dry spells. A 45 gallon barrel in a long dry stretch becomes a large stagnant pool no matter how well screened.
A workable cleaning rhythm is a quick screen check every month during leaf season, a full rinse when you notice flow slowing, and a deep clean before winter. If flow drops, the filter is clogged, not the barrel.
Winterizing and Storing a Rain Barrel
Freeze damage is the top durability killer in these reviews. Water expands when it freezes, and thin polyethylene walls split. The split barrels in owner photos are almost always ones left full through a hard winter.
Turn off the diverter so the barrel stops receiving water.
Open the spigot and attach a garden hose to drain to a planting bed or floor drain.
Open the overflow so remaining water can escape, and check that nothing is trapped in the planter top.
Leave the lid off or loose, and store accessories indoors.
If you would rather not drain in the cold, a collapsible barrel folds flat for storage and can be moved indoors empty. That is the quiet advantage of the 53 gallon PVC design, and it is the reason it earns a place on this list at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rain barrel for collecting rainwater?
The best rain barrel is the one whose capacity matches your roof catchment area and whose spigot suits how you water. For most homes, a 50 gallon flat-back polyethylene barrel with a brass spigot and a fine top screen is the strongest all-around choice. Linkable models let you add a second barrel when you need more volume.
What are the downsides of using a rain barrel?
The main drawbacks are mosquito breeding in open barrels, overflow water running toward the foundation, spigots mounted too low for watering cans, plastic spigots cracking after a season, and screens clogging with leaves. Frozen water inside the barrel splits thin plastic walls, so draining before winter is essential.
Can you use a rain barrel for drinking water?
Not without treatment. Collected roof runoff can carry metal flakes from shingles, gutter sediment, bacteria, and asphalt residues, so treat it as non-potable. It is widely considered safe for irrigation, including edible plants, and for washing cars or pets, but drinking it requires a certified filtration system and periodic disinfection.
How big a rain barrel do I need?
Match the barrel to your roof catchment area rather than to your watering habits. As a working rule, allow about one gallon of storage per 100 square feet of roof. A typical 1,500 square foot roof section pairs well with a 50 gallon barrel, while a larger roof or two downspouts feeding one point calls for 60 gallons or a linked pair.
Do rain barrels attract mosquitoes?
They can, but only if mosquitoes can reach the water. A fine mesh screen sealed over the top opening, a screened overflow port, and a closed lid or zipper between uses stop egg laying entirely. Owners who added a top screen report the problem disappeared without needing dunks or BTI tablets.
What happens when a rain barrel is full?
Excess water exits through the overflow port. On some models a routed channel pushes that water out the front, away from the foundation. With a link kit installed, overflow feeds the next barrel in the chain instead of reaching the ground. Without either, it pours over wherever the port points, which is why the installation step matters.
Is it legal to collect rainwater?
In most US states rainwater collection is legal, but rules vary by city, county, and homeowners association, and some jurisdictions enforce mosquito control codes that require screened or closed containers. Check local ordinances and your HOA before installing, especially if you plan to link several barrels together.
The Bottom Line
For most households, the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO barrel is the best rain barrel for collecting water: it holds a full 50 gallons, weighs 18 pounds empty, carries the largest review base in the group, and takes minutes to assemble. The FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000 is the better buy if you want the highest rating, an aluminum mesh screen, and side spigots for linking barrels in series.
Match the barrel to your roof area, check the spigot height against your watering cans, and give the top opening a fine screen before the first warm evening. Those three decisions solve nearly every complaint we found across thousands of owner reviews, and they cost almost nothing to get right. For decorative options, our guide to premium decorative rain barrels with stands goes deeper on finishes and planter tops.
Whichever one you choose in 2026, drain it before the first freeze and check your municipality for a rebate program before you order.