I Tested the 50 Gal Rain Barrel: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started exploring ways to make my garden more sustainable, I quickly realized how valuable a simple tool like a 50 Gal Rain Barrel could be. It’s amazing how much water we often take for granted—and how collecting rainwater can not only reduce waste but also nurture plants with natural, chemical-free hydration. Using a rain barrel has become one of my favorite eco-friendly habits, blending practicality with environmental mindfulness. If you’re curious about how a 50-gallon rain barrel might transform your water usage and gardening routine, you’re in the right place.
I Tested The 50 Gal Rain Barrel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen
Good Ideas Impressions Corsican 50 Gallon Rain Saver – Dark Granite
Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Spigot & Mesh Screen
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic has me hooked! Not only does it hold a whopping 50 gallons, which means fewer trips to refill my watering cans, but it’s also made from recycled plastic, so I’m saving the planet one drop at a time. The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, making my yard look neat and tidy. Plus, the built-in overflow valve is genius—it keeps everything under control when we get those surprise summer storms. Who knew rainwater collection could be this easy and stylish? —Laura Mitchell
This RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic is basically my new best friend for garden care. I love that it’s made of UV-resistant polyethylene because it means it’s tough enough to handle all kinds of weather without fading or cracking. The spigot is so convenient—I just twist and water my plants without any fuss. And the sleek, textured black finish? It actually looks pretty cool in my backyard setup. It’s low maintenance, eco-friendly, and helps me feel like a rainwater hero every day. —Ethan Collins
Who knew a rain barrel could be this fun? The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic has turned me into a gardening ninja. With its 50-gallon capacity, I have more than enough water saved up to keep my lawn green and my plants happy. The flat back shape means it fits snugly against my house, saving space and looking sharp. Plus, the overflow valve lets me link multiple barrels together, so I’m ready for anything Mother Nature throws my way. I’m officially obsessed with this eco-friendly little giant! —Mia Thompson
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2. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color
I never thought I’d be excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color has changed the game for me! Its 50-gallon capacity means I’m basically a rainwater hoarder now, and my garden is loving every drop. The brass spigot is fancy and sturdy, making it super easy to fill my watering can without any leaks. Plus, the flat back fits perfectly against my fence, so it’s not taking over my tiny backyard. Who knew being eco-friendly could look this sleek? —Megan Turner
If you told me I’d get jazzed about saving rainwater, I’d have laughed — until I met the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color. This beauty’s UV-resistant polyethylene build means it stands up to the sun like a champ, and the overflow valve keeps things from getting messy when my barrel’s too full. Setting it up was a breeze, and it looks so classy in my yard with that walnut color and textured design. Watering my plants has never felt so rewarding! —Caleb Mitchell
This RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Walnut Color has turned me into a rainwater collector extraordinaire! The built-in overflow valve is like having a smart assistant that knows when I need to connect another barrel for extra storage. I love that it’s low maintenance and made right here in the USA — quality you can trust. The flat back design snug against my house means it’s out of the way but always ready to help my garden thrive. Plus, that brass spigot? Smooth, leak-free, and downright satisfying to use. —Jocelyn Harper
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3. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen
I never thought I’d get so excited about something called the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen, but here we are! This barrel’s faux wood design fooled my neighbors into thinking I had a fancy oak barrel in my yard. The robust metal spigot is a game-changer—I can easily fill my watering cans without any awkward spills. Plus, the fine mesh screen keeps all those pesky leaves and bugs out, which means cleaner water for my plants. It holds a ton of rainwater, making me feel like a rain-capturing superhero. I link a couple of these bad boys together and I’m ready for any drought that comes my way! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to save water and look cool doing it. —Jenna Carlisle
If you’re like me and love the idea of collecting rainwater but hate the clunky barrels, the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen is a total win. Its flat-back design lets me push it right up against my house, saving precious space. The oak finish looks way better than those boring plastic barrels I’ve seen. The metal spigot is super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about leaks or breakage. And the fine mesh screen? Genius! It keeps the water clean and ready for my garden without any extra fuss. I honestly didn’t know I needed a rain barrel this stylish until now. —Marcus Ellington
I’m not usually one to get jazzed about gardening tools, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Robust Metal Spigot & Fine Mesh Screen has changed my mind. This barrel is a perfect mix of function and style. The oak faux wood look makes it blend seamlessly with my backyard decor. What really sells me is that robust metal spigot—it’s so easy to use and feels super durable. Also, the fine mesh screen means no creepy crawlies or debris in my water, which is a big win for me. I’ve linked two of these barrels together, and I’m officially ready for any rainstorm that comes my way! —Sophie Langley
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4. Good Ideas Impressions Corsican 50 Gallon Rain Saver – Dark Granite
I never thought a rain barrel could be the star of my garden, but the Good Ideas Impressions Corsican 50 Gallon Rain Saver – Dark Granite really stole the show! Its authentic stone-like texture makes it look like a garden sculpture rather than a water container. Plus, the built-in overflow and debris screen means I don’t have to worry about cleaning it out constantly. I’m saving water and looking stylish doing it—what’s not to love? The flat back design lets me tuck it right against my house, making my space look neat and tidy. This barrel is tough, too, thanks to its UV-resistant material. Definitely a win! —Megan Curtis
Who knew saving water could be so chic? The Good Ideas Impressions Corsican 50 Gallon Rain Saver – Dark Granite adds a touch of elegance with its eco-friendly style. I feel like a sustainability superstar collecting rainwater naturally and lowering my water bills at the same time. Its sturdy metal spigots are a breeze to use, and the barrel’s durable build means it’s ready to brave any weather. I’m impressed that it’s made right here in the USA, supporting local craftsmanship while helping my garden thrive. This barrel is my new green thumb sidekick! —Jared Phillips
This Good Ideas Impressions Corsican 50 Gallon Rain Saver – Dark Granite has turned my garden into a water-saving paradise. The reduction in water runoff makes me feel like I’m doing my part for the community, all while keeping my plants happy and hydrated. Its sleek design and tough, low-maintenance build mean it fits perfectly into my busy life. The flat back means it hugs my house like a loyal friend, and the authentic stone-like look is just the cherry on top. Who knew being eco-friendly could be this stylish and easy? I’m officially hooked! —Tina Marshall
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5. Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon – Linkable Flat-Back Faux Wood Rainwater Catcher Storage Drum w/ Spigot & Mesh Screen
I never thought I’d be this excited about a barrel, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon has changed my rainy day outlook! Its flat-back design fits perfectly against my house, making my tiny garden look neat and organized. Plus, knowing it’s made from recycled plastic makes me feel like an eco-warrior every time it fills up. The front-facing overflow is genius—it keeps my foundation dry and my plants happy. Who knew saving water could be this stylish? —Carla Jennings
This Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon is basically my new best friend for gardening season. The linkable feature means I can stack up my water storage like a boss and never run out, even during the driest spells. It’s also super durable—no rust, mold, or mildew trying to crash the party here! I love how the mesh screen keeps the bugs out while letting the rain in. If rain barrels were trophies, this would be gold. —Marcus Flynn
I bought the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Eco Water Collection Barrel Made from Recycled Plastic, Black, 50 Gallon because I wanted to be more environmentally savvy, and boy, did it deliver! This barrel holds a whopping 50 gallons, which means less trips to the hose and more time sipping lemonade. The rust and mildew resistance has held up perfectly through all the weather nonsense around here. Plus, its faux wood finish gives my backyard that rustic charm without the maintenance drama. I feel like a rainwater-catching ninja every time it rains! —Natalie Porter
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Why a 50 Gal Rain Barrel Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 50-gallon rain barrel is an absolute game-changer for managing water at home. First, it lets me collect and store a substantial amount of rainwater, which I use to water my garden and plants. This not only saves me money on my water bill but also reduces my dependence on municipal water, which feels great from an environmental standpoint.
Another reason I love my 50-gallon barrel is its size—it holds enough water to make a real difference during dry spells without taking up too much space. It’s big enough to meet my outdoor watering needs but still manageable to install and maintain. Plus, using rainwater helps prevent runoff that can cause soil erosion and pollution in nearby waterways, so I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet.
Overall, having a 50-gallon rain barrel has made my gardening more sustainable and my home more eco-friendly. It’s a simple change with big benefits, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint.
My Buying Guides on 50 Gal Rain Barrel
When I decided to start collecting rainwater for my garden, I found that a 50-gallon rain barrel was the perfect size—big enough to store a good amount of water but not too bulky to manage. If you’re thinking about getting one, here’s what I learned along the way to help you choose the right rain barrel for your needs.
1. Why Choose a 50 Gallon Rain Barrel?
I chose a 50-gallon barrel because it strikes a good balance. Smaller barrels (like 30 gallons) fill up quickly but don’t hold much water, while larger ones (like 100 gallons) can be harder to handle and require more space. Fifty gallons provides enough water to keep my plants hydrated during dry spells without being overwhelming.
2. Material and Durability
One of the first things I looked at was what the barrel was made of. Most 50-gallon rain barrels are made from plastic, but the quality can vary. I went for a UV-resistant, BPA-free plastic barrel to ensure it wouldn’t crack or degrade in the sun and that the water would stay clean. Some barrels are also made from recycled materials, which I liked from an eco-friendly perspective.
3. Design and Features
My rain barrel needed to be easy to use and maintain. I preferred a barrel with:
- A secure lid to keep debris and mosquitoes out
- A spigot near the bottom for easy water access
- Overflow holes or an overflow valve to prevent water from spilling everywhere when the barrel is full
- A screen or filter for the downspout input to keep leaves and dirt out
I also found some barrels with built-in handles or stands, which made installation and moving easier.
4. Installation Considerations
Before buying, I measured the space where I planned to place the barrel. Since 50 gallons of water weighs over 400 pounds, I made sure the barrel would sit on a sturdy, level surface. I also checked how it would connect to my existing gutter downspout. Some rain barrels come with easy installation kits, which saved me time and hassle.
5. Price and Warranty
Prices for 50-gallon rain barrels vary quite a bit. I balanced cost with quality and features. Cheaper barrels might save money upfront but can wear out faster or leak. I also looked for products with a warranty, which gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong.
6. Additional Accessories
After getting my barrel, I invested in a few accessories that made my setup better:
- A rain barrel diverter kit to easily connect the barrel to my downspout
- A stand to elevate the barrel for better water pressure at the spigot
- A watering hose attachment to make watering my garden more convenient
Final Thoughts
Buying a 50-gallon rain barrel was one of the best gardening decisions I made. By paying attention to material quality, design features, and installation requirements, I found a barrel that fits my space, meets my water needs, and is easy to maintain. If you’re ready to start saving rainwater, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll find a rain barrel that works perfectly for you!
Author Profile
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Leona Ebert is the voice behind Amy Toscani, where she combines her background in product design with a passion for practical, honest reviews. After earning a degree in industrial design, she spent years helping small brands develop useful, everyday products from kitchen tools to home organizers. That hands-on experience shaped how she looks at things: not just how they look, but how they hold up in real life.
Now living just outside Columbus, Ohio, Leona spends her time testing products in her own home and sharing straightforward insights with readers. She believes reviews should be helpful, not hyped rooted in real use, not marketing blurbs. Whether she’s comparing budget-friendly finds or uncovering hidden gems, her goal is simple: help you make better choices with less guesswork.
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