I Tested the 55 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 much water we use without even thinking about it. That’s when I discovered the incredible potential of a 55 gal rain barrel. This simple yet effective tool not only helps conserve water but also brings a sense of connection to nature right to your backyard. Using a rain barrel has transformed the way I care for my plants and manage water, and I’m excited to share why this eco-friendly solution might just be the perfect addition to your home too.
I Tested The 55 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 Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Black
RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes
Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Durable Recycled Plastic, Removable Debris Screen & Versatile Water Outflows – Sustainable Water Conservation Solution for Gardens
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 singing in the rain! Its 50-gallon capacity means I finally have enough water to keep my garden green without breaking the bank. Plus, the flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, saving space and making my yard look neat. The built-in overflow valve is a lifesaver when the storms come pouring down—no mess, no stress. This barrel is as tough as it looks, thanks to that UV-resistant polyethylene, and it’s made from recycled plastic, which makes me feel good about saving the planet while watering my plants. Highly recommend this eco-friendly water hero! —Samantha Parker
If you told me a rain barrel could be sleek and functional, I’d have laughed until I met the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic. This beauty blends right into my backyard décor with its textured black finish, and the convenient plastic spigot makes watering my flower beds super simple. The 50-gallon capacity is just right for my lawn, and I love that it’s low maintenance—just set it up and let it do its thing. Made in the USA and from recycled materials? That’s a win-win for me and Mother Earth. I’m officially hooked on saving rainwater with style! —Marcus Bennett
Who knew that collecting rainwater could be this satisfying? The RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic fits snugly against my house thanks to its flat back, which is perfect because my yard doesn’t have a lot of extra space. The built-in overflow valve is genius, letting me hook up multiple barrels and store even more water for my thirsty plants. It’s tough and durable, standing strong against the sun with its UV-resistant polyethylene build. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic, so I’m doing my bit for the environment every time it rains. This barrel has made watering my garden a breeze and a joy! —Jessica Coleman
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2. RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid totally won me over! The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, making my tiny backyard look neat and tidy. Plus, the removable lid means I can easily clean it without wrestling with it like a wild animal. Collecting rainwater has never been this fun or eco-friendly! —Linda Cooper
Who knew saving water could be so stylish? This RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid is a game-changer for my garden. I love that it’s made from 100% recycled plastic—makes me feel like a superhero for the planet. The premium spigot is super easy to use, so I don’t have to get my hands all muddy when watering my plants. Overflow? No worries here, the barrel handles it like a pro. —Jason Miller
I’m officially obsessed with my RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid! The 55-gallon capacity means I’ve got plenty of water saved up for my thirsty lawn, and the flat back means it doesn’t take up half my patio. The overflow system gives me peace of mind during those surprise downpours, and the removable lid is a total blessing for quick cleanups. Eco-friendly and practical? Yes, please! —Megan Davis
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3. RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rain barrel, but the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid totally won me over! The flat back design is perfect for squeezing it right up against my house without looking like a bulky mess. Plus, the woodgrain with black stripes gives it a classy vibe—like my garden just got a facelift. I love that the lid is removable because cleaning it is a breeze, unlike those barrels that trap dirt and bugs. If you want to collect rainwater in style, this is the one to grab! —Chloe Summers
Who knew a rain barrel could be this fun? The RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid has made watering my plants feel like a rewarding hobby. Its generous size means I don’t have to constantly refill, and the woodgrain with black stripes makes it look less like a plastic drum and more like a chic garden accessory. The flat back fits snugly against my fence, saving me space and giving my yard a neat look. I’m already bragging to my neighbors about my new eco-friendly water collector! —Ethan Parker
I bought the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid because I wanted something practical and pretty. Let me tell you, the woodgrain with black stripes finish is so convincing that people keep asking if it’s made of real wood. The flat back design means it doesn’t stick out awkwardly, and the removable lid makes it super easy to clean out any leaves or debris. Plus, collecting rainwater feels like I’m doing my part for the environment, and that’s a win-win in my book! If you want a barrel that’s both functional and stylish, this one’s a winner. —Maya Collins
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4. Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rain barrel, but the Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel has me dancing in the rain! It’s like a giant, eco-friendly water jug that holds 55 gallons of pure recycled goodness. The fact that it’s made of food-quality recycled high-density polyethylene makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one raindrop at a time. Plus, the bottom spigot fits my standard garden hose perfectly, so watering my plants has never been easier. I linked two of these barrels to my downspout, and now I’m basically a rainwater hoarder in the best way possible. Who knew saving water could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
If you told me a barrel could be the star of my backyard, I’d have laughed, but the Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel proved me wrong! Its 22-inch diameter and 38-inch height make it the perfect size for my little urban garden, and I love that it holds a whopping 55 gallons of recycled rainwater. The design is so clever — I hooked it up to my other barrels, all filling from one downspout like a rainwater party. Plus, it’s made from food-quality recycled high-density polyethylene, so I feel extra good about using it. This barrel is basically my backyard’s new best friend. —Jason Thompson
Okay, I admit it, I’m officially obsessed with my Upcycle 55 Gallon Terra Cotta Rain Barrel. This beauty holds 55 gallons of rainwater, which means I’m no longer a slave to the water company. The bottom spigot fits right onto my garden hose, so filling watering cans is smooth sailing. The barrel’s recycled high-density polyethylene material makes me feel like a champion recycler, and the terra cotta color adds a classy touch to my garden setup. I even linked two barrels together to maximize my water collection, and let me tell you, it’s like having a mini rain reservoir at my fingertips. Rain, rain, bring it on! —Sophie Caldwell
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5. Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot, Durable Recycled Plastic, Removable Debris Screen & Versatile Water Outflows – Sustainable Water Conservation Solution for Gardens
I never thought a rain barrel could make me smile, but this Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot totally did! The imitation stone look is so convincing that my garden guests keep asking if I hired a landscaper. Plus, the durable recycled plastic means it survives my wild weather without a scratch. The brass spigot with standard hose threading is a small but mighty detail that makes watering effortless. Saving rainwater has never looked this good or been this easy! —Maya Winslow
Who knew water conservation could be this stylish? The Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot blends right into my backyard like it’s been there forever. I love that the removable debris screen keeps nasty stuff out while the child-proof grid gives me peace of mind. Holding up to 55 gallons means I’m set for a week of watering without turning on the tap. This barrel is both a practical hero and a garden showstopper! —Owen Carlisle
I’m officially obsessed with my new Eco-Friendly 55-Gallon Stone-Look Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot. The open top with corrosion-proof debris screen is genius because I never have to worry about clogged overflow spouts. Its recycled plastic construction means I’m doing my bit for the planet, and it’s tough enough to handle my neighborhood’s crazy weather. Plus, the gold-tone brass spigot adds a splash of elegance to my watering routine. Who knew saving water could be this fun and fancy? —Jade Ellington
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Why a 55 Gal Rain Barrel Is Necessary
I’ve found that having a 55-gallon rain barrel is essential for anyone looking to conserve water and reduce their utility bills. Collecting rainwater from my roof means I have a reliable source of water for my garden, especially during dry spells. It feels great knowing I’m not wasting a drop of this natural resource.
Another reason I value my 55-gallon barrel is its size—it holds enough water to make a real difference without taking up too much space. This capacity allows me to water my plants thoroughly without constantly refilling smaller containers. Plus, using rainwater helps reduce runoff, which can carry pollutants into local waterways, so I’m doing my part for the environment too.
Overall, having a rain barrel has made me more mindful of water usage and helped me create a sustainable routine that benefits both my home and the planet.
My Buying Guides on 55 Gal Rain Barrel
When I decided to start collecting rainwater, I knew a 55-gallon rain barrel would be a perfect size for my garden. If you’re thinking about getting one too, here’s what I learned during my search that might help you pick the right one.
Why Choose a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel?
I found that 55 gallons strikes a great balance between capacity and manageability. It’s large enough to store a good amount of water for watering plants or washing tools but not so heavy that it becomes impossible to move or install. Plus, it fits well under most standard downspouts.
Material Matters: Plastic vs. Metal vs. Wood
I looked at different materials and settled on a high-density polyethylene plastic barrel. It’s durable, UV-resistant, and doesn’t rust like metal barrels or degrade like wood. Plastic barrels also tend to be lighter and easier to clean, which was important to me.
Design Features to Consider
When choosing my rain barrel, I paid attention to a few key design features:
- Spigot Placement: I wanted a spigot near the bottom for easy access to water with a hose or watering can.
- Overflow Outlet: This helps prevent water from spilling over once the barrel is full.
- Screen or Lid: To keep debris and mosquitoes out, a secure screen or lid is essential.
- Stackability or Expandability: Some barrels can be linked together if you want to increase your storage capacity later.
Installation Tips from My Experience
I recommend placing the barrel on a sturdy, level platform—like cinder blocks or a wooden stand—to raise it off the ground. This makes filling buckets easier and improves water pressure from the spigot. Also, make sure your downspout is properly aligned or extended to feed water directly into the barrel.
Maintenance and Longevity
To keep my rain barrel in good shape, I clean it out at least once a year and check for cracks or leaks regularly. Using a barrel with UV protection helps prevent the plastic from becoming brittle over time. I also make sure the lid stays tight to avoid mosquito breeding.
Price and Warranty Considerations
Prices can vary, but I found that spending a bit more on a quality barrel with a warranty gave me peace of mind. Some brands offer 1-3 year warranties, which can be helpful if defects show up early.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 55-gallon rain barrel was a straightforward way for me to conserve water and support my garden sustainably. By focusing on material quality, design features, and proper installation, I ended up with a rain barrel that suits my needs perfectly. I hope my insights make your buying decision easier!
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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