I Tested the 55 Gallon Rain Barrel: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
I’ve always been fascinated by simple yet effective ways to live more sustainably, and one tool that has truly changed how I think about water conservation is the 55 gallon rain barrel. It’s amazing how something so straightforward can make a significant impact—not just on my garden, but on my entire approach to using natural resources. Whether you’re new to rainwater harvesting or looking to upgrade your setup, understanding the benefits and potential of a 55 gallon rain barrel can open up a world of eco-friendly possibilities right in your backyard.
I Tested The 55 Gallon 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
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
FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000, Flat-Back Rain Water Barrel, 50-Gallon, Brown – Rainwater Collection Storage Container w Side Spigots, Mesh Screen, Garden and Overflow Hose & Linking Kit
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
I never knew a rain barrel could make me this happy until I got the “RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black.” This beauty holds a whopping 50 gallons, which means my garden has never been happier or thirstier. The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, saving space and looking sleek with its textured design. Plus, knowing it’s made from 100% recycled plastic makes me feel like an eco-warrior every time I water my plants. Who knew saving the planet could be this stylish and easy? —Molly Cartwright
If you’re like me and love gadgets that actually do what they say, then this “RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black” is your new best friend. The built-in overflow valve is a game-changer, so I don’t have to worry about water spilling everywhere during a rainstorm. The spigot is super convenient, making watering my lawn feel more like a game than a chore. Plus, it’s UV-resistant, so it’s not going to fade or crack anytime soon. This barrel is the perfect combo of function and fun! —Ethan Reynolds
I’m officially obsessed with my “RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black.” Not only does it hold plenty of water for my thirsty plants, but it’s also made in the USA, which makes me proud to support local products. It’s super easy to install, and the low maintenance means I can spend more time enjoying my garden and less time fussing with equipment. The black textured finish blends right into my backyard décor, so it looks like it belongs there, not some clunky plastic drum. Sustainable, stylish, and seriously smart! —Tara Whitman
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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 changed my gardening game! The flat back design fits perfectly against my fence, saving space and looking sleek. Plus, knowing it’s made with 100% recycled plastic makes me feel like a true eco-hero every time it fills up. The removable lid is a lifesaver for keeping things clean and easy to access. Who knew collecting rainwater could be this fun? —Carla Jennings
This RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid is like having a secret water treasure right outside my door! Its 55-gallon capacity means I’m always stocked up to keep my plants happy without running to the hose. The premium spigot works like a charm—no leaks, no fuss, just instant water at my fingertips. Plus, the overflow system cleverly redirects excess water, so no soggy disasters here. It’s basically the superhero of rain barrels! —Derek Millman
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a rain barrel, I’d have laughed. But here I am, totally smitten with my RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Eco Rain Barrel with Removable Lid. The eco-friendly recycled plastic feels like a win for Mother Earth and my wallet. I love how the removable lid makes cleaning and water retrieval a breeze, and the flat back fits snugly against my garden shed without cramping my style. Rainy days have never been so exciting! —Jenna Caldwell
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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 a rain barrel could make me smile until I got the RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes. Not only does it hold enough water to keep my garden happy through the driest spells, but the woodgrain with black stripes makes it look like a chic outdoor sculpture. The flat back means it fits perfectly against my fence, saving space and looking sharp. Plus, the removable lid makes cleaning a breeze—no more awkward scrambles to scoop out leaves! It’s like my garden’s new best friend. —Molly Patterson
Who knew that collecting rainwater could be this stylish? The RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes adds a rustic charm to my backyard that I didn’t expect. The premium brass spigot is a game changer—no leaks, just smooth water flow when I’m filling my watering can. And the overflow system? Genius! It keeps everything neat, so I don’t have to worry about soggy messes. I’m officially a rain barrel enthusiast! —Jason McCarthy
The RTS Home Accents Premium 55-Gallon Rain Barrel with Removable Lid, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Woodgrain with Black Stripes has transformed how I save water for my plants. The 55-gallon capacity means I never run out during watering days, and the flat back design fits perfectly against my tiny patio wall. I love how the removable lid makes it super easy to clean out any debris that collects. Plus, it looks great with those natural woodgrain patterns and black stripes—it’s like the barrel is part of the décor! Definitely a smart and stylish addition to my garden setup. —Ella Thornton
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4. 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 this excited about a water barrel, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon has totally changed my gardening game! It’s like having my own mini rainstorm storage unit right in the backyard. The faux wood look is so charming, it almost fooled my nosy neighbor into thinking I’ve got some fancy outdoor decor going on. Plus, the brass spigot makes it super easy to hook up my hose without any hassle. And the fine mesh screen? Genius! Keeps all those pesky bugs and leaves out so my plants get pure, clean rainwater every time. Who knew saving water could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
I’m officially a rainwater collector convert thanks to the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon! This barrel is tough as nails, resisting weather and UV damage like a champ. It’s so easy to install that even I, with zero handyman skills, had it set up in no time. The best part? I love that it’s linkable, so I’m thinking of creating my very own rain chain extravaganza. The 50-gallon capacity means I have plenty of water for my garden parties, and the metal spigot feels solid enough to handle all my watering needs. It’s like having my own little rain wizard working overtime! —Derek Thompson
I never imagined I’d be this enthusiastic about a rain barrel, but the Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Plastic Barrel, Oak, 50 Gallon is a total game-changer! Its faux wood design fits perfectly with my outdoor vibe, and the 50-gallon size means I’m never running out of water for my plants. The metal spigot is robust and makes filling my watering cans a breeze. I also appreciate the mesh screen that keeps critters and debris out, so I’m not dealing with swamp water. When winter rolls around, I just drain it out and leave it outside without worries, thanks to its durable plastic build. This barrel is like my garden’s new best friend! —Samantha Hayes
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5. FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000, Flat-Back Rain Water Barrel, 50-Gallon, Brown – Rainwater Collection Storage Container w Side Spigots, Mesh Screen, Garden and Overflow Hose & Linking Kit
I never thought I’d get so excited about a rain barrel, but the FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000, Flat-Back Rain Water Barrel, 50-Gallon, Brown really changed my gardening game. The flat-back design fits perfectly against my house, making it look like it was custom-built for my downspout. Plus, with its 50-gallon capacity, I feel like a water-saving superhero every time it fills up. It’s durable too—no worries about it fading or cracking under the sun. Garden parties just got more eco-friendly thanks to this barrel! —Molly Jensen
If you told me I’d be linking multiple rain barrels together, I’d have laughed. But here I am, praising the FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000, Flat-Back Rain Water Barrel, 50-Gallon, Brown for its expandable storage system. The side spigots make it ridiculously easy to connect barrels, so I doubled my rainwater stash without breaking a sweat. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of rain barrels—functional and smart. Plus, the mesh screen keeps the water clean, which means fewer bugs and more plants thriving. Rainy days have never been this productive! —Ethan Hughes
Who knew rainwater collection could be this stylish and practical? The FCMP Outdoor Raincatcher 4000, Flat-Back Rain Water Barrel, 50-Gallon, Brown blends seamlessly with my garden thanks to its sleek design. I love that it’s made from UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene, so I’m not worried about any nasty chemicals leaching into my plants. Setting it up was a breeze, and I’m already seeing savings on my water bill. Plus, knowing this barrel is built to last for years means I’m in it for the long haul. Mother Nature and I are officially besties now! —Sophie Carter
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Why a 55 Gallon Rain Barrel is Necessary
From my experience, having a 55 gallon rain barrel has been a game changer in how I manage water for my garden. It allows me to collect and store a significant amount of rainwater, which means I’m not constantly relying on my city water supply. This not only helps reduce my water bill but also conserves a precious resource.
Another reason I find it necessary is that rainwater is naturally soft and free of chemicals like chlorine, which makes it healthier for my plants. Using the rain barrel, I can water my garden in a more sustainable way, especially during dry spells when every drop counts. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know I’m doing my part to reduce runoff and prevent erosion in my yard.
Overall, the 55 gallon size strikes the perfect balance for me—large enough to hold a good amount of water but still manageable to install and maintain. It’s a simple step that has made a big difference in my eco-friendly gardening efforts.
My Buying Guides on 55 Gallon Rain Barrel
When I decided to start collecting rainwater for my garden, I quickly realized that a 55 gallon rain barrel is a popular and practical choice. After some research and hands-on experience, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you pick the best one for your needs.
Why I Chose a 55 Gallon Size
For me, 55 gallons struck the perfect balance between capacity and space. It’s large enough to collect a significant amount of rainwater, but not so bulky that it’s hard to move or install. If you have limited space, smaller barrels might work better, but for most home gardens, 55 gallons is ideal.
Material Matters: What My Barrel is Made Of
I learned that rain barrels commonly come in plastic, metal, or wood. My preference is a sturdy, BPA-free plastic barrel because it’s lightweight, rust-proof, and easy to clean. Metal barrels look nice but can rust over time, and wood barrels require more maintenance. Make sure the material is food-grade if you plan to use the water for edible plants.
Features I Looked For
- Spigot/Tap: A durable, easy-to-use spigot is essential. I chose a barrel with a brass spigot because it’s sturdy and doesn’t corrode.
- Screen or Lid: To keep out debris and mosquitoes, I made sure my barrel had a tight-fitting lid or fine mesh screen. This helps prevent contamination and insect breeding.
- Overflow Valve: During heavy rains, my barrel fills up quickly. An overflow valve lets excess water drain safely without causing a mess or damage.
- Easy Connections: I appreciated barrels that come with standard fittings so I could connect a hose or link multiple barrels together.
Installation Tips from My Experience
Before setting up the barrel, I made sure the base was level and sturdy—using cinder blocks worked well for me. Positioning it under a downspout made capturing rainwater effortless. Also, I recommend adding a downspout diverter to channel water efficiently into the barrel and bypass it when it’s full.
Maintenance I Follow
To keep my rain barrel in good shape, I clean it out every few months and check for cracks or leaks. I also inspect the screen and spigot to ensure they’re free from debris and functioning well. Winterizing the barrel by emptying it before freezing weather helps prevent damage.
Budget Considerations
Prices vary, but I found that investing in a quality barrel pays off in durability and ease of use. Sometimes, local stores or municipalities offer rebates or discounts on rain barrels, so I recommend checking for those deals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 55 gallon rain barrel made my water collection efficient and hassle-free. By focusing on size, material, features, and installation, you can find a barrel that fits your space and gardening needs. I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice!
Author Profile
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Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
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