The RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot is the best rain barrel for most homes: its flat back sits tight against the house, a built-in overflow lets you link more barrels, and the brass spigot outlasts the plastic ones that crack on many barrels.
The short answer
- For most homes, the RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot is the one: a flat back that sits against the wall, an overflow valve and a brass spigot that holds up.
- Want a recycled-plastic version for less? The RTS ECO 50 Gallon is the same design with a plastic spigot.
- Short on storage space in winter? A collapsible 53 gallon barrel folds flat in the fall.
- Raise any barrel on a stand. A little height gives more pressure and room for a watering can.
Stand under your downspout in a summer thunderstorm and you will see how much water your house sheds. A single inch of rain on an ordinary roof fills a 50 gallon barrel many times over, and all of it usually runs into the street.
A rain barrel catches some of that for the dry weeks of July, when the tomatoes need it and the water bill is climbing.
The EPA describes rain barrels as a simple way to capture roof runoff for lawns, gardens and indoor plants, and to reduce the water that flows off your property in storms. The math works fast: every inch of rain on 1,000 square feet of roof sheds roughly 620 gallons. Even a small barrel refills after almost every rain.
We compared capacity, shape, spigot material, overflow and linking, debris screens, durability, and owner feedback for rain barrels and accessories sold in the United States. We picked 6 products: four barrels, plus a downspout diverter and a stand that make any barrel work better.
We research and compare products, and we may earn a commission when you buy through links in this guide. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Rain Barrels Picks
Best OverallRTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass SpigotUV-resistant polyethylene, a flat back, an overflow valve for linking barrels and a leak-free brass spigot.Jump to review
Best RecycledRTS Home Accents 50 Gallon ECO Rain BarrelThe same flat-back design made from 100 percent recycled plastic, with a plastic spigot.Jump to review
Best LookingGood Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Urn Rain BarrelAn urn-shaped barrel with a planter on top, a mesh debris screen and a flat back that hugs the wall.Jump to review
Best CollapsibleLaspeiraux 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain BarrelThree-layer PVC with a screw-in faucet and footpads, which folds flat for winter storage.Jump to review
Best DiverterPrestantious Downspout Rainwater DiverterFits 3×4 and 2×3 inch downspouts and sends 85 percent or more of the flow to your barrel, with an adjustable setting.Jump to review
Best StandGood Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel StandRaises Rain Wizard barrels for better pressure and room to fit a bucket or watering can under the spigot.Jump to reviewWhich Pick Fits Your Zone
Rainfall and freezes set how you use a barrel. Find your zone on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
| Your climate | USDA zones | Our pick | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard freezes | 3 to 5 | Laspeiraux 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel | Drain and fold it in the fall so ice cannot crack it. |
| Four seasons | 6 to 7 | RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot | A sturdy barrel with a brass spigot for spring through fall. Drain it before freezes. |
| Wet winters, dry summers | 8 to 9 (West) | RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon ECO Rain Barrel | Link two or three barrels to store spring rain for summer. |
| Hot, stormy South | 8 to 10 (Southeast) | Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Urn Rain Barrel | Frequent storms refill it often; the mesh screen keeps out debris and mosquitoes. |
Some states limit rain collection. Colorado, for example, allows homeowners up to two barrels with 110 gallons total. Check your state and local rules.
Roof Math: How Fast Will Your Barrel Fill?
A common rule of thumb: 1 inch of rain on 1 square foot of roof yields about 0.62 gallons. Measure the roof area that drains to one downspout, not the whole house.
| Roof area to one downspout | Gallons from 1/4 inch rain | Gallons from 1 inch rain | Fills a 50 gal barrel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 sq ft (small shed or porch) | About 39 | About 155 | With about 1/3 inch of rain |
| 500 sq ft | About 78 | About 310 | With about 1/6 inch |
| 1,000 sq ft | About 155 | About 620 | With under 1/10 inch |
| 1,500 sq ft | About 233 | About 930 | In the first few minutes of a storm |
Because barrels fill so quickly, overflow matters. Route overflow away from your foundation, or link a second barrel.
Set It Up Right
- Level, solid base. A full 50 gallon barrel weighs over 400 pounds. Use pavers or a stand, never soft soil.
- Raise it. A stand adds pressure and lets a watering can fit under the spigot.
- Screen the top. Mesh keeps out leaves and mosquitoes. Empty the barrel regularly in mosquito season.
- Add a diverter. It fills the barrel first and sends the rest down the spout when full.
- Drain before freezes. Leave the spigot open over winter or store a collapsible barrel inside.
A Closer Look at Each Pick
Best Overall
1. RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot
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What We Like
- 50 gallons in UV-resistant polyethylene
- Brass spigot for leak-free use
- Built-in overflow to link more barrels
- Flat back sits tight against the house
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners report cracking after a year
- Mixed reports on fit with some downspouts
RTS barrels are some of the most common rain barrels in American yards. Owners say this one fills quickly in storms and drains steadily to water plants. The brass spigot is the upgrade that matters: plastic spigots are a common failure point on other barrels.
Drain it before hard freezes to avoid cracking.
Skip it if: you want a barrel that folds for winter storage.
Climate fit: Zones 5 to 9.
| Capacity | 50 gal |
|---|---|
| Material | UV-resistant polyethylene |
| Spigot | Brass |
| Overflow | Built-in, linkable |
| Shape | Flat back |
| Weight | 18 lb empty |
Best Recycled
2. RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon ECO Rain Barrel
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What We Like
- Made from 100 percent recycled plastic
- Same flat-back design
- Overflow valve and linking
What We Don’t Like
- Plastic spigot can break, owners say
- Some report the flat back warping
The ECO version uses recycled plastic and a plastic spigot to cost less. Owners like how it looks and how close it sits to the house.
If the spigot breaks, a brass replacement is an easy upgrade.
Skip it if: you want the sturdiest spigot.
Climate fit: Zones 6 to 10.
| Capacity | 50 gal |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled plastic |
| Spigot | Plastic |
| Overflow | Built-in |
| Shape | Flat back |
| Weight | 18 lb |
Best Looking
3. Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Urn Rain Barrel
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What We Like
- Urn shape with a planter on top
- Mesh screen blocks leaves and debris
- Flat back fits close to walls
- Measures 22 x 23 x 30 inches
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners report splitting
- Leaks reported by a few
If a barrel will sit by your front door, the Rain Wizard urn looks more like a planter than a barrel. Owners call it a great alternative to an ugly downspout and say it installs easily.
Add the matching stand for better flow and bucket clearance.
Skip it if: you want the most durable barrel.
Climate fit: Zones 7 to 10.
| Capacity | 50 gal |
|---|---|
| Shape | Urn, flat back |
| Top | Planter |
| Screen | Mesh |
| Size | 22 x 23 x 30 in |
| Brand | Good Ideas |
Best Collapsible
4. Laspeiraux 53 Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel
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What We Like
- Three-layer PVC folds flat
- One-piece screw-in faucet
- Footpads to prevent tipping
- Owners say it is sturdy enough to hang a hose
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners report it breaking early
- Less rigid than hard barrels
Collapsible barrels solve two problems: they ship small and they store flat for winter. Owners say this one is easy to assemble and sturdy, and the integrated faucet avoids the leaks of multi-part spigots.
Set it on a level base; soft-sided barrels can bulge on uneven ground.
Skip it if: you want a permanent, rigid look.
Climate fit: Zones 3 to 6, where barrels come in for winter.
| Capacity | 53 gal |
|---|---|
| Material | 3-layer PVC |
| Faucet | Screw-in, integrated |
| Base | Footpads |
| Storage | Folds flat |
| Brand | Laspeiraux |
Best Diverter
5. Prestantious Downspout Rainwater Diverter
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What We Like
- Fits 3×4 and 2×3 inch downspouts
- Sends 85 percent or more of flow to the barrel (maker)
- Adjustable flow
- Owners say it is easy to install
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners find it diverts less in heavy rain
- Can be hard to keep stable
A diverter sits in your downspout and sends water to the barrel until it is full, then lets the rest go down the spout. It is the simplest way to avoid overflow puddles at the foundation.
Owners like the adjustable flow and value.
Skip it if: your downspout is round.
Climate fit: Any zone.
| Type | Downspout diverter |
|---|---|
| Fits | 3×4 and 2×3 in |
| Flow | Adjustable |
| Diversion | 85%+ (maker) |
| Weight | 10 oz |
| Brand | Prestantious |
Best Stand
6. Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50 Gallon Rain Barrel Stand
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What We Like
- Raises the barrel for more pressure
- Room for buckets under the spigot
- Resists fading, bulging and bowing (maker)
- Fits Rain Wizard 40, 50 and Rain Vault barrels
What We Don’t Like
- Some owners report buckling under weight
- Fits Good Ideas barrels only
Gravity is a rain barrel’s only pump. Raising the barrel adds pressure and lets a watering can fit under the spigot. Owners call this stand an essential add-on for Rain Wizard barrels.
Place it on a level, solid surface; a full barrel is heavy.
Skip it if: you own another brand of barrel.
Climate fit: Any zone.
| Type | Barrel stand |
|---|---|
| Fits | Rain Wizard 40, 50, Rain Vault |
| Colors | 5 |
| Weight | 10 lb |
| Benefit | More pressure |
| Brand | Good Ideas |
Rain Barrels Compared Side by Side
| Model | Capacity | Spigot | Overflow | Design | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTS 50 Gal Brass SpigotBest Overall | 50 gal | Brass | Overflow, linkable | Flat back | 18 lb |
| RTS 50 Gal ECOBest Recycled | 50 gal | Plastic | Overflow, linkable | Flat back | 18 lb |
| Rain Wizard UrnBest Looking | 50 gal | Spigot | Overflow channel | Urn, planter top | Not listed |
| Laspeiraux 53 Gal CollapsibleBest Collapsible | 53 gal | Screw-in faucet | Overflow | Collapsible | Light |
| Prestantious DiverterBest Diverter | Add-on | Not applicable | Adjustable flow | Downspout diverter | 10 oz |
| Rain Wizard StandBest Stand | Add-on | Not applicable | More pressure | Stand | 10 lb |
Which Rain Barrels to Buy
If you want one barrel that lasts
Get the RTS 50 Gal Brass Spigot.
If you want recycled plastic for less
The RTS 50 Gal ECO.
If it goes by the front door
The Rain Wizard Urn with the Rain Wizard Stand.
If your winters are hard
The Laspeiraux 53 Gal Collapsible.
For any barrel
Add the Prestantious Diverter.
Can You Use Rain Barrel Water on Vegetables?
The EPA notes that water running over a roof can pick up bacteria from birds and animals and chemicals from roofing, which is worth considering for edible plantings. Many gardeners use rain water on ornamentals and lawns, and on vegetables water the soil rather than the leaves and wash produce well.
- Do not drink it or use it for pets.
- Skip the first flush after a long dry spell if you can.
- Water at the base of edible plants.
- Keep the barrel covered to limit algae and insects.
Before You Buy
Capacity
50 gallons is standard. Link barrels for more.
Spigot
Brass outlasts plastic. A threaded spigot lets you attach a hose.
Overflow
An overflow port lets you link barrels and route excess away from the foundation.
Screen
A mesh top keeps out debris and mosquitoes.
Shape and storage
Flat backs hug the wall; collapsible barrels store flat for winter.
Our Selection Process
We do not run a test garden. We compared capacity, spigots, overflow, screens, materials, durability reports and patterns in owner feedback for rain barrels and accessories sold in the United States, and we followed EPA guidance on rain barrels.
We picked 6 products: four rain barrels for different budgets, looks and climates, plus a diverter and a stand.
Why Trust Garden Guide US
We compare garden gear for American yards using manufacturer specifications, product manuals, warranty terms, cooperative extension guidance and patterns in owner feedback. We do not run a test garden, and every claim comes from a maker, a manual, an extension service or owner feedback. Every guide notes which USDA zones and conditions each pick suits. Read how we review.
Our Verdict
For most homes, the RTS Home Accents 50 Gallon Rain Barrel with Brass Spigot is the one to buy. It is sturdy, links easily and has the spigot that lasts.
For a related pick, see the best retractable pressure washer hose reels. Every guide in this category is listed on Watering and Irrigation buying guides.
Put it on a stand, add a diverter, screen the top and drain it before freezes. Then let the next storm do the work.
Questions Buyers Ask
How much water can a rain barrel collect?
A lot, fast. About 0.62 gallons per square foot of roof per inch of rain, so a 50 gallon barrel fills in a short shower.
Is rain barrel water safe for vegetables?
Use care. The EPA notes roof runoff can carry bacteria and roofing chemicals. Water the soil, not leaves, and wash produce.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?
Screen the top and use the water often.
Do I need to drain a rain barrel in winter?
Yes, where it freezes. Ice can crack barrels and spigots.
Is it legal to collect rain water?
In most places, yes, but some states set limits. Colorado allows two barrels totaling 110 gallons per home.
Why raise a rain barrel?
More height means more pressure and room for a watering can.
Sources and Further Reading
- Soak Up the Rain: Rain Barrels, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Rain Barrels, Penn State Extension
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, USDA Agricultural Research Service
- WaterSense, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Gardening, University of Illinois Extension
