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A summer storm fills the gutters, the downspout runs hard for an hour, and all that water goes straight past the garden beds to the drain, and that is the moment a best rain barrel earns its place against the wall. We compared what the listings state: capacity, spigot type, case material, size and warranty terms. The largest barrel here holds more than the rest, the collapsible model folds flat for winter, and the flat-back barrels sit snug against a wall or fence.
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Quick picks
Best Overall FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon: 50 gallons in BPA-free polyethylene with side spigots and a 1-year warranty Check price on Amazon
Best Recycled Plastic RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon: 100% recycled plastic with an overflow valve and a flat back Check price on Amazon
Best Brass Spigot RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass: Brass spigot with an overflow valve in a flat-back walnut barrel Check price on Amazon
Largest Capacity Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel: 60 gallons with a stand, brass spigot and stainless steel mesh screen Check price on Amazon
Best Collapsible Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal: Folds flat with 6 support rods, dual taps and a mesh filter Check price on Amazon
The kits we chose
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 | RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 | Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 | FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 | Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon
A 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel in 100% recycled plastic with an overflow valve and a plastic spigot.
Pros
- 100% recycled plastic
- Overflow valve with the option to connect multiple barrels
- Flat back fits snug against walls or fences
- 1-year warranty stated
Cons
- Plastic spigot, not brass
- Stand sold separately
- No mesh screen is stated
- No BPA-free claim is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 50-gallon capacity in 100% recycled plastic, UV-resistant polyethylene, with a built-in overflow valve, a plastic spigot and a flat back that fits snug against walls or fences. The barrel measures 24.0 by 19.0 by 34.0 inches and weighs 18.0 pounds. The listing states a 1-year warranty, and notes the stand is sold separately.
Who it's for: homeowners who want a recycled-plastic barrel against a wall or fence. Who should skip it: buyers who want a brass spigot or a stand in the box.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 6/10 and warranty 2/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 50 gallons |
|---|---|
| Material | 100% recycled plastic, UV-resistant polyethylene |
| Size | 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 in |
| Spigot | Plastic |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Overflow valve and UV-resistant polyethylene stated, so safety scores 6 of 10. 1 year warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass
A 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel in walnut with a brass spigot and an overflow valve.
Pros
- Brass spigot for leak-free water retrieval
- Overflow valve with the option to connect multiple barrels
- Flat back fits snug against walls or fences
- 1-year parts warranty stated
Cons
- Stand sold separately
- No mesh screen is stated
- No BPA-free claim is stated
- No dimensions are stated in the bullets
Detailed Review
The listing states a 50-gallon capacity with a brass spigot, a built-in overflow valve and a flat back that fits snug against walls or fences. The spec table gives 34.0 by 21.0 by 19.0 inches and 18.0 pounds, with a 1-year parts warranty. The listing notes the stand is sold separately.
Who it's for: homeowners who want a walnut barrel with a brass spigot. Who should skip it: buyers who want a 60-gallon barrel or a stand included.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 6/10 and warranty 2/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 50 gallons |
|---|---|
| Spigot | Brass |
| Size | 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 in |
| Weight | 18.0 lb |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Overflow valve and UV-resistant polyethylene stated, so safety scores 6 of 10. 1 year parts warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel
A 60-gallon rain barrel with a stand, brass spigot and stainless steel mesh screen in a wood-look finish.
Pros
- 60 gallons, the largest capacity here
- Stand and 3/4-inch brass spigot included
- Stainless steel mesh screen filter stated
- Double-walled plastic construction
Cons
- No warranty term is stated
- 34.0 pounds, the heaviest barrel here
- 46 inches high, the tallest barrel here
- No BPA-free claim is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 60-gallon capacity with a stand and a 3/4-inch brass spigot included, a stainless steel mesh screen filter and double-walled plastic construction. The assembled dimensions are 46 inches high by 24 inches wide by 20 inches deep, and the barrel weighs 34.0 pounds. The listing states the barrel is linkable for added storage, and states no warranty term.
Who it's for: gardeners who want the largest capacity here with a stand in the box. Who should skip it: buyers who want a stated warranty term or a barrel that folds flat.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 22/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 80 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 60 gallons |
|---|---|
| Spigot | 3/4 in brass |
| Size | 46 x 24 x 20 in |
| Weight | 34.0 lb |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Stainless steel mesh screen filter and linkable overflow management stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon
A 50-gallon flat-back rain barrel in UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene with side spigots for linking.
Pros
- 50-gallon capacity stated as 189L
- UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene
- Side spigots for connecting barrels in series
- 1-year limited replacement warranty stated
Cons
- 24.0 pounds, heavier than the RTS barrels
- No stand is stated
- No brass spigot is stated
- No mesh screen is stated
Detailed Review
The listing states a 50-gallon capacity, given as 189L, in UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene, with spigots on the side for connecting multiple barrels in series and a wide opening for installation. The barrel measures 24.0 by 24.0 by 32.0 inches and weighs 24.0 pounds. The listing notes FCMP Outdoor has a 30-year history of outdoor products made in Canada, and states a 1-year limited replacement warranty on manufacturing defects.
Who it's for: gardeners who want a 50-gallon barrel with side spigots for linking. Who should skip it: buyers who want a stand included or a 60-gallon barrel.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 6/10 and warranty 0/5: 78 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 50 gallons (189L) |
|---|---|
| Material | UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene |
| Size | 24.0 x 24.0 x 32.0 in |
| Weight | 24.0 lb |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. BPA-free polyethylene and UV-inhibited construction stated, so safety scores 6 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal
A collapsible 50-gallon rain barrel in 500D PVC mesh with 6 support rods, dual taps and a mesh filter.
Pros
- Folds flat for off-season storage
- 6 support rods with dual 3/4-inch faucets
- Integrated mesh filter with a printed capacity scale
- 12.0 pounds, the lowest weight in this group
Cons
- No assembled size is stated
- No warranty term is stated
- No overflow valve is stated
- PVC mesh build, not rigid plastic
Detailed Review
The listing states a 50-gallon capacity with a 500D PVC mesh build, 6 support rods, dual 3/4-inch faucets, an ABS drainage valve and a wide top opening with an integrated mesh filter. The barrel weighs 12.0 pounds and folds flat for off-season storage. The spec table lists dimensions of 5.91 by 3.94 by 3.94 inches, which read like the folded size, with no assembled size stated.
Who it's for: campers and off-grid homes that need a barrel that folds flat. Who should skip it: buyers who want a rigid barrel with a stated warranty term.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 28/35, build 19/25, value 21/25, safety 5/10 and warranty 0/5: 73 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 50 gallons |
|---|---|
| Material | 500D PVC mesh |
| Support rods | 6 |
| Weight | 12.0 lb |
Taken from the seller's listing on 13 November 2026. Capacity and output figures are rated by the manufacturer.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Integrated mesh filter and dual taps with drainage valve stated, so safety scores 5 of 10. No warranty term, so warranty scores zero. See How We Pick.
Follow the manual. Connect and use the product as the maker describes, stay within every stated rating, and read the manual before first use.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
More picks to compare
RTS ECO 2-Pack Rain BarrelTwo 50-gallon barrels with stands and a link kit includedCheck on Amazon
Good Ideas Rain Wizard 50-Gallon50-gallon oak barrel with a metal spigot and mesh screen, in a 2-packCheck on Amazon
Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-GallonCollapsible 50-gallon barrel in 1000D Oxford fabric with dual taps and a mesh filterCheck on Amazon
VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel 53-Gal53-gallon collapsible barrel in 1000D PVC with outlet valves and a mesh topCheck on Amazon
Augason Farms Water Barrel 55-Gal55-gallon BPA-free storage barrel with plug fittings for emergency water storageCheck on Amazon
Numbers side by side
| Barrel | Solar Score | Capacity | Spigot | Size | Warranty | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon | 9.6/10 | 50 gallons (189L) | Side spigots | 24.0 x 24.0 x 32.0 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon | 9.6/10 | 50 gallons | Plastic | 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 in | 1 year | View on Amazon |
| RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass | 9.6/10 | 50 gallons | Brass | 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 in | 1 year parts | View on Amazon |
| Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel | 9.6/10 | 60 gallons | 3/4 in brass | 46 x 24 x 20 in | Not stated | View on Amazon |
| Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal | 9.5/10 | 50 gallons | Dual 3/4 in faucets | Not stated | Not stated | View on Amazon |
These specs are rated by the maker and quoted from each listing on 13 November 2026.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For a rain barrel, safety means the overflow valve, mesh screen and BPA-free material the listing actually states. The FCMP barrel and the RTS barrels state a 1-year warranty term; the Step2 and collapsible barrels state none. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 21 | 6 | 2 |
| RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass | 9.6 | 29 | 21 | 20 | 6 | 2 |
| Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel | 9.6 | 32 | 22 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
| FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon | 9.6 | 30 | 21 | 21 | 6 | 0 |
| Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal | 9.5 | 28 | 19 | 21 | 5 | 0 |
Every total is translated into a figure between 9.2 and 9.8 with a linear formula; ranking by points and ranking by score always agree.
How to choose the best rain barrel
Match capacity to the garden
Capacity here runs from 50 to 60 gallons, and the garden sets the size. The Step2 barrel holds 60 gallons, while the FCMP, RTS and collapsible barrels hold 50 gallons each, with the FCMP capacity also stated as 189L. See rain barrel vs rain tank for how a barrel differs from a larger tank.
| Barrel | Capacity | Spigot | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCMP Raincatcher 4000 50-Gallon | 50 gallons (189L) | Side spigots | 24.0 x 24.0 x 32.0 in |
| RTS ECO Rain Barrel 50-Gallon | 50 gallons | Plastic | 24.0 x 19.0 x 34.0 in |
| RTS Rain Barrel 50-Gallon Brass | 50 gallons | Brass | 34.0 x 21.0 x 19.0 in |
| Step2 Lakewood 60-Gallon Barrel | 60 gallons | 3/4 in brass | 46 x 24 x 20 in |
| Collapsible Rain Barrel 50-Gal | 50 gallons | Dual 3/4 in faucets | Not stated |
Flat back or round
The RTS barrels and the FCMP barrel have a flat back that sits snug against a wall or fence, which suits tight spaces beside a downspout. The Step2 barrel stands 46 inches high with a wood-look finish, and the collapsible barrel folds flat when the season ends. Measure the wall space before choosing between a flat-back barrel and a taller barrel. See water storage barrel vs water bladder for how rigid barrels compare with soft storage.
Spigot and screen matter more than looks
The spigot decides how the water comes out. The RTS walnut barrel and the Step2 barrel have a brass spigot, the RTS ECO barrel has a plastic spigot, and the collapsible barrel has dual 3/4-inch faucets. The Step2 barrel adds a stainless steel mesh screen filter, and the collapsible barrel has an integrated mesh filter in a wide top opening. The FCMP barrel uses side spigots instead, which let the barrel sit flat against a wall while still linking to another barrel. See best solar water pump for rain barrel for moving stored water to the garden.
Linking and overflow
Overflow handling decides whether a storm floods the base. The RTS barrels state a built-in overflow valve with the option to connect multiple barrels, the FCMP barrel has side spigots for connecting barrels in series, and the Step2 barrel is linkable for added storage. The collapsible barrel has an ABS drainage valve for quick emptying and cleaning instead. See water tank maintenance for keeping stored water and fittings in working order.
Read the warranty line
Warranty terms split this group. The FCMP barrel states a 1-year limited replacement warranty on manufacturing defects, and the RTS barrels state a 1-year warranty, with the walnut barrel stating 1-year parts coverage. The Step2 and collapsible barrels state no warranty term, so compare their contents and build instead of their coverage. A 1-year term is short, so read the coverage line for what counts as a defect before you buy.
Sizing Notes
- Match capacity to the garden: 50 gallons in most barrels here, 60 gallons in the Step2 barrel.
- Measure the wall space against the barrel size: 24.0 by 19.0 by 34.0 inches for the RTS ECO barrel, 46 by 24 by 20 inches for the Step2 barrel.
- Check the spigot and screen before you buy: brass on the RTS walnut and Step2 barrels, plastic on the RTS ECO barrel.
- Match the overflow valve to the downspout: the RTS and FCMP barrels state a built-in overflow valve.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Which barrel here holds the most water?
The Step2 Lakewood barrel with 60 gallons; the rest hold 50 gallons.
Which barrels state a warranty?
The FCMP barrel states a 1-year limited replacement warranty, and the RTS ECO and walnut barrels each state a 1-year warranty.
Which barrel folds flat?
The collapsible 50-gallon barrel, with 6 support rods and a 500D PVC mesh build; the spec table lists folded-size dimensions, with no assembled size stated.
Can these barrels be linked together?
The RTS barrels state an overflow valve with the option to connect multiple barrels, the FCMP barrel has side spigots for connecting barrels in series, and the Step2 barrel is linkable.
What is the FCMP barrel made of?
UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene, with a 50-gallon capacity stated as 189L.
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