A rain barrel with a spigot makes it easier to collect roof runoff and use it for garden watering, lawn care, or outdoor cleaning. The right choice depends on how much water you need, where you plan to place the barrel, and whether you prefer a sturdy, fixed container or one that folds away for storage. Below, we compare five options by capacity, spigot design, construction, and practical features.
Quick Comparison
| Rain Barrel | Capacity | Spigot and Notable Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel | 50 gallons | Brass spigot, overflow valve, flat-back shape | A fixed barrel for a tight space |
| Collapsible 50-Gallon Rain Barrel with Filter | 50 gallons | Two faucets, drainage valve, mesh filter | Seasonal use and compact storage |
| VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel | 100 gallons | Multiple outlet valves, mesh top, water-level scale | Higher-capacity portable storage |
| Good Ideas Rain Wizard Water Collection Barrel | 50 gallons | Metal spigot, mesh screen, faux-wood look | A decorative, hose-compatible barrel |
| The Rain Bucket Collapsible Rain Barrel | 53 gallons | High-flow spigot, mesh cover, overflow drain | Portable collection with insect protection |
Our Picks: Best rain barrels with spigots reviews
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon Rain Barrel: Best for a Fixed, Tight-Space Setup
This 50-gallon barrel is made for a more permanent spot beside a home, fence, or shed. Its flat back helps it sit close to a wall, while the textured walnut-colored finish gives it a more finished look than a plain storage drum.
The UV-resistant polyethylene body is designed for outdoor use, and the brass spigot provides a sturdy outlet for filling a watering can or connecting a suitable hose. An overflow valve helps direct excess water, and the barrel can be connected to other barrels for more storage. A stand is optional and sold separately, so check whether your planned setup needs one.
Compared with the collapsible options below, this model is less convenient to store away but offers a fixed, rigid form. It is a strong fit if you want a traditional-looking barrel and value the flat-back design. As with any rain barrel, plan for overflow routing and make sure the spigot will be accessible after installation.
Pros:
- Brass spigot for water access
- Flat back can fit close to a wall or fence
- Overflow valve and option to connect multiple barrels
- UV-resistant polyethylene construction
Cons:
- Stand is sold separately
- Rigid design takes up space year-round
Verdict: Choose the RTS Home Accents barrel if you want a fixed 50-gallon collector with a brass spigot, an overflow valve, and a shape suited to narrow spaces.
Collapsible 50-Gallon Rain Barrel: Best for Easy Off-Season Storage
This collapsible 50-gallon model is designed for people who want a full-size collection container while it is in use but need to save space when it is empty. Its removable support rods allow the barrel to fold flat for storage or transport.
A mesh filter covers the wide top opening to help keep leaves and other debris out. Two 3/4-inch faucets provide water access, and a separate ABS drainage valve is intended for emptying and cleaning. The sunflower-style exterior and printed capacity scale make the design more distinctive and help you check the water level at a glance.
The trade-off is that a flexible barrel has a different feel and setup from a rigid polyethylene container. It needs its support rods installed and a suitable level place to stand. It may suit seasonal gardeners, campers, or anyone with limited storage, but those who want a permanent, solid-sided fixture may prefer the RTS or Good Ideas barrel.
Pros:
- Collapses for compact storage
- Two faucets plus a separate drainage valve
- Mesh filter helps block leaves and debris
- Printed scale makes the water level easier to check
Cons:
- Requires support rods for setup
- Flexible construction may not suit shoppers seeking a rigid barrel
Verdict: Pick this model if fold-away storage and multiple water outlets matter more to you than a rigid, permanent design.
VEVOR 100-Gallon Collapsible Rain Barrel: Best for More Storage
With a listed capacity of 100 gallons, the VEVOR is the largest option in this group. Its collapsible form is made from 1000D PVC, with support rods and a base intended to help it stand upright when filled. A transparent body with scale lines also makes it easier to see how much water is inside.
The mesh top helps keep debris out, and the product description lists three pre-installed outlet valves. It also describes two taps for accessing water. The extra capacity can be useful for larger gardens or for collecting more runoff between watering sessions, but a full barrel holds a substantial amount of water. Choose a stable, level location with enough room and a plan for managing overflow.
Compared with the 50- and 53-gallon collapsible barrels, this one offers more storage but will need more space when set up. The product description includes sealing tape and advises using it to improve leak resistance, so careful assembly and checking the fittings are sensible steps.
Pros:
- Largest listed capacity among these picks
- Collapsible PVC construction with support rods
- Transparent body and scale lines for checking water level
- Mesh top and multiple listed outlet points
Cons:
- Needs more floor space than smaller-capacity models
- Fittings should be assembled carefully, including the supplied sealing tape
Verdict: The VEVOR is worth considering if storage capacity is your main priority and you have a stable, spacious location for a large collapsible barrel.
Good Ideas Rain Wizard: Best for a Decorative Barrel with a Metal Spigot
The Rain Wizard holds 50 gallons and uses a faux-wood design to blend into a garden or patio setting. Its plastic construction is described as weather- and UV-resistant, while the included mesh screen helps keep debris out of the collected water.
The metal spigot is compatible with a garden hose, which can make watering easier when the barrel is positioned near a garden bed. The product can also connect to other Good Ideas rain barrels, though the connection kit is sold separately. Its listed dimensions are 23 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 30 inches high, which can help you check whether it will fit your chosen spot.
This is a rigid barrel, so it is not designed to fold away. The manufacturer’s winter guidance is important: if the barrel cannot be stored indoors during freezing temperatures, drain it and turn it upside down. Compared with the RTS model, it emphasizes the faux-wood appearance and hose-compatible metal spigot rather than a brass spigot and flat-back shape.
Pros:
- Faux-wood appearance for a more decorative look
- Metal spigot can connect to a garden hose
- Mesh screen is included
- Can connect to other Good Ideas barrels with a separate kit
Cons:
- Connection kit for linking barrels is sold separately
- Needs to be drained and turned upside down in freezing conditions if it cannot be stored indoors
Verdict: Consider the Rain Wizard if appearance and a hose-compatible metal spigot are priorities, and you are prepared to follow its winter storage guidance.
The Rain Bucket 53-Gallon Collapsible Barrel: Best for Portable Collection
This 53-gallon barrel has a collapsible PVC body designed for outdoor use and storage when not needed. It includes a mesh cover intended to help keep mosquitoes, leaves, and dirt out, along with a downspout connector for collecting roof runoff.
The high-flow spigot is described as suitable for water access, and an overflow drain helps manage excess water. The barrel is presented as a tool-free setup, which may appeal if you want a portable system that can be moved or put away. It also comes with an additional water storage bag, though the product details do not specify its capacity.
Compared with the other collapsible options, this model includes a downspout connector and highlights mosquito protection. Its capacity is close to the 50-gallon choices, rather than the larger VEVOR. As with any flexible barrel, check that the frame and fittings are set up correctly and place it on a level surface.
Pros:
- Collapsible design for portability and storage
- Mesh cover helps block mosquitoes and debris
- Includes a downspout connector and overflow drain
- Additional water storage bag is included
Cons:
- Flexible construction may not feel as permanent as a rigid barrel
- Capacity of the included storage bag is not specified
Verdict: Choose The Rain Bucket if you want a portable collector with a mesh cover, downspout connector, and overflow drain.
How to Choose a Rain Barrel with a Spigot
Choose a capacity that fits your watering needs
A 50-gallon barrel can suit routine garden watering without taking up as much room as a larger tank. A 100-gallon model stores more runoff, but it needs more space and a careful placement plan. Think about how much water your garden uses between rainfalls, as well as the space available beside your downspout.
Decide between a rigid and collapsible design
Rigid barrels are designed to stay in one place and can be a good fit for a permanent collection setup. Collapsible models can be folded for storage or transport, but they need to be assembled and supported when in use. Consider how often you plan to move or store the barrel before choosing.
Check the spigot type and position
Look at the spigot material, size, and whether the product description says it works with a garden hose. A hose-compatible outlet can be useful for directing water to a garden bed, while a simple tap may be enough for filling a watering can. Also check that the outlet will remain easy to reach once the barrel is installed.
Plan for overflow and drainage
Rain barrels can fill quickly during heavy rainfall, so an overflow outlet or drain can help manage excess water. Before installation, decide where overflow should go so it does not pool against your home or create a muddy area. If you plan to connect multiple barrels, confirm that the required connection parts are included or available separately.
Look for a screen or filter
A mesh screen or filter helps keep leaves and other debris out of stored water. It does not make rainwater safe to drink, but it can help keep water more suitable for outdoor watering tasks. Check that the top opening is accessible so you can clean the screen as needed.
Check placement, support, and winter care
Choose a level, stable location near the downspout and leave room to reach the spigot and overflow outlet. A stand may help position a barrel for access, but check whether it is included or sold separately. In areas with freezing temperatures, follow the product’s winter instructions and empty the barrel if needed to reduce the risk of damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rain barrel water for drinking?
These products are described for garden watering and other outdoor tasks, not as drinking-water systems. Do not assume collected rainwater is safe to drink. Follow local guidance for any intended use beyond outdoor watering.
Does a rain barrel need to sit on a stand?
Not every model includes or requires a stand, but a raised position can make it easier to reach a spigot or connect a hose. Check the barrel’s design and the stand requirements before buying. The RTS Home Accents model lists its stand as an optional item sold separately.
How do I keep leaves and insects out of collected water?
Choose a model with a mesh screen, filter, or cover and keep it in place during use. Screens help block debris and insects, but they still need occasional checking and cleaning.
What should I do with a rain barrel in freezing weather?
Follow the care instructions for your specific model. The Good Ideas Rain Wizard description says to drain it and turn it upside down during freezing temperatures if it cannot be stored indoors. For other models, check the manufacturer’s instructions rather than assuming they can remain full through a freeze.
Can I connect two rain barrels?
Some models support connection to additional barrels. The RTS Home Accents model lists an overflow valve and the option to connect multiple barrels. The Good Ideas Rain Wizard can connect to other Good Ideas barrels, but its connection kit is sold separately.
How do I choose between a 50-gallon and 100-gallon barrel?
Choose based on your available space and how much water you want to store between rainfalls. A 100-gallon barrel holds more but takes up more room when set up. A 50-gallon model may be easier to fit beside a home or garden area.
Final Recommendation
For a fixed setup, the RTS Home Accents 50-gallon barrel is the most balanced pick in this group, with a brass spigot, flat-back design, and overflow valve. If you need a barrel that can fold away, consider The Rain Bucket or the collapsible 50-gallon model with two faucets. For the most listed storage capacity, the VEVOR 100-gallon barrel is the standout, provided you have room for a larger setup.