Rain barrels or water butts are a great water conservation tool. Whether you want to water your garden or wash the dishes, a good rain barrel will easily let you use water for everyday household needs. The best rain barrels are durable and easy to use. We've surveyed several brands for different types of customers. Our overall pick is the Harcostar rain barrel for its quality and ease of use.
Harcostar rain barrel
Easy to modify and use for your household
The Harcostar rain barrel has an easy-to-use standard diverter water butt kit with a tap and a child-safe lockable lid. An incredible 227-litre capacity will allow you to safely store water for weeks after rainfalls for your washing and gardening needs. The attractive green colour will match your garden perfectly, too.
You can easily modify the default setup for advanced garden needs. While it does come with a hose, the fitting is standard, and you can buy a longer one if it's a better fit for your house. It also includes a stand to easily keep it upright in the windiest of weather.
Slimline rain barrel
Stand and downpipe filler kit make dispensing a breeze
The Slimline 100-litre rain barrel is perfect for your water dispensing needs. It has a clever stand and downpipe filler kit that will let water flow downwards with gravity, easing your ability to feed water elsewhere. The high-density plastic is durable and will last you a long time in harsh weather.
Strata Products rain barrel
Easy snap-on lid that's easy to lock for child safety
The Strata Products 120-litre rain barrel is not only easy to use, but it has a strong safety feature. The included snap-on lid takes seconds for an adult to release or lock, but a child will be unable to open it. The plastic is very solid, making this a good product for basic water usage.
BeGreen rain barrel
Optimized for small spaces
The BeGreen rain barrel has a tiny footprint that will allow you to place it in even the smallest of backyards or balconies. The water butt will bring you the benefits of water collection, even if you live in a high-density dwelling. All the basics are available at a great value, including a stand, a hose fit tap and a rain diverter, along with a strong 100-litre capacity.
Bottom line
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Our top pick is the Harcostar rain barrel for its durability and flexibility. The 227-litre capacity will store water for weeks after large rainstorms, allowing you to draw down during the drier seasons for your house and garden. The child-safe lockable lid and hidden tap are perfect features for busy families. Modification options are available, such as a standard hose fitting that allows you to buy a longer hose if you need it.
The other reviewed products also have great features to consider. The Slimline rain barrel has a clever design that uses gravity to make the water easier to dispense for your everyday needs. The Strata Products rain barrel has a handy locking feature to protect against small children. For residents with small backyards or balconies, the BeGreen rain barrel allows you to collect water in even the smallest footprint.
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At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.