The 5 Best 55 Gallon metal Barrels (2023 reviews)

The earthminded 55 gallon metal barrel is long-lasting, rigid and fits well with your daily purpose like a dream. Rain barrels are an effective and environmentally friendly approach to water conservation and allow you to save water while reducing your water bill. The patented flexifit diverter installs easily by drilling a single hole into any standard 3 ” x 4 ” rectangular downspout. It is so loose inside of that gasket that it just keeps turning as long as you apply a bit of force to it. The rubber is rigid and feels like it would last many seasons, connectors are very tight,nice inclusion of drill bits.

The diverter ( inside the downspout) will trap leaves and debris. It is amazing as to how much rain can be collected from a rooftop gutter. It is so easy to install, just take care to drill the hole at the right height and centered on the downspout. The rubber is so loose inside of that gasket that it just keeps turning as long as you apply a bit of force to it.

Why We Like This:

Improve the filling efficiency of the diverter
Fills up in just a few minutes with a heavy rain
Saves you from having to get all your own parts from a hardware store

Best With pump: Oatey 55 Gallon metal Barrel

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If you are looking for a basic diverter for your rain barrel inlet, this should meet your needs. The design of the diverter, has an inside water catch, allowing the majority of water to go down the gutter, the remaining into the barrels. It includes made from high quality plastic and the hose. The kit contains a rubber hose that will slip over that part, a good tight friction fit.

The rain barrel is not sealed, so there is no intent for water to pool back up to diverter when the barrel is filled. It is very thick and kinks somewhat easily, so you may struggle a little. The barrels are perfectly sealed and there is always room at the very top for air to go down the gutter, the remaining into the barrels. It is easy to install with a hack saw or carbide blade cutter.

Why We Like This:

, a very clean look and a relatively easy set up
Easy to install and works flawlessly
Product material and design is great

Best With faucet: Good ideas 55 Gallon metal Barrel

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Best part: good ideas 55 gallon metal barrel costs comparatively low and it is available to ship in 24 hours. This rain barrel gets the job done. It doesn't hold anywhere near 50 gallons of it though. The top of the barrel is concave and has standing water on top of it after it rains. DEFINITELY USE ALL THE TAPE when you wrap the spigot before installing. Though BPA free, it has several vent holes in the front and a hole in the top for rain water to enter. Pretty sure it's 50 gallons as advertised, despite what another reviewer said.

It comes with plumbers tape to make a tight seal.

Why We Like This:

Collecting rainwater can help lower water bills and is easy on the environment
This can attract bugs/mosquitoes and is not ideal
Lasted the whole summer with water to spare

Best For taking up less space: FCMP Outdoor 55 Gallon metal Barrel

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This looks nicer than an old pickle barrel. Spigots on the side of the barrel allow you to connect multiple rain barrels in-series for easy expansion of your rainwater storage capacity. It is made from poly, with poles to keep the shape of the barrel easily. There is a small (8x10”) plastic grid on the top that can pop off, but no way to remove the top. The resin should bend slightly allowing the screen to pop out.

This is a very satisfactory rain catcher, nice looking and soundly designed. The barrel is a single molded piece so the " top " of the barrel can not be removed. It is perfectly with no leaking in the area where the hose is attached.

Why We Like This:

Shaped to fit into corners and against walls without wasting too much space
Surprisingly very nice hold rain water
Delivers what they promise

Best With stand: Upcycle 55 Gallon metal Barrel

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We would, of course, be remiss if we didn't mention upcycle 55 gallon metal barrel for daily purpose. Rain barrels are containers that collect and store rainwater draining from your roof. It fits a standard garden hose to add to that have many economical and sustainable advantages. The plastic fittings work well enough if you are careful not to loosen them or strip the threads when adding a hose. It fits snugly with no problems.

These barrels also look great and have an interesting story. It's only about 24 feet long, but it's enough to fill the barrel with a good rain. It is perfect for a recycle-minded owner.

Why We Like This:

Wide-mouth ring opening at top with screen provided
Useful, and keeping out of landfills
A better use is for watering plants
Great rain barrels, tip over until filling