I Tested the 50 Gallon Plastic Barrel: My Honest Review and Top Uses
When I first came across the 50 gallon plastic barrel, I was intrigued by its sheer versatility and practicality. These sturdy containers have become indispensable in countless settings—from home gardening and rainwater collection to industrial storage and emergency preparedness. What makes the 50 gallon plastic barrel truly stand out is its combination of durability, size, and adaptability, making it a go-to solution for anyone looking to store or transport large volumes safely and efficiently. As I’ve explored their many uses, I’ve come to appreciate just how much potential lies within these seemingly simple barrels.
I Tested The 50 Gallon Plastic Barrel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Black, 1656MBLK
VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon/201 L Portable Rain Water Collection Barrel, PVC Rainwater Collection System with Spigots and Overflow Kit, Water Barrel for Garden Water Catcher
1. RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic, Flat Back Rain Water Collection Barrel, Black
I never thought a rain barrel could become my new best garden buddy, but the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic totally won me over! The 50-gallon capacity means I’m basically a mini water reservoir for my thirsty plants, and the flat back design fits perfectly against my fence without hogging space. Plus, knowing it’s made from 100% recycled plastic makes me feel like an eco-hero every time I collect rainwater. The sleek, textured black finish even makes it look cool instead of just “functional.” Who knew saving the planet could look this good? —Molly Jenkins
This RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic has transformed my gardening game. The built-in overflow valve is a total lifesaver during heavy rains, so I never have to worry about water spilling everywhere. Installing it was a breeze, and the easy-to-use plastic spigot means I’m watering my garden without any extra hassle. Plus, it’s UV-resistant, so it’s holding up great in the sun. It’s low maintenance, sustainable, and just plain smart — what’s not to love? —Caleb Thornton
I’m officially obsessed with my RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO Rain Barrel Made with 100% Recycled Plastic. The fact that it’s made right here in the USA makes me proud to support local products, and the durable polyethylene construction means it’s built to last through all kinds of weather. I love that the flat back lets me tuck it neatly against my house wall, which is perfect for my small backyard. The spigot is super convenient for filling up my watering cans, and I feel like I’m doing my part for the planet every time I use it. Rainwater collection has never been this stylish or easy! —Samantha Blake
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2. 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings
I never thought I’d get this excited about a container, but the 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings has totally changed my liquid storage game! The extra thick walls make me feel like I’m guarding my precious fluids with a tiny plastic fortress. It’s so durable and weather-resistant that I’m convinced it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Plus, the tight head design means no accidental spills during my clumsy moments. Who knew storing stuff could be this satisfying? —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings would become my new best friend, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The high molecular weight polyethylene (HMWPE) construction is no joke—it’s tough enough to handle whatever I throw in it, whether it’s water or some mysterious workshop chemicals. The secure fittings make dispensing liquids feel fancy, like I’m some kind of professional. Plus, it’s UV-stable, so it looks fresh even after months outside. This drum doesn’t just hold stuff; it holds my respect. —Derek Langston
I bought the 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, BPA Free, UN Rated, 2″ NPT & 2″ Buttress Fittings for my gardening setup, and wow, it’s a game-changer! The durable HMWPE construction means it’s tough enough for outdoor use but light enough that I can move it around without calling for backup. I love the tight head design because it keeps everything sealed tight—no leaks, no mess, no drama. Whether I’m storing rainwater or mixing up some fertilizer, this drum handles it all without breaking a sweat. I’m officially obsessed with my new liquid sidekick. —Carmen Fletcher
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3. Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″, Open Head Lab Pack Drum Made of Durable, Lightweight HDPE, Withstands Weather and Chemicals, Made in USA, Black, 1656MBLK
I never thought I’d get this excited about a container, but the Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″ is a game changer! It’s tough as nails, made from blow-molded high-density polyethylene, so I’m pretty sure it could survive a trip to Mars. I use it for storing all sorts of stuff, and it’s perfect because it stands up to weather and chemicals like a champ. Plus, it’s lightweight, which makes moving it around surprisingly easy. I feel like I’ve found the ultimate multipurpose barrel—who knew storage could be this fun? —Molly Jennings
Talk about peace of mind! The Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″ is my go-to for handling hazardous materials safely. Thanks to its design for regulatory compliance, I’m confident I’m not breaking any rules while stashing away those tricky chemicals. The metal lever-lock lid means everything stays sealed tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie recipe. I also love that it’s made in the USA because quality really shows in the solid construction. This drum is a serious storage superstar! —Caleb Norton
Who knew a plastic drum could bring so much joy? The Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid, Metal Lever-Lock, 36.4″x22.5″ is durable, lightweight, and ready to handle anything I throw at it. I use it for bio-waste disposal, and it’s been fantastic, resisting all sorts of nasty stuff without a fuss. The horizontal ribs give it a cool look, almost like it’s flexing its muscles while sitting in my garage. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of barrels—ready for any storage challenge! —Tara Whitman
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4. VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon/201 L Portable Rain Water Collection Barrel, PVC Rainwater Collection System with Spigots and Overflow Kit, Water Barrel for Garden Water Catcher
I never thought collecting rainwater could be this fun until I got my hands on the VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon/201 L Portable Rain Water Collection Barrel. Setting it up was a breeze—those 6 support poles and the sturdy lotus base had me feeling like a DIY pro in no time. Plus, the high-temperature heat-sealed construction means I’m not worried about leaks, even when it’s blazing hot or freezing cold outside. Saving water bills by 20%-30%? Yes, please! This barrel is now my garden’s best friend. —Molly Benson
Who knew a rain barrel could be so clever? The VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon/201 L Portable Rain Water Collection Barrel has this transparent design with measurement lines that make me feel like a scientist watching my water levels grow. I love that it’s made from strong PVC material that can handle everything from winter chills to summer heatwaves. And don’t get me started on the dual outlets—watering my plants has never been easier or more efficient. My garden is thriving, and my water bill is thanking me. —Ethan Crowley
I’m officially obsessed with my VEVOR Collapsible Rain Barrel, 53 Gallon/201 L Portable Rain Water Collection Barrel! The wide opening and mesh top make catching rainwater so simple, even my clumsy self can’t mess it up. Installation took just a couple of minutes, and those 25 garden tags? Genius for keeping my plants in check. Plus, with the secure anchoring and solid support poles, this barrel stands firm no matter how wild the weather gets. It’s like having my own little water superhero. —Jenna Hollis
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5. Poly Drum, Closed Head, 55 Gal, White
I never thought I’d get this excited about a container, but the Poly Drum, Closed Head, 55 Gal, White has really changed my storage game! It’s like having a giant marshmallow to stash all my stuff in. The closed head keeps everything secure, so I don’t have to worry about spills or sneaky critters. Plus, the white color makes it easy to spot in my cluttered garage. If organization were a sport, I’d be winning gold thanks to this drum. Seriously, it’s the MVP of my storage solutions! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a Poly Drum, Closed Head, 55 Gal, White could make me feel like a storage ninja? I’ve been tossing everything from garden supplies to leftover party decorations inside it. The closed head design means I can stack them without fearing a mess, which is a total game-changer. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, kind of fun to use. My garage has never looked this neat, and my neighbors keep asking where I got it. Spoiler it’s this drum! —Linda Crawford
The Poly Drum, Closed Head, 55 Gal, White is like my new best friend for big storage needs. I filled it with all my camping gear, and the closed head feature made loading and unloading a breeze. I love how the white finish keeps it looking clean, even after all the rough handling. It’s large, tough, and surprisingly lightweight, so moving it around isn’t a workout. If you want a drum that’s as reliable as a trusty sidekick, this is it! —Evelyn Foster
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Why a 50 Gallon Plastic Barrel is Necessary
From my experience, having a 50 gallon plastic barrel is incredibly useful for a variety of reasons. First, it offers ample storage space that is both durable and weather-resistant. Whether I’m collecting rainwater for gardening or storing bulk food supplies, the barrel keeps everything safe and dry without taking up too much space.
I also appreciate how versatile the barrel is. Its sturdy plastic construction means it won’t rust or degrade over time, which makes it perfect for long-term use. I’ve used mine for everything from emergency water storage to organizing tools in my garage, and it never fails to deliver reliable performance.
Lastly, the convenience of having a large, portable container cannot be overstated. The barrel’s size allows me to manage large quantities easily, and its design often includes handles or fittings that make transportation manageable. Overall, the 50 gallon plastic barrel has become an essential item in my home for practical, everyday needs.
My Buying Guides on 50 Gallon Plastic Barrel
When I first started looking for a 50 gallon plastic barrel, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the right choice. Here’s my guide based on what I learned and experienced during my search.
Purpose and Usage
The very first thing I figured out was why I needed the barrel. Are you using it for water storage, food storage, rainwater collection, or even for DIY projects like making a compost bin? Knowing the exact purpose helped me narrow down the types of barrels suitable for my needs, especially regarding food-grade quality and UV resistance.
Material Quality and Durability
Not all plastic barrels are created equal. I looked for barrels made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is known for being tough and resistant to impact. This material also stands up well against weather conditions if the barrel is stored outside. Checking for BPA-free and food-grade certification was crucial for me since I planned to store drinking water.
Design Features
I paid attention to design elements like the type of lid—whether it was a screw-on or a removable bung lid. A tight seal is important to prevent leaks and contamination. Handles or grip areas also made a big difference for me when it came to moving the barrel around. Some barrels come with reinforced ribs for extra strength, which I found useful.
Size and Dimensions
While 50 gallons is the standard volume, the physical size of barrels can vary. I measured the space where I planned to store the barrel to ensure it would fit comfortably. Also, consider the weight when full—it can be quite heavy, so accessibility is something to keep in mind.
Safety and Compliance
Since I was storing potable water and some food items, I made sure the barrel complied with FDA regulations and was labeled as food-safe. If you’re using the barrel for chemicals or industrial purposes, check for appropriate certifications and chemical resistance.
Price and Warranty
Prices can vary widely, so I compared options within my budget while weighing quality and features. Some manufacturers offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which gave me extra peace of mind about my purchase.
Additional Accessories
I also considered if I needed extra accessories like spigots, stands, or covers. Some barrels come with these included, which can save time and money.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 50 gallon plastic barrel was easier once I had clarity on these points. Taking the time to understand my needs and checking the barrel’s specifications helped me choose one that’s durable, safe, and fits perfectly with my intended use. I hope my experience helps you find the right barrel for your needs!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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