Human water consumption has major environmental implications, but using one of these 6 best small rainwater harvesting systems can help us make a difference.
In today’s day and age, clean water is often taken for granted in developed countries where it’s accessible and bountiful. However, recent water shortages have threatened several areas around the world and pose great risks to the general public.
Here’s the good news. Clean water literally falls from the sky and is completely free to harvest and recycle for yourself.
We set out in search of the best rainwater harvesting kits on the market today to provide you with a list of 6 great options to collect rainwater!
Let’s take a look at the rainwater harvesting systems that made our list!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best Overall Rainwater Harvesting Kit: GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank | A variety of tank sizes with storage capacity to fit your needs. Looks great and it comes with 3/4 inch fittings to make hookups a breeze. | Check Price |
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Best Runner Up Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Enviro World EWC-10 FreeGarden Rain Barrel | A 55-gallon rain barrel with an attached overflow valve. Features a 3/4-inch spigot for dispensing and child safety screws. | Check Price |
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Best Built Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Suncast 50 Gallon Rain Barrel | 50-gallon rain barrel made of highly durable resin material. Made to stand up to the elements and dispenses through a hose. | Check Price |
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Best-Looking Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Good Ideas Rain Wizard | The best-looking on our list. The space on the top allows a place for flowers. Comes in dark granite and sandstone. Fantastic for curb appeal. | Check Price |
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Best Large Capacity Rainwater Harvesting Kit: AutoPot AWFT0265 | If it’s capacity you need, the AutoPot has it. Comes in multiple sizes, but we focused strictly on the 265-gallon. Flexible design keeps it mobile. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Goplus Portable Rain Barrel | The perfect option for buyers on a budget! It doesn’t sacrifice rainfall collection capacity for the sake of price. | Check Price |
How We Chose the Best Rainwater Harvesting Kits
We put these rainwater harvesting systems through all the paces during our testing process. We assessed them on the following criteria.
The first factor we took into account was the price of each rain barrel compared to its performance. We wanted to make sure that we could steer you to the best deal that you can get for your money.
The second factor that we looked at when rating these rainwater harvesting kits was the quality of their construction.
Retaining high volumes of harvested rainwater can cause plenty of stress on the reservoir holding them. We made sure these collectors could stand up to the test of storage capacity and not break down over long periods of use.
We also rated these rainwater harvesting kits based on their appearance. These units will likely be visible in your yard, and we assessed them on their curb appeal.
You don’t want to have ugly fixtures sitting around in your yard, so we made sure to give plenty of consideration to how natural these units will look sitting in your yard.
Finally, we rated each rainwater harvesting system on the water dispensing ability.
These rain barrels are made to dispense the water they collect, and we thoroughly assessed how well each spigot and hose works, and how much water it can deliver to a garden just using gravity and not a pump.
READ MORE: Looking for other great renewable yard fixtures? Check out our list of the Best Solar Powered Bird Bath Fountains.
Best Rainwater Harvesting Kits Reviewed
1. Best Overall Rainwater Harvesting Kit: GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank
Product Ratings
| Price | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
| Appearance | 5/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 5/5 |
Brand: GROW1 | Capacity: 13, 26, 60, 105, 132, 200, 265 Gallons | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride | Features: 3/4 Inch tap and valve fitting, Collapsable
What We Liked
- Easy, frustration-free setup
- Range of water tank capacities available
- Ultra-durable construction
- Exceptional UV protection
What We Didn’t Like
- The water inlet is on the smaller side
The Grow1 Collapsible Rainwater Harvester is a versatile piece of equipment. It’s a breeze to transport, set up, and use.
The unit is great for collecting rainwater in a limited space with various sizes available to suit anyone, from apartment dwellers to those living on large acres of land.
The option of collapsing the unit and moving it to another spot with minimal effort is an invaluable functionality. Homeowners can easily move the tank around to different locations or properties.
It depends on the weather patterns. It can also be quickly stored and tucked away during dry spells.
The unit’s inlet is a bit small. You might need to enlarge it to allow more rain to be funneled into the tank during storms. Both issues may make the unit a little more complicated to set up for those planning a heavy amount of use.
The unit’s shape does create great water pressure due to its height. That is a major benefit for those looking to use it with a hose.
The spigot is fitted right at the bottom of the unit. The unit is not insulated. However, due to its construction, it can stretch a bit should the water freeze in winter, keeping it safe from accidental bursting.
See Price on Amazon2. Best Runner Up Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Enviro World EWC-10 FreeGarden Rain Barrel
Product Ratings
| Price | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
| Appearance | 4/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 5/5 |
Brand: Enviro World | Capacity: 55 Gallons | Material: Plastic | Features: 3/4 Inch tap, Overflow hose
What We Liked
- Incredibly easy setup
- Built with the capability to be connected to other units
- Rigid barrel design
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the most visually appealing unit
There really is no easier option than the FreeGarden Rain Barrel when setting up a rain harvesting system.
Simply place the unit under a gutter or a place where water naturally falls off the roof and wait for it to fill up.
The quick, no-fuss design of the FreeGarden Rain Barrel is sure to make it a winner for those who want to collect rain but don’t have the technical know-how or time to make adjustments to their gutter system.
The size and shape of the system also allow people to transport it easily in the back of an average car.
The size of the unit isn’t necessarily the biggest. However, this minor inconvenience is countered by its ability to link up several units in a series, so each barrel is filled as soon as the former is full.
You can easily do this by connecting them via the overflow pipes located on top near the lid.
The unique concave lid that directs water into a mesh filter allows the FreeGarden to catch water from a wider area, meaning it could even be used without a gutter system.
The mesh filter ensures that leaves and debris don’t get into the water while also keeping mosquitos out.
The rigid design and square shape are great for squeezing into a corner where round, soft units may not be suitable.
A well-made brass spigot is placed higher on the barrel than other designs, making filling watering cans far easier. The feature also prevents any debris from getting trapped in the spigot.
See Price on Amazon3. Best Built Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Suncast 50 Gallon Rain Barrel
Product Ratings
| Price | 4/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
| Appearance | 5/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 3/5 |
Brand: Suncast | Capacity: 50 Gallons | Material: Sturdy resin | Features: Hoses included |
What We Liked
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Hoses included
What We Didn’t Like
- Very low water pressure
For a simple, compact unit that does its job well and doesn’t get in the way, the Suncast Rain Barrel is a great choice.
This low-to-the-ground sturdy little unit wouldn’t look out of place around office supply storage containers, which isn’t necessarily the most pleasing look. However, it does a fantastic job with very little effort.
Homeowners can simply place their Suncast Rain Barrel under a source of falling water and wait for it to collect, storing it for later.
With its sturdy plastic construction, this unit is tough and should withstand knocks and scrapes without leaking. The included hoses that come with the unit are a handy addition to top off the kit.
However, this barrel is too low and can cause pressure problems. On the other hand, the height makes the unit sturdier and more practical when used in the garden.
The hoses are a big bonus. They eliminate the headache of going out and finding the correct fittings and sizes for your particular unit.
The hose also has a shut-off valve, making it all the more convenient. However, the hose can’t function like a sprayer due to the limited pressure.
So, it’s far more practical to drop the hose into your watering can or put it near some thirsty plants to slowly water them while you do something else.
See Price on Amazon4. Best Looking Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Good Ideas Rain Wizard
Product Ratings
| Price | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
| Appearance | 5/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 4/5 |
Brand: Good Ideas | Capacity: 50 Gallons | Material: Polyethylene | Features: Built-in planter, Dual spigots, Multiple color options
What We Liked
- Built-in planter
- Fantastic curb appeal
- Dual spigots
What We Didn’t Like
- The construction of the body is a bit thin
Look no further than the Good Ideas Rain Wizard for something that adds a pop to your garden. This pretty little barrel is both visually appealing and functional.
The design allows homeowners to grow a small plant in the top compartment while collecting water through a mesh-covered hole in the back.
NOTE: While the unit is a bit pricey considering the number of gallons you can store, you can double up your collection capacity by placing one of these under every downpipe around your house.
The added barrels won’t make your home look like an industrial grow operation with its attractive design.
The Rain Wizard is quite a unique rain harvester because of its attractiveness compared to other plain rain barrels.
Most would pass by one without even recognizing it as a water storage device, and the textured finish of the barrel’s exterior makes it into quite a believable planter.
The barrel’s capacity may be a bit small for users with high water demands or large gardens. However, homeowners could place a barrel under each downpipe without taking away their garden’s tranquility.
Besides its pretty design, the barrel has many practical components. The mesh-covered inlet helps to keep debris from entering the barrel and possibly blocking the spigots.
WARNING: It doesn’t completely prevent mosquitoes from entering and setting up camp, so owners should watch for potential larvae.
See Price on Amazon5. Best Large Capacity Rainwater Harvesting Kit: AutoPot AWFT0265
Product Ratings
| Price | 3/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 |
| Appearance | 4/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 5/5 |
Brand: AutoPot | Capacity: 6.6, 13, 25, 60, 105, 200, 265 Gallons | Material: Plastic | Features: Fully collapsible, No tools required for assembly
What We Liked
- Easy to transport
- High capacity
What We Didn’t Like
- Not the most visually appealing unit
If you’re looking to store as much rain as possible, the Autopot 265 Gallon FlexiTank is one of your best bets.
With the amount of water this behemoth is able to store, you should be able to completely switch from municipal water supply to just rainwater in areas with good rain patterns.
We like that it folds away for storage and has a lightweight frame despite the huge capacity.
However, we have to admit that it’s the least attractive rain harvesting kit we found.
See Price on Amazon6. Best Budget Rainwater Harvesting Kit: Goplus Portable Rain Barrel
Product Ratings
| Price | 5/5 |
| Quality | 4/5 |
| Appearance | 4/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 5/5 |
Brand: Goplus | Capacity: 53, 60, 100 Gallons | Material: PVC | Features: Fully collapsible, Easy setup |
What We Liked
- Great deal
- Nice water pressure
What We Didn’t Like
- The spigot is difficult to access
For an easy way to start harvesting rainwater with minimal up-front costs, the Goplus Portable Collapsible Rain Barrel is a great pick.
Its bare-bones and effective design allows for maximum functionality. Homeowners simply need to place the unit under a downpipe and wait for it to rain- its mesh-covered hole in the center of the lid will do all the work for you.
This budget option may not look as nice as other options, but its affordability makes it a fast return on investment.
The relatively small size of this unit is also great for those with small gardens that want to tuck it out of the way.
The unit is similar to other collapsible models but outdoes them with its designated mesh-covered hole in the center of the lid.
The neutral green color of the barrel allows it to blend in with the garden, and its compact design is great for storage during dry periods or winters.
On the other hand, the spigot’s height is rather low, which may make it a bit difficult to fill watering cans if you place it on the ground.
You should raise the unit on a few cinder blocks instead so that the improved water pressure can help the rainwater exit more smoothly.
See Price on AmazonComparison Chart
| Products | Best Overall | Best Overall Runner Up | Best Built | Best Looking | Best Large Capacity | Best Budget |
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 4.75/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.25/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Price | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Quality | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Appearance | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Dispensing Capability | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
The Winner
After our test, it was clear to us that the GROW1 Collapsible Reservoir Water Tank was the all-around best option for homeowners looking for rainwater harvesters.
Its mix of capacities and quality made it an option that would fit all needs.
Read our related article on the Pros and Cons of Solar Irrigation Systems. Are these systems worth the buy? Here’s what we discovered.
How to Choose the Best Rainwater Harvesting Kit for You
With so many models on the market, finding the perfect small rain harvesting kit for your garden or balcony has become increasingly difficult.
When weighing your options, whether online or off, it’s important to consider several major factors before investing in costly or cumbersome units.
What Type of Climate Do You Live In?
This is the biggest consideration to make when choosing a rain harvesting kit. There are many different sizes, shapes, and capacities.
Determining the number of gallons you’ll most likely be collecting before purchase will save you many headaches down the line.
Here are a few questions to start with:
- How often does it rain where you live?
- Do you experience a long dry season?
- Do you experience regular rain patterns?
Those who experience long dry periods and infrequent rains will benefit from choosing a larger rainwater harvesting unit over a smaller one.
A single 50-gallon unit may be just fine for those only looking to water their garden here and there but will not be enough for someone in an area where the next rains may be 3 or 4 months out.
Check out these tips for maintaining your rainwater system.
Are You Planning on Emptying the Water Tank Frequently?
If the answer is yes, you’ll need to look for a unit with a well-made spigot.
When it comes to rainwater harvesting units, one of the most common complaints is spigots that break, leak or become quickly blocked.
Overall, a brass spigot is always better than a plastic one.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the height of the spigot on your unit. If you plan to be using a watering can and can’t raise the tank off of the ground, you’ll have difficulty filling the can if your spigot is located on the bottom of the tank.
Of course, you can always place your tank on a few cinder blocks to increase water pressure and accessibility, but this may be an inconvenience and eyesore for homeowners.
Do You Want to Link Your Tanks Together for Overflow?
A common practice for rain harvesters is to use their units in a cell-like fashion where several units connect to form one large storage unit.
The benefit of this method is that one can effectively increase the amount of water harvested from a single point without needing to change the gutters or position of the units.
Most of the tanks on our list can connect in series to overflow into each other.
However, if you’re looking to make a proper series, the best models have specific overflow pipes that easily funnel the water from one barrel to the next.
