With a rainwater tank you save a valuable commodity - tap water - and the associated water costs. What's more, your plants will be happy to be watered with the most natural water possible. You can find out why this is the case and what you should pay attention to when buying a water butt in our guide.
Rain barrels with a spout are particularly practical
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vidaXL rain barrel rainwater tank water tank rainwater barrel cistern tank 500 L
74.19 EUR To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| capacity | 500L |
| shape | around |
| design | simple, functional |
| Plantable | no |
| scope of delivery | large |
The vidaXL rain barrel is just the right rain collector for gardeners who are looking for a simple but functional model at a comparatively low price. It has a capacity of 500 liters. With the green color, this water reservoir does not attract negative attention, but blends in well with the green oasis. Many reviewers on Amazon are enthusiastic about the plastic rain container. It should also be misused and used as a plunge pool after the sauna. The scope of delivery, which includes a lid and an outlet tap, is also practical.
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Garantia Antique Amphora decorative rainwater storage tank with integrated plant bowl 211601, terracotta, 250 ltr.
235.00 EUR To the product| material | plastic |
|---|---|
| capacity | 250L |
| shape | around |
| design | antique, decorative |
| Plantable | Yes |
| scope of delivery | small |
Garantia's antique amphora rainwater storage tank is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a particularly decorative rainwater collector and has a small to medium-sized garden. The model is made of plastic, but in a very authentic terracotta replica. Apart from the antique amphora design, the integrated plant bowl is pleasing, as it allows the rain barrel to blossom, so to speak. The basic tenor of the Amazon reviewers is "Looks good and lasts". There is no outlet tap included in the scope of delivery. This must be ordered separately - a small disadvantage.
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Temesso rain barrel, rain barrel, wooden barrel, wine barrel, ton of barrique oak 225 liter water barrel - original barrel
EUR 229.90 To the product| material | solid oak wood |
|---|---|
| capacity | 225L |
| shape | around |
| design | rustic, decorative |
| Plantable | no |
| scope of delivery | small |
The rain barrel from Temesso impresses with the rustic wine barrel look and the robust material. It is made of solid oak wood and is both UV-resistant and frost-proof. The capacity is 225 liters - so the attractive rain barrel is recommended for gardens that tend to be small. The reviewers on Amazon describe the special rain collector as high quality. He should be an absolute eye-catcher. The disadvantage is that the wooden rain barrel is delivered without a lid and drain cock. In addition, it may be that you have to rinse the barrel several times before using it for the first time in order to remove the red wine residue.
Purchase Criteria
material
wood: Rainwater tanks made of wood know how to impress, above all, visually. With their naturalness, they fit perfectly into the garden. However, the wood often needs more care than the other materials from which rain barrels (53.99 €) can be made.
plastic: Water storage tanks made of plastic are particularly popular because they are inexpensive and easy to care for. There are now also models with an amazingly authentic wood or stone look to choose from. But if you take a closer look - and feel - it becomes clear that it is just a replica.
metal: Rain tanks made of metal are characterized by their enormous robustness and stability. It is important that they are hot-dip galvanised, painted, powder-coated and lined with plastic on the inside to prevent them from rusting. If you are aiming for a modern solution and appreciate the industrial style, a metal rain collector is the right choice.
capacity
A capacity of up to 200 liters is perfectly adequate for a small garden. If you have a medium-sized garden, we recommend buying a bin with a volume of 300 liters. For larger green oases, 500 liters and more is optimal. There are also rainwater collection tanks with a capacity of 1000 liters on the market. These are primarily worthwhile for kitchen gardens and farms. A small rain barrel with 30 liters also fits on the balcony.
aesthetics
shape: There are round and square rainwater tanks. In addition to your taste, it is also a question of the planned installation site, which form fits better. If you would like to place the water butt in a corner to save as much space as possible, you will logically make the right choice with a square version. If every centimeter is not important in your garden, you can also give preference to a round rain barrel.
design: If the rainwater tank only has to be convincing in terms of functionality, it is best to opt for a classic rainwater tank, usually in green or anthracite, which has a simple and practical design. If you want the rain barrel to function as a stylish decorative element, you can choose from models with an amphora look, rustic water tanks with a wine barrel look, or rain tanks with a rock look. All of these variants are real eye-catchers in the green oasis.
plantability: Some rainwater tanks - especially the already very decorative ones - can even be planted. They usually bring an integrated planter with them. This addition makes the water reservoir even more aesthetic.
scope of delivery
Always take a look at the accessories included in the scope of delivery when making your individual comparison of different rain collectors. Of particular interest are a spout (like a tap to easily fill the watering can or connect a garden hose), a lid (to protect against leaves, dirt and algae build-up) and a base (useful when the spout is placed low so that the watering can fits well underneath). Ideally, these utensils are already included.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a rainwater tank?
A rainwater tank, also known as a water butt or rainwater tank, is a large tub used to collect and store rainwater. The capacity of a rain tank is in most cases between 300 and 1000 liters.
How does a rainwater tank work?
You have two options for directing the rainwater into the rainwater collection tank: either remove the cover when it rains or connect the bin to the downpipe of the gutter. As a result, the rainwater flows in a targeted manner into the rain barrel, from which you can then fill the water into your watering can, for example. Alternatively, connect a garden hose to the rainwater tank.
What are the advantages of watering with rainwater?
By irrigating your garden with rainwater, you save on water costs because, as is well known, the "wet from above" is free. In addition, you are doing your plants a favor as rain contains less lime and is therefore softer than tap water. Moreover, rainwater does not contain any added germicidal substances. These properties make rainwater better tolerated by plants, as confirmed by the Stiftung Warentest.
Where is the best place to buy a rainwater collector?
Solid rainwater collection containers are usually available in all well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers. However, you can enjoy the largest selection online, especially at amazon.de. There are water butts in a variety of designs and from different manufacturers. In addition, the popular mail order company scores with the uncomplicated ordering and return procedure.
How much does a rainwater tank cost?
Rain tank prices vary widely. They depend on various points - such as the material, the design and quality, the capacity and the manufacturer. You generally pay between 50 and 100 euros for a simple 500 liter water butt, while a decorative 250 liter version can sometimes cost 200 euros or more.
How do I overwinter my rainwater tank?
If the rainwater tank is protected from frost, it can spend the winter outside in the garden or on the balcony. But: empty it completely before the first frost. Otherwise it could burst due to the water expanding when it freezes.
equipment
Filling machine with filter
A filling machine with filter can be connected to the rain tank. It prevents the bin from overflowing and - thanks to the filter - keeps leaves, blossoms, twigs, insects and dirt out of the rainwater tank. Choose a high-quality finish whose features match the characteristics of your water tank.
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