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The short answer: It depends on your space, water needs, and aesthetic preferences. A rain barrel offers larger capacity and a traditional look, while a rain saucer is a low-profile, ground-level option that catches rain directly. For most gardeners wanting to water plants, a rain barrel is more practical, but a rain saucer can be a great supplement for small gardens or as a decorative water feature.
Rain barrels are familiar: large containers (typically 50-100 gallons) placed under a downspout to collect roof runoff. They have an inlet at the top, a spigot near the bottom, and often a hose connection. They can be made of plastic, metal, or wood, and come in various styles to match your home.
Rain saucers, on the other hand, are shallower, wider basins that sit on the ground, often without a cover. They collect rain directly as it falls, not from the roof. They are smaller, usually holding 20-50 gallons, and are designed to be low-profile, sometimes used as a decorative pond or bird bath. They may have a pump for circulation or to water nearby plants.
If your goal is to collect a substantial amount of water for regular garden watering, a rain barrel wins. A single downspout can fill a 50-gallon barrel in a moderate rainstorm, giving you a reliable supply. Rain saucers rely on direct rainfall, so they collect far less unless you have a large surface area. In a typical 1-inch rain, a 10×10 foot area yields about 62 gallons, but a rain saucer’s footprint is usually smaller, so you’ll get less.
However, rain saucers can be placed in open areas where downspouts aren’t available, like a detached shed or a garden bed. They can also be used in series, but that adds complexity. For most gardens, a rain barrel is more efficient for meeting irrigation needs.
Rain barrels require installation: a downspout diverter, a level base, and sometimes a hose attachment. You also need to manage overflow and keep the barrel clean to prevent algae and mosquito breeding. Rain saucers are simpler: just place on level ground and let it fill. But because they are open, they are more prone to algae, debris, and mosquito issues unless you use a larvicide or keep it moving with a pump.
Maintenance-wise, rain barrels need occasional cleaning and winterizing (draining and covering) in cold climates. Rain saucers may need more frequent wiping of the interior and protection from freezing if they contain water. If you’re not handy, a rain saucer is easier to set up, but a rain barrel is not hard either.
Rain barrels are bulky but can be decorative: some mimic terracotta, wood, or have patterns. They can be placed against a wall, but they take up vertical space and might obstruct views. Rain saucers are low and can double as a bird bath or small water garden, adding a natural element to your landscape. They are easier to tuck into a corner or integrate into a flower bed. If you have limited wall space or want a subtle addition, a saucer is more discreet. But if you want a statement piece, a rain barrel can be that too.
Rain barrels typically cost more upfront, ranging from budget to premium for quality models. Rain saucers are often cheaper, in the budget to mid-range, but given their smaller capacity, you may need multiple to match a barrel’s water volume. Over time, a rain barrel pays for itself in water savings if you use it regularly. Rain saucers are more for occasional watering or aesthetic purposes. Also consider durability: UV-resistant plastic barrels last longer than thin saucers that may crack. If you want the best value for watering, invest in a rain barrel; if you want a low-cost decorative water feature, a saucer is fine.
Think about how you water. If you use a watering can or a hose with a nozzle, a rain barrel with a spigot is convenient. You can attach a soaker hose directly. Rain saucers require you to dip a watering can in, which can be messy, or use a pump, which adds cost. For gravity-fed watering, a barrel raised on a stand gives good pressure. A saucer on the ground has no pressure. Also, consider overflow: barrels can be linked to another barrel; saucers overflow onto the ground, which might be fine if placed near plants but could cause erosion.
For most gardeners, a rain barrel is the better tool for actually watering plants. If you have a small patio or only need to water a few pots, a rain saucer might suffice. Some people use both: a barrel for main watering, and a saucer as a decorative pond that also catches a little water.
Choosing the right size depends on how much water your plants need and the space you have available. For rain barrels, a common rule is that 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof yields about 600 gallons. However, you don’t need to capture all of it. A 50-gallon barrel can provide enough water for a small to medium garden for several days. If you have a large garden, consider linking multiple barrels to increase capacity. For rain saucers, size is limited by their footprint. A 30-gallon saucer might water a few containers or a small bed, but for anything larger, you’ll need multiple units or a barrel. Also, consider the height of your downspout: barrels need to fit under it with space for a diverter. Saucers can go anywhere on level ground, but they should be placed where they won’t be a tripping hazard.
Many gardeners make mistakes that reduce efficiency or cause problems. For rain barrels, a frequent mistake is not installing a diverter, which can cause overflow and erosion near the foundation. Another is placing the barrel on an uneven surface, which can lead to tipping when full. Also, forgetting to screen the inlet allows mosquitoes to breed. For rain saucers, a common error is placing them in a low spot where they overflow excessively or become breeding grounds. Not cleaning them regularly leads to algae and debris buildup. Another mistake is using untreated water directly on edible plants without considering potential contaminants from roof runoff (for barrels) or bird droppings (for saucers). Always use a food-safe hose and consider a filter if you plan to water vegetables.
If neither a rain barrel nor a rain saucer fits your needs, there are other options. A rain chain directs water from the roof to a decorative basin or garden bed, but it doesn’t store water. A cistern is a larger, underground or above-ground tank that can hold hundreds of gallons, but it’s more expensive and requires professional installation. For small-scale collection, you can use buckets or trash cans under downspouts, but they lack spigots and are less convenient. Another option is a rain garden, which is a planted depression that captures runoff and allows it to infiltrate the soil. This doesn’t store water for later use but helps manage stormwater. If you want a decorative water feature that also collects rain, a small pond with a liner can work, but it’s more involved than a saucer.
Yes, they can complement each other. Use a rain barrel for roof runoff and a rain saucer for areas where you want to collect rain directly, like under a tree or as a bird bath. They serve different purposes.
Any standing water can attract mosquitoes. Saucers are open, so they are more at risk. To prevent it, change water frequently, add a mosquito dunk, or use a small pump to keep water moving.
Rain barrels should be drained and stored or covered. Rain saucers should be emptied or flipped over to avoid cracking from ice. Both require some winter prep, but barrels are bulkier to store.
If you’re ready to get one, check out our best rain barrel guide to see top-rated options. For a saucer, look for thick, UV-stabilized plastic for longevity.
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