Water butt or dipping tank? That is the question

by Samantha Hacker
A soaking tray can be used inside the dipping tank water butt, to easily soak your house plants

 

If you’re thinking about collecting rainwater for your garden, you’re already doing the planet (and your plants) a favour. But with so many clever water-saving products around, it can be tricky to know which one’s right for you.

At Bluum, we’re big fans of both traditional water butts and our award-winning dipping tanks - they each have their own strengths when it comes to looks, function and sustainability. So, here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best fit for your garden and how you like to water it.

Water Butt Planter

 

The classic choice: water butts

Water butts are the tried-and-true option for rainwater collection - practical, durable and easy to set up.

Our water butt range combines function with style with a sleek, modern design that blends beautifully into any outdoor space. They’re perfect for anyone who wants a simple way to collect and reuse rainwater without taking up too much room.

Why you’ll love it

  • Made in the UK from UV-stabilised, frost-proof polymer for year-round durability.
  • Sleek, contemporary design available in a range of colours.
  • Many available with a planter top, for adding extra greenery and transforming the look.
  • Comes as a complete kit - brass tap, shut-off valve, drill bit and diverter all included.
  • Ability to connect multiple butts to expand your water storage.
  • Ideal for filling watering cans via the handy brass tap outlet.
  • Made from full recyclable materials.

Best for

Gardeners who want a neat, compact solution that looks smart, works efficiently and doesn’t need much maintenance. Water butts are great for small to medium gardens, those short on space, or anyone who wants an easy, ready-to-go rainwater system with a polished look.

The sustainable showstopper: dipping tanks

If you’re after something a little different, our dipping tanks take rainwater harvesting to the next level and they look stunning while doing it. Crafted from TIG-welded aluminium right here in the UK, these tanks are a stylish, sustainable upgrade to the conventional plastic water butt.

They’re also multi-purpose: you can use them for watering, link several together for large-scale rainwater storage, or even transform them into a wildlife pond or aquatic planter.

Why you’ll love it

  • Award-winning design — Garden Press Event New Product of the Year (2024 & 2025) and RHS Chelsea Flower Show finalist.
  • Built to last: rust-proof aluminium construction with the option to choose timber, corten steel or 'bug hotel' fascias.
  • Beautiful and versatile: use for watering, pond planting or as a feature piece.
  • Optional accessories, such as waterfalls, planting trays and soaking trays
  • Easy to dip your watering can straight in, no taps or pumps needed.
  • Can be daisy-chained for larger rainwater systems.

Best for

Gardeners who value sustainable design, enjoy wildlife or want something that doubles as a feature piece. Dipping tanks are especially suited to larger gardens or naturalistic spaces.

Waterfall for use with the dipping tank water butt. Made in the UK, waterfall / water feature accessory. Garden water feature. Pond waterfall

 

So, which is right for you?

Both options help you save water and nurture your garden in an eco-friendly way - it just depends on your space and style.

Choose a water butt if you want a classic, compact plug-and-play option that fits neatly into any garden and does the job beautifully.

Choose a dipping tank if you love sustainable design, want a more natural way to water, or like the idea of turning rainwater collection into a garden water feature.

Whichever you pick, you’ll be making a positive change - conserving water, supporting biodiversity and giving your garden the care it deserves.

Back to Blog