Best Empty 55 Gallon Drums for Storage, Transport, and Emergency Prep
Choosing a reliable 55-gallon drum is essential for long-term water storage, hazardous material handling, or bulk liquid containment. This guide highlights five well-regarded empty 55-gallon drums, covering plastic, steel, and open- or closed-head designs. Each option balances durability, regulatory compatibility, and ease of use to support preparedness, industrial needs, or on-site projects. Review the table below to compare core details at a glance.
| Product | Material | Head Type | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel | Food-grade plastic (HDPE) | Open Head | BPA-free, large capacity for emergency water storage |
| Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid | HDPE | Open Head with Lever-Lock | Regulatory-friendly for hazardous materials with lid option |
| BayTec 55 Gal Steel Drum Open-Head | Cold-rolled steel | Open Head | Rust inhibitor interior, lever-lock closure |
| Volu Sol 55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum | HMWPE | Tight Head | Two fittings (2″ NPT and 2″ buttress) for controlled dispensing |
| GRAINGER APPROVED Transport Drum Open Head (Blue) | HDPE | Open Head | UN-rated, robust transport compatibility |
Note: Always verify compatibility with your contents, local regulations, and handling requirements before purchase. The selections below provide a range of materials, closures, and uses to fit different applications from water storage to hazardous material handling and bulk liquid transport.
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Storage Barrel
Brand: Augason Farms | Material: Food-grade BPA-free HDPE | Head Type: Open Head
This 55-gallon water storage barrel provides a dependable long-term supply for households during emergencies. Its food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene ensures safe water storage for cooking and hygiene. The drum’s large capacity supports extended outages, while its sturdy construction is designed for multiple seasons of use.
Key features include a food-grade, BPA-free design and a 55-gallon capacity that supports multiple days of drinking water, cleaning, and basic sanitation. The durable plastic construction is meant for reliable storage, with emphasis on safety and preparedness.
Eagle 55 Gallon Plastic Drum with Lid
Brand: Eagle | Material: HDPE | Head Type: Open Head with Lid Option
Designed to support regulatory compliance, this plastic drum is built to withstand weather and chemicals when paired with the appropriate lid. It’s a lightweight, durable option for storing a variety of contents, including hazardous materials, with portability and resilience in mind. The drum’s construction prioritizes reliability in storage and handling environments.
Transport Drum, Open Head, 55 gal., Blue
Brand: Skolnik | Material: HDPE | Head Type: Open Head
This transport drum emphasizes safe handling for liquids and hazardous materials, featuring an open head design and standard UN-related specifications. Its blue exterior plus a secure closure system supports reliable containment and transport in compliance with applicable regulations for hazardous materials.
55 Gal Steel Drum Open-Head | BayTec
Brand: BayTec | Material: Cold-rolled steel | Head Type: Open Head
Constructed from quality steel with a rust-inhibitor interior, this open-head drum offers durability for long-term storage and transport of liquids. It includes a lever-lock closure and gasket cover, contributing to secure containment and easy access for contents that require frequent dispensing or servicing.
55 Gallon Blue Tight Head Plastic Drum, Volu Sol
Brand: Volu Sol | Material: HMWPE | Head Type: Tight Head
Designed for on-site water storage and containment, this tight-head drum combines durable HMWPE construction with a secure top featuring 2″ NPT and 2″ buttress fittings. The design supports controlled dispensing and leak prevention for reliable, mess-free use in various settings.
Transport Drum Open Head, 55 gal. (GRAINGER APPROVED)
Brand: GRAINGER APPROVED | Material: HDPE | Head Type: Open Head
Open-head transport drums from this line provide robust, UN-rated performance for transporting hazardous materials. With specs focusing on packaging integrity and safety, these drums are designed to meet regulatory demands while offering reliable load-bearing capacity and durability for transit and storage.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations include material choice, head type, regulatory compatibility, and intended use. Here are perspectives to help inform your decision:
- Material: Plastic (HDPE or HMWPE) is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for water storage and non-corrosive liquids. Steel drums offer higher rigidity and potential for long-term storage of certain contents but require rust considerations and interior coatings.
- Head Type: Open-head drums provide easy access for pouring and cleaning, suitable for bulk liquids that are sometimes dispensed. Tight-head drums reduce evaporation and leaks, and often include dispensing fittings for controlled use.
- Regulatory Compliance: For hazardous materials or regulated contents, ensure the drum type and lid/closure options align with DOT/UN requirements and local regulations. Lever-lock closures and specified lids enhance safety.
- Fittings and Dispensing: Look for built-in fittings (NPT or buttress) or compatibility with external dispensing accessories to fit your workflow and dispensing needs.
- Durability and Maintenance: Rust inhibitors, interior coatings, and wall thickness influence longevity. Steel drums with rust inhibitors are advantageous for certain contents, while plastic drums excel in non-reactive environments.
- Size and Handling: A 55-gallon capacity balances storage volume with handling practicality. Consider equipment like drum dollies, locking lids, and sealing methods for transport and storage scenarios.
When selecting, match the product to your primary use: emergency water storage, non-potable liquid containment, hazardous material transport, or general bulk liquid handling. This set offers options across materials, closures, and regulatory features to address diverse needs without overpaying for features you won’t use.