FCMP Slim Line 45 review
FCMP Outdoor Slim Line Rain Barrel, 45 Gallon
By Tom Calder
Key specs
The maker's figures.
- Capacity
- 45 gallons
- Build
- Slim, flat back
- Features
- Side spigots to link barrels
A slim, flat-backed 45-gallon barrel that sits flush against a wall, with side spigots to link more barrels. Good where a round barrel won't fit. Same CDC rule: water for plants you don't eat, not for drinking untreated.
- Best for
- Tight spaces beside the house
- Skip it if
- You have room for a round 50-gallon barrel
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Researched, not used. We haven't used this product. This review is built from the maker's specifications, owner reports and our own sizing.
What we like
- Flat back fits against a wall
- Side spigots link barrels
Worth knowing
- 45 gallons
- Sold by Triplenet Pricing through Amazon
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Our review
The FCMP Outdoor Slim Line is a 45-gallon, wood-grain rain barrel with a flat back that sits against a wall, side spigots to link more barrels, and a debris screen. It saves roof water for the garden. CDC says rainwater is not necessarily safe to drink, so this is a barrel for plants, not for emergency drinking water.
What the Slim Line is
The Slim Line is a plastic rain barrel styled to look like a wooden one. FCMP describes the slim-line design as suited to places where a larger barrel would be intrusive, and a flat back that lets you place it right up against the house. A retailer listing gives its size as 16 by 22 by 32 inches, with a 45-gallon capacity, and says it is made of recycled, UV-inhibited, BPA-free polyethylene. The kit lists a debris screen, garden hose, shut-off thumb valve, hanging hose clip, overflow hose and linking kit.
Strengths
The shape is the reason to buy it. A shallow, flat-backed barrel fits beside a downspout where a round one will not, and spigots on the side let you connect several barrels in series to add storage later. The listing also mentions a safety rib in the top that keeps it child and pet safe, and a corrosion-resistant screen to keep debris out. EPA describes the basic purpose of a rain barrel: capturing roof water for later use on lawns, gardens or indoor plants, which reduces runoff from your property.
Limits and cold-weather care
At 45 gallons it is small for a large garden, though linking barrels helps. The listing says the barrel is not suitable for freezing temperatures and must be drained and flipped to avoid ice damage, or the warranty is void, so it needs a winter routine in cold states. A retailer FAQ lists a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
Safety: plants, not drinking water
CDC says rainwater is not necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals. It says rainwater can pick up chemicals from roofing materials, gutters and piping, and that bird droppings on your roof can end up in a rain barrel. CDC suggests using rainwater only in ways that limit the chance you will swallow it, such as watering plants you do not eat, and using tap or bottled water for drinking, cooking and watering plants you plan to eat. EPA likewise notes that roof runoff can carry bacteria from birds and animals and chemicals from roof materials, which matters for edible plantings.
CDC also says to empty a rain barrel at least every 10 days or screen the inlet to stop mosquitoes laying eggs, and not to let rainwater enter pipes that carry drinking water. For emergency drinking water, see our water storage guide and make water safe.
How it compares, and the verdict
On our rain barrel comparison, the RTS Home Accents 50-Gallon ECO barrel holds more in a round shape, the FCMP Catalina is a 45-gallon alternative, and the VEVOR is a collapsible 100-gallon barrel. Compare prices on the day.
Verdict: a sensible barrel for a narrow spot beside the house. Skip it if you have room for a larger round barrel, live where winters freeze and will not drain it, or want a source of emergency drinking water, which no rain barrel is.
A researched review, built from the maker's specs, manual and US listings; facts checked 2 Nov 2026. Sources: VMInnovations: FCMP Outdoor wood grain rain barrel with flat back design; CDC: Collecting rainwater and your health; EPA: Soak Up the Rain, rain barrels.
Who shouldn't buy this
Don't buy it if you have room for a round 50-gallon barrel.
This is a Researched review: we haven't used this product. We check every specification against at least two independent sources, re-check the US price on a schedule where we can track it automatically, and say plainly who it isn't for. Commissions never change a rating.
If this isn’t the one
Best for A first barrel against a downspout, where looks and a flat back matter
See the comparison →Best for A straightforward 50-gallon barrel
Read the review →Best for A barrel that sits in view, such as by a front door or patio
See the comparison →Questions
Can I drink water from the FCMP rain barrel in an emergency?
CDC says rainwater is not necessarily safe to drink without first removing germs and chemicals. Use it for plants you do not eat and keep stored drinking water separate.
How big is the FCMP Slim Line rain barrel?
A retailer listing gives 45 gallons and 16 by 22 by 32 inches, with a flat back so it can sit against the house.
Can I leave it out in freezing weather?
The listing says it is not suitable for freezing temperatures and must be drained and flipped to avoid ice damage, or the warranty is void.
How do I keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?
CDC says to add a screen where the water comes into the system, or empty the barrel at least every 10 days.