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When gardening and landscaping, having the right tools can make all the difference. For moving mulch, compost, plants, or clippings efficiently from one area to another, you need a great wheelbarrow. After all, owning one of the best wheelbarrows helps make it possible to grow beautiful flowers or delicious edibles! With so many options to choose from, we know that selecting the best wheelbarrow can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together a list of our favorite wheelbarrows, ones we still love after years of use and that we know will help make your time spent in the garden easier and more efficient.
Our Top Picks:
- Our Favorite Wheelbarrow: True Temper Wheelbarrow – $219.99 at Amazon
- What Other Gardeners Love: Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow – $179 at Lowes
- Best Budget Wheelbarrow: True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow – $53.90 at Home Depot
- Best One Wheel Wheelbarrow: Jackson Wheelbarrow – $149 at Home Depot
- Best Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow: Rubbermaid Yard Cart – $229 at Home Depot
Reviews of The Best Wheelbarrows
1. Our Favorite: True Temper Wheelbarrow
The True Temper Wheelbarrow is a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable, all-purpose wheelbarrow. With its spacious 6 cubic feet hauling capacity, it’s perfect for homeowners, landscapers, and even light construction work. We particularly appreciate its sturdy, seamless steel tray and rugged steel handles, which make it incredibly durable and easy to maneuver. The flat-free tire ensures we’re always safe from flats during big projects.
Whether you’re moving soil, mulch, or heavy tools, the True Temper Wheelbarrow handles it all effortlessly, making it a must-have for outdoor tasks. It’s large enough to quickly and easily transport large heaps, and the flat-free tire eliminates worries about flats between uses, an issue we had with older wheelbarrows. Its reliability, durable materials, and spacious steel tray make it indispensable for gardeners.
Our Tips:
Though an all-steel wheelbarrow might rust over time, a fresh coat of paint easily solves this.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Tray Material: Steel
- Handle Material: Steel
The Pros:
- Easy to maneuver and handle
- Never-flat tire
- Large capacity
- Durable construction
The Cons:
- Heavy weight
- Potential for rust
- Expensive
What Others Are Saying:
The True Temper Wheelbarrow was named the best one-wheel wheelbarrow by The Spruce.
Buy the True Temper Wheelbarrow:
2. What Other Gardeners Love: Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow
Gardeners searching for a durable and reliable workhorse for their outdoor projects have consistently praised the Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow. Recognized for its robust construction, two-wheeled structure, and innovative design, this wheelbarrow is a favorite among professionals and gardening enthusiasts alike. Crafted with heavy gauge steel and equipped with flat-free tires, it promises longevity and ease of use.
Whether you’re tackling tough landscaping tasks or just tending to the garden, the Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow stands out for its ability to handle heavy loads, making it a top choice for those who demand the best tools for their gardening needs. We highly recommend it for its unmatched durability and efficiency in managing various gardening and construction tasks.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 7 cubic feet
- Tray Material: Steel
- Handle Material: Steel
The Pros:
- Built with heavy gauge steel
- Two flat-free tires for stability
- Comfy grips and metal handles
- Generous capacity
The Cons:
- Heavier than plastic models
- Susceptible to rust
What Others Are Saying:
The Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow was named best wheelbarrow for gardening by Better Homes and Gardens and best heavy-duty wheelbarrow by The Spruce.
Buy the Kobalt Steel Wheelbarrow:
3. Best Budget Wheelbarrow: True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow
For gardeners looking to balance cost with quality in their garden tools, the True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow stands out as a top choice. Recognized for its durability and affordability, this top rated wheelbarrow offers a lightweight design that does not sacrifice functionality. It’s crafted from high-quality poly material to resist rust and damage, making it an ideal option for gardening and yard tasks.
When you need to move bark mulch, soil, or various garden supplies, the True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow meets and exceeds expectations without breaking the bank, making it our recommended pick for budget-conscious gardeners who still require a reliable tool.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 4 cubic feet
- Tray Material: Plastic
- Handle Material: Seal-coated hardwood handles
The Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Resilient against rust and decay
- Cost-effective
The Cons:
- Prone to tipping when loaded unevenly or overfilled
- Limited capacity for heavy loads
What Others Are Saying:
The True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow was also named best budget wheelbarrow by Better Homes and Gardens.
Buy the True Temper Poly Wheelbarrow:
4. Best Heavy Duty Wheelbarrow: Rubbermaid Yard Cart
The Rubbermaid Yard Cart is the best heavy-duty wheelbarrow option for moving heavy materials around the yard. This cart features a robust poly construction and ample capacity, designed to easily handle loads up to 1200 pounds. It’s perfect for everything from garden supplies to larger debris, featuring durable wheels that can manage uneven terrain without a hitch.
However, this yard cart may be overkill for most home gardens at nearly 9 cubic feet capacity. Nonetheless, we recommend the Rubbermaid Yard Cart for its superior durability and functionality, making it one of the best 2-wheel wheelbarrows for heavy-duty gardening and landscaping tasks.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 8.75 cubic feet
- Tray Material: Plastic
- Handle Material: Plastic
The Pros:
- Robust construction
- Well-balanced design
- High capacity
The Cons:
- Cumbersome in smaller spaces
- On the pricier side
What Others Are Saying
The Rubbermaid Yard Cart was named best heavy-duty by Better Homes and Gardens and best large capacity by The Spruce. It also has a 4.6-star rating from more than 1,300 reviews on Home Depot.
Buy the Rubbermaid Yard Cart:
5. Best One Wheel Wheelbarrow: Jackson Wheelbarrow
The Jackson Wheelbarrow is the top choice for gardeners needing a durable, reliable single-wheel wheelbarrow. Its robust steel construction and rust-proof poly tray offer a product that excels in gardening and construction environments. The single pneumatic tire is designed to provide ease of maneuverability and better control on varied surfaces, making it particularly effective for those challenging projects that require precision and stability. The only con we have is that although the Jackson wheelbarrow has a steel tray, it has wood handles that are less durable over time.
Overall, we recommend the Jackson Wheelbarrow for its superior build quality and functional design, which are appreciated by professionals and home gardeners alike for its ability to work with you, not against you, making every load manageable and every task a bit easier.
The Specs:
- Capacity: 6 cubic feet
- Tray Material: Steel
- Handle Material: Wood
The Pros:
- Straightforward to assemble
- Solid construction
- Superior maneuverability
The Cons:
- Wood handles less durable over time
What Others Are Saying:
The Jackson Wheelbarrow was named best overall by Popular Mechanics.
Buy the Jackson Wheelbarrow:
Other Wheelbarrows We Researched
Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow
The Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow is a lightweight wheelbarrow for residential gardening and general yard cleanup. It is easy to maneuver and suitable for small to medium garden projects. The wheelbarrow’s green plastic construction and foam-like handles are prone to scratches and damage. Additionally, its lightweight plastic bed and tubular steel frame may not withstand the rigors of heavy or abrasive materials, as would be required in landscape cleanup. The Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow is available at Amazon for $99.99.
Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Dump Cart
This is a robust and versatile poly dump cart designed to accommodate a variety of heavy-duty tasks, such as moving logs or landscaping materials. It boasts a significant load capacity of 1200 lbs and features an easy dumping mechanism that simplifies unloading heavy materials. However, this cart may fall short in maneuverability in tight spaces compared to top wheelbarrows due to its size and design. Additionally, while it is more stable and can carry heavier loads, the Gorilla Cart is less efficient than a wheelbarrow for quick, precise dumping tasks like spreading mulch or dirt directly over a specific area. The Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Dump Cart is available at Home Depot for $199.
Why You Can Trust Us
The Savvy Gardening team, consisting of horticulturist and award-winning author Jessica Walliser, acclaimed author and garden speaker Niki Jabbour, and garden writer and author Tara Nolan, offers expert guidance on gardening.
Our recommendations on wheelbarrows are not only based on personal experiences but also on ongoing interactions with the gardening community through various platforms. For this list, we considered factors such as durability, ease of use, and suitability for various terrains. We deeply understand gardeners’ needs, particularly regarding wheelbarrow functionality and design. With our extensive experience in gardening, continuous learning, and contributions to well-regarded gardening media, our recommendations for the best wheelbarrows are both valuable and trustworthy for any gardener.
What to Know About Wheelbarrows
What to Consider Before Buying a Wheelbarrow
When searching for the best wheelbarrow, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you select the right model for your gardening needs. Here’s a breakdown of the essential criteria:
Type:
- Single Wheel: Easier to maneuver and ideal for tight spaces.
- Two Wheels: Offers more stability, especially on uneven terrain, but less maneuverable.
Size:
- Small (2-3 cubic feet): Best for light gardening tasks and limited space.
- Medium (4-6 cubic feet): Versatile for both gardening and small construction projects.
- Large (7-10 cubic feet): Suitable for heavy-duty tasks like moving concrete or large quantities of soil.
Features:
- Material: Metal for durability, plastic for lighter weight and resistance to rust.
- Handles: Wooden handles for a classic feel, steel for durability, and ergonomic designs for comfort.
- Tire Type: Pneumatic for cushioning and flexibility, solid rubber for puncture resistance.
How Much Does a Wheelbarrow Cost?
Wheelbarrows can range in price from around $30 for basic models to $150 or more for heavy-duty versions. The cost typically depends on the material, size, and additional features.
What is the Best Kind of Wheelbarrow?
The best wheelbarrow for you depends on your specific needs. For general gardening, a medium-sized, single-wheel wheelbarrow is often ideal due to its balance of maneuverability and capacity. A large, two-wheel wheelbarrow offers the necessary stability and volume for construction or heavy-duty tasks.
What is the Best Wheelbarrow Design?
The best wheelbarrow design varies based on the task at hand. Single-wheel designs are best for navigating tight spaces and precise dumping, while two-wheel designs provide greater stability on uneven ground and are less likely to tip over when carrying heavy loads. Compact wheelbarrows are great for limited space and light garden tasks.
Best Gardening Projects that Use a Wheelbarrow
Wheelbarrows are versatile gardening tools. They can be used to mix and transport DIY potting soil or distribute top dressing for lawns.
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
I highly recommend the TUFX wheelbarrow. It’s a class above the all the others.