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Best HDPE Buckets

Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman
Updated November 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Hudson Exchange 7-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Lid
Hudson Exchange
7-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Lid
Customer Favorite

Larger than average HDPE bucket that ships with a secure gamma seal lid.

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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Larger than average HDPE bucket that ships with a secure gamma seal lid.

Pros

With 7 gallons of capacity, this is a larger bucket than the standard 5-gallon option. These HDPE materials are compatible to use with a freezer. Can accept materials as hot as 190°F. Multiple ribs at the top and 100-mil thickness allow the bucket to maintain its shape and integrity.

Cons

Large bucket could use an extra handle at the bottom for easier lifting.

Best Bang for the Buck
Encore Plastics 5-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Encore Plastics
5-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Bargain Pick

Great value for a single, standard 5-gallon HDPE bucket with a top handle.

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Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

Great value for a single, standard 5-gallon HDPE bucket with a top handle.

Pros

Very low price compared to other HDPE buckets. Offers a commonly used 5-gallon size to accommodate many different items. Bucket's 70-mil thickness maintains wall strength for stacking the buckets. Product is made in the United States, which means you can trust the materials used.

Cons

Does not ship with a lid. Walls could be thicker to better accommodate heavy loads.

Hudson Exchange 5-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Bottom Grip Handle (4 Pack)
Hudson Exchange
5-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Bottom Grip Handle (4 Pack)
Durable & Rugged

Smart design in an HDPE bucket for carrying extremely heavy items.

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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

Smart design in an HDPE bucket for carrying extremely heavy items.

Pros

Bucket has a sturdy grip handle at the bottom, so you can safely handle the bucket when it's completely full or to dump out the contents. 4 buckets contained in the kit, so it gives you a good value. Has a 90-mil thickness level, which allows these buckets to be stacked on top of one another.

Cons

Order doesn't include a lid. Could use additional ribs at the top for sturdiness.

Hudson Exchange 1-Gallon HDPE Bucket (6 Pack)
Hudson Exchange
1-Gallon HDPE Bucket (6 Pack)
Best for Small Spaces

Small HDPE bucket that's easy to carry anywhere for various jobs.

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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

Small HDPE bucket that's easy to carry anywhere for various jobs.

Pros

Pack of 6 buckets in the order, so you'll receive a good value per item. Ribs along the top allow the bucket to maintain its integrity, even with heavy items stored inside it. Can accept items with a temperature up to 190°F. Tapered bottom means you can stack multiple buckets inside each other.

Cons

Order does not ship with matching lids. Only has a 65-mil thickness.

Hydrofarm 3-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Hydrofarm
3-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Simple Yet Solid

With a 3-gallon size in this bucket, most people can carry it easily.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

With a 3-gallon size in this bucket, most people can carry it easily.

Pros

These HDPE materials are able to store either liquids or solids. Multiple ribs at the top of the bucket mean it will maintain its shape. Because it's shorter than the standard 5-gallon bucket size, it can fit into tight spaces where other buckets won't fit. Includes a sturdy metal handle on the top to simplify carrying it.

Cons

This bucket does not consist of food safe materials. No lid included in order.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
November 02, 2021
51
Models
considered
12
Hours
researched
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Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated November 2021

HDPE buckets consist of a high quality plastic with exceptional sturdiness. HDPE is short for high-density polyethylene, which is a type of plastic. The HDPE buckets have a high strength-to-density ratio. This allows them to handle both liquids and solids equally well. Some types of HDPE buckets also can store high- and low-temperature items, all without cracking. The majority of HDPE buckets can accommodate secure lids that protect the interior materials. These buckets are often tapered at the bottom, so you can stack them inside each other. They’re also sturdy enough to stack them on top of each other when they have lids attached. If you do require a lid, make sure the bucket you want comes with one, or can be ordered separately.

Our Top Picks
Hudson Exchange
Best of the Best
Hudson Exchange
7-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Lid
Bottom Line
Larger than average HDPE bucket that ships with a secure gamma seal lid.
Shop Now
Encore Plastics
Best Bang for the Buck
Encore Plastics
5-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Bottom Line
Great value for a single, standard 5-gallon HDPE bucket with a top handle.
Shop Now
Hudson Exchange
Top Pick
Hudson Exchange
5-Gallon HDPE Bucket with Bottom Grip Handle (4 Pack)
Bottom Line
Smart design in an HDPE bucket for carrying extremely heavy items.
Shop Now
Hudson Exchange
Top Pick
Hudson Exchange
1-Gallon HDPE Bucket (6 Pack)
Bottom Line
Small HDPE bucket that's easy to carry anywhere for various jobs.
Shop Now
Hydrofarm
Top Pick
Hydrofarm
3-Gallon HDPE Bucket
Bottom Line
With a 3-gallon size in this bucket, most people can carry it easily.
Shop Now
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