The best wheelbarrows to make light work of your gardening

Never waste time or effort again with a wheelbarrow ready and raring to go in your shed.

Best wheelbarrows

by Eleanor Weaver |
Updated

Perfect for shifting soil and moving heavy DIY materials, a wheelbarrow is a fantastic tool to have in your garden shed if you're an avid gardener or have a particularly large outdoor space. Having one to hand save you time and effort from trawling heavy loads around your garden, most likely having to take multiple trips. Additionally, it can also make sure you're not putting unnecessary strain on your back. We've put together a list of the best wheelbarrows for you.

You may be surprised to hear that wheelbarrows come in a range of shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for you might require a little more research than just buying the first one you spot at your local gardening centre.

We've done the heavy lifting for you and shared the best wheelbarrows for a range of requirements so you know exactly what you should be looking for.

Best wheelbarrows UK 2023

Recommended

On Sale

Neo® Wheelbarrow
Price: £34.99 (was £44.99)
Alternative retailers
Debenhams UK£57.59View offer

Description

This robust wheelbarrow from Neo Direct makes handling heavy garden tasks a breeze. Made with soft

Pros

  • Made from galvanised steel for added strength and resilience

Cons

  • Assembly instructions tricky to understand

Top pick

Walsall Wheelbarrows 85 Ltr Easiload Wheelbarrow
Price: £74.95

Description

With over 60 years in the business, Walsall has a whole range of wheelbarrows well suited for

Pros

  • It has a large capacity
  • Lightweight and sturdy

Cons

  • Not considered the most suitable for heavy lifting work

Best for rough-terrain gardens

Description

Another top pick from Walsall, this sturdy green barrow is ideal for everyday garden use with a

Pros

  • We love that the heavy-duty tyres are puncture-proof

Cons

  • Reviewers found it a bit of a struggle to assemble

Best two-wheeled wheelbarrow

Oypla Heavy Duty 70L Garden Wheelbarrow
Price: £72.99
Alternative retailers
Debenhams UK£72.99View offer

Description

Unlike most wheelbarrows available, this pick from Oypla has two wheels, making it particularly

Pros

  • It has comfortable soft foam handles
  • Two wheels for better stability on flat ground

Cons

  • Reviewers found it quite difficult to assemble

Best lightweight wheelbarrow

On Sale

Draper 78643 Expert Garden Caddy
Price: £29.95 (was £38.14)
Alternative retailers
Robert Dyas£56.99View offer
Wayfair UK£116.99View offer

Description

While this is technically called a garden caddy, this is a great alternative to the wheelbarrow if

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Not designed like a traditional wheelbarrow

Best value wheelbarrow

Description

For a wheelbarrow that combines a large volume, heavy-load capacity, and affordable price, look no

Pros

  • Described as heavy-duty
  • Huge max. load of 200kg
  • Zero assembly required

Cons

  • We couldn't think of any!

Best wheelbarrow for kids

Hortem Wheelbarrow Set
Price: £39.99

Description

Want to get your little ones involved in gardening? This bright and fun wheelbarrow features

Pros

  • Bright, fun, and colourful
  • Great for getting the kids involved

Cons

  • Reviewers found it a little fiddly to put together

FAQs

What is the best material for a wheelbarrow?

There are two main materials used in wheelbarrows; those with a steel or plastic bucket. The best material for yours depends on the work you'll be carrying out with each type having different benefits.

Wheelbarrows with a steel bucket can bear more weight. They're best for heavy-duty tasks such as moving large rocks, plants, and stone slabs. However, steel can rust and it will inevitably be heavier to move about too.

Wheelbarrows with a plastic bucket tend to be lighter, more affordable, and a good choice if you're just looking for a way to transport compost, mix fertiliser, and smaller plants. The downfall with this type is that you need to be careful not to overload the bucket as the plastic could crack under excessive weight.

Is a one- or two-wheel wheelbarrow better?

A two-wheel wheelbarrow is more stable on level ground, but a one-wheel wheelbarrow is universally the best choice for manoeuvrability. Positioned in the central point of the wheelbarrow, a one-wheel provides greater control for movement and unloading, with the ability to wheel in small spaces, over planks, in water, and over uneven ground - great for gardens!

How long should a wheelbarrow last?

They can last for years, making them a great investment, but if you want your new piece of kit to go the distance, you'll need to care for them. Here are some tips for keeping yours in good nick. You should clean the bucket regularly and be sure to dry your wheelbarrow before putting it away. Store it in a dry place to prevent rust and warping. From time to time apply grease to the axles to maintain the wheels. Inflate your wheelbarrow wheel with a bicycle pump if it's looking flat. Finally, clean the handles regularly and sand wooden handles if they become a bit rough.

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Description

Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and

Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.

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