The 8 Best Wheelbarrows of 2023

The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A wheelbarrow helps you transport loads of mulch, rocks, and other bulky items, making gardening and yard work easier to manage. “A wheelbarrow is a huge time saver, giving you an easy-to-move, tough container to haul everything from autumn leaves to rocks,” says Veronica Lorson Fowler, a master gardener in Iowa, author of several gardening books. “If you plan on doing anything in your yard beyond a few pots, you probably would benefit from a wheelbarrow.”

In addition to consulting with Fowler, we researched dozens of options to find the best wheelbarrows, evaluating them on material, capacity, maneuverability, sturdiness, and assembly requirements.

Here are the best wheelbarrows.

Best Overall

True Temper 6 Cubic Foot Wheelbarrow With Steel Handles and Flat Free Tire

Amazon

• Affordable

• Sturdy construction

• Comfort-grip handles

• Flat-free tire

• Assembly required

The True Temper Wheelbarrow is a spacious, sturdy wheelbarrow that makes challenging yard work more manageable. It outshines the competition in durability and design, so we think it’s an ideal option for large hauls and extensive use with minimal discomfort.

The tray has a capacity of 6 cubic feet, enough to transport all the gravel, dirt, leaves, twigs, and any other debris you need to haul. This compartment also has a curve in the design to make depositing and distributing materials much easier. Special grips on the handles increase comfort and make long-term usage less taxing.

Another considerable strength of the True Temper Wheelbarrow is its made-to-last construction. The steel tray is tough against temperature extremes and impact, and its dark gray exterior also hides dirt and age over time. If punctured, the 15.5-inch solid rubber tire won’t flatten (and never needs refilling), and the rugged undercarriage can handle a lot of wear and tear over difficult terrain. While this model requires assembling, it will be well worth the time since this wheelbarrow will last for many seasons to come.

Price at time of publish: $139

Material: Steel | Number of Wheels: 1 | Number of Handles: 2 | Load Capacity: 6 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 58.75 x 25.5 x 27 inches

Best Budget

Garden Star Dual Wheel Poly-Tray Yard Rover Wheelbarrow

Amazon

• Affordable

• Lightweight

• Durable construction

• Loop handle for maneuverability

• Easy to assemble

• Smaller capacity

• Some complaints of defective bolts and underinflated tires

“If you just want to haul mulch or collect weeds, a light plastic wheelbarrow might be easier to maneuver, especially for smaller or older gardeners,” says Veronica Lorson Fowler, master gardener and author of several gardening books. Which is why this affordable, basic wheelbarrow from Garden Star is a solid choice for light-duty jobs, as well as storage: It can either stand upright or be hung on a wall.

Its lightweight design combined with a loop handle makes it easy to lift and maneuver. Despite weighing only 20 pounds, this wheelbarrow can carry an impressive 300 pounds. Measuring roughly 27 inches long, 25 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, the polyurethane tray is on the smaller side. However, it’s great for transporting a few bags of mulch, soil, and other landscaping materials. It’s also ideal for hauling, weeding, and smaller garden products.

Although the dual tires are air-filled (rather than flat-free), they are sturdy and easy to turn (although you may need to fill them with air frequently).

Assembling this wheelbarrow is fairly simple, requiring only six bolts, but we have noted that some bolts may be defective or ill-fitting.

Price at time of publish: $92

Material: Polyurethane | Number of Wheels: 2 | Number of Handles: 1 | Load Capacity: 4 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 27 x 25.5 x 37 inches

Best Traditional

Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Home Wheelbarrow

Amazon

• Affordable

• Easy to maneuver

• Thick, padded handlebar

• Handlebar doubles as stand

• Sits upright for compact storage

• Inflatable tires

• Plastic isn’t the most durable option

This versatile, dual-wheel wheelbarrow from Best Choice Products is an excellent option for light-duty gardening tasks. The bin is made of plastic, which is prone to cracking under pressure or in extreme temperatures. However, it’s supported by a powder-coated steel frame that enhances durability. This wheelbarrow holds 5 cubic feet and up to 330 pounds of bricks, gravel, soil, mulch, and other landscaping materials.

While the rubber tires are inflatable (as opposed to flat-free), they’re notably sturdy and suitable for various terrains. The plush, padded handlebar makes for comfortable maneuvering, and it doubles as a stand for stationary use. Although assembly is fairly simple, we noted that on some occasions, bolts and holes didn’t align properly. When not in use, this wheelbarrow sits upright for compact storage.

Price at time of publish: $114

Material: Plastic, steel frame | Number of Wheels: 2 | Number of Handles: One | Load Capacity: 5 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Dimensions: 36 x 25 x 20 inches

Best Heavy-Duty

Jackson 6-Cubic Steel Wheelbarrow

The Home Depot

• Affordable

• Heavy-duty construction

• Tip-resistant design

• Flat-free tire

• Relatively heavy

If you want something that works as hard as you do, you can’t go wrong with a Jackson wheelbarrow. Todd Farber, garden expert and owner of Garden Guy, recommends this heavy-duty steel option, which has a tip-resistant design, and contractor-grade undercarriage. This is a commercial-grade product and suited for big jobs, requiring large, heavy loads.

“It’s heavy-duty steel and lasts multiple years. It is also well-balanced for the loads you put in it,” Farber says. Weighing just over 55 pounds, this wheelbarrow is relatively heavy, but that’s part of what makes it so sturdy. We’ve noted that the product can handle 10-pound slabs of concrete thrown into it. Be aware that assembly can take more than just a screwdriver; some users have recommended a socket set and even a vice grip.
Price at time of publish: $149

Material: Steel, wood handles | Number of Wheels: 1 | Number of Handles: 2 | Load Capacity: 6 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Dimensions: 62 x 27 x 26 inches

Best Garden Cart

WORX Aerocart 8-in-1 Yard Cart

Amazon

• Eight configurations

• Lifts heavy loads with ease

• Flat-free tires

• Sits upright for compact storage

• Mixed performance on uneven terrain

In addition to functioning as a yard cart, this wheelbarrow can transform into a dolly, extended dolly, bag holder, cylinder carrier, or trailer tote. It’s equipped with a bag holder, rock mover mesh, and a plant mover strap to help haul large loads. With this all-in-one workhorse, you can tackle a variety of outdoor tasks.

With an impressive weight capacity of 300 pounds and versatile configurations, this heavy-duty garden cart is a game changer. The Turbo Lift design provides enough leverage to transport massive loads with ease, making 200 pounds feel like 17 pounds.

Another major selling point is its flat-free tires, which never need to be inflated. However, while the cart rolls smoothly on most surfaces, it may struggle on rough or uneven terrain. This unit needs to be assembled, but the process is simple, taking about 15 minutes and requiring no extra tools. To top it all off, the cart can be stored upright for compact and convenient storage.

Price at time of publish: $230

Material: Metal | Number of Wheels: 2 | Number of Handles: 2 | Load Capacity: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 42 inches

Best Dumper

Gorilla Carts Poly Garden Dump Cart GOR4PS

Amazon

• Quick-release dumping system

• Heavy-duty construction

• High weight capacity

• Padded handle for comfortable maneuvering

• Assembly can be challenging

Thanks to a patented, quick-release dumping mechanism, this cart from Gorilla Carts is easy and quick to unload. It can haul up to 600 pounds, making it well-suited for heavy-duty jobs. Featuring a steel frame and polyurethane bed, this unit is extremely durable and rust-resistant, ensuring years of reliable use. Four 10-inch pneumatic tires make the cart easy to maneuver on rough terrain, even when fully loaded. It also features a padded handle for a comfortable grip.

Considering its high weight capacity, this cart isn’t all that heavy at 32 pounds. Plus, an array of convenient features make it easy to maneuver and unload. Assembly is simple and straightforward if you have the right tools on hand–a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and an adjustable wrench. Two people make the job a lot easier.

Price at time of publish: $120

Materials: Alloy steel, polyurethane | Number of Wheels: 4 | Number of Handles: 1 | Load Capacity: 3 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Dimensions: 19.5 x 20 x 38.7 inches

Best Decorative

Andover Mills Barrville Wood Wheelbarrow Planter

Wayfair

• Solid wood construction

• Easy to maneuver

• Weather-resistant finish

• No drainage holes

Wheelbarrows are undoubtedly functional, but they can also enhance the look of your outdoor space. Take this wooden wheelbarrow planter by Andover Mills, for example, which is made of solid pine with a distressed finish that offers a repurposed, rustic vibe.

The box is roughly 34 inches long, 17 inches wide, and 10 inches deep with a weight capacity of about 15 pounds. A built-in wheel makes it easy to move around your yard, garden, or patio. And a weather-resistant finish helps it hold up outside year-round.

Price at time of publish: $151

Material: Wood | Number of Wheels: 1 | Number of Handles: 2 | Load Capacity: 0.25 cubic feet | Weight Capacity: 15 pounds | Dimensions: 34 x 10 x 12 inches

Best for Kids

Radio Flyer Kid’s Wheelbarrow

Amazon

• Classic red tray

• Durable wheel

• Solid wooden handles

• May be too small for kids over 5

Is there anything cuter than a kiddo following their parent around the yard with a pint-sized wheelbarrow of their own? We don’t think so, which is why we’re big fans of this kid’s model by Radio Flyer. It’s recommended for toddlers 3 years old and up, and while it’s positioned as a “toy,” it’s a real working wheelbarrow for kids who want to develop green thumbs, like their parents.

The brand has been a household name for over a century, best known for its classic red wagons and tricycles. This children’s wheelbarrow is designed with the same trusted quality, featuring a shiny steel tray, a durable molded wheel, and solid wooden handles. The red tray is designed to withstand any wear and tear and is rounded to prevent any sharp edges.
Price at time of publish: $60

Material: Steel, wood handles | Number of Wheels: 1 | Number of Handles: 2 | Load Capacity: Not listed | Weight Capacity: 30 pounds | Dimensions: 31.1 x 16.26 x 11.34 inches

The True Temper Steel Wheelbarrow is our top pick due to its sturdy construction, comfort grip handles, and a spacious tray capacity of 6 cubic feet. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Garden Star 70019 Garden Barrow Dual-Wheel Wheelbarrow. Although it has a smaller capacity (4 cubic feet), it is durable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.

What to Look For in a Wheelbarrow

Wheels

While you may be picturing a traditional wheelbarrow with a single wheel, some models have two or even four. One-wheel models are easier to turn, and Master Gardener and garden author Veronica Lorson Fowler notes that “four-wheel models are easier to balance when filled with a heavy load than a traditional one-wheeled wheelbarrow.” Two-wheel models offer a compromise, as they offer a combination of maneuverability and stability. As for the wheels themselves, most are air-cushioned for smoother travel, and some are flat-free, meaning you don’t need to worry about refilling them with air.

Dual handles allow you to better balance the weight of a load but can be cumbersome if you don’t have broad shoulders. A single handle (or push bar) solves this dilemma, though it can make unloading the contents of your wheelbarrow trickier. Some models make this easier by offering a dump mechanism.

Tub Material

Most modern wheelbarrows are made from either steel or heavy-duty plastic. “Steel is great for heavy-duty needs, but it tends to be heavy and can rust over time, depending on use and exposure to the elements,” Fowler points out. Plastic wheelbarrows are often less expensive, but they may not be able to carry loads as heavy. Another benefit to plastic is it doesn’t rust, “It can crack if you, say, toss flagstones into it too carelessly,” Fowler notes. “A fiberglass tub is the best of both worlds—tough AND light,” she says.

Type

A traditional wheelbarrow has a single wheel in the front and two steel legs at the back. This type of wheelbarrow is ideal for hauling and dumping lightweight loads, but it may tip under heavy weight.

Multi-wheeled wheelbarrows, also known as hybrid wheelbarrows, feature a two- or four-wheel design for better stability. “The more wheels, the easier it is to balance and haul larger loads,” Fowler says. A wheelbarrow with two wheels is easier to pivot if you’re going uphill or navigating rough terrain.

Motorized wheelbarrows, running on batteries or gas to propel the wheels, greatly reduce the amount of manual effort required and are best suited for hauling heavy loads. These models are often equipped with multiple wheels and various speed functions.

Capacity

Purchasing a wheelbarrow with the right capacity—both in cubic feet and pounds—is just as important as finding a wheelbarrow with a heavy-duty tub and reliable wheels. If you have a larger yard, you’ll want to purchase a wheelbarrow with a higher cubic foot capacity to make fewer trips while working outside. If you purchase a wheelbarrow that has a high weight capacity, but only has 3 cubic feet of volume, for example, you may have to make more trips to complete your task, especially if you’re working on a larger area of landscaping.

• What size wheelbarrow do you need for your yard?

  Wheelbarrows commonly come in 2- and 3-cubic-foot models. Our roundup features some wheelbarrows that hold as much as 6 cubic feet per load, which is large enough to support most landscaping tasks you may complete around your home. Remember, a higher volume capacity (the number of cubic feet a wheelbarrow can hold) will always help you make fewer trips while working in your yard.

• How should you store a wheelbarrow?

  Wheelbarrows are handy pieces of equipment but take up a fair amount of space in a work shed or garage. Using space-saving wall brackets or storage racks allows you to tip your wheelbarrow upright and store it safely between uses. “If you get a light enough one, you can hang it on hooks on the side of your garage wall,” says Fowler. If you want to keep your wheelbarrow outside, you can also create a storage rack that attaches to a fence for upright storage that will help prevent rain, leaves, and other gunk from building up. As an alternative, Fowler suggests covering it with a tarp and weighing it down with bricks or other weights to protect it from UV rays and rust.

• Why is it called a wheelbarrow?

  The wheelbarrow as a human-powered device for transporting small loads can be traced back to ancient China. But the word wheelbarrow as we use it today originates in 14th-century Britain. A compound word made up of “wheel” and “barrow” (believed to be a variation of Old English words for basket and/or carry), modern English speakers often mistakenly refer to this common piece of construction equipment as a “wheelbarrel.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Sage McHugh, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce who specializes in the home and garden sector. For expert insight, she interviewed Veronica Lorson Fowler, a master gardener in Iowa, one-time garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, and author of several books about gardening. To select the best wheelbarrows for this roundup, McHugh considered dozens of products, carefully evaluating their material, capacity, maneuverability, sturdiness, and assembly requirements.