When it comes to storage in Minecraft, most players go straight for chests—but what if there’s a better option? With this Minecraft recipe for the barrel, we’ll show you why barrels are a game-changer and how to craft one easily.

5 reasons to get a barrel in Minecraft

The barrel is an often-overlooked storage block in Minecraft, but it has unique advantages over chests. Whether you're managing storage in a tight space, working with Redstone, or trading with villagers, barrels can be a game-changer. Here is why:

• Saves space: 
  • Can be opened even with a block above it (unlike chests).
  • Perfect for compact storage rooms and tight builds.
  • Allows vertical stacking without losing access.

• Same storage as chests: 
  • Stores 27 stacks of items, just like a single chest.
  • No need for double chests, keeping storage compact.
  • Aesthetic alternative to bulky chests in builds.
• Redstone-compatible: 
  • Emits a Redstone signal when opened (via comparator).
  • Useful for secret doors, traps, and Redstone-powered storage systems.
  • Functions the same way as chests in Redstone contraptions.
• Villager job site: 
  • Serves as a job site block for Fishermen villagers.
  • Allows easy emerald trades for fish, buckets, and enchanted fishing rods.
  • Useful in villager trading halls.
• Aesthetic appeal: Fits medieval, pirate, and fishing-themed builds.

Minecraft barrel recipe: How to make a barrel in Minecraft

To craft a barrel, you’ll need the following materials:

• 6 Wooden Planks (any type): You can get wooden planks by:
  • Chopping trees: Use an axe to break logs from any tree.
  • Crafting logs into planks: Place logs in your crafting grid (each log gives 4 planks).
• 2 Wooden Slabs (matching or mixed): To get wooden slabs:
  • Craft them from Wooden Planks: Place three wooden planks in a row on a crafting table to get 6 wooden slabs.

How to craft a barrel in Minecraft

• Open the Crafting Table: A 3×3 crafting grid will appear.
• Place the Wooden Planks: Arrange three wooden planks on the left column and three wooden planks on the right column.
• Add the Wooden Slabs: Place one wooden slab in the top-center and one wooden slab in the bottom-center.
• Collect the Barrel: Once the pattern is complete, drag the barrel into your inventory.

Barrels vs chests in Minecraft

Can barrels connect to hoppers?

Yes, you can connect barrels to hoppers. Hoppers can move items in and out of barrels just like they do with chests. You can place a hopper below a barrel to collect items or above it to insert items. Hoppers always take items from the first slot that has something and place them into the first empty slot. Barrels are useful in tight spaces because they don’t need open space above them to work. This makes them a good choice for compact storage and redstone builds.

Is a barrel a full block?

A barrel is a solid block, but it is not a full block like stone or dirt. It takes up the full space of a block, but it still works even if there is a block above it. You can open a barrel without needing space above it. This makes it better than chests in some situations. Barrels are also used as job site blocks for fisherman villagers. Players often use them in small rooms or creative builds because they save space and look good.