Finding the right plastic cement mixing tub depends on capacity, durability, and portability. This guide highlights five top options that cover lightweight ease, heavy-duty construction, and versatile use from small DIY projects to larger masonry tasks. The best fits include buyers who need simple mortar mixing, contractors handling frequent site work, and hobbyists moving between indoor and outdoor jobs. A quick comparison table below helps you spot the core differences at a glance.
| Product | Capacity / Size | Material | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kraft Tool BC217 All Purpose Mixing Tub | Lightweight, portable | Polyethylene | DIYers and light-duty mixing |
| Rubbermaid Commercial Standards Bus Box | 4.6 Gallon | Heavy-duty plastic | Commercial kitchen, shop, or storage use |
| Eagrye 4-Pack Bus Tubs | 13 L capacity each | Commercial-grade plastic | Multi-tub organization and light masonry tasks |
| Maccourt Heavy Duty All Purpose Mortar Tub | 29″ x 29″ x 6″ (deep) | Heavy-duty plastic | Large mortar and utility mixing |
| Qskely Black Commercial Plastic Bus Box (Set of 3) | Large 13.5 L per tub | Durable BPA-free plastic | Multiple tasks and organized storage |
Kraft Tool BC217 All Purpose Mixing Tub
The Kraft Tool BC217 is a lightweight polyethylene tub designed for versatile mixing tasks including mortar, grout, and other construction materials. Its primary advantage is easy handling and portability, making it suitable for DIY projects where moving a tub between rooms or sites is common. Best for: homeowners and hobbyists who mix small to medium batches and value simple transport. Limitation: not built for extremely heavy, continuous professional use over long days on harsh sites.
Rubbermaid Commercial Standards Bus/Utility Box
This 4.6-gallon tub from Rubbermaid Commercial is built for durability and easy cleaning, with reinforced handles and bottom ribs for added strength. It’s well suited for kitchen organization, wash stations, or light material mixing in commercial environments. Best for: professionals needing easy-to-clean, robust tubs with secure lifting. Caution: not optimized for very large-volume concrete mixing due to its smaller capacity.
Eagrye 4-Pack Bus Tubs
The Eagrye set includes four 13 L capacity tubs, offering good organization options for tools, materials, or small job-site tasks. The tubs are made from commercial-grade plastic and are versatile for storage, light mixing, or debris containment. Best for: crews needing multiple tubs for on-site organization and mix-prep. Limitation: individual tub size is smaller than large 20–30 gallon options, so for bigger batches choose a larger tub.
Maccourt Heavy Duty All Purpose Mortar Tub
The Maccourt Mortar Tub is a large, deep mortar tub measuring 29″ x 29″ x 6″, designed for heavy-duty tasks. Its scale supports mixing mortar, auto maintenance materials, gardening, and other bulk projects. Best for: contractors and serious DIYers who need a large, stable mixing surface. Caution: ensure adequate space and handling gear to move this sizable tub. It may be overkill for small projects.
Qskely Black Commercial Plastic Bus Box (Set of 3)
The Qskely set includes three durable BPA-free plastic bus boxes with outside measurements of 17″ x 13.2″ x 4.7″ and an inside size of 15.6″ x 11.8″ x 4.5″. Each tub holds about 13.5 liters, offering a compact yet practical option for organizing tools, materials, or mixing smaller batches. Best for: users needing multiple sturdy tubs with a uniform size for workflow efficiency. Limitation: capacity is smaller than larger 20+ gallon tubs, which may require more trips for big batches.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help narrow your choice to practical, task-specific tubs.
- Capacity: Match tub size to project scale. Large projects benefit from deeper pots (20–30 gallons), while small repairs may only need 4–6 gallon options.
- Durability: Look for heavy-duty plastic with reinforced handles and thick walls for longer service life in harsh environments.
- Mobility: Consider weight when empty and full. Lightweight tubs are easier to move, but may offer less stability for heavy mixes.
- Organization: Sets of tubs help separate materials or keep tools within reach on busy jobsites.
- Material safety: BPA-free plastics reduce concerns about chemical exposure in mixed materials.
- Cleaning: Smooth, rounded interiors reduce residue buildup and simplify cleaning after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What size tub is best for small DIY mortar projects? A 4–6 gallon tub is usually sufficient for small batches and quick jobs.
- Are these tubs suitable for concrete mixing? Yes, several options are designed for concrete and mortar mixing, but check capacity and depth for your mix volume.
- Should I choose a set of tubs or a single large tub? Sets offer organization and workflow efficiency, while a single large tub is better for bulk mixing.
- Are BPA-free tubs safer for use with chemical-based materials? Yes, BPA-free plastics reduce health concerns when handling various mixtures.
- Can these tubs be used for storage when not in use? Absolutely; many tub designs double as durable storage containers on job sites.
- What is the advantage of a deeper mortar tub? Deeper tubs minimize splatter and provide more room for larger mixes, improving stability.