Keter Astoria 150 Gal Outdoor Storage Box for Patio and Pool Accessories

Why it's worth it

The Darwin holds the same 150 gallons as our top pick, but it stands taller and sits shallower front to back. Hydraulic pistons pull the lid open and ease it shut, and the lid is rated to hold 660 pounds of seated weight.

At about 31 inches tall and 26 inches deep, the Darwin fits against a wall where a wider box won't. That extra height buys you room for things that don't lie flat: a leaf blower, folded chairs, a stack of buckets, a cooler standing upright. The trade-off is that you reach down farther for whatever settled at the bottom, which gets old if you're short.

The pistons are the reason to pick this one over the Westwood. Keter uses hydraulic supports that pull the top all the way open and close it slowly on its own, so you can load the box with both hands full. Good Housekeeping's review work found this style of support keeps working consistently while basic spring hinges get worse over time. Hinge failure is the complaint that shows up in year three.

From our review of 7 outdoor deck boxes, by Genevieve Dubois, Home & Living Expert

What we like

• +At about 31 inches tall and 26 inches deep, the Darwin fits against a wall where a wider box won't
• +The pistons are the reason to pick this one over the Westwood
• +The lid takes 660 pounds, more than any other box here claims
• +This one hasn't been on the market as long, so there's less owner history to lean on than with the Keter boxes that have been…

What to know

• –The lock hardware is the weak point
• –The height cuts both ways