Test result preview
Manufacturer’s product description
With its 1050 PVC and PE tips, the artificial Christmas tree from Menz promises a dense, natural crown that closely resembles a freshly cut tree. Particularly practical: the tree is delivered in three segments that can be assembled in just a few simple steps, while the sturdy metal stand ensures that it stands securely.
Particularlynoteworthy are the realistic appearance of the needles, the good stability, and the durability, which makes the tree usable for many years. The tree is also a more sustainable solution than a real Christmas tree due to its reusability.
However,one negative aspect that stood out in our test was the initial chemical smell, which only dissipates after a few days. The tedious task of plucking the pressed branches after unpacking also detracts from the first impression.
All in all, the product is aimed at consumers who are looking for an artificial Christmas tree with a realistic look, sturdy workmanship, and long-term use, and who are willing to invest some time and patience in setting it up.
Advantages
- Realistic appearance thanks to PE/PVC
- Stand & balls included
- Reusable for many years
Disadvantages
- Strong chemical odor at first
- Branches compressed during transport
First impression
Packaging and contents
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here, we take a closer look at the packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course be ensured. Is the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Comment
Points achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard is sturdy, unfortunately a few balls are damaged
Points
Sustainability of packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided as far as possible; the plastic film protects the product
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete with stand, three plug-in parts, Christmas tree baubles (red and white), mounting hooks, and carrying bag
Points
Instructions
The product could be assembled without instructions, but these would still be desirable
Points
OVERALL
88
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum number of points is 100
The Menz Christmas tree (180 cm ) arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, which is generally sufficient for safe transport. However, the product protection was not entirely satisfactory: although the tree itself was undamaged, some of the plastic baubles included were dented and therefore unusable. Additional padding would be useful for the more delicate accessories.
The sustainability of the packaging has its pros and cons. On the positive side, the box is compact and therefore resource-efficient. On the negative side, the baubles, hooks, and stand are individually wrapped in plastic film – cardboard would have been a more environmentally friendly solution here.
The scope of delivery is complete: in addition to the three-piece tree and the foldable metal stand, two sets of Christmas tree baubles (red and white, various sizes), mounting hooks, and a storage bag are included. The set thus offers everything necessary for basic decoration.
Although there are no assembly instructions, the tree can be assembled in just a few steps without any guidance. Nevertheless, a short illustrated guide would have been helpful to make it easier to get started. Overall, the first impression clearly shows that the packaging and contents are functional and complete, with minor weaknesses in terms of accessory protection and packaging ecology.
First time in hand
Product workmanship and appearance
Before we move on to the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
Before we put it to the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high-quality are the materials used? Are the feel and appearance satisfactory?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
First impression somewhat sparse, appealing after assembly
Points
Workmanship
Very good workmanship, no faults or defects
Points
Stability
Very stable and durable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No information provided, but reusable
Points
OVERALL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*The maximum score is 100 points
When first unpacked, the tree appears rather sparse, as the branches are compressed during transport. This impression is relativized after about 30 minutes, when the branches are carefully fanned out and bent into shape. The result is a significantly denser and more natural tree crown, which looks very harmonious in combination with baubles and fairy lights.
The overall workmanship is high quality. No manufacturing defects or sharp edges were found on the trunk or branches. The needles, made from a mixture of PE and PVC, are evenly distributed and sharp to the touch – similar to real pine needles. Very few needles fell off during assembly, which underlines the quality.
In terms of stability, the tree gives a robust impression. The metal stand is solidly constructed, is stable and reliably supports the weight. Only the plug connections of the upper parts could be more stable; an additional click or screw mechanism would be useful here.
No detailed information is available on the materials or production conditions in terms of sustainability. However, the tree scores points for its reusability: unlike a real Christmas tree, which has to be bought new every year, the artificial Christmas tree is a long-term, resource-saving alternative. It is visually appealing and of high quality, provided you are willing to invest some time in shaping it.
This is what our practical test revealed
Does the manufacturer deliver on its advertising promises?
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore has the highest weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore carries the most weight. Here, the product must undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test item.
show moreCriterion
Comment
Score achieved*
Stability
Good stability, additional screws or similar desirable
Points
Stability of branches
Good stability, sufficient for test weights and balls
Points
Uniformity of needles
Uniform and largely flawless, appear realistic
Points
Odor
Distinct chemical odor, dissipates after a few days
Points
Appearance of the needles
After intensive preparation Overall impression is consistent
Points
OVERALL
90
Points
Weighting: 45%
*The maximum score is 100 points
In practical testing, the Menz 180 cm artificial Christmas tree impressed in most respects, even if minor weaknesses were apparent.
The stability is generally good: the metal stand with four legs ensures a stable hold, even when the tree is fully decorated. However, the connections between the segments are only plugged in, not screwed together. When moving the tree, the upper parts can therefore become slightly loose – a click system would be a better solution here.
The stability of the branches is sufficient for conventional decorations. Both baubles and fairy lights could be attached without any problems. Only the finer branches, which are attached with thin wire, require a little care to ensure they are not bent. The uniformity of the needles was a positive feature: they are neatly attached, look natural, and only a few fell off during assembly.
One point of criticism is the smell. Immediately after unpacking, there was a noticeable chemical smell, but this dissipated after a few days. This could be annoying for sensitive people at first.
The appearance also requires a little patience: the branches are tightly compressed during transport. Only after careful bending does a full, uniform tree shape emerge. It takes at least half an hour before the tree is ready for decoration. After that, however, it presents itself in a convincing manner, and small gaps can be easily concealed with decorations.
Overall, the tree delivers on the manufacturer’s key promises: it is stable, durable, visually appealing, and a sustainable alternative to a real Christmas tree. There are some drawbacks in terms of ease of assembly and the short-term odor, but the overall performance remains strong.
Test plan
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria for the practical part of the test and the distribution of points can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and consumer reviews
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
Finally, we examine how the product compares to the competition. Can it compete with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend it for purchase?
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Comment
Score achieved*
Price/performance ratio
Very good performance in the lower price segment
Points
TOTAL
90
Points
Weighting: 15%
*The maximum score is 100 points
Equivalent products are sold online for up to €300. Very affordable products are available from as little as €49.99 . The Menz Christmas tree is currently in the lower price segment at €75.98. The price-performance ratio is very good for the quality and performance offered.
Overall result
Weighting
Points achieved*
1. Packaging & content
20
Points
2. Product processing & appearance
20
Points
3. Practical test
45
Points
4. Price/performance ratio
15
Points
TOTAL
Points
*The maximum score is 100 points
