The MANUMA drinks crate rack made a very good impression in our test. The product offers the option of storing several crates of drinks in a very small space and looks very elegant at the same time. It also ensures easy access to all bottles. It is made from sustainable bamboo wood and stainless steel and is extremely stable. The shelf can be assembled in just a few minutes, even by a non-professional. However, it is quite expensive compared to reference products. In addition, some customers have complained about threads in the stainless steel struts. However, the customer service is completely convincing and ensures that defective parts are replaced quickly. All in all, the MANUMA drinks crate rack really impressed us and has been successfully certified for our test seal.
Advantages
✅ Very practical storage option for crates of drinks
✅ Minimalist but elegant design
✅ Made from sustainable bamboo wood
✅ Quick and easy to assemble
✅ Very stable
Disadvantages
❌ Expensive price
❌ Some complaints about defective threads
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided, items were packed compactly | 85 points |
| Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The drinks crate rack from MANUMA came in a sturdy cardboard box. The box was undamaged and could be opened with a knife or scissors. The box contained two wooden brackets, six stainless steel struts, 13 threaded screws, an Allen key and assembly instructions. All objects were well protected by additional film and polystyrene and were compactly packed overall. In this case, the product was fully protected and the drinks crate rack was therefore in perfect condition.
The packaging of the drinks crate rack is partially recyclable. The polystyrene panels are probably difficult to recycle, but the cardboard box is.
Overall, the MANUMA drinks crate rack makes a very good first impression.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the pack complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Allen key and extra screw available | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Contact information | Everything available except telephone number | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
We tested the drinks crate rack for up to three crates. After unpacking, we found two wooden brackets, six stainless steel struts, 13 threaded screws, an Allen key and assembly instructions on the workbench. The assembly instructions are written in German and in pictures and are very easy to understand . The same sheet also contains a letter of thanks and several safety instructions. Contact information is provided, with the exception of a telephone number. There is also an e-mail address for German customer service. All in all, this is an exceptionally well thought-out and customer-friendly way of sending a product.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Cheeks and bars simple but elegant | 95 points |
| Processing | No flaws at all | 100 points |
| Stability | All individual parts make a solid and stable impression | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Use of sustainable bamboo wood | 95 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The wooden sides are made of solid bamboo wood, while the support bars are made of brushed stainless steel. Both the wooden sides and the stainless steel bars are of very good quality and do not show any faults when tested. The screws also have a high-quality feel. The four felt glides that are already attached to the feet of the shelf deserve special mention. These prevent the floor from being scratched when the shelf is in use. As the product is made predominantly from bamboo wood and has been designed to conserve resources, it can be credited with a high level of sustainability .
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Fast assembly | 90 points |
| quality | One screw was difficult to screw in | 85 points |
| Utilisation | Very practical and space-saving | 100 points |
| Design | Minimalist and very elegant | 100 points |
| Total | 94 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Assembling the shelf is very easy and can be done by a layperson in just a few minutes . However, a second person can help to guide the second wooden cheek onto the six stainless steel bars at the same time, as these do not stick out completely straight. Once assembled, the drinks crate rack stands out with its minimalist and elegant design , which doesn’t need to be hidden away in any kitchen. When viewed from the side, the stainless steel struts even disappear behind the crates, making them appear to float. The shelf is also impressive in practice. It holds every drinks crate we tested and allows access to all bottles within the crates without having to move any of the others. The crates can also be lifted in and out without any problems. Overall, the quality of the materials and the intended use are impressive.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also analyse consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Still appropriate | 75 points |
| Rating cut | 4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 85 points |
| Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.7 stars. Many customers like the elegant design and the good quality of the materials. The only criticism is that some of the stainless steel struts arrived with slightly crooked threads , which made screwing them together difficult or sometimes impossible. However, customer service is highly praised. In the event of problems with the threads, the iron bars were replaced quickly and at no extra cost. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the material and design work wonderfully. We only had slight difficulties screwing in one screw, which was a little more difficult to screw in, but was ultimately not a problem.
Prices of up to €149.90 are charged on the internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from €18.49 in steel and from €59.95 in wood. With a price of €149.90, the MANUMA drinks crate rack is therefore clearly in the upper price segment. The price ratio is still reasonable for the quality and scope of services that you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 93 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 97 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 98 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 94 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 80 points |
| Total | 92 points |
