In our test, the hard oil from the Hermann Sachse brand left a very good impression. As well as offering a very high level of protection for the wood, the product is also extremely easy to use. What’s more, the oil is vegan and has been produced as naturally as possible in Germany. Nevertheless, a more pleasant odour during application would have been desirable. After drying, the odour is no longer noticeable.
Advantages
✅ Extremely high protection for the wood
✅ Vegan
✅ Simple application
Disadvantages
❌ Unpleasant odour during application
The first impression
The packaging and labelling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. Of course, adequate protection of the product must also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | Plastic bag would not have been necessary | 80 points |
| Product labelling | Five different labelling options on packaging | 100 points |
| Miscellaneous | Product is in a beautiful tin | 100 points |
| Total | 95 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The hard oil from Hermann und Sachse arrived in the typical Amazon box . The box was undamaged and could be easily opened with a knife. The box contained the tin of hard oil wrapped in plastic film. The plastic bag might not have been necessary, but it also contained the product instructions. In this case, the product was completely protected and the can of hard oil was therefore in perfect condition. The packaging of the hard oil is partially recyclable. Unfortunately, the plastic bag is not recyclable, but the Amazon box is.
Overall, the Hermann und Sachse hard oil makes a very good impression. The hard oil tin was not damaged and the parcel was in very good condition.
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 | Hard oil tin and instructions | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Written in German, easy to understand | 100 points |
| Contact information | Can be found in the instructions | 100 points |
| Miscellaneous | Unclear design of the manual | 85 points |
| Total | 96 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Theplastic bag contained a beautifully designed tin of hard oil. Visually, the tin has a nice look. Instructions for use and further information can be found on an extra label. As the instructions are enclosed in 8 languages, they are a little confusing. Contact information is provided. As this product is a utility product, the delivery is absolutely sufficient and efficient.
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 | Great design | 100 points |
| Processing | Sturdy metal box | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Oil is 100% solvent-free | 100 points |
| Miscellaneous | Not an ideal cap for dosing the oil | 90 points |
| Total | 98 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The hard oil comes in a beautifully designed aluminium can. In the hand, this has a stable effect and shows the high-quality production. The oil itself is 100% solvent-free and is also labelled as suitable for children’s toys. The oil is also vegan. This makes the product very sustainable. Unfortunately, the cap on the tin is not very suitable for dispensing the oil. However, it is fitted with a child safety lock so that children cannot get hold of the oil.
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* |
|---|---|---|
| Wood preservation | The wood is water-repellent after application | 100 points |
| Application | The oil is very easy to use with the instructions | 100 points |
| Indoor use | 100% solvent-free and natural raw materials | 100 points |
| Appearance of the wood after application | Not completely transparent as described (see photo below) | 85 points |
| Total | 96 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The Hermann Sachse brand hard oil is very easy to use as it is explained in detail in the instructions. Once the oil has been applied, the wood is very well protected and water-repellent. The oil is also excellent for indoor use. The oil is 100% solvent-free and is only made from natural raw materials. However, the appearance of the wood after application is not quite as described. As you can see from the picture on the right, the oil is not completely transparent, but slightly darker than before. However, it was also described in the instructions that the colour shade differs depending on the type of wood.
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 | Average price, but very good performance! | 100 points |
| Rating cut | 4.6 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 80 points |
| Total | 90 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.6 stars. The fact that it is not transparent as described is often criticised. Many customers like the fact that the oil provides excellent protection. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the wood protection was very good and that the colour of the oil was not so good.
Prices of up to €15 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €8. With a price of €11.99, Hermann Sachse’s hard oil is currently in the middle price segment. The price ratio is very good for the quality and scope of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labelling | 15% | 95 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 15% | 96 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 98 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 30% | 96 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer reviews | 20% | 90 points |
| Total | 95 points |
