The surface spatula from the Hogard brand makes a good overall impression in our test. The product impresses with a sharp, non-stick coated blade made of 100% stainless steel and an overall clever and very robust design. The ergonomic, rubberized handle makes the spatula comfortable to hold. The manufacturer also offers five different sizes (150 mm – 600 mm), meaning that the right tool is available for every task. Our practical test showed that the product makes work much easier, especially on large surfaces, even though it is sometimes necessary to work very precisely to avoid producing bends or unevenness in the decal. Furthermore, the product we received unfortunately had slight superficial defects, but these did not affect its functionality in any way, so the bottom line is that we found the product to be a robust and durable asset for various applications and a generally high-quality tool.
Advantages
✅ Sharp and non-stick coated blade
✅ Stainless steel of the highest quality
✅ Ergonomic & handy handle
✅ Wide range of materials for use
Disadvantages
❌ Slight superficial defects on the handle
The first impression
Packaging and contents
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 guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
---|---|---|
Product protection | Cardboard box is sturdy, unfortunately not sufficiently protected from scratches. | 70 points |
Sustainability Packaging | Compact product packaging, unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided | 100 points |
Package contents & scope | complete | 100 points |
Instructions for use | No instructions for use, product is self-explanatory | 100 points |
Total | 93 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The Hogard brand flat spatula is shipped without elaborate packaging inside a cardboard sleeve, which primarily protects the blade. The cardboard is sturdy and the edge of the blade is in perfect condition. Unfortunately, there are scratches on the handle and on the side of the blade on the example we have. The functionality is not affected by these defects.
The shipping method is compact and resource-saving.
There are no instructions for use as the product is self-explanatory .
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
---|---|---|
Visual appearance | Good visual appearance, unfortunately superficial defects | 70 points |
Processing | Very good workmanship, 100 % stainless steel | 100 points |
Stability | Very stable | 100 points |
Sustainability of the product | No information from the manufacturer, durable & high-quality materials speak for the sustainability aspect | 80 points |
Total | 88 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
After removing the protective box, the product itself makes a good impression. The manufacturing process appears stable and robust, as you would expect from a tool. There are no sharp edges or flaws in the product design.
Unfortunately, the otherwise good visual appearance and pleasant feel are marred by superficial defects. There are several small scratches and dents on the handle and on the side of the blade, which may have occurred during transportation. Important: These do not affect the functionality and are not a problem for a tool that is not handled with excessive care during use anyway.
Overall, the product appears to be of high quality and durable, which speaks for a long service life and therefore a certain degree of sustainability. Explicit information regarding sustainability in the production process is unfavorably lacking from the manufacturer.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. 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* |
---|---|---|
Optics | simple, attractive appearance, slight scratches in handle and blade | 80 points |
Comfort | Ergonomic handle in a comfortable size, hole for hanging, 5 different sizes | 100 points |
Application | Minor unevenness when using the full width | 80 points |
Stability | Very sturdy construction – “Made in Europe”, 100 % stainless steel | 100 points |
Cleaning | Very easy to clean | 100 points |
Total | 92 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
Working with the surface filler was generally very pleasant. The product is convincing in almost all aspects.
Slight scratches in the handle and blade slightly detract from the otherwise attractive appearance. When in use, the tool sits very comfortably in the hand thanks to the ergonomic, rubberized handle . It can be attached to any workbench thanks to the eyelet provided for hanging. The spatula is also available in 5 different sizes (150 mm – 600 mm) so that the right size and precision can be selected depending on the area of application.
The manufacturer states that the product is suitable for applying and removing various materials such as plaster, fillers, grouts and sealants as well as for removing wallpaper and paint.
In our test, we applied and smoothed classic fillers and removed wallpaper. When working with the surface filler, we were generally able to achieve very good results. However, when using the full width of 600 mm, it was noticeable that even with slight curvatures, the screed can tend to be slightly uneven in the middle. However, it is ideal for applying large areas and makes work much easier. A smaller version should be used for difficult areas.
When removing wallpaper and paint residue on a plasterboard wall and a plastered surface, the surface filler also produced satisfactory results on large areas. For finer areas and any remaining residue, a different size should be selected afterwards, which is somewhat more precise and easier to use.
Overall, however, we always had the feeling that we were using a good quality tool. The robust “Made in Europe” workmanship and 100% stainless steel not only “shine” in terms of reliability and stability , but also during the simple cleaning process with hot water, during which we were able to remove all dirt without leaving any residue.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we examine 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 look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
---|---|---|
Price / performance ratio | Very good performance in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
Rating cut | 4.6 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 80 points |
Total | 80 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers rate the product with an average of 4.6 stars. One common complaint is that the surface spatula is too unwieldy and that the decal sometimes leaves furrows. Many customers like the overall quality of workmanship and the robust product design. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that we were generally able to work on large surfaces reliably and quickly with the help of the product and that the finish is of a very high quality. At the same time, we also found that it was sometimes unwieldy or imprecise due to its size. The manufacturer offers five different sizes.
Prices of up to €49.99 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €15.99. With a price of € 32.22, the Hogard surface spatula is therefore currently in the middle price segment. The price-performance ratio isreasonable for the quality and performance received.
Overall result
Weighting | Score achieved* | |
---|---|---|
1. packaging & contents | 20% | 93 points |
2. product processing & appearance | 20% | 88 points |
3. in the practical test | 45% | 92 points |
4. price/performance & consumer ratings | 15% | 80 points |
Total | 90 points |