Test result preview
The shelf with secret compartment from Elder Welder® impresses with its attractive design and very good workmanship, which is also reflected in the use of high-quality materials. The stability of the shelf is impressive, although the fixing option supplied with the shelf seems a little flimsy. Conveniently, the shelf comes fully assembled and only needs to be screwed to the wall. In terms of load capacity, the product confirms the manufacturer’s specifications: The drawer can be loaded with 1.5 kg and the shelf itself with a maximum of 3 kg. The secret compartment mechanism works smoothly, opens and closes easily and remains securely closed under load. Particularly noteworthy is the visual inconspicuousness of the secret compartment, which cannot be recognised even on closer inspection. The matt white melamine coating protects the wooden board very well and makes the shelf highly resistant. Overall, the Elder Welder® shelf with secret compartment offers an excellent combination of design, workmanship, stability and functionality.
Advantages
- pre-assembled
- Very attractive, unobtrusive design
- Very well functioning locking mechanism
Disadvantages
- Fastening option could be more stable
The test
General information
We took a close look at and tested the product in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
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?
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?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Cardboard box is sturdy, product is additionally protected with wooden crate
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste was avoided and the plastic film was to be replaced by an environmentally friendly alternative
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Very easy to understand
Points
TOTAL
93
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The shelf with secret compartment from Elder Welder® impresses with its sturdy cardboard and additional protection provided by a wooden crate, which ensures optimum product protection. In terms of the sustainability of the packaging, unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, although the plastic film could be replaced by a more environmentally friendly alternative. The contents of the pack are complete and meet expectations. Particularly worthy of mention are the instructions for use, which are very easy to understand and allow the product to be assembled and used without any problems. Overall, the Elder Welder® shelf with secret compartment is of high quality and has a well thought-out design that emphasises both product protection and user-friendliness.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
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?
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?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive design
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No details, but use of high-quality materials
Points
TOTAL
95
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The shelf with secret compartment from Elder Welder® impresses with its appealing design, which is aesthetically pleasing and modern. The workmanship of the shelf is of a very high standard, which is reflected in the high-quality materials and careful manufacturing. The stability of the shelving unit is particularly noteworthy, as it is very sturdy and robust, meaning that it will not show any signs of damage even with intensive use. There is no specific information on the sustainability of the product, but the use of high-quality materials suggests a long service life and therefore sustainable use. Overall, the Elder Welder® shelf with secret compartment offers an excellent combination of design, workmanship and stability.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
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.
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.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Assembly
Conveniently, the shelf comes fully assembled and only needs to be screwed to the wall. However, the shelf is very heavy for the mounting option supplied.
Points
Load capacity
As already confirmed by the manufacturer’s specifications, the drawer can only be loaded with 1.5 kg and the shelf itself with max. 3 kg. If these specifications are adhered to, the shelf will remain stable.
Points
Functionality of the secret compartment mechanism
Secret compartment opens and closes easily and remains securely closed under load.
Points
Visual inconspicuousness
Secret compartment is completely unrecognisable, even on closer inspection.
Points
Resilience
The matt white melanin coating protects the chipboard very well.
Points
TOTAL
94
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
Elder Welder® presents the shelf with secret compartment, which we have tested extensively. Assembly is simple, as the shelf is supplied fully assembled and only needs to be screwed to the wall. The load capacity corresponds to the manufacturer’s specifications: The drawer holds 1.5 kg, the shelf itself a maximum of 3 kg. If these specifications are adhered to, the shelf remains stable. The functionality of the secret compartment mechanism is excellent; the compartment opens and closes easily and remains securely closed. The visual inconspicuousness of the secret compartment is impressive; it cannot be recognised even on closer inspection. The resistance of the matt white melanin coating protects the chipboard very well.
Test plan of the Prüfengel Institute
A detailed insight into how the criteria were evaluated in the practical part of the test and how the points were distributed can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse 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.
Finally, we analyse 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.
show more +Criterion
Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Good performance in the mid-price segment
Points
Rating cut
4.1 out of 5.0 on Amazon
Points
TOTAL
68
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers rate the Elder Welder® wall shelf with an average of 4.1 stars. One common criticism is that the mounting construction for the heavy shelf is not sufficient and it is therefore not suitable for all wall types. Many customers like the simple, timeless design and the integrated secret compartment for storing valuables. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that installation on concrete walls was problem-free and the shelf hangs firmly on the wall. However, the load capacity of only 3 kg proved to be a disadvantage.
Prices of up to €800 are charged on the internet for equivalent products. Very affordable products are available from as little as €150 . The shelf with secret compartment from Elder Welder® is therefore currently in the lower price segment with a price of €369.97. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Points achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer ratings
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
