TESTED & RATED
Product tests & reviews based on my own experience and well-founded feedback! In 'TESTED & REVIEWED' I analyze technology, tools, DIY projects, smart homes, outdoor gadgets and more - practical, independent & well-researched.
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Pool heating with ribbed pipe systems – Build your own solar heating for the pool
Pool heating, solar absorber, Ripp pipe system and the efficient use of solar energy – in this article I document the complete conversion of my old EPDM pool heating system into a modern Dolphi-Ripp solar heating system. After more than ten years of practical experience with EPDM mats, I will show you why the change was necessary, which system is convincing today and how the new solar-based pool heating is proving itself in everyday life. Step by step, I describe the planning, installation and initial results – including technical details, comparisons and practical tips for installing a solar absorber on the roof.
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Hardy palms for the garden – these 5 species can withstand frost down to -15 °C
Hardy palm trees for the garden in Germany? I have tried it – with success. In this article, I show you my best frost-resistant palm species for German gardens that can be planted out permanently or kept in containers. I present five tried-and-tested palm species, hardy down to -15 degrees, and explain what is important when planting, caring for and overwintering them. Anyone looking for exotic hardy palms for Central Europe will find practical tips, specific product recommendations and personal experiences from my garden here.
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ECOVACS GOAT A1600 RTK: The innovative robotic lawnmower without boundary wire in the test
A robotic lawnmower without boundary wires can revolutionize lawn care – no more laying and repairing wires, just precise navigation with RTK technology. The ECOVACS GOAT A1600 RTK promises exactly that. After more than 10 years with the Gardena Sileno+, which was regularly slowed down by broken cables, we needed an alternative. In this test, I show how the GOAT A1600 RTK performs in practice: from installation and mapping to mowing quality and safety. Is the cordless robotic lawnmower really convincing? Here is the answer.
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Bypass and anvil in comparison – find the perfect secateurs for your plants
High-quality secateurs are essential for the care of plants, shrubs and trees. But which secateurs are the best? In my large garden shears test, I tested various models and compared them with each other. I took a close look at both bypass pruning shears and anvil pruning shears to find out which are best suited to different applications. Whether you want to cut fine branches, thick twigs or dry wood – in this garden shears comparison you will find the best models for every requirement.
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Robot lawn mower without boundary wire in test: The best models in comparison
Robotic lawn mowers without boundary wires make lawn mowing smarter and more flexible. Instead of perimeter wire, they rely on GPS, RTK navigation and camera technology – this saves installation effort and offers more precise control. My detailed comparison shows which models are convincing in the test, where the strengths and weaknesses lie and which robotic mower is best suited to which garden conditions.
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5 diesel parking heaters compared: which one is right for you?
A mobile diesel-based parking heater is an efficient way to reliably heat motorhomes, workshops or garden sheds. As a mobile heater, it offers independence from power sources and provides pleasant warmth even in icy temperatures. This article provides a comparison of the best diesel heaters, an overview of their advantages and disadvantages and important tips on safe use.






















