Testing Procedure

PGG-PP-Rev: 01/2025_01

Category:

Non-consumable physical products

Testing procedure

Our testing procedure was developed by experienced engineers through a meticulous and careful process. It is based on solid technical expertise and represents a unique testing concept. We place the highest value on standardized and transparent processes in our product tests. The procedure is based on clearly defined criteria that are consistently applied to each product under the same conditions.

The classification and evaluation of the individual test criteria are carried out based on experience and technical expertise, reflecting the professional judgment of seasoned engineers. As some evaluation criteria may contain elements of interpretation, it is not always possible to make a purely objective assessment. However, the evaluation is based on a well-founded testing process, ensuring a reliable and traceable judgment.

A total of 17 different test criteria are tested and evaluated. The points achieved are then added up and converted into an overall score using a grading scale. A maximum of 100 points can be achieved across all test criteria.


Please note:

This procedure, including the descriptive texts of the test criteria, the definitions of the individual gradations within the test criteria, as well as the point allocation and its weighting, is the intellectual property of Warentest Ingenieur and is protected under copyright and competition law. Any unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification – whether in full or in part – is prohibited without our explicit consent and will be subject to legal action.


Table of Contents


  1. MATERIAL PROPERTIES (15 POINTS)
  1. MATERIAL QUALITY (10 POINTS)

Definition:

Material quality refers to the sum of all properties of a material, particularly its composition and grade, which significantly determine its suitability for specific requirements. Products that use high-quality materials generally exhibit significantly improved characteristics compared to those made from inferior materials. For instance, high-quality materials extend a product’s lifespan by increasing its mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance, as well as its durability against wear, corrosion, deformation, fractures, or other damage, thereby also contributing to sustainability. Additionally, superior materials allow for more precise manufacturing and processing. This results in better dimensional accuracy and stability, enabling more reliable functionality and safer product use.

Evaluation Criteria:

Material quality is evaluated based on the following two subcriteria:

  1. Material composition
  2. Material defects

The overall rating is determined by the average score achieved in both subcriteria.

  1. Material Composition
    • What is the material composition of the majority of materials used in the product?
PointsRatingDescription
10/10Very goodThe material composition of the majority of materials used in the product is very good.
8/10GoodThe material composition of the majority of materials used in the product is good.
6/10SatisfactoryThe material composition of the majority of materials used in the product is satisfactory.
4/10SufficientThe material composition of the majority of materials used in the product is sufficient.
0/10PoorThe material composition of the majority of materials used in the product is poor.
  1. Material Defects
    • What level of defectiveness does the material exhibit?
PointsRatingDescription
10/10Very goodThe product exhibits almost no material defects. 
8/10GoodThe product exhibits only a few or minor material defects (e.g., contamination, inclusions).
6/10SatisfactoryThe product exhibits few or moderate material defects (e.g., segregation).
4/10SufficientThe product exhibits several or problematic material defects (e.g., voids).
0/10PoorThe product exhibits numerous, severe material defects (e.g., cracks, delaminations).

Material Quality:

Total score for material quality = 0.5 * (Score achieved from the material composition criterion + Score achieved from the material defects criterion)
The total score for material quality will be evaluated based on the following table.

PointsRatingDescription
10/10
9/10
Very goodThe material quality of the majority of materials used is very good.
8/10
7/10
GoodThe material quality of the majority of materials used is good.
6/10
5/10
SatisfactoryThe material quality of the majority of materials used is satisfactory.
4/10
3/10
SufficientDie Materialqualität der mehhe material quality of the majority of materials used is sufficient.
0/10PoorThe material quality of the majority of materials used is poor.
  1. APPLICATION (20 POINTS)

Definition:

The build quality refers to the degree of precision, care, and craftsmanship with which a product or component is manufactured, assembled, and processed. High build quality significantly contributes to the stability, functionality, and safety of the product. Since manufacturing costs increase substantially with higher precision, components are often produced with just the level of precision necessary for their intended purpose. The same principle applies to the use of higher-grade materials. While this approach reduces manufacturing costs, the build quality may suffer as a result. Low build quality means that the product is generally more susceptible to impairments and defects in functionality, stability, and safety. For example, poor fitting of components often leads to functional problems, increased wear, and, consequently, a shorter product lifespan. The absence of or inadequate processing, such as the removal of sharp edges from components, can dramatically increase the risk of injury and thus compromise the safety of the product during use.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How good is the build quality in terms of gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality?

Explanations of the individual criteria:

  • Gap dimensions: Consistency & size of the gaps between components
  • Fit accuracy: Connections have play or are too tight
  • Stability of connections: Reliability and durability of connections
  • Edge finish: Edges are rounded, beveled, deburred, untreated, or sharp
  • Surface quality: Scratches, dents, burrs, unevenness, unclean adhesive surfaces and weld seams, coating and paint damage
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very goodThe product exhibits overall very good build quality. Gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality show no significant issues.
4/5GoodThe product exhibits overall good build quality. Gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality mostly show no issues.
3/5SatisfactoryThe product exhibits overall satisfactory build quality. Gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality show some issues.
2/5SufficientThe product exhibits overall sufficient build quality. Gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality show several issues.
0/5PoorThe product exhibits overall poor build quality. Gap dimensions, fit accuracy, stability of connections, edge finish, and surface quality show numerous issues, likely causing significant impairments to the function, stability, and safety of the product.
  1. APPLICATION (20 POINTS)
  1. PRODUCT USABILITY (10 POINTS)

Definition:

Application refers to the level of difficulty a consumer must overcome in order to use a product optimally for its intended purpose. A self-explanatory, intuitive, and easily accessible product allows consumers to use it safely and as intended. Detailed and easily understandable user manuals also play a significant role in this. This reduces application errors, the need for extensive training, and frustration, thereby enhancing usability and saving time.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How easy is the product’s applicability?
  • Is the product easy to use without prior training?
PointsRatingDescription
10/10Self-explanatoryThe application of the product is self-explanatory and requires no prior training.
8/10SimpleThe application of the product is simple, a brief introduction may be required.
6/10PracticalThe application of the product is practical, but prior training is necessary.
4/10ChallengingThe application of the product is challenging, requiring detailed training.
0/10ComplicatedThe application of the product is complicated, requiring extensive training.
  1. ASSEMBLY/INSTALLATION (5 POINTS)

Definition:

Products that consist of multiple parts are often packaged in a disassembled state. This offers manufacturers several advantages, such as savings on storage space, packaging materials, and assembly work, allowing for more efficient logistics and optimization of production processes and quality control. For buyers, disassembling large, heavy, or unwieldy products also simplifies transport significantly. However, disassembly also means that the assembly or installation of the product at a specific location must be carried out by the customer. Often, the difficulty, complexity, and scope of assembly or installation are not immediately apparent at the time of purchase. In some cases, specialized knowledge, specific assembly and measuring tools, or even additional persons may be required.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How easy is the assembly or installation of the product?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Self-explanatory; assembled or single-pieceThe assembly or installation of the product is self-explanatory, or the product is single-piece or already assembled/installed.
4/5SimpleThe assembly or installation of the product is simple.
3/5ManageableThe assembly or installation of the product is manageable, but specific steps may need to be followed for success.
2/5ChallengingThe assembly or installation of the product is challenging, and success is not always guaranteed for non-experts.
0/5ComplicatedThe assembly or installation of the product is complicated and should only be performed with the necessary expertise.
  1. USER MANUAL (5 POINTS)

Definition:

The user manual is an essential part of a product, ensuring its intended and safe use. It must contain all relevant information for the product, such as application, operation, assembly, installation, maintenance, care, storage, disposal, technical data, safety instructions, and warnings. To prevent property and personal damage from errors and misunderstandings in using the product, it is important that the user manual is clear and easy to understand. A logically structured manual, equipped with good illustrations, allows consumers to use the product correctly and safely without extensive prior knowledge or expertise. This prevents frustration and saves time. Ideally, alongside printed manuals, digital and regularly updated information about the product should also be available.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How understandable is the user manual in terms of product usage, ensuring that errors and misunderstandings can be avoided?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very clear / Self-explanatoryThe product’s user manual is very clear, or the product’s usage is self-explanatory and does not require a manual. Errors and misunderstandings in using the product are least likely.
4/5Mostly clearThe product’s user manual is mostly clear, and errors and misunderstandings in using the product are less likely.
3/5Partially clearThe product’s user manual is only partially clear, and errors and misunderstandings in using the product are more likely.
2/5Hardly clearThe product’s user manual is hardly clear, and errors and misunderstandings in using the product are likely.
0/5Missing / UnclearThe product’s user manual is unclear or completely missing despite being necessary, making errors and misunderstandings in using the product highly likely.
  1. FUNCTION (20 POINTS)
  1. FIT FOR PURPOSE (15 POINTS)

Definition:

The most important characteristic of a product is its ability to fulfill a specific function, solve a problem, or provide immediate benefit. No one wants to purchase a product that does not deliver the promised utility. Therefore, it is essential for consumers to be able to assess the degree to which a product fulfills its intended purpose before making a purchase. This helps avoid incorrect purchases and the associated frustrations and inconveniences. A product should fully, reliably, and safely fulfill its intended purpose over its typical overall lifespan.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Does the product fully fulfill its intended purpose, or are there any limitations?
PointsRatingDescription
15/15Fully fulfilledThe product fully fulfills its intended purpose when used as intended.
12/15Largely fulfilledThe product largely fulfills its intended purpose when used as intended. Minor limitations are to be expected.
9/15Partially fulfilledThe product partially fulfills its intended purpose when used as intended. Moderate limitations are to be expected.
6/15Barely fulfilledThe product barely fulfills its intended purpose when used as intended. Significant limitations are to be expected.
0/15Not fulfilledThe product does not fulfill its intended purpose when used as intended.
  1. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION (5 POINTS)

Definition:

In technical implementation, a product is evaluated based on its design and material selection in relation to fulfilling its intended purpose. A technically well-executed product utilizes technical sophistication and high-quality materials to create a sustainable, low-wear, as well as weight- and topology-optimized design. Additionally, the form of the product must always follow the function (“form follows function”) to achieve the best possible performance and reliably, fully, and efficiently fulfill its intended purpose. This leads to a significant improvement in the product’s lifespan, reliability, and safety during use.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How well is the technical implementation of the product in terms of efficiently fulfilling its intended purpose?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very goodThe technical implementation of the product is excellent, and the intended purpose is fulfilled very efficiently; the form fully follows the function.
4/5Good, with room for improvementThe technical implementation of the product is good, and the intended purpose is efficiently fulfilled; the form almost fully follows the function.
3/5Satisfactory, with notable weaknessesThe technical implementation of the product is satisfactory, and the intended purpose is still efficiently fulfilled; the form partially follows the function.
2/5Sufficient, with significant weaknessesThe technical implementation of the product is sufficient, and the intended purpose is just about efficiently fulfilled; the form barely follows the function.
0/5PoorThe technical implementation of the product is poor, and the intended purpose is not efficiently fulfilled; the form does not follow the function.
  1. MAINTENANCE (15 POINTS)
  1. WEAR AND TEAR (5 POINTS)

Definition:

When using products, signs of wear and tear inevitably occur. The most common type of wear with regular use is mechanical wear, which results from repeated mechanical stresses. This wear manifests as abrasion, scratches, deformation, material fatigue, delamination, loosening, and changes in fit and tolerances. These damages can negatively impact the functionality, performance, durability, and safety of the product. To ensure a long lifespan with smooth operation, excessive wear on the product must be avoided.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How high are the expected signs of wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Not noticeable / ConsumableThe expected wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use in the specified application area is very low. This also includes consumables.
4/5LowThe expected wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use in the specified application area is low.
3/5ModerateThe expected wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use in the specified application area is moderate.
2/5IncreasedThe expected wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use in the specified application area is increased.
0/5HighThe expected wear and tear of the product during intended, regular use in the specified application area is high. It significantly affects functionality, performance, longevity, and safety.
  1. CLEANING (5 POINTS)

Definition:

To ensure the functionality, performance, durability, and safety of a product, regular cleaning is often required, depending on the type of product. The cleaning effort is largely determined by the geometry and material composition of the product. Products with complex shapes, uneven surfaces, large offsets, hard-to-reach cavities, as well as sensitive and specialized materials, significantly increase the cleaning effort. To make daily use easier for the consumer, it is important that products can be cleaned and maintained using simple methods and common cleaning agents.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Can the product be cleaned using simple methods and common cleaning agents?”
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Effortless / Not applicable / Not suitable / Should not be cleaned (electrical devices, etc.)The product can be easily cleaned with standard cleaning products in the usual manner. This also includes products that are either not suitable for cleaning or only suitable for surface cleaning, such as electrical devices or products where regular cleaning is not required.
4/5EasyThe product can be easily cleaned with standard cleaning products in the usual manner. A slight additional effort due to geometric inaccessibility may be required.
3/5ModerateCleaning the product may require special cleaning products or additional tools. A moderate extra effort due to geometric inaccessibility is likely.
2/5ChallengingCleaning the product requires special cleaning methods, and the use of specific cleaning products or additional tools is likely. Challenging inaccessibilities (such as complex geometries or sensitive materials) make cleaning considerably more difficult.
0/5Labor-intensiveCleaning the product is very labor-intensive and requires the use of professional cleaning products and specialized equipment. Complex geometries may be completely inaccessible and may even require disassembling the product.
  1. ADDITIONAL COSTS (5 POINTS)

Definition:

When using and operating products, in addition to direct operating costs such as electricity or fuel, additional indirect costs can also arise. These additional costs, for example, occur due to the replacement of wear parts or specific consumables required for the proper use of the product. Since these costs often only become apparent over time, they are usually not immediately assessable by consumers when purchasing the product.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Does the product cause unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5None / Not ApplicableThe product does not cause unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category.
4/5LowThe product causes only low unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category.
3/5ModerateThe product causes moderate unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category.
2/5IncreasedThe product causes increased unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category.
0/5HighThe product causes significantly high unexpected additional costs during normal use compared to other products in its category.
  1. PACKAGING (20 POINTS)
  1. PRODUCT PROTECTION (5 POINTS)

Definition:

Aside from the shipping packaging, which mainly serves as additional protection during the transport of the product and standardization of package sizes to meet logistical requirements, most products have their own product packaging. In order to avoid damage to the product or its surroundings, the packaging must provide appropriate protection. Products must be reliably protected from external influences such as shocks, moisture, light, heat, as well as internal influences such as leakage or damage caused by the mutual contact of multi-part products. Therefore, product packaging is equipped with cushioning and damping elements such as flexible or rigid foam inserts, bubble wraps and cushions, corrugated cardboard, plastic or paper chips. To secure the product, form-fit inserts, clamp holders, dividers, and plug-in devices are used. The appropriate protective measures depend on the nature and type of the product.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • How well is the product protected by its packaging?
  • How suitable are the packaging elements used for protecting the product from internal and external influences?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Optimal / Product-dependent not relevantThe packaging elements used for the product are optimal for protecting the product, especially during transport and storage, from typical internal and external influences such as shocks, pressure, and moisture. This also includes products that, due to their nature and type, do not require packaging.
4/5Mostly suitableThe packaging elements used for the product are mostly (reliably) suitable for protecting the product, especially during transport and storage, from typical internal and external influences such as shocks, pressure, and moisture.
3/5Limited suitabilityThe packaging elements used for the product are limited (restricted) in their ability to protect the product, especially during transport and storage, from typical internal and external influences such as shocks, pressure, and moisture.
2/5Poor suitabilityThe packaging elements used for the product are poorly suited to protect the product, especially during transport and storage, from typical internal and external influences such as shocks, pressure, and moisture.
0/5Not suitableThe packaging elements used for the product are not suitable for protecting the product, especially during transport and storage, from typical internal and external influences such as shocks, pressure, and moisture.
  1. SUSTAINABILITY (15 POINTS)
    1. MATERIAL SEPARATION (5 POINTS)

Definition:

To effectively protect products from both external and internal influences, various packaging materials are typically used. These materials can consist of cardboard, paper, plastic, foam, wood, metal, textiles, or various composite materials. To improve the protective properties of the packaging, as well as to optimize costs and material consumption, these materials are often bonded, welded, or mechanically joined together. This can make the complete separation of materials more difficult. However, to ensure the sustainable use of these resources and protect the environment, it is important that packaging materials can be easily and completely separated in order to be properly directed to the recycling process.

Test Criteria:

  • Can the packaging materials used for the product be fully separated from each other?
  • To what extent can the packaging materials used for the product be separated from each other?
  • How easily can the packaging materials used for the product be separated from each other?
  • What percentage of the packaging materials used for the product can be separated from each other?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very GoodUp to 100% of all packaging materials used can be separated from each other.
4/5Largely SeparableUp to 75% of all packaging materials used can be separated from each other.
3/5Partially SeparableUp to 50% of all packaging materials used can be separated from each other.
2/5Poorly SeparableUp to 25% of all packaging materials used can be separated from each other.
0/5Not SeparableThe packaging materials used cannot be separated from each other.
  1. MATERIALS USED (5 POINTS)

Definition:

Product packaging is often made from different materials, each serving a specific purpose. To protect the product from both internal and external influences and to optimize its transport and storage, materials such as cardboard, paper, plastic, foam, wood, metal, textiles, or various composite materials are used. Since these packages are often temporary and, depending on the type of product, will eventually be disposed of, it is important that the materials used are recyclable and contribute to sustainability. Recyclability means that the material is suitable to be processed in a recycling system and thus reused. Such materials significantly reduce waste and resource consumption, which in turn reduces the environmental impact.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Are the used packaging materials designed for high recyclability and thus contribute to sustainability?
  • What percentage of the used packaging materials is actually recyclable?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very high recyclabilityThe packaging materials used are generally up to 100% designed for recyclability. This includes products that require no packaging at all.
4/5High recyclabilityThe packaging materials used are generally up to 75% designed for recyclability.
3/5Moderate recyclabilityThe packaging materials used are generally up to 50% designed for recyclability.
2/5Low recyclabilityThe packaging materials used are generally up to 25% designed for recyclability.
0/5Poor recyclabilityThe packaging materials used are not designed for recyclability.
  1. PACKAGING SIZE RELATIVE TO PRODUCT (5 POINTS)

Definition:

The minimum size of the product packaging is primarily determined by the dimensions of the product and its accessories, as well as the necessary protection, depending on the type and nature of the product. Logistical requirements and shipping guidelines, such as minimum package sizes set by shipping carriers, also have an impact. To sufficiently protect the contents, product packaging is typically equipped with cushioning and damping elements, as well as appropriate fixations. These protective measures increase the overall volume. To prevent unnecessary packaging waste, these protective measures should ideally be designed to optimally protect the product with the least amount of material. Avoiding unnecessarily large product packaging volumes leads to reduced material use, less waste, and allows for optimized transportation processes, which overall contributes to environmental conservation.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • What is the ratio between the size of the product packaging and that of the product?
  • What is the ratio of the product packaging size to the product size?
  • How appropriate is the size of the product packaging compared to the product?
  • How appropriate is the size of the product packaging in relation to the product?
  • How large is the product packaging in relation to the product?”

Note:

The product size is defined by the smallest possible rectangular geometric body that fully encloses the outer dimensions of the product. This ensures standardization of product dimensions and corresponds to the most commonly used packaging shape. The size of accessories as well as the product packaging is also defined using this method.

PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very GoodThe ratio of product packaging size to product size including accessories, considering necessary protection and minimum packaging sizes from shipping service providers, is excellent with a ratio of up to 1.5:1. This also includes products that do not require any packaging at all.
4/5GoodThe ratio of product packaging size to product size including accessories, considering necessary protection and minimum packaging sizes from shipping service providers, is good with a ratio of up to 1.75:1.
3/5SatisfactoryThe ratio of product packaging size to product size including accessories, considering necessary protection and minimum packaging sizes from shipping service providers, is satisfactory with a ratio of up to 2:1.
2/5SufficientThe ratio of product packaging size to product size including accessories, considering necessary protection and minimum packaging sizes from shipping service providers, is sufficient with a ratio of up to 2.5:1.
0/5PoorThe ratio of product packaging size to product size including accessories, considering necessary protection and minimum packaging sizes from shipping service providers, is poor with a ratio over 2.5:1.
  1. MISCELLANEOUS (10 POINTS)
  1. INFORMATION AND CONTACT OPTIONS (5 POINTS)

Definition:

Complete and easily accessible contact information and addresses of manufacturers/retailers make it easier for consumers to obtain necessary information, make contact, and receive support. This becomes necessary when there are questions regarding a product, solutions to issues, product returns, or claims related to warranty and guarantee cases. It is essential that this information is clearly visible and, in addition to the postal address and email addresses, ideally also includes other contact options such as phone numbers or website addresses.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • Is the address of the manufacturer/retailer/seller provided, and are additional contact details such as email addresses, phone numbers, or websites available?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5AvailableThe postal address and additional contact options such as email addresses, phone numbers, or website addresses are available.
3/5Partially availableThe postal address or only additional contact options are available. This also applies to contact options that can only be accessed through extended online research.
0/5Not availableThe postal address and additional contact options are not available or cannot be easily found with reasonable effort.
  1. PRICE-PERFORMANCE RATIO (5 POINTS)

Definition:

The price-performance ratio refers to the relationship between the price of a product and the benefits it offers. It serves as a benchmark to assess how reasonable the price of the product is. The offered benefits of the product consider not only its specific attributes such as quality, functionality, and lifespan, but also the associated services such as spare parts, warranty conditions, or customer service. Other comparable products are also taken into account. A very good price-performance ratio means that a product offers significantly more quality, benefits, or performance than its price would suggest.

Evaluation Criteria:

  • What is the price-performance ratio of the product?
PointsRatingDescription
5/5Very GoodThe price-performance ratio of the product is very good, expectations are exceeded.
4/5GoodThe price-performance ratio of the product is good, expectations are met.
3/5AcceptableThe price-performance ratio of the product is acceptable, expectations are nearly met.
2/5WeakThe price-performance ratio of the product is weak, expectations are only partially met.
0/5PoorThe price-performance ratio of the product is poor, expectations are not met.

EVALUATION SCALE:

Achieved ScoreRatingGrading
100-85sehr gut (Very Good)1,0 – 1,5 (First Class)
84-69gut (Good)1,6 – 2,5 (Upper Second Class)
68-53befriedigend (Satisfactory)2,6 – 3,5 (Lower Second Class)
52-45ausreichend (Sufficient)3,6 – 4,0 (Third Class)
44-0mangelhaft (Poor)5,0 (Fail)

Detailed breakdown of the score for grading:

Achieved ScoreGrading
100-991,0
98-961,1
95-931,2
92-901,3
89-871,4
86-851,5
841,6
83-821,7
81-801,8
79-781,9
772,0
76-752,1
74-732,2
72-712,3
702,4
692,5
682,6
67-662,7
65-642,8
63-622,9
613,0
60-593,1
58-573,2
56-553,3
543,4
533,5
523,6
51-503,7
49-483,8
47-463,9
454,0
44-05,0