Trolleys, or shopping trolleys, are the perfect allies for those who go shopping on foot or use public transport to get around. In this way, there will be no problem with the bags’ weight or their messy bulk that hinders the return home since everything will be neatly arranged inside the trolley.
They make life easier for the elderly, expectant mothers, and all those who cannot carry weight. In reality, there are several models, and the final choice is not as trivial as it may seem. So let’s see everything there is to know about shopping trolleys and the features to evaluate before buying on Black Friday Deals.
Shopping Trolley: What is it, and how it works?
The shopping trolley is also called trolley because it resembles in all respects a suitcase with wheels. A soft or semi-rigid bag is attached to the metal structure, usually in aluminum or steel, where you can put your shopping.
At the upper end is the handle, useful for pushing or pulling the trolley (depending on the model). Regardless of whether the trolley is equipped with two, four, or six wheels, the main feature is the fact that it is stable and, if left, stands up on its own.
Types
It is important to underline the differences that can occur between the different models. The simplest and most traditional trolleys are those equipped with two wheels: these models must be dragged by leveraging the two rear wheels, but the disadvantage is that, if too much weight, this weighs heavily on the arm used.
The reference trolley is Foppapedretti, equipped with four wheels: this works like a children’s stroller. That is, you do not need to drag it but push it in front of you. Moreover, thanks to the adjustable handle, it is possible to use it as support: many older adults decide to choose it to aid their movements.
Finally, there are the trolleys with six wheels, three on one side and three on the other: these are especially useful if you have to climb stairs. The wheels’ configuration will help you carry the trolley up without making excessive efforts because the wheels will rest on the stairs, step by step.
Why buy a shopping trolley?
The shopping trolley makes shopping easy: there will be no more thinking about the bags’ weight and their messy bulk. Just place everything inside the trolley and drag it home. This is why it will be the perfect ally for older adults, people who cannot lift weights, and expectant mothers or mothers with small children to hold hands.
You will also be relieved from the thought of shopping bags: it will no longer be important to have to think about it at home and take it with you, just put everything inside the cart. This also applies to fresh and frozen food: some models are equipped with a fresh compartment that will allow you to buy food in the frozen section without carrying additional bags.
How to use the shopping trolley
How to organize the shopping inside
First of all, we advise you to insert the heaviest and most robust objects: in the most robust and spacious trolleys, at the bottom of the bag, you can insert bottles of water or other drinks so that they make a robust bottom in turn.
Then try, as you go on with the shopping, to insert the food trying to occupy all the possible space of the bag and exploit it. Finally, avoid leaving the closure open: try not to fill it too much so that the bag closes, so as not to lose food on the street, even the trolley should fall into it.
How to choose the shopping trolley: what to evaluate before buying
Number of wheels
As you may have understood, wheels are the main features to evaluate before purchasing because they can change your approach to using the trolley. We really like those with four wheels that can be pushed as well as dragged.
Even full of expense, they seem much lighter, precisely because the weight is distributed over 4 wheels. If you have to take the stairs to get to the house and don’t have an elevator, we recommend the models with six wheels. In summary:
- 2-wheel shopping trolley: greater lightness and maneuverability.
- 3-wheel shopping trolley: per side, i.e., 6 wheels in total. It is a system designed for climbing stairs.
- 4-wheel shopping trolley: stands alone and can be pulled or pushed.
The comfort of the handle
The handle is also one of the details to consider before buying: the most comfortable ones have an ergonomic grip and padded with soft rubber. Those coated with plastic only are a little less comfortable, especially when the trolley load is maximum.
Materials and sturdiness
The structure of the shopping trolley can be in aluminum or steel. They are both sturdy and resistant materials, but aluminum is lighter than steel, so preferable since the trolley will then increase its weight due to the expense or what you have inserted inside.
Maximum capacity
The maximum load capacity of the trolley, i.e., the maximum weight it is capable of supporting, must also be considered. Generally speaking, the most robust trolleys are capable of supporting 30 to 40 kg.
Number and type of compartments
Finally, consider the bag where you will put the shopping. Some trolleys are equipped with a compartment for fresh food, very useful in very hot periods to avoid arriving home and finding ice creams completely melted! Apart from the cooler compartment, consider whether you prefer to have a single bag or several compartments.
Chassis Features
Some models are equipped with a folding frame, perfect if you want to store the trolley after use and want it to take up little space. Other models simply close by flattening, so you’ll need to find a long, narrow space to place them.
We really like those trolleys equipped with reflectors placed on the frame: this allows you to move on the sidewalks and cross the road with more safety. Finally, consider the stand’s presence, in case the trolley is equipped with only two wheels: thanks to the stand, the trolley can stand on its own without problems.
The best shopping trolleys
As we have told you, for us, the reference point for shopping trolleys is the Foppapedretti brand which produces both the model with four wheels and with two wheels: they are robust and long-lasting trolleys, especially suitable for older people who can use it as support, as well as a shopping cart.
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