Not so long ago many people wouldn’t have been seen dead with a shopping trolley, but then we became conscious of the effects of single-use plastic. Then the 5p bag tax was introduced to prompt the masses, and eventually we all began to look for alternatives. But while a reusable bag does the job, it's actually much easier if you let the ground take the load for you.
However, now that you've chosen to join the revolution, here comes the hard part – exactly which trolley should you buy for your supermarket trips? In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the important decisions to make, and we'll share our recommendations from Amazon, eBay, Argos, and John Lewis too. Some of them are even rather trendy!
Quick List - Top Shopping Trolleys
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Whether this is your first time buying a shopping trolley or you’re looking for an upgrade, you may wish to take a look at the most vital specifications to consider. We’ll be looking at capacity, the wheels, and many more nifty features.
The first thing to consider is the capacity of the shopping trolley. This is a difficult balancing act because while you may think bigger is better, it’s worth remembering that you have to push, pull and potentially carry this around with you.
On average, most trolleys come in at 40 L. This is the equivalent of about two full bags of shopping and should therefore be fine for most people to carry on their own, as well as holding enough food for one person for a few days.
Some options have greater capacities such as 60–75 L, but these are going to be cumbersome, so unless you specifically need one this big, we would recommend sticking to the usual size.
Shopping trolleys have three wheel options. Two-wheelers are the most common, and are convenient if you prefer to pull your bag behind you, as opposed to pushing it in front. They're also better suited to rougher terrain, so if you live on a cobblestone street or walk through a grassy area to get home, these will be the best bet.
Four-wheel options, on the other hand, are more balanced and don't have a tipping problem like two-wheel trolleys. They also tend to have 360-degree front wheels, which makes them much easier to manoeuvre through narrow shops. However, they don't stand up to rougher terrain half as well.
The final option is six-wheelers, which work similarly to two-wheelers. They have two sets of three wheels on either side but only sit on two, with the third making a sort of triangle shape. They’re then pulled as if a two-wheel trolley, but with four-wheels on the ground. They do have one huge advantage though, which we'll get onto next.
That’s right, some six-wheel trolleys can climb stairs. This unique wheel configuration will save you having to manually haul a heavy, full trolley. Instead, they enable you to simply pull it up the stairs in a safe manner, so you don’t have to worry about putting your back out, or dropping a week's worth of shopping.
These stair-climbing trolleys do tend to be on the pricier side, but for those who have a few floors to cart their shopping up, we're sure they’ll be worth every penny.
We’re all well aware of how unpredictable the British weather can be, so you’ll want to think about whether the trolley is waterproof or water-resistant. If you're someone who tends to walk back from the supermarket, then waterproof will be better. After all, no one wants a soggy loaf, do they?
If you’re more likely to be scooting from the supermarket to the car or the bus stop, then picking up a trolley that is simply water-resistant will probably do the trick. Water-resistance will adequately stand up to splashes and a light drizzle, but not sustained downpours.
While it never really reaches the dazzling temperatures of mainland Europe – where many people have been using these trolleys for years – it is always worth checking to see if your purchase is thermally insulated.
Much like a cool bag, this will keep your fresh, fridge and freezer items cooler for longer. Therefore, if you have a long journey home, you can rest assured that you’re giving that tub of Häagen Dazs the best chance of surviving before you get back.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MFavour Folding Shopping Trolley | ![]() | A Terrific Trolley That Has It All | |
2 | Sabichi Multicoloured Pug Shopping Trolley|184467 | ![]() | Have a Little Fun With Your Trolley Purchase | |
3 | Hoppa Compact Mini Folding Shopping Trolley | ![]() | For Those Who Are Shopping for Fewer Bellies | |
4 | Winkeep Upgraded Shopping Trolley | ![]() | Get a Product That Can Move More Than Shopping | |
5 | Sabichi 4 Wheel Shopping Trolley|184184 | ![]() | Feed the Full Family With This Large Trolley | |
6 | Argos Folding Stair-Climbing Shopping Trolley | ![]() | Designed With Comfort in Mind | |
7 | Rolser Jet Marina Trolley | ![]() | Shake off the Granny Stereotype With This Stylish Trolley | |
8 | Hoppa Lightweight Shopping Trolley | ![]() | Foldable, Lightweight and Waterproof but Best for Shorter Folk | |
9 | Prestige Wicker Shopping Trolley Basket | ![]() | Take the Rustic Look Everywhere With You | |
10 | Slimbridge Estoril Foldable Shopping Trolley | ![]() | For Those Still Struggling to Embrace the Aesthetic |
When it came to picking our number 1, there was a standout winner, and it was this pretty-much-perfect foldable offering. The trolley is thermally insulated and waterproof, to keep your fresh food and frozen goods chilled and dry. Plus, it has a subtle design that we're pretty sure everyone could live with.
That's not all though. It has a six-wheel design with the coveted stair-climbing functionality, and the bag can be detached so that you can use it as a separate trolley, should you require it. At 45 L, it also has a plenty of room for a decent stock-up at the shops.
Sure, it's an out-there design, but not everybody wants to play it safe with single colours and classy stripes. And what's not to love about dogs? This playful trolley is more than just good looks though.
It has a respectable capacity, two strong wheels and an appropriate ergonomic handle for those times when you end shopping that little bit longer than you anticipated. Plus, the bag is both water-resistant and thermally insulated, so you know your food is going to be looked after.
This super-compact and lightweight trolley is ideal for those who make smaller trips to the supermarket. It has a comfortable handle, but what we really like is those big, sturdy, rubber wheels that will suitably tackle many different types of terrain.
On the back, there is a small zip pocket where you can store personal items. This is handy as you aren't required to take another bag for your wallet, phone or other personal items. This basket is also super-easy to store in the house too, thanks to its convenient folding capabilities.
If you're someone who likes to get the absolute most out of every purchase, then you're going to love this 'Upgraded' shopping trolley from Winikeep. With a removable bag, you can use it as either a shopping trolley or hand-pulled truck, making it perfect for moving other heavier objects when you need to.
The ingenuity, however, is all in the design. The platform is at a higher level than its competitors, which might seem trivial until you understand that this allows you to use the space to pack larger items. And to top it off, it has stair-climbing capabilities.
This model from Sabichi is much easier to navigate and drive than most, plus you have the added benefit of never worrying about it toppling over thanks to its four wheels (providing you've packed it responsibly). It is made from premium materials, using a solid steel frame and durable polyester bag that is water-resistant.
This trolley has a mammoth 60 L capacity, which makes it a solid choice for those that are looking to do a big shop or buy for a larger family.
Made with comfort in mind, this shopping trolley from Argos has a thick, moulded handle. It also comes with the two tri-wheels that allow for it to be pulled upstairs, so you'll never have to climb with heavy shopping again.
The bag can also be disconnected from the frame, providing more functional storage. Some users have found that the trolley can be quite loud when in use, so you might want to wait until your neighbours are awake before you start carting it around!
If you're determined for your trolley to look as good as it functions, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more stylish product than this nautical-inspired number from Rolser. We're almost certain there'll be no remarks about looking like a Grandma while you're pushing this around.
The product is waterproof but also comes with a drawstring fastener to ensure extra protection for the food inside. The only downside is that it's a little on the pricey side compared to other products with similar specifications. Still, if appearances are important to you, we're sure you'll be happy with this.
This offering from Hoppa comes in a bunch of different colourways, so there's a design to fit most personalities. It has a respectable 47 L capacity, which is admirable considering how light it is when empty. It can also be folded flat when not in use.
Furthermore, the trolley is covered in waterproof fabric and has a comfortable easy-to-grab handle for when you're pulling it around. It is worth mentioning that those who are on the taller side have struggled with this as it is rather short, so maybe give it a miss if you're over six foot.
Now you can embrace the rustic country look even in your local Tesco with this wicker shopping trolley. The wicker used is of high quality and the company even have a clear environmental policy when it comes to producing their goods.
The material is waterproof so it won't rot if it gets damp, although the weave and open top mean the contents aren't protected. This is certainly an acquired taste, which is one of the reasons it's lower on the list. Plus, it's easily the most expensive product, so you've really got to want to lean into this look to choose this product.
If you're still not too keen on the aesthetics of the traditional shopping trolley, why not opt for something that looks a little unconventional? This removable offering from Slimbridge is actually more like a large tote on wheels, plus, it's quite a bargain.
However, there'll need to be some sacrifices for the drop in price. Take the quality of the wheels – they're made from plastic and known to be pretty rigid, and therefore prone to breaking. Still, if you pack lightly and you're careful where you tread, you should be OK.
Hard as it is to believe, you might find that you don't use your trolley every single time you head to the shops. For those times when you only need a few bits, or when there's a heat wave and you've been sent to stock up on choc ices, the products below are bound to come in handy.
So now that you're all clued up, what's to stop you from picking up a wheelie good purchase? If you keep all the factors from the buying guide at the front of your mind when selecting, we're sure you'll find the perfect shopping companion. And once you've decided, just roll with it.
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: MFavour |Folding Shopping Trolley
No. 2: Sabichi|Multicoloured Pug Shopping Trolley|184467
No. 3: Hoppa|Compact Mini Folding Shopping Trolley
No. 4: Winkeep|Upgraded Shopping Trolley
No. 5: Sabichi|4 Wheel Shopping Trolley|184184
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