The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The star milling machine from Fiskars is made of high quality steel and designed in the typical Finnish design of the renowned brand. With nine star wheels and a working width of around 20.5 centimeters, the model is particularly recommended for detailed loosening of the soil in somewhat larger beds. As a QuikFit device head, the router can be combined with a handle or a handle of the system. The reviewers at Amazon praise the model for its first-class quality and high functionality. In addition, the particularly low weight of the Fiskars star milling machine is impressive.

In contrast to the Fiskars version, the Gardena star grinder also includes a bracket (called a weeding knife) with which you can remove weeds can. However, the number of star wheels and the associated working width are smaller. The narrow device is perfect for loosening up the soil in narrow areas with little effort. You can connect the attachment with the combisystem handles from Gardena. Maybe you already have one in your tool shed? The majority of reviewers enjoy working with the star mill - the device should be pleasant to use. Obviously, it can only be exhausting with him on larger areas.

The star milling machine from WOLF-Garten has similar features as the variant from Gardena. However, the star wheels are made of metal and not steel and the weight is almost double so high - these are also the reasons why we ranked 3rd in our comparison to lead. The working width, which is one centimeter larger, is hardly worth mentioning. Many reviewers at Amazon are completely satisfied with the star milling machine Made in Germany. It seems to be well processed and to serve its purpose. Manual work with the device should rarely lead to sweating.

Purchase criteria

Material of the star wheels

The star wheels form the heart of every star milling machine. They do most of the work, so they should be good quality. Ideally, they are made of first-class steel that can withstand more pronounced hardening in the ground. In addition, it is advantageous if the steel knives are galvanized in a star shape. This increases the robustness, resilience and thus also the service life of the garden tool.

Working width

A star milling machine with a large working width is not always the ideal choice. It depends on the applications for which you need the device. If the main aim is to regularly loosen up the soil in planted vegetable patches, you are making the right decision with a narrower device. Conversely, the larger the areas to be dug, the wider the star milling machine should be designed. Generally, the working width is between 14 and 20 centimeters.

Number of star wheels

The number of star wheels determines the working width: the more wheels there are, the higher the working width is usually. But there is one more aspect that you should consider with regard to the number of star wheels: The more star wheels a star mill with the same working width, the closer they are together and the more even and precise the soil will be loosened up.

Weeding knife as an extra

Some star cutters are also equipped with a weeding knife in addition to the star wheels. This is used to pull unwanted weeds out of the ground parallel to the digging. You do not have to change the way you work with the garden tool - while youGarden tiller(€ 124.99 at Amazon *) If you move forward and loosen the earth with the star wheels, the blade of the weeding knife will separate any weeds from their roots. Afterwards, all you need to do is collect and dispose of the separated plant remains.

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Most star cutters are supplied as an attachment without a handle. If one is already included in the scope of delivery, it must match your height in terms of length. Otherwise, acute and, over time, chronic back pain are inevitable. A height-adjustable telescopic handle, the size of which you can adapt to your individual requirements, is practical. Well-known brands such as Fiskars, Gardena and WOLF-Garten offer combination systems with such telescopic handles that can be used for several device heads from the same manufacturer.

frequently asked Questions

What is a star mill?

A star tiller, also known as a roll cultivator or hand tiller, is a practical manual garden tool that you can use to work on hard and lumpy soil loosen up can. The ready-to-use star milling machine consists of a handle and a roller that has several star-shaped milling knives (star wheels).

How do I use a star mill correctly?

You need your muscle strength to get a roll cultivator up and running. You don't have to do anything else than hold the device by the handle or handle and guide it through targeted forward movements. As a result, the milling knives of the roller turn and plow the hardened soil so that it becomes finer lumpy.

What are the advantages of a star milling machine?

Star milling machines are lightweight, manoeuvrable and flexible to use. They are especially recommended for smaller ones Vegetable patches with relatively soft soil that needs to be loosened up. With a roll cultivator you can also work between existing plants. If you want to loosen the soil mainly superficially, you can do this faster and more relaxed with a star grinder than with a conventional one spade.

Which brands offer good star milling machines for loosening the soil?

The best-known and most popular brands for star milling machines include WOLF-Garten, Gardena and Fiskars. There are also solid roll cultivators from KADAX, UPP or Connex. In case of doubt, we recommend that you choose the model from a well-known company - if only to have a reputable contact person in the event of any problems.

Where is the best place to buy a star milling machine?

Star milling machines are available in well-stocked hardware stores such as OBI, toom or hagebaumarkt as well as in larger specialist garden centers such as Dehner. If you want a particularly simple ordering and return procedure (you never know ...), Amazon is certainly the best place to go. You will also find high-quality branded devices there.

How much does a star milling machine cost?

Star milling machines are available from around 20 euros (the range goes up to around 70 euros). Please note, however, that most of the devices are delivered without a handle. It is advantageous if you already have a system standard from the same manufacturer. Then you can usually couple the attachment to this stem. Otherwise you have to order one separately.

equipment

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If - as usual - no handle is included in the scope of delivery of the star mill and you do not have one yourself, it is best to order one right away. There are three main features: The handle must be long enough for you - ideally, it can be adjusted in height. Robust workmanship and compatibility with the star milling attachment are also important.

Handle

As an alternative to the handle, a simple handle can also be used as an extension and gripping element for the star mill - for example for digging up beds at a higher level. In addition to a stable material and an all-round solid workmanship, it is particularly important here, that the handle can be connected quickly and easily to the milling attachment and lies comfortably in the hand.