As Lidl’s in-house brand, Parkside has grown rapidly in the European DIY market, offering a wide range of tools at significantly lower prices than industry staples. While the brand’s affordability and extensive product lineup have made it a popular choice, questions remain about the manufacturing origins and quality of these tools-especially given the lack of openness around their production process. This article explores what is known about the makers and quality standards behind Parkside products.
Parkside has emerged as a significant disruptor in the DIY market in recent years. But who actually manufactures the affordable tools sold at Lidl, and what is their quality like?
Over the past several years, Parkside has become a serious contender alongside established tool brands like Bosch and Makita. The brand’s offerings are extensive, encompassing garden machinery, power hand tools, and painting supplies. In 2023, the brand gained further prominence when Arnold Schwarzenegger became its brand ambassador. According to a study by Euromonitor, Parkside is now one of the best-selling DIY brands in Europe. A key driver of this success is price: Parkside products are considerably cheaper than those of its competitors. But what about quality, and where are these tools actually made?
What makes Parkside special?
Table of Contents
- What makes Parkside special?
- Who makes Parkside tools?
- What products does Parkside offer?
- Is there a professional Parkside line?
- Who actually manufactures the Parkside tools?
- Where are the Parkside tools made?
- Are Parkside batteries compatible with other brands?
- What are Parkside tools actually worth?
Typically, consumers seeking a cordless screwdriver or jigsaw head to a hardware store – but with Parkside, a trip to a discount retailer is often sufficient. The brand’s tools are primarily available on Lidl’s shelves. “Parkside has grown from Lidl’s own brand into an independent DIY brand,” the company explained. The goal is for the products to be “technically convincing while still representing an affordable alternative” to tools from brands like Bosch or Makita.
Since spring 2023, Parkside has also been available in Kaufland stores. Additionally, the tools can be ordered from the online stores of Lidl and Kaufland.
Who makes Parkside tools?
According to the manufacturer, Parkside products are aimed at “anyone who enjoys using tools and likes to repair things around the house or garden, enjoys building or gardening.” The brand claims its range is suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
In terms of quality, Parkside often competes with more expensive manufacturers, and some products even hold their own in higher price categories.
What products does Parkside offer?
The selection is remarkably broad, ranging from small garden aids to larger machines – such as chainsaws or lawnmowers. It also includes hand and power tools, as well as specialized equipment like routers. This expansive product line reflects the growing demand for accessible DIY solutions across Europe.
The product range is in many ways similar to that of more established tool brands, which is no coincidence: Parkside consciously follows the trends of market leaders.
Is there a professional Parkside line?
In addition to the basic models, the Parkside Performance line is also available, which, according to the manufacturer, offers particularly high-performance power tools. However, it remains to be seen whether professional tradespeople actually use these tools on a daily basis on construction sites.
It is also not always clear exactly what distinguishes the basic and Performance versions, as details are less transparent for certain products.
Who actually manufactures the Parkside tools?
According to Parkside’s official website’s legal notice, Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG stands behind the brand. Both Lidl and Kaufland are part of the Schwarz Group, which explains why the tools are available in both retail chains.
But who actually makes the machines? Many DIY enthusiasts suspect that a major manufacturer – such as Bosch Power Tools or Einhell – is behind the scenes. Bosch has acknowledged the similarities to some of its green series products and has taken legal action where justified.
Where are the Parkside tools made?
Parkside does not disclose the exact manufacturing location. However, since many components in the tool industry come from Asia, it is likely that this is also the case with Parkside. The brand did state that they work with multiple suppliers, and the name of the specific manufacturer is listed on the packaging of each product.
The brand revealed they work with multiple suppliers, and the name of the specific manufacturer is listed on the packaging of each product.
For example, the box of a Parkside cordless handheld vacuum cleaner listed Grizzly as the manufacturer.
Reader feedback suggests Parkside may also be associated with Grizzly Tools and Scheppach. The Grizzly website features a dedicated Parkside category, and a 2021 Lidl press release also links the two names. Some claim that the design of certain Scheppach machines is almost identical to Parkside tools. Scheppach has not yet responded to inquiries. Parkside emphasizes that the development of the product range, the development of technical specifications, and quality control always remain in the brand’s hands.
Are Parkside batteries compatible with other brands?
Most manufacturers now use their own battery systems. With corded tools becoming less common, Parkside also focuses primarily on cordless devices.
While some manufacturers – such as Bosch and Gardena – have created a joint battery ecosystem, this is currently not possible with Parkside.
The batteries are officially only intended for use with Parkside tools, although it is conceivable that they may be compatible with certain Grizzly or Scheppach devices, as these can act as external manufacturers for the brand.
What are Parkside tools actually worth?
myHOMEBOOK has tested several Parkside tools in recent times, including cordless impact drills, jigsaws, handheld vacuum cleaners, and robotic lawnmowers. The results were often surprisingly good. In a large-scale test, Parkside batteries also performed exceptionally well, according to Stiftung Warentest.
Parkside offers decent quality at a good price-performance ratio. However, professionals may still find that the more expensive brands are the better choice – at a higher price.
