Clamp awning test 2020: the best models in comparison

Types of clamp awnings

our recommendation

paramondo clamp awning, balcony awning Jam, 1.95 x 1.20 m, frame white, fabric block, yellow-white

79.99 EUR To the product

Clamp awnings are primarily intended for installation on balconies and terraces. The structure is always more or less the same: On the side there are tension rods - these hold and carry both the awning fabric and the roller from which you “crank” the fabric. Speaking of which: Always use a crank to extend the awning, which is part of the scope of delivery.

also read

• Pole pruner test 2020: the best models in comparison
• Lawn edger test 2020: the best models in comparison
• Garden tiller test 2020: the best models in comparison

There are also various clamp awnings for the window and the window sill. Mounted on the window, the awning ensures that less light and heat can enter. As a result, the room does not heat up as much in the hot season, which in turn forces a significantly more pleasant climate in the room (in times of climate change an aspect that should not be underestimated).

You can now enjoy a huge selection of clamp awnings. Thanks to the gigantic range of designs and sizes, everyone has the opportunity to find a suitable awning for their own needs. The real challenge is to track down “the one”. So that you can do this faster and easier, we will first introduce you to the different types of clamp awnings.

To differentiate are:

• Drop arm awning versus vertical awning
• Awning fabric: polyester versus acrylic
• Models with a hand crank versus versions with an electric drive

In the following, we will take a closer look at all of the variants mentioned by subjecting the “pairs of opposites” to a direct comparison.

Drop arm awning and vertical awning in comparison

Depending on the purpose or location for which you need a new clamp awning (€ 267.21 at Amazon *), either a drop arm or a vertical awning makes more sense.

Drop arm awning in the test

our recommendation

Angerer clamp awning style granite, 150 x 300 x 225 cm, 2302/005, gray

137.94 EUR To the product

Most clamp awnings are designed as drop arm awnings. In these models, the awning fabric on the facade is exposed to the front. The flexible projection angle allows you to adjust the size of the shadow as required. You can also determine how much external visibility should be given.

Drop arm awnings are wonderfully suitable for small balconies / terraces and windows. They often look good and give the outdoor zone a Mediterranean flair.

Vertical awning in the test

our recommendation

Angerer balcony privacy screen uni orange PE, 150 cm wide, 2319/1005

89.48 EUR To the product

Vertical awnings do without the projection angle. Instead, they are perfectly vertical, so they flow straight from top to bottom. These designs apply as a special form of awning in general and the clamp awning in particular.

The biggest advantage of a vertical awning (also called a vertical awning) is that it effectively absorbs solar radiation and thus contributes to a constant moderate temperature in the interior. It is mounted over the window like an ordinary roller shutter.

Tips

If you are looking for sun and privacy protection for large window fronts and want a mixture of drop arm and vertical awnings, it is best to take a look at so-called clamp awning. With such an awning, the upper part moves vertically downwards; the lower part, on the other hand, is positioned using the appropriate arm technology and allows the angle to be flexibly adjusted. This awning section thus runs diagonally forward like a drop arm awning. Klemmmarkisoletten are surprisingly cheap solutions for the effective regulation of daylight and shade.

Awning fabric: polyester and acrylic in comparison

The material of the awning fabric is one of the most important criteria when it comes to buying a clamp awning. In fact, the fabric texture has a major impact on the functionality and durability of the entire awning. The fabric is usually made of polyester or acrylic.

In principle, there are also PVC awning fabrics. However, since these mainly refine fixed awnings and are rarely found in clamp awnings, they do not play a major role for us. But we wanted to mention them anyway.

Tips

Ideally, the awning fabric has a PU coating (PU = polyurethane). This makes the fabric - regardless of its exact material - water-repellent or even waterproof and elastic (more). Due to the properties of the basic material, some awning fabrics are inherently water-repellent and also dirt-resistant and resistant to UV light. If you see information such as “spinneret-dyed fabric” in the product descriptions, you can be sure that you have found a durable specimen (usually polyacrylic awning fabrics).

Awning fabric made of polyester in the test

our recommendation

MVPower clamp awning balcony awning sun protection with hand crank, UV-resistant, height adjustable, made of metal and polyester, without drilling, 200 x 120cm, gray

83.90 EUR To the product

Awning fabrics made of polyester are very light. In addition, they are characterized by their high elasticity, which in turn makes them easy to roll up. At the same time, polyester models are absolutely convincing in terms of tear resistance.

The only disadvantage is that polyester awning fabrics are not UV-resistant without a special coating.

advantages: light, elastic, easy to roll up, very tear-resistant, inexpensive

Disadvantages: not UV-resistant (extra coating required)

Acrylic awning fabric tested

In contrast to awning fabrics made of polyester, the versions made of acrylic are inherently UV-resistant, so that they do not necessarily need an additional coating in order to be suitable and durable for outdoor use. In addition, acrylic awning fabrics impress with their color fastness.

There are no functional disadvantages. Of course, awning fabrics made of acrylic are more expensive than models made of polyester.

Advantages: UV-resistant, suitable for outdoor use, durable, color-fast

disadvantages: more expensive

A comparison of models with a hand crank and versions with an electric drive

When it comes to operating the clamp awning, there are two options to choose from: the classic solution with a hand crank and the modern version with an electric drive.

Clamp awning with hand crank

our recommendation

Pro-Tec clamp awning - gray - 150 x 120 x 200-300cm - awning balcony awning sun protection - without drilling

79.99 EUR To the product

With a clamp awning with a traditional hand crank, your strength is required. By moving your hand, you can extend the awning fabric to the desired position.

advantages: classic-traditional, more elegant, less expensive

disadvantages: higher effort

Clamp awning with electric drive

If the clamp awning has an electric drive, your own physical strength is more or less superfluous. You only need to operate a button or something similar - the awning does the rest on its own (or the motor).

Advantages: easier to operate, less effort required, sometimes programmable

disadvantages: more expensive, power supply required, less aesthetic

Further purchase criteria

If you are planning to buy a clamp awning for your balcony, terrace, window or window sill, you should consider a few other criteria in addition to the types described above in your individual test and comparison of several awnings in order to find the best model for your needs determine:

• size
• Fabric thickness
• frame
• Weather resistance
• adjustability
• handling
• design
• scope of delivery

In the next few paragraphs, we explain what needs to be considered in relation to these points.

size

Clamp awnings for the balcony, terrace, window, window sill or sloping ceiling are available in different sizes. Important dimensions are

• the depth,
• the width and
• the installation height.

Normally the depth of a clamp awning is 120 to a maximum of 150 centimeters.

The width offers much more leeway. Clamp awnings can

• 150 cm,
• 200 cm,
• 250 cm,
• 300 cm,
• 350 cm or even
• 400 cm

be wide. As a rule, the steps take place in 50-centimeter steps. Thanks to the very wide range, you still have the right clamp awnings available even if your balcony, terrace or window takes up two, three or four meters.

Tips

Be sure to measure the required width before ordering a clamp awning. In some cases, manufacturers also offer the option of custom-made awnings for you.

Like the width, the installation height also varies from terrace to terrace or balcony to balcony. Usually it is between 200 and 300 centimeters. It is best if the height can be adjusted by up to one meter.

If you need a special height for your sun and privacy protection, there are again options here to have a custom-made clamp awning built.

Fabric thickness

our recommendation

paramondo clamp awning, balcony awning Jam, 1.95 x 1.20 m, white frame, plain fabric, cream

79.99 EUR To the product

The good news is: All clamp awnings guarantee a certain level of privacy and sun protection - whether small models for the window sill or large models for the balcony and terrace.

But: The more opaque and light-tight the clamp awning should be, the more weight has to be attached to the fabric thickness of the awning fabric.

The cloths of clamp awnings are generally between 180 and 300 grams per square meter thick. The rule is that thicker material is more robust and lets less light and heat through. A stronger model also often keeps moisture out better.

frame

Basically, the frame of the clamp awning should be stable. On a smaller, sheltered balcony, an aluminum base is usually sufficient. The material is particularly popular because of its light weight.

If the clamp awning is exposed to all weather conditions, including strong winds and storms, the frame must be made of a heavier material. In this context, powder-coated steel has proven particularly useful.

Weather resistance

The entire clamp awning should have high weather resistance - after all, it is only used outdoors and is confronted there with a wide variety of influences - whether with intense sun, pounding rain or gusts of wind.

When buying a clamp awning, make sure that all of the components, from the awning fabric to the frame to the additional elements, are weatherproof. The decisive factor is the materials.

adjustability

our recommendation

SONGMICS clamp awning, 150 x 130 cm, roll-up balcony awning, sun protection, awning with frame, adjustable height 2-3 m, gray GSA153G

89.99 EUR To the product

It is essential that the telescopic rods (i.e. the tension rods) are adjustable in height in order to be able to adapt the installation height individually to the conditions on the balcony or terrace.

Furthermore, the angle of inclination of drop arm awnings should be continuously adaptable to the respective needs (the position of the sun). Some versions allow an inclination of up to 180 degrees.

handling

Of course, easy handling of the clamp awning is desirable. Models with an electric drive are clearly more convenient to use since they only require the push of a button (or the like), while a hand crank has to be operated manually in order to move the awning fabric into the targeted position.

Tips

If you still want to buy a clamp awning with a hand crank, you should make sure to choose a model with a high-quality, smooth-running crank. You don't have to make the act of cranking unnecessarily difficult. It is also advisable to check the length or height of the crank, especially if the clamp awning is to be attached relatively high up.

A not insignificant aspect, which also has to do with the handling, is the installation. In the ideal case, the clamp awning can be set up alone. Simply check the manufacturer's instructions for installation when comparing awnings.

design

our recommendation

Swing & Harmonie LED - awning with crank clamp awning balcony awning with lighting and solar module drop arm awning sun protection terrace balcony (200x150, orange / black)

139.00 EUR To the product

Although a clamp awning primarily has a functional character, the optical component also plays an important role. The chosen design should match the patio or balcony furnishings, i.e. pick up on the style and reflect it as much as possible.

Fortunately, clamp awnings are available in many different colors. Models in anthracite or another gray are particularly popular. Awnings in beige also appear very elegant and Mediterranean. If you are looking for striking and cheerful yellow, green or blue tones, you will also find what you are looking for with some manufacturers.

scope of delivery

The larger the scope of delivery, the better it is. But when in doubt, you should always put quality over quantity. So it's better to have one accessory less than many unnecessary or poorly processed elements.

As an example, we list the typical scope of delivery of a drop arm awning for clamping with a classic hand crank:

• Fabric roll with fabric shaft, awning fabric and front profile
• Tension support with drop arms, gear and wind lock
• Hand crank
• Mounting elements and accessories (such as screws, nuts and brackets)
• Instructions on how to assemble the clamp awning (you may not have to assemble your awning at all, but “only” mount it in the desired location)

Basically, we recommend looking through various pages with guides or customer reviews before buying in order to ultimately acquire a high-quality clamp awning that is also convincing in practice.

What brands are there?

our recommendation

Angerer clamp awning style anthracite, 150 x 300 x 225 cm, 2302/262, gray

139.69 EUR To the product

Many companies now manufacture robust clamp awnings. Trustworthy brands include:

• Angerer
• FLORABEST (Lidl brand)
• POCO
• paramondo
• Spettmann
• vidaXL

The best way to buy a clamp awning is to go to an offline or online hardware store. Alternatively, you can also find what you are looking for in classic furniture stores and sometimes even in discounters. You can often get away with it cheaply there. An overview of potential contact points for clamp awnings:

• BAUHAUS
• HORNBACH
• OBI
• Hagebau market
• toom
• Danish bed dorm
• Amazon
• Lidl
• ALDI

How do I maintain a clamp awning?

Even if clamp awnings are undoubtedly one of the cheaper representatives within the large awning family, you will certainly want to enjoy your chosen model for as long as possible. To ensure that the clamp awning stays in good condition for many years, it is important to clean it regularly. We cannot provide you with specific information on how to proceed here, as different methods or means are recommended depending on the substance. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions in the instructions for use for your model.

One thing applies in general: Do not use any cleaning agents that could damage the protective layer (e.g. the UV protection) of your clamp awning. Otherwise you run the risk that the awning will lose its functionality.

Tips

As a rule, the awning fabric can be washed in the washing machine at low temperatures (maximum 30 to 40 degrees). Another good solution is to buy a clamp awning with a self-cleaning effect.

Even if your chosen clamp awning is described as water-repellent, waterproof or generally weatherproof, we clearly advise you to always retract it in wet or stormy conditions in order not to expose it unnecessarily to the respective weather, which would senselessly accelerate wear.

Important: Always roll up your clamp awning when it is dry, not when it is wet / damp. This will prevent dirt from sticking to the fabric or other unsightly mold stains.

Apart from maintenance, the clamp awning also needs maintenance every season. Our recommendation: Check in the spring, before the awning is to be used more often again, whether all individual parts are still fully intact. In the case of minor problem areas, it is best to use replacement elements and repair sets - the manufacturer often offers suitable products himself.

Tip: In the event of major defects, a complete replacement of the awning is usually more worthwhile.

Which accessories do i need?

Basically, a clamp awning does not require any specific accessories. Only if repairable damage occurs to components does it make sense to buy a replacement.

frequently asked Questions

What is a clamp awning and how does it work?

our recommendation

Angerer 2302/200 clamp awning Dralon No. 200, orange, 300 cm

122.99 EUR To the product

As the name suggests, a clamp awning is clamped between the floor and the balcony or terrace ceiling. It acts as a practical alternative to the awnings that are permanently installed. While the latter is associated with a high installation effort in most cases, you can do without drilling when attaching an awning for clamping.

Each clamp awning essentially consists of tension rods, an awning fabric, a roller and a crank. The rods hold the cloth, which is turned out of the roll by means of a crank. There are models with a classic hand crank and innovative solutions with an electric drive - for those who long for a particularly comfortable variant.

Who benefits from a clamp awning?

All people who

• want to sit comfortably on your balcony or terrace without being constantly blinded by the sun,
• want a simple but effective sun protection and
• Are not allowed to or do not want to drill in the apartment or house.

Clamp awnings are also suitable for windows, window sills and sloping ceilings, depending on the design.

What alternatives to the clamp awning are there?

To avoid drilling, you could simply use a parasol with an articulated arm as an alternative to the clamp awning - at least on the balcony and terrace. But: Parasols are bulky, they take up more space. In addition, they often prove to be less weather-resistant than clamp awnings.

How do I assemble a clamp awning?

One of the biggest advantages of the clamp awning is the uncomplicated assembly. It does not have to be firmly and stably connected to the house facade. Instead, you only need to clamp the telescopic rods (tension supports) between the floor and the ceiling of the balcony (or the terrace / window). You get by without drilling, dowels or screws. This means that there is no damage to the structure.

To be able to attach a clamp awning, you only need a wall protrusion of around 20 centimeters in the upper area. In general, assembly is fairly quick, even if you do not have any manual skills or experience. With height-adjustable telescopic rods you can quickly reach the optimal installation height. The other parts such as the stud frame and the drop arms can also be connected to one another relatively quickly. Finally, set the appropriate angle of inclination.