Which German Puzzle Brand Reigns Supreme? Ravensburger vs. Schmidt

[@janagotz8901]

Since i'm german, i have a lot and, i mean "a lot" of Schmidt and Ravensburger puzzles. And, i totally agree with you. Although Ravensburger are over all good puzzles, the experience on a schmidt is next level. I kind of have a feeling they always come together way to fast. At the end i am on the road to try out new to me brands as you do, and you are my Inspiration and Motivation on this journey. Always so funny, real , open and fair on you opinions. I really really appreciate that. Thanks for sharing and until the next one😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that 🤗 It really is so eye opening when you start to explore all that is out there. You just don't know what you're missing, and I can't wait to try out more and more brands. But I must say, I wish I had a lot of Schmidts in my collection😂The only place I can find them on is Amazon, and sometimes the selection is slim.

[@janagotz8901]

I hope globalisation does comfort us a little bit more in the future and we will be able do get hold on more new brands from around the world. Also in terms of priceing, as for example Schmidt puzzles are pretty affordable here. Thanks a lot for your answer and for your always uplifting videos. 😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@janagotz8901 You are so welcome 🤗

[@PatSelby-p8e]

I have never worked a Schmidt puzzle. You did great! Now I am intrigued. I will have to budget more puzzle money, but it looks like a quality purchase.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

It's definitely worth every penny! I'm sure you will not regret the purchase when you get it🤩

[@helimonni]

I read a tip once, that you should make a small cut in one of the corners of the plastic bag and then shake the bag to get the puzzle dust out! I've tried it once with a Ravensburger and it seemed to work quite well. I especially dislike their blue dust as it seems to stain my fingers sometimes... 😮

[@PalettePC]

Thanks for this tip.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely try this next time. That blue dust really is such a pain though. My table is very light, so it took me a long while to get the lingering blue dust off the non slip surface once I was done puzzling. Now you also got me thinking about how beastly I tend to tear the puzzle bags open. It makes it a lot harder for me to put them back in the bags if I need to 😅

[@missjanet111]

You always have the best and most comprehensive reviews! I love both brands.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you so much 🤗🤗🤗 Happy you enjoyed the video!

[@Earlylarkspur]

Thank you, Mandy. I really enjoyed this video very much. Your videos always make me smile. In fact, I think my face hurts just from watching. I look forward to your next adventure.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

🤗🤗🤗Thank you so much! It's nice to hear that my videos give you face cramps as well 😂

[@erniesulovic4734]

Face cramp....bloody hilarious, Mandy lmao. Great video. Cant get the Schmidt puzzle in Oz...not that specific one which is a bugger. Lovely puzzles. Thanks for showing them 😀

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Now I know that if I get any face cramps while puzzling, then I know I'm having too much fun 🤣 It's unfortunate you can't get Schmidts in Oz. I can't find them in any of my stores here too. They need to get a move on and start making these more available all over the world. They are just too good!

[@erniesulovic4734]

@@thepuzzledmandy Fun is always good 😂 Even at my age..... Oh so you cant get them in the US as well? That'd be a first lol Looking into my Crystal Ball, i see in the near future.....Mandy Smith & Co 😀😂

[@puzzlesbypam2442]

I LOVE my Schmidt puzzles! I also am a huge Ravensburger fan, but you’re not wrong about the difference!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I do love the Disney images Ravensburger put out, they are absolutely amazing. But Schmidt's quality just wins me over.

[@belindas3495]

Loved this video, thanks so much! I look forward to you putting together the 3000 piece Schmidt puzzle 🧩

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Happy you enjoyed the video! I can't wait to see my 3K Schmidt complete. It's going to look stunning, but I'm sure the whole piecing together experience will be a very interesting one. We shall see!

[@MyLocsareREAL]

MANDY☺️💕… I Absolutely love your Channel..and I also fell in love with Schmidt puzzles, when I first assembled one but for some reason I have more Ravensburger puzzles, probably because they’re just more accessible for me but I definitely like Schmidt Better🥰

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Wow, thank you so much! I really appreciate your support 🤗🤗🤗 That's funny, I seem to have more Ceaco's than anything and they're towards the bottom of my list of favorite brands 😂But like you, it is because that's what's mostly available at the stores I shop at. Schmidt really need to start becoming more available everywhere. They shouldn't keep all that goodness to themselves!

[@PoshPaperCreations]

Hi!!! I love your videos! Thanks to you, today I completed my first Schmidt - Disney Dreams 2000 piece ! Omg I LOVED it! I thought Ravensburger was my favorite, but everything about this Schmidt was WOW! I am immediately ordering the Mickey & Minnie Disney Dreams Collection, 2000 pcs!! 🎉

[@thepuzzledmandy]

That is awesome! I'm so happy to hear that my videos inspired you and that you loved your experience 🤗And those puzzle images are absolutely beautiful 🤩🤩🤩 Perfection!!! Good luck on your next one 🧩🧩🧩

[@initiate22000]

Even with my most favorite puzzles, I have yet to give myself a face cramp! I am glad you enjoyed the Schmidt puzzle so much. I think I will go and check them out. Thanks!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did when you try it out 😁 I think Schmidt has hit #1 as my favorite brand with Pintoo right under it.

[@ksoehnle]

I just bought my first Schmidt puzzle, but I haven't put it together yet. After watching this video, I can't wait to do it.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I'm sure you're going to love it! It's easily the top brand on my list.

[@carlosjesusrodriguezduenas7687]

Great review. Thank you for introducing me to Schmidt puzzles. I too have had similar experiences with Ravensburger (for me worst hold of any puzzle I've done in one instance). Schmidt shoild sponsor you😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Oh my goodness, I would love it if Schmidt would sponsor me 🤩🤩🤩

[@horseygirl6232]

Thank you for the review, never heard of Schmidt Puzzles, but I’m in Australia. But I love reviews on brands. I’ve brought other brands other than Ravensburger before and have been disappointed with the quality. The pieces sometimes were soft, or they fitted too loosely. If I see a Schmidt puzzle I’ll have to try it. It’s great to see that I’m not the only one that tries picking up the puzzle by the corners and sorts the last pieces by shape.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

🤗You are very welcome! I do hear from my Australian puzzle pals that Schmidt is nearly impossible to find there. So unfortunate. I've never found them in any of the US stores, but I am able to find some on Amazon. Maybe you can check that out 🤔

[@bettyc.6280]

Smiles, or (teehee) face cramps are what the ultimate puzzling experience leaves you with! They are uncommon because I am quite picky. My last one was an ENJOY Kandinsky puzzle. I found myself smiling...and smiling...and smiling!!! I have never done a Schmidt puzzle because I have never found an image, plus not easy to get many different images in the US. I love their piece thickness, so I will try harder in gettinga Schmidt! Loved your review, Mandy! Good job!!!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

So happy to hear you enjoyed the video, thank you 🤗 I'm gonna have to put ENJOY on my list of puzzle brands to look for. I really think Schmidt has been the only one so far that's done that to me. That's when you know you're really dealing with the good stuff.

[@bettyc.6280]

@@thepuzzledmandy I tried looking for a Schmidt image again, but I haven't found my type. 0.09in = 2.2mm right? That beats many brands, and that's one thing I'm attracted to!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@bettyc.6280Yes. 0.09in is about 2.2-2.3mm 😊

[@markb933]

Hi Mandy, A great video on two huge puzzle brands. We love the selection Ravensburger has but hate the dust and the loose and wobbly fit (especially in the most recent puzzles). It’s interesting because we bought a 500 Ravensburger in an Op shop (thrift store) from 1991. There was no puzzle dust and a tight fit to boot. Schmidt’s quality is superior and doesn’t have the wobbliness that Ravensburger has. Our vote overall is with Schmidt. Thank you for such a great video and your hard work in giving us heaps of help (and laughs) on this puzzle journey. Warm wishes from us two in Oz. M+C😎😄

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you guys so much 🤗🤗🤗 I'm happy to know that you very much enjoy following me on my puzzle journeys 🤗 What boggles my mind is that I know there are soooo many more brands out there, I haven't even scratched the surface yet! So many more adventures ahead! As for your 1991 Ravensburger, that makes me wonder if they gone through many changes in quality and experience over the years. It would be interesting to try out puzzles from different decades and see how they compare and differ.

[@BMurphy4824]

LOL. I’ve never tried Schmidt, and now I can’t wait for my first face cramp! 😂

[@thepuzzledmandy]

😂The more you love the image, the more your face will cramp😂

[@Laura_Stanford]

I enjoyed this comparison video Mandy. When you see Mandy not getting reinforcements 🧁🍪while building a puzzle is because that puzzle is fantastic😉I think Schmidt is a great brand. I only wish it was more affordable. Ravensburger is a great brand as well. I own 2 Schmidt and many Ravensburger puzzles close to 15 puzzles.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

So true! I didn't need to keep myself going with food 😂 The puzzles gave me all the energy I needed. I wish they were more affordable as well, but I'd save my money, it's worth it!

[@sams5963]

Glad you got your Schmidt together!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thanks🤗 It always feels good when I get my Schmidt together! 🤭

[@randee719]

I have a little over 300 puzzles currently with many, many Ravensburgers but not one Schmidt. After watching your video, I went to Amazon and looked up Schmidt Puzzles. All that I saw were over $30 so much more expensive than Ravensburger. Kind of surprising but if I found an image I absolutely love, I’d go ahead and splurge. Great video!!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

The Schmidts that I find on Amazon do range from $25-$30, which I think depends on location, the seller, and availability. I really wish they were more available in the US, where I can actually go to a store and admire them in my hands. But I can honestly say they are totally worth it, so I believe you will very much enjoy your first experience!

[@lilimaciell]

I've never done a Schmidt puzzle, I think I have one in my collection, so I definitely gone have to try. I like Ravensburger, never had a problem with it, but gonna look them more closely.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I'm very sure you will enjoy your first Schmidt experience! I truly believe they've topped my list.

[@jeancarroccino8574]

I broke down and bought a Ravensburger Castle edition...Cinderella❤❤ Keep up your great work....sending you a kinkade

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Oooo I don't blame you for picking up a Castle edition puzzle. I just got my Ariel and I can't wait to work on it. They are all stunning images 🤩 And thank you so much, I really appreciate that! You are awesome!

[@rosehall1685]

Such a great video Mandy, Thank you! I totally agree with all your findings. Schmidt are supurb. So glad hubby found the missing piece x

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Thank you so much 🤗 And YES thank goodness for hubby! I had lost hope, but he kept looking for me. I honestly don't know what I would do without him half the time 😅

[@the_stitchy_veg]

Here in Germany Ravensburger is THE Go-to brand, which is why my collection started with Ravensburger Puzzles. But after trying different brands like Bluebird and Schmidt, Ravensburger is lacking in some areas. The fit is very loose, the glare can be quite bad, especially with darker puzzles and the amount puzzle dust is insane! My favorite experience so far has been a Randal Sprangler puzzle by bluebird

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I'm going to have to put Bluebird puzzles on my list, I haven't heard of them. Ceaco is kind of the inexpensive go to brand here in the US, which like you, is why my collection started with Ceacos and it's what I have the most of. I do notice Ravensburgers are becoming more available in the US, but I really do wish Schmidts were more available here too. The only place I can find a good selection is online at Amazon.

[@the_stitchy_veg]

@@thepuzzledmandy if you ever want to place an order through a German shop let me know, I could probably figure something out :)

[@wout123100]

@@thepuzzledmandy yes do so, i find bluebird the best cheaper brand, while ravensb is around 17/18 euros here, bluebird is around 12 /13 and i actually like them better.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@the_stitchy_veg Oh thank you, I'll keep you in mind!

[@PuzzCatLife]

This is very useful! Thanks!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

You are very welcome 🤗

[@PalettePC]

I Agree!!! I love my Schmidt puzzle. But my puzzle collection is more than 50% Ravensburger. I wish I could get Schmidt puzzles as easily as I can get Ravensburger sets.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I feel the same way! I have a lot of Ceaco that I wish I can replace with Schmidts since they mostly carry the same images. I wish I knew about Schmidt before I even started collecting all my Disney puzzles.

[@Kristy781]

Love this video! Such a great idea. I’ve only done one Schmidt and I agree with you! I love Ravensburger puzzles and I have many…especially Disney. But when I was working on the Schmidt…I was just like wow. This is a very high quality puzzle. I wish more were available in the US. Don’t get me wrong…Ravensburger is still in my top 3..but I was just blown away with the hold and how thick the pieces were! I got 3 Schmidt puzzles for my birthday this month and I almost just want to “save” them if that makes sense….like for a special occasion. Haha. For my bday I was gifted the Alice one you did, the Little Mermaid one, and the Wizard of Oz…all Thomas Kinkade. I kind of want to replace my TK Ceaco images with Schmidt 🫣🤭 BUT ANYWAYS …fantastic video!!!❤

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Happy you enjoyed the video Kristy! I seriously want to replace all my Ceaco TK Disney's with Schmidts. They're night and day! Maybe I should get in contact with Schmidt and start letting them know that they need to put them in our US stores. There's no reason why places like Barnes and Noble couldn't carry them. I swear, if I see them there one day my head will explode.

[@jeancarroccino8574]

Hey lady. Like you Schmidt is a higher quality but Ravensburger for me has a good hold ss you can usually pick it up completed. They held up a 52000 pc one at worlds and it held up on a pick up but started coming apart as the size and height of people....they are both worth the $, and are my top 2 quality. ❤❤

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Yes you are correct! Ravensburger is notorious for their hold when it comes to the pick up test. That's really when the hold is at its absolute best.

[@rosa733]

I do enjoy Ravensberger though the boxes are way to big for storage ease. I have only done one Schmidt which was a Thomas Kincaid Alice in wonderland. I thought that would be hard but as you said I smiled my way through and enjoyed every piece.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I agree, I wish I can fit those boxes better on my shelf. I either have to stand them up or lay them down differently from the others that are sharing the same space. And I don't know why the Thomas Kincaid images seem more fun and almost less challenging to complete than a Ceaco TK, I find that fascinating 🧐

[@hannahm782]

i have had one or 2 ravensburgers that lifted up a little like that, as well, but it’s not typical. i also agree with the previous comment about the poster. i’ve had one or 2 ravensburgers that came with a poster, but they are very small considering the details they add to their puzzles. not to say that ravensburger is bad, i do like them. they have some incredible images. but they would be higher on my list if they came with decent size posters.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I don't understand why they would bother putting a poster in if it's very small 🤷‍♀️ It's almost as if they added it just for the sake of adding it because other brands do. Would you say the "poster" is about the same size of the box image or smaller? I'm super curious about this.

[@hannahm782]

@@thepuzzledmandy if my memory serves me, it was smaller. i’d probably equate it to about half the size of a buffalo games poster

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@hannahm782 yikes. I'm hoping I come across one of these Ravensburgers so that I can see how small it is lol.

[@Ella-e3w3u]

I like Schmidt Puzzle a lot but I think they hold together to well I always struggle to get them disensembled. But I think Schmidt is a little nicer to do and they look nicer as a finished puzzle than Ravensburger.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I have to agree with you. That's why I had the causalities I did when I was taking it apart in sections for storage. The hold was so good that it didn't want to let go in some areas. Schmidt puzzles are truly amazing, and I wouldn't hesitate picking up more of them.

[@melissamayo3158]

Schmidt are amazing. Try one of the Gibsons jigsaws. They are very similar in piece thickness and quality.

[@bettyc.6280]

Gibsons are great! I have one, and kept it in my collection!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Now that you say this, I feel like I have to work on the Gibsons next!

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Now I'm even more excited to try Gibsons!

[@bettyc.6280]

@@thepuzzledmandy Teeheehee...tickle, tickle! Tickle your puzzle bug!!!

[@connier1722]

My current Ravensburger (Greatest Show on Earth-Aimee Stewart) has a poster but it is so small that it is less than helpful. At least for these old eyes☺️

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Wow, I just looked up the image, and that really does need a bigger reference image. Is the poster smaller than the overall image on the box itself or about the same?

[@connier1722]

@@thepuzzledmandy less than half the cover image😡

[@thepuzzledmandy]

@@connier1722 yikes! That makes no sense, why did they even bother 😅

[@stacyssassystyles]

The animals are blankly staring at her 😂😂😂

[@thepuzzledmandy]

They really are! It was the first thing I noticed when I was really looking at the image for the first time. 🤣🤣🤣

[@purlstopraise]

Did you know that the voices of Mickey and Minnie mouse actually got married in real life 😍😍 cute 😊

[@thepuzzledmandy]

I thought I heard something like that! So it is true 🤩

[@lianepalm158]

I also think Schmidt has better quality. Ravensburger Puzzle are OK, but Schmidt are great.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Most definitely. I'd happily spend my money on Schmidts without second thought 💸💸💸

[@conniehemmer1804]

I think ravensburger owns Schmidt so I am guessing that’s why the quality is so similar.

[@PurrfectlyPuzzled]

Actually, Ravensburger owns FX Schmid which is different from Schmidt. The names are so similar so it gets a bit confusing.

[@conniehemmer1804]

@@PurrfectlyPuzzled oh very good to know I’ll have to check out the fx schmid don’t think I have ever done one.

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Interesting, I'm gonna have to look more into this 🧐

[@thepuzzledmandy]

Oh wow, that can be confusing 😵

[@minos3041]

You know what they take money for the name of their brand Ravensburger is a standard puzzle producer nothing is especial about it

[@thepuzzledmandy]

It's interesting how I'm starting to see a ton more Ravensburger in stores like Walmart and Target. And I also find it interesting how they are looking more and more like the other less expensive brands in terms of packaging. Makes me wonder if certain ones are being produced in the US instead of Germany. I need to start looking at the back of those boxes 🧐

[@minos3041]

You know what they take money for the name of their brand Ravensburger is a standard puzzle producer nothing is especial about it