Gripsters over €200

Above €200 per unit, the database lists 46 gripsters, with prices from €202 to €500 and €260 being typical. Typical load capacity is 200 kg, with a peak of 500 kg from a combination unit with a vibration function priced at €249. Per €100 you typically get only 74 kg of load capacity. The high price is often explained by specialization: 26% are rectangular, 33% have a foam seal, and the class includes special-purpose units such as a vacuum gripper for LED display modules rated at under 30 kg. All models are electric, 67% with a removable battery and 33% with automatic re-pump. Typical battery capacity is 4,000 mAh, and 41% carry a brand name.

What to look for

• Purpose before load capacity: In this class, what counts is whether the unit is built for your task, for example textured surfaces, special formats or installation work.
• Cross-check: Check whether a cheaper model with the same features meets your requirements.
• Think in systems: With expensive vacuum grippers, it pays to look at spare batteries, seals and accessories.
• Alternatives for large formats: For very large slabs, a carrying system can make more sense than a single expensive gripster, see Vacuum lifter, panel carrier or carrying strap?.