Kettler is a German company famous for making sports equipment including ping pong tables. While they produce indoor models, it is their outdoor tables that they are most famous for. You might have seen a table or two around in towns โ I often see either Kettler table tennis tables or Cornilleau tables around my area as they produce quality stationary models which are perfect for parks and the like.
But which Kettler ping pong table should you buy? To answer this, we’ll have to take a look at all of the tables Kettler currently sell and cross-compare their features. Without any further ado, let’s begin.
Playing surface thickness: 22mm aluminum anti-glare and anti-skid top
Weight: 170lbs
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Leg levelers: Yes
Solo playback: Yes
Extras: 4 bats, 12 3-star balls
Warranty: 10 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$$$
The Sport Outdoor 6 is a premium Kettler outdoor table tennis table that is great for amateurs and more skilled players alike. It features a 22m anti-glare and anti-skid top which is comparable to many indoor models. It also appears to be the last of the aluminum tabletop models that Kettler offer, as the incredibly popular Kettler Classic 10 is now out of stock.
We find the Sport Outdoor 6 to be much safer than many of its competitors. The Centrefold safety design uses a Dual Locking System (DLS) which means you can safely erect and store the table with just one hand. The patented Smooth Trax tech also ensures this process is flawless. The opening and closing of the table halves are smooth and controlled.
What’s more, the double-wheels are sizeable at 5.5″. This, combined with the table’s low center of gravity, makes it very safe and easy to transport the table, even across uneven terrain. As for assembly, it takes just 30 minutes and Kettler includes all of the required tools. So the assembly process is only marginally longer than most models today which claim around a 15-minute assembly period.
Two flashy features we like for the Sport Outdoor 6 are the elasticated side storage for your paddles, and the ball dispensers located at either end of the table. These are far from essential, but are great little add-ons to give this table more character! Speaking of add-ons, you get 4 outdoor bats and 12 3-star balls with your purchase, so you can get playing with friends or family straight away.
Warranty: 10 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$$
The Cabo Outdoor is much cheaper than the Sport Outdoor 6 but shares many of the same features. It too is a centerfold table with Kettler’s DLS and Smooth Trax technology. It also has 5.5″ double wheels which means you shouldn’t have much trouble wheeling it to where you need to.
An area where the table differs is its bat and ball storage, but not by much. You can store several bats and balls at the same place by the wheels, but the Cabo Outdoor has curved plastic to accommodate your gear rather than elastic.
Another nice feature is the net. It is both height and tension adjustable which is ideal for more serious players. The only drawback is that it is permanent. This means you can’t take it off for storage and it’s a little harder to source if it breaks. On the other hand, having a permanent net makes the table quicker to assemble and disassemble, so it’s a bit of a double-edged sword.
Included with the Cabo Outdoor is a cover, 2 rackets, and 3 balls, so you don’t have to purchase any other equipment to get started playing.
Playing surface thickness: 4mm melamine top anti-glare
Weight: 133lbs
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Leg levelers: Yes
Solo playback: Yes
Extras: 2 bats, 6 balls
Warranty: 7 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$
The Axos Outdoor is currently the cheapest Kettler outdoor ping pong table on the market. Yet despite it costing less than half of the price of the Outdoor 6 it shares some quality features. The inclusion of the safe DLS and Smooth Trax technology make it a serious table to consider among other tables in its price range. What’s more, it beats out all of the tables on this list when it comes to wheel size. Featuring 7″ double wheels it has the largest wheels of any table we’ve seen to date. So if you have to maneuver your table across rugged terrain to get it to your playing area, the Axos Outdoor is the ideal table for the job.
Of course, it doesn’t have the best bounce quality having a 4mm melamine playing surface, but it’s not the thinnest we have seen. The legs are also not particularly thick at 1.25″, but all in all we think it’s a good buy considering its other features. A super table for casual players.
Playing surface thickness: 10mm melamine top with anti-glare
Weight: ~280lbs
Indoor/Outdoor: Outdoor
Leg levelers: No
Solo playback: No
Extras: None
Warranty: 10 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$$$$
Unlike all of the other tables on this which are portable, the Eden ping pong table by Kettler is stationary. It secures to the ground with anchor bolts. As such, it may not be the best choice for most people. Generally speaking, it’s most suited to open social areas such as schools, apartment complexes, and parks. Few people will likely have the space to keep it in their homes. However, it does have some advantages over other outdoor tables. The main one is its strength. Much of the table is made from thick galvanized steel which makes it one of the most resilient tables you can buy. It can bear a load of 200lbs which is pretty incredible.
While the 10mm melamine playing surface provides a great bounce for an outdoor table, the net can somewhat diminish the playing experience for more skilled players. This is because it is made of metal. When struck, the ball bounces very irregularly when compared with a traditional net. So, in my opinion, this table is best suited for beginners.
Warranty: 10 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$$$$
As the most expensive Kettler ping pong table for the outdoors currently on the market, the Outdoor 15 boasts the best features. This begins with the playing surface, which is a 10mm melamine top. This is exceptionally thick for a melamine surface which can be as thin as 3mm for other models. It is also far more durable than aluminum tops, which tend to crack.
As for build quality, it’s a very sturdy table. The steel legs and undercarriage measure 2.4″, which is a little more than the Outdoor 6, which is 2.25″. You’ll also notice the table offers better protection for your bats and balls. The storage compartment by the wheels is enclosed, which is a definite upgrade on the other models. Again, the net is fixed, but you can adjust its height and tension, which is vital to ensure it meets proper playing conditions. One area the table that underperforms relative to Kettler’s other models is the wheels. They are a little smaller at 4.5″, and they are singles rather than doubles. Yet this difference is so small it’s barely worth noting.
Overall the Outdoor 15 is a super table, albeit an expensive one. I think it’s the best Kettler outdoor table tennis table for advanced players, but it’s not worth spending so much money for those who play casually. And given the expense, I would highly recommend looking into getting a quality indoor table if you can โ you’ll get far more for your money.
Warranty: 10 years limited residential top & 3-year limited residential frame
Price: $$$
The Kettler Berlin pro is another mid-range outdoor table tennis table. Think of it largely as an upgrade on the Cabo Outdoor. It has all of the tech you expect like DSI and Smooth Trax which are present in most of Kettler’s tables. However, it rises above the Cabo Outdoor when it comes to the playing surface and build quality. The playing surface is 10mm melamineย to the Cabo Outdoor’s 5mm melamine top. This is a significant upgrade and provides optimal bounce quality for an outdoor table. The legs are also 1.5″ in diameter with a 2″ steel apron compared with the Cabo Outdoor’s 1.6″ legs and 1.4″ steel profile, so the Berlin Pro just edges it.
One area the Cabo Outdoor outshines the Berlin Pro is the wheels. The Cabo Outdoor’s double wheels are 5.5″ compared to the Berlin pro which has 4″ double wheels.
Given that all of the Kettler table tennis tables on this list feature fixed nets I thought I’d quickly provide some advice regarding net replacement if you somehow damage your net. You can’t buy any old model because of the fixed posts, you have to buy a Kettler replacement.
Fortunately, Kettler sells replacement nets and they are not that expensive. You also don’t have to worry about compatibility, the nets they sell are universal so they will fit on any Kettler table.
FAQs
Are Kettler Ping Pong Tables Good?
Kettler is a trusted table tennis manufacturer, so you can safely purchase from them knowing that you are going to receive a high-quality table. Many of their models feature innovative technology such as Kettler’s Dual Locking System (DSI) and Smooth Trax. This ensures you can open and close their tables safely with one hand. Few other manufacturers provide features similar to this.
Where are Kettler Ping Pong Tables Made?
Kettler proudly states that all of the table tennis tables are manufactured in Germany. However, the German branch of Kettler recently filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and ceased production in January 2020. Other Kettler branches such as those based in the USA and UK remain open and continue to sell products, but it is unclear what that means for table tennis. The outdoor tables present in the market may be existing stock made in Germany, or manufacturing has moved to another branch.
How Do You Disassemble a Kettler Ping Pong Table?
Most Kettler ping pong tables arrive almost fully pre-assembled, so there is not much you can safely disassemble. We recommend laying the table on a flat surface (you’ll probably need help) and reversing the steps you initially took to build the table. Try to keep as much of it together as you can for re-assembly, and make sure you refer to the instruction manual.
Closing Thoughts
While Kettler’s range of table tennis tables has certainly diminished due to many models being discontinued, they still offer a good selection of tables spanning from the beginner to the advanced level. Overall my top Kettler ping pong table recommendation is the Berlin Pro Outdoor. It’s a superb-looking table and the fact that it has a 10mm melamine playing surface means it provides incredible value. Even Kettler’s top models peak at 10mm, so it’s the best you can get!
However, if you’re looking to save some money I have no concerns about recommending the Axos Outdoor. It may have a thin playing surface at 3mm, but the larger 7″ double wheels certainly provide another top reason to choose it over other models. A great table for casual players!
We would like another Kettler wood folding indoor table with a fixed net that does not have to be removed to fold table. I cannot find the fixed net feature in your internet listings.
2 thoughts on “The Best Kettler Ping Pong Tables”
I have a Ketter Master table tennis table. I need part information for new posts and nets.
We would like another Kettler wood folding indoor table with a fixed net that does not have to be removed to fold table. I cannot find the fixed net feature in your internet listings.