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Best shopping trolleys in the UK: 2, 4 and 6 wheel trolleys compared
Which shopping trolley to buy in the UK: two wheel, four wheel and six wheel stair climbers compared by weight, capacity and price.
The best shopping trolley is the one that matches how you shop: a two wheel trolley if you walk and take the bus, a four wheel trolley if you push a big shop on flat pavements, a six wheel trolley if there are steps between the shop and your door. We sell all three, so this guide compares them side by side, with the capacity, frame and wheels of each, and says who each one suits.
Our picks at a glance
| Best for | Trolley | Capacity | Frame and wheels |
|---|---|---|---|
| The big weekly shop on foot | Ezzyrol 74L two wheel | 74 litres | Aluminium frame, two heavy duty wheels, 5 kg |
| Pushing rather than pulling, with room for frozen food | Ezzyrol 50L cooler, four wheel | 40 litres plus a 10 litre cool bag | Two large rear wheels, two swivel front wheels, handle adjusts from 64 to 94 cm |
| Steps, kerbs and markets | Ezzyrol six wheel trolleys | 64 to 74 litres | Six wheels; on the stair climber, two clusters that roll over a step |
| A small flat or a short trip | Ezzyrol 45L heavy duty | 45 litres, 25 kg load | Aluminium frame, click-on wheels, showerproof bag |
| The lowest price that still lasts | Ezzyrol 60L expandable | 60 litres, expands | Steel frame, two large wheels, folds flat |
How to choose
Two wheels: the all-rounder
A two wheel trolley tilts back and pulls behind you. It is the lightest type, the easiest to lift onto a bus, and the cheapest. The things that separate a good one from a bad one are the wheel size (bigger wheels roll over kerbs instead of stopping at them), the frame (aluminium is lighter than steel, steel is cheaper) and whether the bag comes off the frame so you can carry it up the last flight of stairs. Our two wheel trolleys run from a 36 litre lightweight cart to the 74 litre hauler.
Four wheels: push, do not pull
A four wheel trolley stands upright and is pushed like a pram, so the weight is never on your wrist. That makes it the right choice for anyone with a bad back, sore hands or hips, and for the heaviest shops. The cost is a bigger folded size and more weight to lift onto a bus. See four wheel trolleys.
Six wheels: for steps
Six wheels are arranged in two clusters of three. On flat ground two wheels touch; at a kerb or step the cluster rotates and the next wheel takes the edge, so the trolley climbs instead of catching. If you live up a flight of steps or shop at a market with kerbs everywhere, this is the type. See six wheel trolleys.
Five things to check before you buy
- Capacity in litres. 45 litres is about two carrier bags, 60 litres three, 74 to 75 litres a full weekly shop. More is not better if you cannot lift it full.
- Wheel diameter. 20 cm wheels roll over kerbs and cobbles; small wheels rattle and stick.
- Handle height. A handle you have to stoop to is a bad back waiting to happen. Adjustable handles run from 64 cm to 94 cm on our cooler trolley.
- A removable bag. Velcro or clips so the bag lifts off the frame and carries indoors, and so it goes in the washing machine.
- Replaceable wheels. Wheels wear out first. Ours clip off and replacement wheels cost less than a tenner.
Questions people ask
What is the best shopping trolley for a big shop?
A 74 or 75 litre trolley with a strong frame and big wheels. Our 74 litre two wheel trolley on an aluminium frame pulls a full weekly shop. The 64 litre market cart is a size down on an iron frame.
Are four wheel shopping trolleys better than two?
Better for pushing heavy loads on flat ground and for anyone who should not pull with their wrist. Two wheels are lighter, cheaper and easier on the bus. Neither is better for everyone.
Which shopping trolley is best for stairs?
A six wheel trolley. The two clusters of three wheels roll over the edge of each step instead of stopping at it, so you climb without lifting.
How much should I spend on a shopping trolley?
A basic two wheel trolley that lasts costs under £20. Aluminium frames, large wheels and insulated bags take it to £30 to £40, and four wheel cooler trolleys to around £50.
Do shopping trolleys fold?
Nearly all of ours do. Two wheel trolleys fold flat with the wheels clicked off; four and six wheel trolleys fold their frames and store against a wall.