Picking out the right tree stand can be just as important as choosing the perfect Christmas tree. With its innovative foot pump, which allows you to crank the claws firmly around the trunk without using your hands, the Krinner Christmas Tree Genie eliminates the dicey, under-the-tree, bolt-tightening dance we all dread. I tested the highly acclaimed Christmas tree stand to see if it measured up to its reputation.
Setup: Foot-powered
For those who want to skip crawling under the tree to tighten bolts while family members bark instructions, the Krinner Christmas Tree Genie may feel like a Christmas miracle. Setup is truly accomplished in seconds—and not having to get on all fours to do it makes this product a winner. The included booklet contained step-by-step instructions written in very fine print (too fine, in my opinion), but more instructions and videos can be found on the Krinner website. I simply unlocked the pedal, lifted it to release the “claws,” and inserted the tree trunk directly over the spike at the center of the basin. To tighten, I pumped the pedal a few times with my foot, which cranked the cable and therefore the plastic pegs around the trunk. Finally, I switched the pedal back to its locked position. Honestly, I was astounded at how quickly and easily I got my tree into the stand—and at how evenly the mechanism rights the tree. I’ve never gone from loading the tree onto the car to decorating with ornaments so fast. I was able to put my tree skirt around the stand with no problems. It has a narrow opening for the water basin, which makes adding water a challenge but also prevents the skirt from getting wet.
Design: Innovative
Setting up a tree from a standing position and not having any bolts to tighten are pretty radical improvements on the traditional method. The single cable goes through five pegs (most tree stands have three or four) and pulls them all together around the trunk. Pumping the foot pedal is smooth and simple to accomplish without much effort. The Genie comes in sizes medium, large, XXL, and XXL Deluxe. I tested the XXL, recommended for trees up to 18 pounds and 12 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 7 inches. I purchased a smaller tree, about 8 feet tall with a trunk measuring 4 inches in diameter. I think this stand would work well for just about any tree size up to the maximum. The stand is made of high-quality dark green plastic. At 20 inches in diameter and 16.5 pounds in weight, the XXL is wide and heavy—solid enough to handle the weight of a tree with ease. I felt very secure that my tree would stay put until I was ready to take it down. The instructions suggest securing the pedal in the locked position using a padlock to ensure it isn’t accidentally unlocked while in use, which could cause the tree to fall. I’m not sure why the manufacturers don’t just include a secure locking mechanism with the product itself. However, we’ve had the tree up for several weeks without any loosening or wobbling of the tree. It seems very stable, and I haven’t taken the precaution of using an additional lock.
Maintenance: Easy
One of the biggest challenges of maintaining a live Christmas tree is keeping it watered—and knowing when the tree needs watering. This stand holds 2.5 gallons and boasts an automatic water level indicator, a compelling feature. The opening to the basin on this tree stand itself is fairly narrow, but the indicator, located on the opposite side of the tree stand from the foot pump, tells you when to refill with water and when to stop filling, eliminating the need to peer into the basin. Some users have reported the indicator can get jammed and may not always give an accurate reading. However, I’ve been checking the water level by hand as well, and the indicator on mine has been reliable. However, the small opening to the basin also makes spills more likely when filling it. Every few times I add water, a little bit spills or splashes in the process. The smooth plastic base wipes down easily with a cloth if cleaning is needed. When the holiday season is finished, wash the interior of the basin with mild detergent and dry completely before putting in storage. The box that shipped with the tree stand doubles as a storage container.
Price: Expensive but worth it
The Krinner Genie starts around $79. This is fairly high for a tree stand, with comparable products ranging from $40 to around $100. However, high-quality construction and innovative design make it stand out and more than justify its price. Plus, this stand’s one-minute, foot pump-driven setup is unique and worth the extra expense, particularly if you dread the traditional process.
Competition: Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand vs. Jack-Post Steel Christmas Tree Stand
I tested both of these Christmas tree stands and found that they’re each well-crafted products that are built to last—the Jack-Post steel model has a lifetime warranty, while the Krinner model offers a five-year backing. However, the Jack-Post product costs less than the Krinner model, at around $70. The competitor has a traditional design with four posts extending from the central water basin and bolts that are screwed in to secure the tree. This means you still need to crawl into the tree to tighten the bolts. The Krinner model is the winner for those that just don’t want to go there. The Krinner Christmas Tree Genie eliminates the need to crouch below the tree, head under the branches, in the yearly sweat-inducing effort to set up and right the Christmas tree. This tree stand offers a hands-free method of securing the tree using an ingenious, easy-to-operate foot pedal that grips the trunk and gets it vertical in seconds.
