Tools On Test: Kent & Stowe Digging Spade

Tools On Test: Kent & Stowe Digging Spade

At Barnsdale Gardens, the gardening team have been ‘digging’ into all the jobs in the garden in ‘spades’…so it only makes sense that their most recent tool to test would be the Kent & Stowe Digging Spade!

The team behind our popular Tools on Test reviews have been putting this spade through its paces, working it hard in the gardens and seeing how it performs in real-life conditions.

Head Gardener Jon shares his verdict below…

Tested July 2026

Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade

I put the Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade to work across the gardens at Barnsdale, using it for general digging and turning bare areas of soil in preparation for new planting.

A digging spade is one of those tools that quickly shows its worth — if it is uncomfortable, too heavy, too flimsy or awkward to use, you soon know about it.

The spade has a traditional look, with an FSC-certified ash wood handle and a stainless steel head. It feels like a proper, solid garden tool rather than something lightweight and short-lived. The D or YD-shaped handle is comfortable to hold and, like the rest of the wooden shaft, is extremely smooth and well finished.

The overall length, from the tip of the blade to the top of the handle, is 110cm and it weighs around 1.7kg. The blade is 29cm long and 18cm wide, with a large tread on the top of the blade for added digging power and comfort.

With the ongoing drought conditions, I knew that the heavy ground at Barnsdale would be hard to dig, but the planting still had to be done.

The blade is a useful size for border work and general soil preparation, and the larger tread edge is a definite benefit when pushing the spade into heavier ground. The smoothed rivets also make a difference, as there are no sharp or uncomfortable edges where your boot or hand naturally finds them.

I used it for a range of jobs rather than simply trying it once in easy soil. It coped well with routine digging and turning, and it felt strong enough for normal garden use. The double-riveted extended shank gives a reassuring sense of strength when levering soil, although, as with any stainless steel spade, I would still avoid forcing it under large roots or using it as a crowbar!

Conclusion

Overall, this is a very capable, well-made digging spade that feels comfortable, sturdy and built to last without being overly heavy. The stainless steel blade, generous tread and smooth handle make it a pleasure to use for everyday digging and soil preparation, especially on heavier ground.

The 15-year guarantee adds extra reassurance, and while smaller gardeners or those looking for a very lightweight tool may find it a little on the large side, it remains an excellent all-round choice.

RRP £39.99 and can be bought here: kentandstowe.com/products/kent-stowe-stainless-steel-digging-spade

About our Tools on Test reviews

These Tools on Test reviews are based on genuine day-to-day use at Barnsdale Gardens. Each tool or machine is assessed in real gardening conditions, from maintaining ornamental borders and lawns to working on Barnsdale’s allotments and woodland areas. This gives gardeners practical insights that go beyond the manufacturer’s specifications.

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