For jigsaw puzzle enthusiasts, the joy of clicking a piece into its rightful place is a unique and satisfying thrill. However, this beloved hobby often comes with a significant logistical challenge: the complete takeover of a dining room table, coffee table, or any available flat surface for days, sometimes weeks, on end. The chaos of loose pieces, the risk of a curious pet sending your progress flying, and the constant “please don’t touch the puzzle” warnings are all too familiar. The Puzzle Ready system enters the scene with a bold promise: to solve these problems and streamline the entire puzzling experience. But does it live up to the hype? We put it to the test to find out.
First Impressions: Quality and Thoughtful Design
Right out of the box, the Puzzle Ready system exudes a sense of quality that immediately sets it apart from flimsy roll-up mats or basic foam boards. The product typically consists of three core components: a main puzzle board, a set of interconnecting sorting trays, and a rigid cover.
The main board is the star of the show. Sized to accommodate most standard 1000-piece puzzles (with larger versions available), its surface is covered in a soft, non-slip felt. This material is a game-changer; it grips the pieces just enough to prevent them from sliding around if the board is tilted, yet allows you to move sections around with ease. The board itself is lightweight but remarkably sturdy, providing a perfectly flat and reliable workspace.
The sorting trays are perhaps the most ingeniously designed element. Instead of providing simple, separate containers, Puzzle Ready offers a set of trays that cleverly fit together like puzzle pieces themselves. This allows you to arrange them around your main board in a configuration that suits your workflow. The trays are made from a durable, smooth plastic, making it easy to slide pieces around as you sort by color, pattern, or edge. This feature alone transforms the often-tedious sorting process into a more organized and enjoyable prelude to the main event.
Finally, the rigid cover fits snugly over both the main board and the assembled sorting trays. This isn’t a flimsy lid; it’s a robust cover designed to protect your work-in-progress from dust, spills, and disruption.
The Puzzling Experience: Putting It to the Test
To truly evaluate the system, I embarked on a new 1000-piece puzzle. The initial sorting phase was immediately more pleasant. Using the four trays, I could dedicate each one to specific color groups, with all the edge pieces in another. The interconnected design kept everything tidy and within arm’s reach.
Working on the felt surface of the main board was a delight. Pieces stayed put, and the muted background color made it easy to focus on the puzzle’s own colors and shapes. The true “aha!” moment, however, came when life intervened. Needing the table for dinner, I simply placed the sorting trays onto the main board, laid the cover on top, and in less than a minute, my puzzle was secure. The entire compact unit slid effortlessly under the sofa.
There was no fumbling with a roll-up mat, which often causes pieces to bend or come apart. There was no precarious attempt to slide a bare board somewhere safe. The Puzzle Ready system handled the transition from “in-progress” to “stored” flawlessly. When I was ready to resume, I simply removed the cover, and every single piece was exactly where I had left it. This ability to instantly pause and resume a puzzle without losing a single piece or a moment of progress is, without a doubt, the system’s greatest strength.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional Organization: The interlocking sorting trays are a superior solution for managing hundreds of loose pieces.
- Space-Saving Storage: Effectively “pauses” your puzzle, allowing you to reclaim your table space instantly and securely.
- Protection: The sturdy cover offers excellent protection from pets, children, dust, and accidental bumps.
- High-Quality Materials: The non-slip felt surface and durable construction enhance the puzzling experience and promise longevity.
- Portability: While a bit bulky, the system makes it easy to move an unfinished puzzle from room to room without it falling apart.
Cons:
- Price Point: This is a premium product, and its price is significantly higher than a simple puzzle mat. It’s an investment in your hobby.
- Rigid Storage: Unlike a mat that can be rolled tightly, the Puzzle Ready board is rigid and requires a dedicated storage space, such as under a bed or sofa, or upright in a closet. Its footprint, even when stored, is considerable.
- Size Limitation: You must ensure the puzzle you buy fits the dimensions of the board. While it fits most standard puzzles, non-standard or larger piece-count puzzles may not be compatible.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The Puzzle Ready system is not merely an accessory; it’s a complete upgrade to the jigsaw puzzle hobby. It addresses the most common frustrations that puzzlers face with an elegant and effective design. It transforms puzzling from a potentially messy, space-monopolizing activity into a clean, organized, and flexible pastime.
While the cost may be a barrier for the casual puzzler who only completes one or two jigsaws a year, it is an easy recommendation for anyone more serious about the hobby. If you live in a smaller space, have pets or children, or simply crave a more orderly and convenient way to enjoy your passion, the Puzzle Ready system is a fantastic investment. It brings a level of convenience and peace of mind that allows you to focus purely on the joy of the puzzle itself. It doesn’t just store your puzzle; it elevates the entire experience.
