WMF Manhattan Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker with Built-In Strainer

The shaker looks good, big and heavy in hand. However, since Amazon does not state the manufacture origin, WE all assume that this shaker is made in Germany, like most other WMF items. However, it is MADE in CHINA. So, if you are particular about the country of origin, please pay attention!
Rating: 3 / 5

I ordered this shaker with the greatest anticipation — how nice to have a large shaker, with pleasant style, and a built-in strainer to boot. Three broken (and costly) martini glasses later (the last of which occurred 3 minutes ago), I’ve tossed it into the trash. It’s interesting that others have said the fittings were too tight. I might agree that the cap is too tight, but the connection of the top and the base is way too loose, setting up knee-slappingly funny moments where the shaker’s top comes off mid-pour, not only shattering said glass into at least 3 dozen pieces of varying sizes, but also setting free the Quite Expensive Liquors, loads of ice, and the shaker’s top and cap, which distribute themselves all over Creation. (Several choice words were broadcast all over Creation each time as well.) Sure, one should hold tight to the top, grasping it with all one’s might, to ensure such an unfortunate scene isn’t played out. But, hey, the thing’s cold, my martini glass is thirsty, and after combining ingredients, preparing the glass, and shaking the cocktail with gusto, that final moment of pouring — simply, POURING — shouldn’t involve so much compensating for the poor engineering. Maybe it’s TOO large. Maybe it’s TOO heavy. These seemed like good attributes at first, but I think it’s time for a smaller, lighter shaker, or two glasses of different sizes to act as one. Beware this heavy-duty Big Boy — it’s eyeing your finest glassware and silently plotting!
Rating: 2 / 5

Assuming you enjoy the minimalist modernist aesthetic, this is a awesome shaker. It’s got the snug fit that’s a sign of tight machining tolerances. Cheaper shakers can flex and leak but this one never does. The brushed metal finish hides fingerprints. I’ve put this through the dishwasher frequently without problems. This shaker costs a little more but you’re paying for something that exudes quality and will perform flawlessly for years.
Rating: 5 / 5