My Experience with Clementoni Puzzles
A closer look at the Italian-made jigsaw brand known for its striking images and variable quality.
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com —March 13, 2023*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Clementoni Puzzles are made by an Italian family business that began exporting in the 1970s. They offer a comprehensive catalog ranging from early years to large adult piece counts (up to 13,200). The brand strikes a perfect balance between quality and fun, providing high-resolution, sharp images on durable, recycled blue chipboard.
Just The Deets!
• Piece Cut: Modified Grid
• Piece Fit: Loose-ish
• False Fits: No
• Piece Gauge: 1.5 mm
• Puzzle Finish: Matte Linen
• Reference Poster: No
• Dust Level: High
• Puzzle Size 1000 Piece: 27.1″ x 19.6″
• Made in Italy
Image Quality & Themes
Clementoni uses high-resolution images for sharp, clear puzzle pictures. Their commitment to environmental awareness is evident in their use of recycled materials.
They offer a vast variety of themes, including:
Abstract (e.g., Color Boom, Gradient)
Animals & Nature
Art & Culture
Fairytales & Fantasy
Landscapes
Movies
Pop Culture
✋ Hands On Experience
The pieces feel comfortable in hand: good board thickness on many runs, variety of piece-shapes (not all uniform), and overall a pleasant tactile feel.
Their die cuts are designed to highlight the image rather than the grid — you’ll notice smoother, rounded piece shapes that flow with the artwork.
If you’re drawn to the image and comfortable managing some looseness in the fit, it’s a solid choice — but if you’re a perfectionist about snap‐fit you might compare alternatives.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros (The Experience & Quality)
Quality Finish: Matte Linen reduces glare.
Environmental Focus: Puzzles are made with recycled materials.
Wide Variety: Extensive range of piece counts (up to 13,200) and themes.
Made in Italy: A brand with a long history and reputation.
❌ Cons (Minor Imperfections)
High Dust Level: Requires cleaning upon opening.
No Reference Poster: Puzzlers rely solely on the box image.
Thinner Gauge: The 1.5 mm thickness is on the thinner side compared to some premium brands.
💡 Final Thoughts: The Verdict
Clementoni is an excellent option for the puzzler looking for a European-made brand with a massive catalog and a good quality-to-price ratio.
The cutting dies are designed in-house in Recanati, Italy, which gives Clementoni puzzles their recognizable silhouette — smoother curves and softer corners than the sharp grid of US-made puzzles.
That soft curvature and slightly thinner board means pieces don’t “snap” together the way Ravensburger or Cobble Hill do. They sit flush and look beautiful once assembled, but you can’t always lift a section as one piece.
While the fit is a bit looser than premium grid-cut brands, the semi-random, image-focused piece shapes make assembling them a pleasant, hands-on experience — especially for fans of Italian design and bold, colorful artwork.
🧩 Ready for an Italian puzzle experience?
Explore the wide selection of Clementoni puzzles on Amazon by clicking below.