Best By/Croquet Sets From Starter Kits to Deluxe Hardwood
the commissioner's croquet picks
Best Croquet Sets From Starter Kits to Deluxe Hardwood
6 PICKS
4 TO 6 PLAYERS
STARTER TO DELUXE
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Croquet is the rare lawn game that plays just as well at a kid's birthday and a black-tie garden party. You knock colored balls through wire wickets in sequence, and the whole thing moves at a genteel stroll that leaves plenty of room for conversation and the occasional well-aimed sabotage. The buying decision comes down to three things: how many players you need to seat, how sturdy the wickets and mallets are, and whether you want a workaday set or a hardwood one that looks like decor leaning against the porch.
I sorted these into a four-player starter tier for couples and small groups, a six-player family tier so nobody waits a turn, and a premium hardwood deluxe tier for anyone who wants the set to read as a keepsake. The thing to watch across all of them is wicket gauge and mallet length: thin wickets bend when someone steps on one, and short mallets force tall adults to hunch. Match the player count to your usual crowd and pick the sturdiest build in that tier.
Four-player starter
Right-sized for couples and small groups. Lighter, cheaper kits that get two-on-two croquet going without the bulk of a full six-player load.
The A-Y009 set includes six mallets with 28-inch handles and a carry bag that holds them assembled. The listing recommends ages 15 and up. Taller players may prefer longer handles; store the wooden pieces dry.
This six-player set has wooden mallets, six balls, nine wickets, two posts and a zippered carry bag. The listing recommends ages 14 and up. It suits relaxed play with teens and adults; store the wooden pieces indoors between games.
The pictured Standard set includes six mallets with 28-inch handles, six balls, nine wickets and two end posts in a storage bag. It packs away more easily than a stand-mounted set, but taller players may prefer longer handles.
The pictured Starter set is the four-player model, with wooden mallets and a carrying bag. Choose it for a smaller group. It is not Franklin’s six-player Professional model.
Nothing says garden party like the Baden deluxe set. It comes in muted, classic colors that suit a styled lawn, the mallets and balls store in a wooden stand that reads as intentional rather than sporting goods, and it plays slow enough for guests in nicer clothes. This is the croquet set you leave out as a centerpiece, not the one you hide in the garage.
For buyers who want deluxe build quality with GoSports' consistency, this premium tier brings denser hardwood mallets, thicker wickets that resist bending, and a finish that holds up outdoors. The heavier mallets deliver a more satisfying, controllable shot than starter sets. Buy this if you want tournament-feeling gear that still looks the part on a manicured lawn.
Standard croquet sets are built for either four or six players, with each player taking a colored ball. Four-player sets suit couples and small groups, while six-player sets let a whole crew play at once without anyone sitting out. You can also play teams, pairing players on the same colors. For a household that hosts, the six-player set is rarely a waste.
What is the difference between a four-player and six-player croquet set?
The count of balls, mallets, and sometimes wickets. A four-player set has four mallets and balls, which is plenty for a casual two-on-two or a small family. A six-player set adds two more of each so a bigger group plays in one round. Six-player sets cost more and store bulkier, but they prevent the turn-waiting that kills momentum at a party.
What size mallet do adults need for croquet?
Adults are generally most comfortable with mallets around 24 to 36 inches in handle length, long enough that a tall player is not hunching over to swing. Many budget sets ship with shorter, kid-sized mallets that force adults to bend. If grown-ups are the main players, check the mallet length before buying and lean toward the longer, adult-friendly sets.
Is croquet hard to learn?
No, the basics are easy: you knock your ball through the wickets in order using a mallet, and the first to finish the course wins. New players grasp it in a few minutes. The strategy runs deeper than it looks, since you can knock opponents' balls off course, but you do not need any of that to start. It is one of the most beginner-friendly lawn games there is.
Can you leave a croquet set outside?
Better not to. The mallets and balls are wood, and leaving them in rain and sun will warp, crack, and fade them over time. The wire wickets can rust. Bring the set into a garage or shed between games, and a hardwood deluxe set with a storage stand will last for years. The carry stand or bag most sets include is there for exactly this reason.
Learn the games before you buy
Check the rules, playing space, and setup for the games in this guide.
