What Is the Difference in a Market Umbrella & a Crank Umbrella?

Market Umbrella

• Market umbrellas are an older style of umbrella. This type of umbrella usually has a wooden pole, and some models are offset or are made to be adjustable so that users alter the shaded area. Market umbrellas are generally opened or closed by a single pulley or two-pulley system. They originated in Europe, and their name comes from their frequent use in outdoor markets and cafes.

Crank Umbrellas

• A crank umbrella is also called a patio umbrella. These umbrellas are also sometimes tilted or adjustable. Traditionally though, the crank or patio umbrella has a hollow aluminum pole and a hand crank for opening and closing.

Lines Blurring

• In recent years, the line between these styles of umbrella has blurred. For example, it is not unusual now to find market umbrellas equipped with hand cranks.