about european kitchen design blog

Pedini - Integra

Pedini - integra in grey oak.

This blog was created in order to put together as much information as possible about European kitchen design, European kitchen companies and the different kitchen brands that have been manufacturing custom kitchens and built in kitchens, in Europe for more then a century.

European kitchen designers are the first ones to introduce what we know today as the ‘built in kitchen’ – kitchens that are no longer ‘free-standing’ pieces of furniture (as they were 100 years ago) but kitchens that are designed to have the cabinetry fitting between two walls.

Companies like Snaidero, Boffi, Pedini, Dada, Varenna and Val Cucine, from Italy, Poggenpohl, SieMatic, Allmilmo and Bulthaup , from Germany and Smallbone and Clive Christian, from England are the pioneers, the innovators and the companies that set the tone in Europe – the same tone that then becomes the new look for kitchen design around the world.

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233 Comments

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  1. Frakitchen
    July 23, 2011

    Hi kitchen guy

    Great blog!

    I have a question for you. I had a quote for binova (pura)and haecker kitchen and they are in the same price range with similar look.
    Which one would you go for?

    Thanks,
    Fk

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      July 23, 2011

      Hi Margherite,
      Thanks for the compliments.
      Both Binova and Häcker are great products, but i find them to different in style and overall feel – I think you must go with your personal taste and if you love them both equally – go with the better kitchen dealer/showroom.
      Good luck and keep us posted.
      kitchenguy

      reply
    • sam
      October 9, 2011

      hi frakitchen, give us a try! We are a lot less expensive and we have a great product throughout the north american region.
      call us and we can help with a lower price.

      reply
  2. Sylvia
    July 28, 2011

    Dear Kitchen Guy,
    it’s me again! we have decided to go for Hacker.
    we live in a high humidity high temperature area, what will be the effect of the carcase of the Hacker kitchen?
    a friend had poggenpohl kitchen installed, it looked beautiful on its first year, but carcase started to disintegrate on the second year.
    thanks!
    Sylvia

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      August 12, 2011

      Hi Sylvia,
      Sorry for the delayed response – I wanted to make sure that I’m giving you updated information and the German were on summer vacation.
      Hacker and Poggenpohl have the same quality carcase (material, edging and glue).
      Both products are developed for the use all around the world.
      They withstand the normal use of a kitchen but should not be exposed to direct water or extreme high humidity for a long time.
      Certain things should be avoided such as :
      - long term storage in warehouses which are not air-conditioned
      - installation in a non-air-conditioned room
      - cleaning by using a lot of water
      - exposure to water caused from leaking pipes
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  3. Jonathan Honerbrink
    August 10, 2011

    The European Kitchen design looks amazing. I dig it!

    reply
  4. Katie Whittingham
    August 11, 2011

    The website is a wealth of information – but where do I start? We live in South East of England and are redesigning our kitchen and at the moment have only seen Leicht. What are the cheaper end of the Italian/German kitchen designers? We are looking for a design-led kitchen within a reasonable budget.
    Many many thanks

    Katie

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      August 12, 2011

      Hi Katie,
      Not sure which brands are available in your immediate area but one word of cautious – the “cheaper end” may end up being cheaper quality… Unlike a car, you’re not going to trade in your kitchen in a couple of years…
      I suggest you start with my Top 20 list and see who’s around you – many of them offer more economic models, especially since the world recession.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Katie Whittingham
        August 14, 2011

        Thanks for the advice.. Do you think Hacker and Leicht are a good starting point? As we are close to London we are probably able to get hold of most of the top 20, but just wanted a starting point….
        Thanks

        Katie

        reply
      • isabelle
        November 14, 2011

        Hello,

        What is the top 20 list? what do you recommend Allmilmo or Hacker?
        thanks

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          November 19, 2011

          Isabelle – Top 20 is just what it is – the Top 20 brands.
          I like Haecker better, as I feel you get more for your money, without sacrificing quality.
          Good luck!
          kitchenguy

          reply
  5. amitbachim - ??????
    August 13, 2011

    just amazing gallery…..
    but the blue one is a cold color for kitchen i think…

    reply
  6. Mrs B
    August 15, 2011

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    Do you know where I can get a knob that looks like the SieMatic polished chrome one in their BeauxArts collection? It looks like a pointy egg shape. They won’t sell it individually :(
    Thanks!

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      August 15, 2011

      Hi Mrs. B,
      These look like they are proprietary knobs that they are either sourcing somewhere, as a ‘private label’ are that they are actually having made for them.
      Between you, me, and the lamppost, these are not that pretty and this shape is always a problem, as they start twisting after a while, which make you have to straighten them all the time…
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  7. Mark Graham
    August 17, 2011

    Hi Kitchen Guy,

    Where was the Composit S.p.A. brand in your top 10 and top 20 kitchen companies

    Cheers

    Mark

    reply
  8. straanger
    August 21, 2011

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    we need cabinets for two walls 7ft and 11ft and
    we’ve been looking for options to update our kitchen under 10 K $
    do you think we can find any decent german or italian brand that can offer us a modern look and quality ?

    **********************************************
    P.S. we are in Brooklyn NY and so far checked the cheapest and most known like Ikea and Aran Kitchens and this not very known to general public brand Merx that is based in Ukraine and makes cabinets on Italian equipment , you can check it here http://www.merx.ua/catalog/kuxni/kitchen/sovremennyij_stil/

    *********************************************

    thank you

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      August 22, 2011

      Straanger – 18ft of cabinets, at under $10K…?!? That’s less than $550 a linear foot… – No decent brand, German, Italian or from anywhere else in the world can do that. You’ll need to go with IKEA, Aran or Chinese cabinets…
      Sorry and good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  9. Giorgio Fiorani
    September 9, 2011

    Hey bro,
    What about FIAMBERTI cucine?
    Do You know it?
    Is it good?
    the design is faboulos but what about the price?

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      September 9, 2011

      Ciao Giorgio,
      Fiamberti is a medium quality (and should be medium price too) product.
      The design offerings are limited and none are original.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  10. kitchengal
    September 10, 2011

    I was looking at a kitchen from pogenpohl. I’m a little concerned about the use of wood veneer. I grew up thinking that wood veneer was the cheap alternative to natural wood so it is kind of conflicting to pay so much money for a pogenpohl kitchen that used wood veneer.

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      September 12, 2011

      Hi kitchengal :) ,
      You’ve got all your woods mixed up…
      Wood veneer IS natural wood – it is just a thin sheet of wood that is used in 99.9% of the time, when it is a flat (slab) door. Only a raised or recessed panel door can be built out of solid wood. Also, in many wood species, solid planks are too expensive or are not available altogether.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • J Rose
        September 13, 2011

        Kitchen Guy:

        We are in the process of building a custom very modern home in Houston and love the look of the Bulthaup/Poggenpohl type of kitchen. What other options do you suggest that may have the same type of look more economically that are available in the USA? If they don’t have a showroom in Houston will they still work with us?

        Thanks for your help!

        Curious in Houston

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          September 13, 2011

          Hi J,
          Look at my Top 20 list – most of these brands are available in the US, but the only one that I can think of, that is similar in looks and quality and may come in less expensive is Pedini.
          Good luck,
          kitchenguy

          reply
  11. Marjorie
    September 22, 2011

    which you like best: LUBE or ARAN? thanks…. Venezuela

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      September 23, 2011

      Hi Marjorie,
      This is a hard question, as the words “like best” just do not fit my feelings towards both products… In order for me to “like best” a product, it must posses some special design features, high quality or at lease exceptional customer service level. These two products are price driven and being so, I will pick the one that is better priced.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  12. Balbir Singh
    October 4, 2011

    Hi, can I get the a list of world rating on kicthen brands, be it brand/price/number of kitchens sold/design strength/technology innovation/awards won etc…sort of an in-depth reflective report/data as perceived.Anyone please with this data,even if it not comprehensive..thx

    reply
  13. Balbir Singh
    October 5, 2011

    Thanks, will work on the 20 top brands suggested in your blog, good enough. Secondly, I am kitchen consultant now after having worked for a decade in the modular kitchen business or so and looking for brands wanting to step into India. I as an agent will help find the distributor or dealer. Any suggestions, I am ofcourse writing to all in the list provided by your self.Rgds, Balbir

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      October 5, 2011

      Hi again,
      I’ll check with my connections and perhaps someone will see this post and contact you via this blog – will keep you posted.
      kitchenguy

      reply
  14. Balbir Singh
    October 6, 2011

    Hi, What is your perception about brands like Doimo and Veneta Cucine please? Rgds, Balbir

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      October 6, 2011

      Hi,
      Low end, price driven product.
      Unless you’re going to stock it in India and/or do only very basic design, you may find it difficult to work with them.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Balbir Singh
        October 8, 2011

        Thx very much, veneta is already in India since 15 years and has a large market share and dealer presence is the tallest. Doimo is yet to come.Difficulty to work in terms of design and innovation I hope?

        reply
  15. Balbir Singh
    October 8, 2011

    Hi, will you also be kind enough to suggest other names suitable to come into Indian market? How are names like Arc Linea/Binova/Schiffini/strato & Toncelli from Indian market perspective. I will not mind if you would like to communicate outside the blog to me at my ID please. It will help me make up my mind and in confidentiality for both. Rgds, Balbir

    reply
  16. Spa Aguascalientes
    November 6, 2011

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    reply
  17. Buccio Spa Tips
    November 6, 2011

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    reply
  18. nihal
    November 6, 2011

    hey kitchen guy,
    what do you think about the Italain kitchen brand .elmar? Is is a high end brand or a price driven product.

    reply
  19. jackie
    November 7, 2011

    How much does a Pedini kitchen cost ?

    reply
  20. jackie
    November 7, 2011

    I love the Pedini kitchens. Does any one have an idea on the cost.

    reply
  21. julia
    November 11, 2011

    Hi KitchenGuy – great site and lots of useful info. I’m in Miami area, considering SieMatic or Poggenpohl. Any thoughts, pros/cons or other brands I should consider that offer good value? (not, cheap, just good/high quality for price!) – thanks!

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      November 11, 2011

      Hi Julia,
      Thanks for the kind words.
      Both are good quality brands – you’ll find that SieMatic is a bit more unique and higher in quality, but also pricier than Poggenpohl.
      Other high quality brand you should perhaps consider (in Miami) – try Pedini.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  22. tiziano pietrobon
    November 15, 2011

    Hey Kitchen Guy

    My son wants to produce european quality kitchens in Canada. Is there a cabinet making school you could recommend in Europe?

    Thanks, Tiziano

    reply
  23. Julie
    November 16, 2011

    Hi KitchenGuy
    We’re currently looking at Eggersman, Schueller, Rotpunkt and Pronorm kitchens. All distributors obviously say that there product is the best, so I would really love your unbiased opinion as to what you think of one?
    Thanks! Julie
    p.s. love your blog

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      November 19, 2011

      Hi Julie – thanks for the kind words.
      These are my picks, in the order from best, to less – Schuller, Eggersman, Rotpunkt and Pronorm.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Julie
        November 22, 2011

        Hi KitchenGuy. Many thanks for your rating. I’m really keen to know why you put them in this order and why you rate Schuller higher than Eggersman? I know that Schuller is less expensive, so if you take cost out of the equation, would you still put Schuller at the top? We were led to beleive that Eggersman was top-end premium brand, with Schuller and Pronorm on a simliar mid-range level and Rotpunkt a low-end German brand. Would you disagree with this?
        Thanks!
        Julie

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          November 22, 2011

          Hi Julie,
          My picks are based not just on product quality but also value and that is my personal opinion (one’s value is only in his eyes).
          When I listed, my Top 20, I left Value out of it and so Eggersman made it but Schuller didn’t…
          Good luck!
          kitchenguy

          reply
  24. katie
    December 13, 2011

    Hi Kitchenguy, your web site is fantastic. I am looking at a new kitchen and have had similar designs and prices for Snaidero and Sie Matic – do you think there is any difference in quality? Would you have a preference between the two?
    Thanks
    Katie

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      December 13, 2011

      Hi Katie – both are equally good!
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Joy
        December 21, 2011

        Can you give me your opinion regarding kitchen cabinets made by 27estore?
        Regards.

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          December 22, 2011

          Hi Joy,
          Never heard of these guys before, but from inspecting their web site, it looks like a cabinet line out of Eastern Europe and/or China (looks like two cabinet lines, in this one web site). They are RTA (knocked down/flat pack) cabinets and I would guess they are Ikea level.
          Good luck,
          kitchenguy

          reply
  25. Balbir Singh
    December 17, 2011

    Hi,
    Need to learn about Stainless Steel kitchens, which are the good ones lets say 5 companies you would suggest.
    Thx
    Balbir

    reply
  26. julia
    January 12, 2012

    Hello KitchenGuy,

    We were initially debating between Poggenpohl and Siematic brands (we are in south florida), but any thoughts or views on spanish Porcelanosa at all (or more on the former german ones). Thank much.

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 12, 2012

      Julia – both Poggenpohl and SieMatic are great products. SieMatic is a higher end, but also more expensive. The kitchens at Porcelanosa is actually a company they purchased a few years back, called Gama-decor. I’m not impressed by their quality and the US stores are being forced to sell it (by the mother company, in Spain) – you can tell the sales people are neither interested in selling kitchens, not do they know how…
      The first two are a much better choice!
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  27. Rachel
    January 14, 2012

    What a wealth of info on this website! thank you!

    We are in Ukraine and have found two kitchens- similarly prices. Could you please comment on the Nolte (German) kitchen and the Mesons (Italian)?
    Do you think either are worth 20k euros for 15m wall of cabinets( with out counter top or accessories)?
    We are looking for a sturdy, solid kitchen- quality in workmanship, mechanisms and material.

    Thanks in advance for your help.

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 17, 2012

      Rachel – no comparison… Mesons is a lot more exciting! It has great looks and good quality. Nolte is a price driven product…
      Oh… and 20K Euro is very reasonable!
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Rachel
        January 18, 2012

        interesting.
        The nolte feels a lot more sturdy. the sales lady stood in the draw to show us that it can hold 70kg of weight. they have a lot more choices in material of the closets.and can work with you- ie more sizes available- so it seems, to fit our kitchen plan.

        The mesons didn’t seem as solid/sturdy- though the sales lady said that the cabinets that they have in their show room are made with the old mechanism (bloom) and now they use a better one (grass- or something like that). from all the materials, laminate seems to me to be the best quality that they offer but apparently they are stopping with that and they now only have a few choices of different creams to choose from. Mesons is also not able to work with ones kitchen- cos it is all standard sizes- and not a large variety. in the style we liked, the counter top is higher than regular and they cannot lower it.

        1) Do you know what mechanisms they both use?
        2)and would you suggest that we buy a mesons kitchen?. cos in your whole blog i didn’t see its name once. is it a solid good quality kitchen? I need mine to last and also to handle many kids:).
        3)from your top 20, there is only scavolini and (they wanted 90K) sold near us. Is scavolini a much better kitchen?
        4)Haker sold in a city 10 hours from us. Is it realistic to buy from seeing the catalog and not sitting down with a live salesman- if we already have our plans? is its quality much better that you might suggest doing that?

        Thanks for your time and reply and listening to my long ramble?

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          January 18, 2012

          Rachel – you got a good sales lady… :) Standing in the drawer is an old trick…
          They are both good product. My main reason for choosing Mesons is the design – I like them much better. If your main focus is on the cabinets being solid and Nolte feels better for you, than go for it!
          I haven’t mention most of the brands in my blog – there are just too many and I try to focus on the ones that are more interesting. Scavolini is not a better kitchen than Nolte and 10 hours sounds a bit far… – what happens when you need service…?
          Good luck,
          kitchenguy

          reply
  28. Sarah
    January 16, 2012

    hi?kitchenguy,can you recommend some website of associations or societis of the European cabinet?thanks

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 17, 2012

      Sarah – see the ones listed at the bottom of this page, on the right, under KITCHEN & BATH ASSOCIATIONS + SEMI – RELATED LINKS.
      kitchenguy

      reply
  29. Igor
    January 17, 2012

    Dear Kitchenguy,

    Please compare briefly for me the qualities of Torchetti and Bontempi kitchens. I was explained that while the price difference is not huge, Bontempi is a way better choice qualitiwise. Is it so? Thank you!

    Igor

    reply
  30. Shashikiran Dayalan
    January 18, 2012

    Hi,
    I am building a new house in Bangalore, India.
    Have around 20feet kitchen length.
    Planning for 4 tall units(one of them having microwave oven).
    I guess that leaves around 10 feet for the rest.
    Want just 2-3 overhead units and rest…low pullouts.

    I checked out veneta cucine, they quoted around 20K$ …everything imported.
    I also checked out…a company that imports benedetto shutters. your comments??
    Should I check out poggenpohl, nolte??
    shashikiran

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 18, 2012

      Shashikiran – Not familiar with ‘benedetto shutters’ and so I cant comment. You should most definitely check out other brands as Veneta is a very ‘price driven’ product and the quality is not great…
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  31. Stefan
    January 23, 2012

    What is your opinion of Kvanum? You can get Kvanum cabinets in acrilux. What is acrilux? Is it a good product? thx

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 23, 2012

      Hi Stefan,
      I saw Kvanum in Eurocucina two years ago and liked their traditional product very much. Not sure about the pricing though, as it is not available everywhere and I haven’t had the chance to review a real quote. Never saw their modern line, first hand, but it looks very nice in pictures.
      Acrilux is less expensive alternative to the lacquer finish – it is applied to MDF and coated with a thermoplastic. Main characteristics are a glossy, mirror like bright finish, somewhat scratch resistance, and claim to be UV resistant and eco-friendly.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  32. phoenix web design
    January 25, 2012

    My brother recommended I might like this web site. He used to be totally right. This put up actually made my day. You cann’t believe just how so much time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

    reply
  33. Shah
    January 27, 2012

    Hi,
    I have been looking at a lot of German kitchens in UK. I have confused across Hacker, Schuller, Pronorm, RWK and Eggerman. What would you reccomend based on quality of product (not design)? Your website has been very helpful and I really appreciate it.

    Thanks…

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 27, 2012

      Hi Shah,
      In order of quality – Häcker and Eggersman at the top, then Schüller and lastly Pronorm and RWK.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      reply
  34. Shashikiran Dayalan
    January 27, 2012

    hi,

    I am constructing a house in Bangalore.
    Between Nolte and Poggenpohl, which do you(and others) suggest I go with?
    Any other comapanies… worth looking at in Bangalore?

    Shashikiran

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 27, 2012

      Shashikiran – Poggenpohl is a more exciting product and the quality is a bit better too. I’m sure that it costs more as well, so you’ll need to do your own budgetary decision.
      Regarding other companies – not sure whether you’re looking to go ‘higher end’ or ‘lower price’. Also, what other brands are already in Bangalore (I only know of the lower end brands that are there).
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  35. PR
    January 29, 2012

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    Great website and a lot of work, thank you. I would appreciate any thoughts you have on Santos kitchens.

    Thanks

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 30, 2012

      PR – thanks for the kind words.
      I like Santos – a nice company, fun product and a good ‘quality to price ratio’!
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
  36. Shashikiran Dayalan
    January 30, 2012

    Hi,
    For my Kitchen, I have had to drop the german brands for their exhorbitant costs. I have to now choose among scavolini, lube cucine and spagnol cucine. Your recommendations?
    Shashikiran

    reply
    • kitchenguy
      January 30, 2012

      Shashikiran – being that all 3 brands you’re now looking at are ‘price driven’ I suggest you look at other factors, such as the local dealership, the designer who will be designing your kitchen, etc – these are just as important!
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

      reply
      • Fiona
        February 4, 2012

        Hi so much info, thank you. We are currently designing our dream kitchen, currently we are considering beaux art SieMatic and bulthaup, while we like the look of the beaux arts we have concerns over the quality,it seems flimsy compared to bulthaup. Also concerned it might date quicker. Any thoughts especially about quality

        reply
        • kitchenguy
          February 4, 2012

          Hi – If you like the look of the Beaux Arts kitchen, but feel that it is a bit flimsy, than perhaps you need to look at other products that are similar in look – Bulthaup doesn’t offer anything along these lines… Where in the world are you located?
          kitchenguy

          reply
          • Fiona
            February 4, 2012

            Thanks for your quick response. I am in Munich so should have easy access to any German design. Who would you consider

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