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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Hi kitchen guy, great kitchen advice. We are just planning a new kitchen. We’ve been looking at poggenpohl, siematic and hacker. But have just seen the brand intuo in a local show room. How does this company compare? Intuo has a similar colour wood we’ve been looking at in poggenpohl, but worried about the quality as haven’t seen any revies! Thanks for your advice in advance.
Tanya – Intuo is actually EWE KÜCHEN They are made in Austria and are similar, but perhaps a step under the German ones.
kitchenguy
Hello Kitchenguy, do you have a list of price driven Italian manufacturer?Is Biefbi one of them?also, is there a ranking for kitchens by quality? Thank you.
Ramy – there are varies levels of ‘price driven’ companies and I do not have a list reday. Biefbi is one of them. I also do not have rankings of kitchens by quality ready.
Sorry,
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy
I would appreciate if you can give me your opinion regarding an italian brand called home srl cucine componibili. you can find below there website:
http://www.homecucine.com
Farah – i know very little about them, as they are supplying only locally (within Italy and a couple of other European countries).
Sorry,
kitchenguy
Farah, I know a fair bit about Home SRL as I used to be a dealer of their kitchen brand. What would you like to know? Mat
I just need to know some details about their quality? is it a good quality? do they deliver on time? etc..
The quality was always ok, but it was nothing special to be honest. It was an entry level Italian kitchen brand which was probably equivalent to Magnet here in the UK.
I’m not sure what kind of delivery has been arranged for you or where you live, but our deliveries came via the UK distributor and would often arrive damaged. We would then have to wait 4-6 weeks for replacements.
We now sell Scavolini as we wanted to sell a really good quality product.
Hope I haven’t put you off too much. The product from Home is fine, but no different to many entry level kitchens.
Hi Kitchenguy,
I am in Romania and I am hesitating between a Hacker and a Bauformat kitchen.
I have seen few differences in terms of both products they can offer and price. Which one do you think is more reliable / durable / better?
Concerning composite working top, could you please give me an advice in comparing Silestone by Cosentino and Technistone? Beside the fact that Silestone is more expensive, is this difference in price really justifiable?
Thank you very much.
Chiara
Chiara – this one is easy – Haecker.
kitchenguy
Cheers.
Any advice for the working top?
Chiara
Chiara – whay type of advice are yu looking for?
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
I am in the uk and also considering Bauformat. Although Hacker is more widely available in the UK. What are your reasons for Hacker over Bauformat. As I have not committed to either yet, i would really appreciate your advice. Thanks.
KKKS – Haecker is better quality.
kitchenguy
Hi, i would like to ask you about Arrex kitchens, does their kitchen are quality? im looking for good quality kitchen which will be used heavily/daily. please advice?
Noura – they are more of a ‘price driven’ product and so quality, is not the highest in the industry.
kitchenguy
What about the quality of ARREX may questionable? Is it about how long the product will last? the quality of the materials? I am considering ARREX or Leicht. Arrex is at a lower price point. How would the difference in quality show up over the life of the product?
Debbie – both are good products. Choose based on the designer, dealer, etc.
kitchenguy
Hi KitchenGuy,
I’ve finalized on Hacker for my kitchen. I just wanted couple of extra inputs. Could you please share your personal email id on XXXXXXXXXXX@Lycos.com? Thanks in advance for your help.
Shiv – please use Contact Us, at the top of the page.
Thanks,
kitchenguy
sent the queries using Contact Us Option. Please help
I am looking for a european kitchen company that is available in NYC and makes a industrial style product. Any recommendations?
Thanks
Reed – by “industrial” do you mean a restaurant kitchen?
kitchenguy
Hello,
We are given the choice to represent either Pedini, Snaidero or Nolte for our region. Whom you advise to go with?
Mickeal – Pedini or Snaidero. Nolte is in a different league all together…
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy,
What do you meant by “Nolte is in a different league all together”? What league are they in, what is the quality of their kitchens and are they worth the money? Your comments would be very appreciated.
Magdalena – it means that they are not at the same level as the others… – they are a lower end product, that is ‘price focused’. They are less expensive, because you are getting less – you are the only one who can answer the question “are they worth the money?”…
kitchenguy
Thanks so much for your reply kitchenguy
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Exceptional blog and terrific design.
Hi Kitchenguy,
Do you have a view on Comprex Vs Modulnova? We’re torn between the linea and Twenty of these two makes. TIA!
Anstey – they are both good brands and both models are very similar.
Personally I’d go with Comprex, but it is more of a feel, than actual advantage I can point out.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
We’re on the verge of pressing the button on a contemporary handleless kitchen design from Second Nature, Hacker or Callerton.
As the quotes are all prettty similar can you help by recommending in order your particular preferences?
David – I’m not very familier with Second Nature or Callerton, as these are local UK retail shops and not a cabinet brand…
Sorry.
kitchenguy
Kitchen Guy,
We are considering working with Aster Cucine product for replacement of kitchen cabinets in our townhouse. Can you provide insight into realistic budget for 179 sq ft of cabinets? We are considering the Timeline product.
Also if you can recommend another product comparable quality and style.
Thank you for sharing your insight, we look forward to reading your comments.
Tracer – it is nearly impossible to estimate a kitchen, with so little information… Also, sq. ft. is for the room size, to get a rough idea on cabinet costs, you’ll need to figure out the linear footage (running feet).
To recommend other brands, I need to know where in the world the project is…
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy,
What’s your opinion on the Scic and Febal brands?
Thanks,
Anna
Anna – they are meduim-to-low quality brands, that are more price-focused, than quality or design.
kitchenguy
Hello Kitchen Guy
I am in hyderabad and considering below brands for my new house. Can you please suggest which one is better interms of (a) quality (b) value for money
1. veneta
2. Scavolini
3. Lube
4. Hacker
I learned hacker is very pricey. Please advise.
Raj – hands down – Haecker! It is a MUCH better product in every aspect, even if you go with their lower price models.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi,
We are looking for a white lacquer kitchen and are hesitating between lube and pedini .
How do these products compare in terms of cost and quality ?
Thanks
Jp
Jean Paul – hands down – Pedini! It is a MUCH better product in every aspect, even if you go with their lower price models.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hello Kitchen Guy,
We are based out of Bangalore, India. My wife and I are looking for a classic solid wood kitchen and have shortlisted 2 brands based on design and aesthetic appeal.
a) Lube – Laura and Veronica models
b) Spagnol – Lucy model
Can you suggest which of these two brands is better in terms of quality and workmanship?
We also evaluated a new model released by Lube called Pantheon. While we liked it the most amongst all the models, it is a good 50% more expensive that the other shortlisted models. We are told that it is one of Lube’s top-end models. We are confused whether the quality and workmanship for a top-end model justifies such a premium. Do companies use better technology that justify such premiums?
Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
Thanking you in advance..
PR.
PR – both are about the same, more or less. Choose based on design, designer and the company selling and installaing the kitchen.
kitchenguy
Thanks a lot KitchenGuy for your valuable feedback. On my query regarding Lube’s newly launched premium model “Pantheon” that comes with a 50% premium over its other models, would you have an opinion or feedback as to whether the quality and workmanship would be much better than its other models? We like that model a lot and may want to pay that extra, if we know for sure that the product is superior. Any opinion from your side would help us decide. Thanking you in advance..
Regards
PR
PR – Lebe’s Pantheon is more expensive from their other models because of the details, moldings, finishes, etc. – it is still Cucine Lube underneath, which is oaky, but not a high-end product…
kitchenguy
Thanks a lot KitchenGuy. As always, your feedback is direct and to the point helping people like to us to take informed decisions.
Regards
PR
Since you’re based in Bangalore you could also check out the Italian brand Gatto Cucine – they do contemporary as well as classic kitchens.
Hi, we are looking at a handle less, lacquer high gloss kitchen and are stuck between schuller and hacker. Which would you recommend and why? Thanks in advance.
Daniel – Haecker. It is a better product and worththe extra money.
kitchenguy
Dear kitchenguy,
Thanks for your website.
I was am currently looking at German kitchens, and am considering Poggenpohl, Hacker Systematic and Schuller Next125 in a matt white lacquer. The Poggenpohl works out to be c. £5-10k more expensive than the Hacker, and about the same again when compared to the Schuller.
Do you think the Poggenpohl / Hacker are worth the extra money? Which would you suggest?
Thanks for your assistance
Chanster
Chanster – I would go with the Haecker. It is worth the extra money over Schuller, but not same with Poggenpohl…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thanks Kitchenguy!
Awesome, Kitchen this really good. I am very thankful of you for sharing this.
dear kitchen guy,
What are your reviews regarding Record cucine, Home Cucine and armony cucine?
Thanks
Claudia
Caludia – Record is in tremendeus financial difficulties, at the moment and though the owners have deep pockets and will probably eventually come out of this, I would stay away from them for a while. Home is a lower end than the other two. So if you are chosing between these 3 – Armony is the betterchoice.
kitchenguy
Dear kitchen guy,
what are your opinions about Diorio cucine?
Claudia – they are a low-to-medium quality product, from Pescara area, that also have the radius cabinets you are looking for.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy,
I’m remodeling my house in Florida and have quoted a Record kitchen from Mia Cucina
and a Biefbi from a smaller dealer. Both prices are similar for high gloss lacquer with laminate or wood veneer. I guess this is a two part question: are these two brands comparable and which do you think is best and the second is do you think that laminate is better than veneer in terms of durability (i.e small kids)? Thanks a ton!!
Vivian,
Record may be a bit better than Biefbi, but not by much.
The laminate is more durable than the wood veneer, in terms of cleaning and against scratches.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
what does it mean “price driven product” ? Thanks
Mo – a company that manufacture a products, with the price, being on top of their priority list.
kitchenguy
Hi , in the UK. Can’t decide to go for Schuller, Sie -matic, or Aran Cicone kitchen. Something with handleless design. Siematic, a bit too clinical, Schuller are they really good value for money? Aran kitchen volare range: Nice curves but is it cracked up to be what they are boosting?
Geoffalch – from your comments, Schuller is the way to go. Aran, is a lower end product than the other two.
kitchenguy
Claudia – try Pedini.
kitchenguy
Hi- any comment on Arredondo 3 kitchen? I am told they are the 3rd largest kitchen manufacturer?
Ramy – what type of comments are ou looking for…?
kitchenguy
We have just had a Schuller kitchen installed and would like to have a similar standard of kitchen in our holiday home in Crete. What do you recommend bearing in mind the transport costs ?
Peter – not sure what your options are… Where are you shipping from?
kitchenguy
About to choose between a Leich and Seimatic kitchen. The Leich contractor has a slick well organised business and is very impressive. The Seimatic contractor a bit more hit and miss and does not give us quite as much confidence. The Leich comes in well under budget and the design is beautiful. the Seimatic is at the top of budget and I can’t have any little ‘frills’. We are completely torn. They both look to be beautiful kitchens. How would you compare please.
Elaine – find another SieMatic dealer…
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy… I live in the U.S. Need your opinion:
Pedini,
Hacker,
or Alno?
Thanks.
Rana – I didn’t know Hacker is available in the US… – where? Between the 3 lines, I’d go with Pedini.
kitchenguy
Hi , Kitchen Guy
I want to know which brand is better Cucine Lube or Arredo3?
Actually both seems good thats why i am confused. the models i have selected in cucine lube are Creativa and Brava. can you give me an idea that are these two models better then the rest?
plz reply soon cause i have to decide asap
Yousuf,
They are veru similar.
kitchenguy
Hi. I live in Costa Rica and I am considering Santos, Arrital or Miton. Can you tell me what do you recomend?
Thanks a lot. I apreciate your answer.
Tica – Santos.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Kitchenguy
I’m interested in why in particular you suggest Santos over Arrital Miton?
Cheers
Andy – they are more unique and less of a ‘price driven’ product.
kitchenguy
Hi! I am thinking to hire a Santos project…. can you tell me about your experience with this kitchen??
Hi, I’m from Riga, Latvia. In our local market are popular the following brands – Arclinea, Bulthaup, Poggenpohl, Boffi. These are high quality manufacturers. Here we have to pay not only for the quality, but also for the brand (designer’s) name. Could you please call three other (italian – german) high quality manufacturers that are not as recognizable?
Juris – not sure who, out of the hunders of brands, is available in your area…
kitchenguy
Hi,
We are in NYC and looking at Poliform, Aster Cucine, Pedini, Siematic, Arclinea. High gloss lacquer finish. Is one better than the other on quality or does it come down to just personal taste on design details and price? And does door thickness matter with respect to quality – there is a range from 18mm to 26mm between these manufacturers.
Thanks.
Hi Gary,
There’s no real difference between these brands, as far as the lacquer quality is concerned. The thickness is not importent, function wise – it just feels nicer and better quality.Based on the producrt quality the standard features and the company (service), I’d go with SieMatic or Pedini, then Poliform.
Good luck!,
kitchenguy
Hi.
I am currently planning to start business selling kitchen furnitures, both German and Italian. I would be very pleased if you recommend me 3-4 brands that can meet the needs of customers pricewise, designwise, etc. I already got offers from Siematic, Leicht, Nobilia and waiting for some offers as well. They could be Haecker, Pedini, Snaidero, etc. Would like to also have one UK company.
Thanks.
Samir – where are you located?
kitchenguy
Located in Azerbaijan.
What are your ideas on Toncelli in comparison with other Italian brands, especially in comparison with Pedini.
Samir – Toncelli is a very nice, quality product and the Progetto50 is a very unique concept. With that said, I believe that Pedini is a better value for the consumer, has a lot more options (both design choices, product depth, as well as price points). As a business owner, I think Pedini will serve your customers better and therefore will be a better choice for you.
kitchenguy
Many thanks for your reply. Would highly appreciate your comments on above mentioned German brands as well.
Samir – you had in the right order – Siematic, Leicht, Nobilia (best, better, good).
kitchenguy
Hi, we’re looking for a beautiful, good quality handless kitchen. We’ve looked at Schuller (was ok), Hacker (seems like a great kitchen), and Rotpunkt (told its a step above Hacker but not sure if that’s the case and why other than perhaps price). What are your thoughts in comparing these brands? Any other brands I should consider?
Victoria – all 3 are good products. Not sure where you are so hard to recommand. Go with the designer/dealer you feel better with.
kitchenguy
Hi,
Any views on Aran Cucine please?
Thanks, Pete
Pete – ‘price driven’ product. Lower quality, but decent value if you are on a lower budget.
kitchenguy
hi kitchen guy,
I am from Bangalore need your advise whether to go for Hacker as Im worried about mdf board they use, is it good for the Indian conditions
Syed – yes, it is fine.
kitchenguy
laquered or acrylic as it is costly Im going for lamination please advise
Syed – don’y understand your question…
kitchenguy
Hello Kitchenguy,
I would need names of Italian Manufacturers similar in quality and price to Arredo 3. Do you have any clue?
Ramy – try Stosa, Home or Venetta.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy
We just bought a new apt in manhattan and thinking to remodel the kitchen. we are getting quotes for both Leicht and nobilia and want to choose between them. Obviously leicht is more expensive but I am not sure if it is worth the extra money here. We have a pretty small, NOT open concept kitchen with little customization to do with cabinets. So given this circumstance, which line do you think make more sense for us? in terms of quality, finish and durability, is Leicht really better than nobilia if not considering customization? People always say you get what you pay for, but is it true in my case?
Another quick question: lacquer is 25% more expensive than the laminate in our quote. what is the real difference in terms of quality and durability? which one do you prefer?
Look forward to hearing your insight!
Hong – it sure is – you do get what you pay for…
Lacquer looks nicer, but cost a bit more – both can scratch…
kitchenguy
Hi there and thanks for all your useful information. I live in Florence, Italy, and we are working with Snaidero. Boffi is thousands of euro more expensive and my architect told me that these kitchens are more or less the same and I would only be paying for the ‘brand’ name. Can you confirm? Is it a mistake to go with Snaidero rather than Boffi? Certainly budget is an issue, but I want a nice kitchen. Also, rumor has it that Snaidero makes IKEA cabinetry. Do you know anything about this and should this affect my decision to go with Snaidero? I’ve been wrestling with these issues so any feedback to put my mind at ease would certainly be appreciated. You certainly spend a lot of time helping everyone! Many thanks
Christie,
Boffi is a bit more unique, but if you’re on a budget, there’s not such a big difference.
I’ve never hraed that Snaidero is making cabinets for IKEA… but stranger things have happend… 🙂 That should not stop you.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thank you! I am also thinking about getting an estimate from Schiffini. Boffi seems the most outrageous, from what I’ve seen online the average price tag is €20,000. Schiffini seems quite costly as well. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to get estimates and rendering ideas from all three. The space is not very big (L-shape) and is visible from the salon, so it must be very nice on the eye, but I do not want to spend more than €10,000, even less if possible. Does this plan sound good to you? Thanks for confirming that Snaidero is not a mistake in any case. Grazie infinita! ciao Kitchenguy 🙂
christie – You can’t price kitchens online… Get the estimates and rendering ideas from all three, than decide based on price, design and the people behind the product – the designer/dealer. They are just as importent, sometimes more…
Felice di essere stato in grado di aiutare.
Ciao, ciao!
Cucinaguy 🙂
ho capito e lo faro’, ti faccio sapere! I found a wonderful kitchen from valcucine at self habitat–very pricey but I’d like to put as much as possible into the kitchen. Do you think valcucine is a cut above the rest? I’m thinking that since it will be part of an open space white glass will be the best choice for it’s lightness and elegance (at least for the counters as very €€!). Any thoughts on vetro? I definitely want something timeless. In any case will get several estimates and ideas. grazie mille
christie – Valcucine is a great product. Is it a cut above the rest? No – Schiffini. Boffi and others are at the same level – eacjh with different offerings and different specialities.
kitchenguy
Hi. Any fedback about the quality and prices between Alno, Nolte, Schueller or Bauformat? Which has the best quality
Thx.
Michael – Alno and Schueller are about the same (different product lines within each brand will equal a similar level at the other) and Bauformat and Nolte are similar.
kitchenguy
Which is better in terms of product quality.
Schueller
Hi can you please advise on Keller kitchen quality? I love the style and numerous options avaialable and quality appears good but I have no real knowledge to judge,
Or can you recommend any other comparable brands available in the UK?
Thanks so much
Lisa – Keller is a smaller Dutch company that is available only in Holland and the UK, as far as I know. As a result, I have very little knowledge about them.
Sorry,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
What do you think of Alno?
How does it compare (in terms of price range and quality) with Haecker, Biefbi, Schiffini, Pedini, Comprex, Valcucine, Home Cucine?
Adrien – Alno is the largest company in the world (at least they were, till not so long ago). In several market outside of Germany, they are marketing all their lines (Alno, Pino, Impuls, etc.) under the Alno label and so it can be anything from low end to a medium-high end product you are looking at.
They are higher end than Biefbi and Home, but not as good as Pedini, Haecker, Schiffini, Comprex and Valcucine.
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy, how does carma cucine compare with poliform or boffi?
Also have you heard of porcelanosa kitchens? I know they have good tiles but are they in the same league as the others mentioned? Tks!!
Carl – compared to Varenna (Poliforn) – they are a smaller company, less known, with cheaper price.
– compared to Boffi – they are a smaller company, less known, with less innovative product, lesser quality and cheaper price.
kitchenguy
Tks so much kitchen guy. How does carma cucine compare with porcelanosa? Tks!
Carl – carma is a nicer product. Porcelanosa is really Gamma Decor – a spanish kitchen brand, Porcelanosa (the tile company) bought and are trying to market under their tile brand… – nothing special…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Tks so much! Your advice is awesome
Stunning ideas, such inspiration! Love the European styling always so chic 🙂
Thanx for sharing this
This is amazing, we have just had the Snaidero Kitchens installed at our resort in phuket, they are simpily faultless – see our blog here : http://www.katarocks.com/kata-rocks-oasis-style-introducing-snaidero-kitchens-life/