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.

200832792226020083111456160ola_vers_1jpg1a.JPG

This Post Has 1,522 Comments

  1. Rosie

    Dear Kitchenguy – fab blog thanks for running it. I am furious maybe you can help. I went to KCA selling Systemat and was told this is exactly the same product as Sie Matic – I now find out different and Im paying much more – what is the clear difference between between the two products with regard to box sizes and over all quality. Many thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Rosie – Systemat is by haecker, not SieMatic… – ?
      kitchenguy

  2. Amita

    Hi Kitchenguy. We have just started looking for a new german kitchen. Please could you rate the following in order of preference: Poggenpol, Alno, Rational, Leicht, Hacker. Thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Amita – in this order: Poggenpol, Hacker, Leicht, Rational, Alno.
      kitchenguy

  3. William

    Hi Kitchenguy,
    Love your blog. Reading it gave us lots of tips and inspired us to seriously look into European cabinets for our kitchen. We met with Pedini and they mentioned Astra as a possible solution for our kitchen and budget. How does Astra rate in quality and value? Also, we were very impressed with Bulthaup B3. You have often mentioned Bulthaup as being at the top for innovation and technology/design. To fit in (at the top range of our cabinet) budget, we are looking at the laminate or laminate/aluminum edge doors with perhaps a wall of tall cabinets in wood veneer or aluminum. Do Bulthaup use a laminate unique to them? I have not seen 12mm elsewhere – I realize they laser weld the edges but 12mm seems so thin. How does it compare with Thermo Solid Structure panels/doors? Here in the Los Angeles area, we can get cabinets made locally using Cleaf panels and Hettich and Blum hardware. I noticed Bulthaup hinges had their name inscribed on them. Do they make their hinges and drawer boxes and glides?

    Would we still be getting a durable, high quality kitchen with the basic/entry level of B3 or does it make more sense to invest in Bulthaup if we can jump to at least the middle?

    1. kitchenguy

      William – lots of questions… 🙂
      Both Pedini and Bulthaup are great products. If you’re looking to save (Astra and aking it yourself), why look at Bulthaup…?
      kitchenguy

  4. A. Rahimi

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    Its me again;
    if you had one choice; What would it be?
    Poggenpohl, Scavolini, Boffi, or Pedini? and why?

    My friend is asking… She’s interested in all but is trouble choosing.

    1. kitchenguy

      A. Rahimi – Scavolini is not in the same league as the others, so if quality is importent, take them out. Now, please tell me what she’s after (looks, quality, design) and where is the project.
      kitchenguy

      1. A. Rahimi

        Hi Kitchen guy,

        Its for her new house.

        Shes after all of the above.. Looks Quality and Design.

        Thanks,

        1. kitchenguy

          A. Rahimi – you still didn’t tell me where the project is… – secret…? 🙂
          Have her look at all 3 and see which product she likes and which designer/firm, she’s more comfortable.
          kitchenguy

  5. maria

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    I would appreciate your feedback on a Zampieri cuisine in black matte lacquer for a new house.

    1. kitchenguy

      maria – what kind of feedback are you looking for…?
      kitchenguy

      1. maria

        Hi Kitchenguy – whether the brand itself is a good quality choice.

        1. kitchenguy

          maria – it is a smaller company, that does a more custom type product. Somewhat of an artisan. They produce specialty designs and products. Is that what you’re looking for?
          kitchenguy

  6. juho

    Fantastic website, thank you!

    I have a tough one for you, since it partially concerns scandinavian brands that you are most likely not that familiar with, especially since most are small Finnish companies that offer only tailor made options.

    I´m considering the following options, and would really appreciate your view / ranking based on their quality, since I have zero knowledge regarding kitchens.

    Options are listed in tiers based on very preliminary quotes or assumptions.

    Price tier 1:
    – Snaidero (Look or Way in Elm) http://www.snaidero.com/modern-kitchens/look
    – Binova (Bluna in Stratos) http://www.binova.it/en/bluna/
    – DelTongo (Creta) http://www.gruppodeltongo.com/creta/
    – Kvänum (Intro in Elm) http://www.kvanum.com/produkter/innovation/intro-ramel-brahe-alm/
    – Saari (Silta) http://www.pinjasto.fi/en/products/kitchens/

    Price tier 2:
    – Avance (tailor made in Elm) http://www.avanceteam.com/referenssit
    – Avestia (tailor made in Elm) http://www.avestia.fi/keittiot

    Price tier 3:
    – Aran Cucine (Volare in Oak) http://www.arancucine.it/prodotto/cucine/volare/
    – Opdeco (tailor made in Elm) http://opdeco.fi/portfolio/keittio-6/

    1. kitchenguy

      juho – I don’t know much about these local brands. If you you’re looking for back links – you won (they are now posted), otherwise, not sure what to tell you…
      kitchenguy

  7. Kate

    Hi Kitchenguy and thank you for your enlightening website. I am undecided on whether to go for a Bulthaup kitchen (quite expensive), or Warendorf (also expensive). They both have similar aesthetics, but I just get the feel Bulthaup is a far superior product. Am I right/wrong? You don’t have much info on Warendorf on your website. Not even a link! Which should I go for? Thank you in advance, Kate

    1. kitchenguy

      Kate – your feelings are very correct. Read about Warendorf here and we’ve added the link.
      kitchenguy

  8. kimberly

    Dear Kitchenguy, First of all great Compliments for your excellent research work! I have been on your blog many times. Now I’m hesitating between 2 brands and would like to ask you whether you as an expert would chose Boffi or Valcucine for your own kitchen? Many thanks in advance, Kimberly

    1. kitchenguy

      kimberly – thanks for the kind words. It’s like deciding between Mercedes and BMW or between Ferrari and Lamborghini – go with your heart. Which one do you like bette? Which designer do you prefer?
      kitchenguy

  9. kimberly

    Thanks for your kind answer dear Kitchenguy!:-) Of course, that’s just what I would like to find out! I know what I have to expect from a BMW and what not from a Mercedes. But unfortunately I don’t know that in those two kitchen brands which I like. I not asked too much, I would appreciate your guidance. As a matter of fact, I do like the two designer, but would need a hint which of the two brands is more of a long term design, Boffi or Valcucine? Txs again. Best,

    1. kitchenguy

      kimberly – I like them both equaly too, so that makes two of us… 🙂
      The reason is that they are both great and I really don’t think one is “more of a long term design”…
      Sorry…
      kitchenguy

      1. kimberly

        Thank you very much for your response, dear Kitchen guy!:-)

        Now at least I know that my point is shared by the expert and my dilemma has a real reason!;-)

        My feeling is that I ‘only’ have to decide between glass or lacquer!

        Any pros or cons? Maybe lacquer is more ‘classy’, but then the glass fronts from Valcucine are so extra elegant and ‘slim’ and opening and closing so easy.
        Also Valcucine seems to be ahead technical whereas Boffi’s design and materials especially the lacquier have an even more great look.
        What do you think as a lover of both brands?
        Maybe you could let me know more on my private address. Would greatly appreciated you extra effort and sharing some more opinions with you on this passionate kitchen question.
        Thanks in advance
        Best,
        Kimberly

        1. kitchenguy

          kimberly – I agree with you – thsi is a tough choice. They are both so beautiful. Personally, I would go with a matte glass. It has the classic look of lacquer, but it is more interesting and stronger. It is also easier to clean.
          Where are you located? I mat have some tips for you and can send themon your private address.
          kitchenguy

          1. kimberly

            Dear Kitchenguy, So very many thanks for your professional point of view. I would indeed be very glad to exchange offline.
            Looking forward to your hints as soon as your time allows.
            Best,
            Kimberly

  10. Kate

    Hi Kitchenguy, I am amazed at your breadth of knowledge on German and Europaen kitchens. This blog and your replies are very informative indeed. I am curious to know how you amassed such knowledge and do you trade kitchens/design kitchens? If so, where are you based? A little “about me” section in your blog would be good. Thanks for a brilliant blog.

    1. kitchenguy

      Kate – here is a bit about me: been in the kitchen industry for almost 30 years. Dealt with nomerous European products (not just kitchens), for all these years. Lived in Europea and reside currently in the US. Have lots of contacts and friends in the industry, so I’m always informed on what’s going on in the industry.
      kitchenguy

  11. Johnd77

    Im grateful for the blog article.Much thanks again. Cool. ceagbcdaddcd

  12. Rebecca

    Hi Kitchen guy. I am based in Switzerland and about to renovate my kitchen. Are you familiar with Ballerina Kuchen? How would you rate them versus Schmidt (in terms of quality) and others in a similar price range?

    1. kitchenguy

      Rebecca – they are somewhat similar. Chose based on the dealer/designer.
      kitchenguy

  13. Nads

    Hi Kitchen Guy!

    We’re planning to remodel our kitchen. And since we know that we’re already going to spend some money on it, we want to invest in a good quality kitchen. But with the different European brands in the market, we’re kinda confused as to which brand to get. Can you please help us out and rank this brands in terms of quality? Dada, Siematic, Bulthaup, Hacker and Poliform Varenna. Thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Nads – in this order: Bulthaup, SieMatic, Dada, Hacker/Poliform Varenna.
      kitchenguy

  14. Joanne rotella

    Leicht or Gatto please

    1. kitchenguy

      Joanne rotella – Leicht, mainly because Gatto has been just bought out of bankruptcy recently…
      kitchenguy

  15. Dan

    Great blog, kitchen guy!

  16. Seyyed

    Hi kitchenguy,
    We want to buy a new kitchen. Which kitchen is beter Boffi or snaidero? If they are almost the same designe?
    Thanks

  17. Seyyed

    Thanks alot. One more question.
    Which appliances is beter siemans, gaggenau or nef?

  18. Paul

    Looking for some independent advice – what is the best quality kitchen – a Bauformat Cube or a Rotpunkt x13 – they are coming out similar on price with the exact same design. Thanks for your help – Paul

    1. kitchenguy

      Paul – they are VERY similar…
      kitchenguy

      1. Paul

        Thanks – sorry one more question – got another quote from a supplier that does Nolte and so what do you think of the quality between Nolte, Bauformat, and Rotpunkt. I get the impression that they are all ok but not at the top end of German kitchens – however are they are all generally better than what you get out of Magnet, Wren etc. – Thanks Paul

        1. kitchenguy

          Paul – all 3 are lower-end, ‘price driven’ products that are exactly that – ok.
          kitchenguy

          1. Paul

            ok thanks

  19. Joanna

    Hi kitchen guy,

    Thank you for your blog, it is very informative.
    Could I ask your opinion? I have been given two very similarly priced quotes for my kitchen design. One quote is for the hacker classic range and the other is Schroder. I have chosen a white gloss laminate door and a wood grain laminate door. What would you consider to be the better purchase in terms of quality and durability? I have two very small children so expect door fronts to take an occasional knock.
    I prefer the lower kick plate available from Schroder which is not available from the hacker classic range. I am not sure the systemat range is within my budget. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

    1. kitchenguy

      Joanna – go with what you like. They are both good products.
      kitchenguy

  20. Tracie

    What do you recommend for NYC consumers who don’t want Ikea but also don’t want a 4 month wait for cabinets?

  21. Mario

    Dear kitchen guy

    Super web we are importers and distributors of kitchens we deal with Haecker kitchens and Liecht
    Quality off Liecht is a bit superior.
    And has more flexibility
    I would suggest it more
    Regards

  22. Anshu

    This is a treasure of knowledge for anyone who is looking to buy a kitchen. Thank you kitchenguy! Really appreciate you doing this for all of us. I am in India and am looking at the following european kitchen options with lacquered glass [glossy finish] for cabinets – Haecker, Veneta, Nolte. What would you recommend from a quality (longevity) & service standpoint? And are there better options than lacquered glass

    1. kitchenguy

      Anshu – from these 3 the choice is very clear – Haecker!
      kitchenguy

  23. Miriam

    Kitchenguy,

    We are considering Italian Kitchen cabinets for a spec house. How do Lube and Miton compare to Pedini? Would you recomment Pedini for a luxury home, over these other brands.

    Thank you

    1. kitchenguy

      Miriam – there’s no comparison. Pedini is a brand name and a high-end product, while Lube and Miton are pretty much a ‘no name’ with a lower quality. Since it is a spec house, the perceived value by the potential buyer is much higher with Pedini. It’s like putting Miele or Sub Zero appliances, vs. GE or Frigidaire…
      kitchenguy

      1. Miriam

        Thank you Kitchenguy!

        I stopped by a Bulthaup showroom and like the quality. Is there a difference in quality and overall look, between Pedini and Bulthaup? Will Bulthaup kitchen cost more, if we select similar design and features? We want the look and good quality. Which do you prefer, out of the two brands?

        Thanks a million for your help!

        1. kitchenguy

          Miriam – Bulthaup is a great product, both in terms of quality, as well as the design and they are known for that look. Pedini is a much more versitale brand – they can do ‘the Bulthaup look’, but many other designs as well. I would compare prices and get a feel for the shoroom/designer as well, before making a decision betweemn the two.
          kitchenguy

  24. David

    Hello Kitchenguy

    Hope you are well?

    I was wondering whether you had heard of a kitchen supplier called Cococucine located in London, I believe they supply Maistri Italian kitchens??I haven’t really been able to find out too much about them except what is biasedly written on their website.?If you know of them could you please tell me where they stand in quality and price compared to, say…Next125 & Häcker, would you recommend them or a similar alternative…German or Italian.
    Great website?!

    David

    Ps. Would love a Bulthaup but doubt I can go that high!

    1. kitchenguy

      David – Next125 & Häcker are bettter.
      kitchenguy

  25. Romy

    Hi Kitchen Guy,

    Your blog has been so informative, and because of it I have ordered a lovely Bulthaup kitchen (structured white oak and sand beige. I am deciding among carrera calcutta marble countertops , Fresh Concrete ceasartstone and stainless steel countertops. I live in a traditional home and thought the marble might add some old world elegance to my very modern kitchen but it is expensive and will etch, stain, etc.

    Thanks for your always helpful thoughts,

    Romy

    1. kitchenguy

      Romy – all are great choices and can look modern or old world, based on edging, etc.
      kitchenguy

  26. Antonella

    Hi

    I am looking for a laminate kitchen which is ecstatically modern and durable for kids.
    I went to see some kitchen and with respect to design they are quite similar. However I’m not sure about quality. From my side they seem similar too. Can you tell me which are the best from your opinion?
    Brands are arrex, lube, veneta cucine, record cucine.

    1. kitchenguy

      Antonella – I prefer Arrex and Record, over the others.
      kitchenguy

  27. jm

    Hi kitchenguy,
    Great site.. and right on time.
    Buying an apartment and have the choice to get the kitchen from the contractor for what they say is a better price and they give a 12K “credit” for it or 6K back to us if we don;t get it from them..
    My biggest concern is that it is a Nolte kitchen, which looks and feels like a low to mid level kitchen (went to showroom to see options)..
    Alternative would be to get the 6K and add on top for let’s say a Haecker or next125 (schueller)
    Your opinion would be great. thanks a lot. jm.

    1. kitchenguy

      jm – take the money and get what you want – you are on the right target!
      kitchenguy

      1. jm

        Thx kitchenguy
        and between hacker and next125 what would be your opinion?
        cheers,

        1. jm

          and would you consider Nobili..
          thx

          1. kitchenguy

            jm – not the same level.
            kitchenguy

  28. Eli Zysman-Colman

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    We are considering rotpunkt but have also looked at poggenhaus and leicht. Can you please contrast the three in terms of price point and quality? Do you have any other recommendations for cabinetry companies in the same price point as rotpunkt or slightly less expensive.

    Thanks

    Eli

    1. kitchenguy

      Eli Zysman-Colman – never heard of Ponnighaus. Is it a retailer in the UK? Leicht is better than Rotpunkt. Pricing should be in the same order.
      Where are you located, before I recommand others?
      kitchenguy

      1. Eli Zysman-Colman

        Hi Kitchenguy,

        Thank you for the response. We are located in Scotland, in St Andrews

        Eli

        1. kitchenguy

          Eli Zysman-Colman – not sure what brands are avialable there, but look at my Top 20 list. Many are available close to you.
          kitchenguy

  29. Nikhil

    Hi kitchenguy

    I want to start a new showroom in india of modular kitchens
    Which brand i should choose
    There are many options
    Please suggest me

    1. kitchenguy

      Nikhil – may cloices, many brands are alreday there, in different locations, etc. – not a simple answer…
      kitchenguy

  30. Meme

    Hello kitchen guy
    Can you please tell me if ballerina and nobilia are the same in terms of quality and price?

  31. Ro

    I have to decide between Schuller next 125 kitchen and TM ITALIA cucine, ITALIAN brand.

    In terms of flexibility and choice of door options the TM Italia is better, but what is your opinion of the quality of the kitchens between the two?

    Is the quality comparable, as TM Italia use all German door hinges etc.

  32. wak doyok review

    Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the issues.
    It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

  33. UK

    Hello KitchenGuy,

    Your website has lots of information regarding the various brands and helped in comparing with each other. I live in India and in the process of finalizing one. Based on your comments on this website, I eliminated few and narrowed down to 2 brands. Poggenpohl and Siematic are the one I am considering right now. Poggenpohl is giving GoldReif in my budget. Poggenpohl for the same design is 40% more than GoldReif. They claim that the quality of GoldReif is same as the Poggenpohl and no compromises are there in quality between the two. Is it correct?
    Siematic for the same design is offering somewhat similar (as GoldReif price) or lower quote in S3 version because they are new here and trying to establish base. Since they are quoting low, is the quality of S3 same as S2? If so where is compromise done to give such an attractive price?
    1.) Which one do you suggest is better – SieMatic (S3 or S2) or Poggenpohl (GoldReif)?
    2.) Is Poggenpohl (Luxury series) better than Siematic?
    3.) I found that Siematic has better Look and feel (more contemporary), better accessories and very flexible. Is my observation correct?
    Thanks
    UK

    1. kitchenguy

      UK – you are correct on all counts! GoldReif is not the same as the Poggenpohl – it is a cheaper version and there are several reasons for that…
      1) SieMatic, on both counts.
      2) No.
      3) Yes.
      kitchenguy

      1. UK

        Kitchenguy, Thanks so much for your response. I was debating to go with Siematic or to pay extra 40% and buy Poggenpohl (Luxury one). Your response helped me to rule out Poggenpohl. Now, confused with S2 and S3 Pure series of Siematic. Siematic is offering S3 at my price. So my last question – is the quality of S3 same as S2? If so where is compromise done against S2?
        Thanks in advance,
        UK

        1. kitchenguy

          UK – quality is similar. S2 is just built different and has less options.
          kitchenguy

          1. UK

            Thanks once again and it confirms with what Siematic dealer told me :-). Great website and really appreciate the time you take to answer the queries.
            -UK

  34. Kevin

    Hi KitchenGuy

    Most informative website I have found – great work!

    Looking at redoing our kitchen and have a design from a local London shop that is a reseller for Arredo3. It looks pretty smart but struggling to find any reviews online about the brand in terms of build quality, where the brand sits against other kitchen brands Europe-wide.

    Can you help in terms of the positioning against others that are better known and would you use them? Any others you think we should consider – looking at £30-40k spend overall. Thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Kevin – “positioning against others that are better known…” – would you like a comperison against all 100 of them…?!? 🙂
      Arredo3 is an ok, cost effective product. Nothing more…
      kitchenguy

  35. Bonio

    Hi, we have just moved to Italy and have a limited budget for a kitchen, so how would you rate Ar-tre v Aran please?

    Many thanks, your website is so useful.

    1. kitchenguy

      Bonio – both are similar, though I’d go with Aran, if I had the choice.
      kitchenguy

  36. Julie Troutman

    Living in MInnesota, my choices for modern European cabinetry is Leicht or

    Which is better for quality & durability? Or, are they the same?

    What is the lineal cost difference per foot b/w the two?

    Many thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Julie Troutman – Leicht or… ?
      kitchenguy

  37. Romy

    Hi kitchen guy, decided on a structured white oak bulthaup kitchen with sand badge aluminum island. I am trying to decide between miele white glass ovens or the stainless steel contour line. Is the stainless more timeless and will the white ovens be a fad. Any thoughts would help. I love your site.

    1. kitchenguy

      Romy – both are classic colors. Go with your heart…
      kitchenguy

  38. Lynn

    Dear Kitchen-guy,
    I live in Northern Zalifornia, w/in 2hour driving distance to SF. There’s a fair amount of companies to choose from. Presently, we have an older Poggenpohl kitchen. It works great, but we want to update. Which kitchens would you suggest? Bolthaup, Pedini, Snaidero, Siematic, Arclinea, Poliform. There may be more kitchen stores. We aren’t abusive to our cabinets, but I want to prevent issues down the line get my monies worth. The Snaidero company doesn’t recommend the ‘pocket doors’. They are extremely pricey with them and apparently, do not work so well. Arclinea says there’s are great and w/o problems. I really like them. Also, are warranties important. Most companies to not mention that on their websites. Thank you!!!

    1. kitchenguy

      Lynn – all the names you mentioned are great. I recently visited the Pedini stand at Eurocucina – they had an amazing pocket door system – try them. I also checked – they have a 7 year warranty.
      kitchenguy

  39. Rahul

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    I am in the process of buying a kitchen for my upcoming home and I am comparing three companies from Italy .elmar, Stosa and Aran. Stosa and Aran both are offering PET doors which I believe is thermofoil doors whereas .elmar is offering Acrylic doors. What do you suggest I should go for.

    Regards

    1. kitchenguy

      Rahul – all 3 are at the same level, more or less. I’d take elmar over the othe 2.
      kitchenguy

      1. Rahul

        Hi Kitchen Guy
        can u tell us any thing about Acrylic doors? Are they any better than PET(Theromofoil) Doors?

        Regards

  40. Dennis

    great blog!! We just visited a Porcelanosa showroom – do their Kitchens compare with high end? Boffi, Leicht etc?

    1. kitchenguy

      Dennis – Porcelanosa sell Gamma Decor kitchens, made in Spain. They are no a hugh end kitchen like Boffi. Moe similar to Leicht, but still lower.
      kitchenguy

  41. MJ

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I’m considering between Santos, TSK, Novilia and Leicht.
    What would you suggest to go for ?
    Thanks!

  42. Giuseppe

    Dear Kitchen Guy,

    Many thanks for this wonderful and informative blog. I am hoping to pick your brains on our kitchen project. After wasting much time with names like Howdens, Wickes, etc., we are now in a relative rush to place an order. Currently looking at mid-range German manufacturers.

    Our kitchen has roughly 9 linear metres of cabinets, 3 of high cabinets and 3 of wall cabinets. Ideally, we would like to spend no more that £7,000 for the cabinets only. We like the clean contemporary look: handleless or with integrated handles. We live in north London and are keen on a durable, sturdy (we have two young boys!) kitchen. We think we have nailed the ideal design, so now it is “just” a matter of picking the right options. We prefer a matt finish to the glossy one. I have a lot of questions; please answer what you can.

    In light of what I have said, would you recommend:

    1. German or Italian manufacturers?

    2. If the latter, which ones and do you know and where we can go to source them?

    3. As for German manufacturers, the best quote so far has come for a Pronorm and a Nobilia kitchen; are these good enough? We understand that Pronorm is better than Nobilia, is this right? How do they compare with Leicht and Schuller.

    4. What doors would you recommend? We like the look of the lacquered, but we have been told that they are more likely to chip and that the laminated ones (or the lacquered laminated) are actually sturdier.

    5. What worktop would you recommend? We like the look of Carrara marble, but have been told that is prone to staining. Do you know any product that closely reproduces the looks but offers a more practical solution? Haven’t had it priced yet, but we saw a gorgeous granite that we fell in love with.

    6. Ceiling extractor: have been recommended by several sources the Gutmann ones. Another option could be Luxair, but it is only a bit cheaper, not quite as powerful and we do not want to compromise on quality on this. Also, we understand that Gutmann is a lot quitter; is this right?

    Many thanks in advance for your help – it is hugely appreciated.

  43. Arthur

    Hi
    Great site and very informative.
    I am currently in search of a kitchen for my house. Got an offer from Schmidt on one of their kitchens that is in the higher range of finishing/pricing. What other companies on the market would you say will be direct competition in regard to Schmidt higher end kitchens? Do you think that Schmidt is good value for money? thanks in advance

  44. Lorraine

    Hello

    I have looked at sveral kitchens and cannot decide which brand to buy. Could you place these comoanies in order of quality snaidero, scavolini, santos and snaidero.

    Thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Lorraine – Snaidero, then Scavolini & Santos.
      kitchenguy

  45. Marie

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I need a kitchen for my new appartment, functional and resistant.
    I’ve got quotes from Beeck, Beckermann, Schroeder, Schmidt, Sagne, Zecchinon.
    I’m more inclined towards the three german brands, especially Beeck, but I’m not an expert and I need a good advice.
    How would you rank all of them in terms of quality and durability ?
    Thanks a lot for your help.

    1. kitchenguy

      Marie – are all very similar…
      kitchenguy

  46. Deepa

    Hi Kitchen Guy,

    Great website with loads of information.
    1. I live in India and am considering Hacker as an option for a kitchen.
    – how durable/sturdy are the kitchens – especially the shutters – how resistant are they to water .
    2. For a countertop Between Granite & Caesarstone – which is a better option in terms of durability , ability to handle hot pots
    3. I read on your blog that Siemens has exited out of the appliance business. Does this mean that there oven ranges are likely to be discontinued.

    If Hacker falls out of my budget , I plan to look at Veneta or Nolte – what would you suggest ?

    Thank you !

    1. kitchenguy

      Deepa:
      1. Very.
      2. Caesarstone.
      3. No.
      kitchenguy

  47. Gary

    Hi There Kitchen Guy,

    We are thinking about a German kitchen and have looked at Hacker Classic and Nolte. What are the main differences between these two? Would you choose one over the other or are they both very similar? Also is there a large difference between Hacker Classic vs Systemat?

    1. kitchenguy

      gary – haecker is made better
      kitchenguy

  48. Arty

    Hi, kitchenguy.

    Same price: Nolte or Nobilia?

    1. kitchenguy

      Arty – Same… Go with the designer you feel stronger about.
      kitchenguy

  49. Deepa

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    Thanks for your advice.

    1. I am confused about the types of countertop edge. What type of countertop edge (bullnose, mitred) . etc ) is better for preventing water seeping into cabinets or does it really not make a difference

    2. Does the type of wood used for cabinets make a difference in terms of durability . how would you rate chipboard, colour board, block board, mdf and hdf wood in terms of durability.

    thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Deepa –

      1. No.
      2. No (if done right).

      kitchenguy

  50. Kevin

    Dear kitchenguy,

    I am currently looking at two brands: the y-line from pronorm and the y from zampieri. Both are very different in design. Do you have an opinion on quality between the two?

    Thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Kevin – not really, as they are so different…
      kitchenguy

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.