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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This Post Has 1,522 Comments

  1. Cord Paletz

    Wow! great to have stumbled on your site..it’s just what I need! I am planning to renovate my house in Namibia and am trying to determine which of the following 4 German kitchen manufacturers (which are the only ones available to me through South Africa)will give me the best quality for price. 1) Poggenpohl 2)Siematic 3) Hacker 4)Alno. Any advise you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

    Cord
    ————————————————————————————————
    Hi Cord,

    I’m glad you like the site.

    Out of the 4 brands, my first choice would be Hacker – they are built as good as SieMatic but for less money (as long as you don’t need any special colors or custom sizes, as they will not do it). Poggenpohl is lower in quality than the 2 above and Alno is last, as far as I’m concern – both in terms of quality, as well as value.

    Have you thought of going with an Italian kitchen?

    Try looking into Pedini kitchens – they are now avaialable, through Blu-Line.

    Good luck,

    kitchenguy
    ———————————————————————————————-
    Thanks so much Kitchen Guy! Your knowledge and suggestions about kitchen companies have been terrific. I will certainly check into Pedini Kitchens through Blu-Line. The designs look very smart indeed. Will let you know my choice once I’ve had a chance to do some comparison shopping. Keep up the good work – you are one of a kind.

    Cord

  2. Jacob Crandall

    Dear kitchenguy,

    Fantastic website, very informative. I work for a small consulting firm and we are currently doing a project looking at new materials in kitchen design. I was wondering if it might be possible to pick your brain about kitchen design and who the various leaders are in the industry.

    Thanks,

    Jacob
    ——————————————————————————————-

    Any time, Jacob.
    kitchenguy

  3. Cord Paletz

    Thanks so much Kitchen Guy! Your knowledge and suggestions about kitchen companies have been terrific. I will certainly check into Pedini Kitchens through Blu-Line. The designs look very smart indeed. Will let you know my choice once I’ve had a chance to do some comparison shopping. Keep up the good work – you are one of a kind.

    Cord

  4. Lucia

    Hi, I’m consultant in an Italian Head Hunting Company. At the moment we have a very interesting job opportunity available in New York. Our Client is one of the most renowned Italian kitchen & bathroom manufacturers, famous the world over for its “Italian Design”. Can I post an AD on your blog? Thank you very much.
    ———————————————————————————————-
    Hi Lucia,
    At this moment, we do not have a classified section, but maybe this is not such a bad idea…
    In the meantime, your post can serve as an ad 🙂
    kitchenguy

  5. ashik

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    Well done, you did a great job to educate ppl about European kitchen design.

    I would like to hear your view on MinottiCucine and Strato, please.

    Thank you

    Ciao
    ————————————————————————–
    Hi,
    Both brands are high end, cutting edge companies – what specifically would you like to know?
    Thanks,
    kitchenguy

  6. Lucia

    JOB OPPORTUNITY in NY – SOHO:

    One of the most renowned Italian kitchen & bathroom manufacturers, famous the world over for its “Italian Design”, the only kitchen sector company to have been awarded the Gold Compass for career, is expanding its international distribution network and searching for a
    SENIOR SALES KITCHEN DESIGNER
    for its important flagship-store in New York – SOHO.
    The Candidate, a brilliant Interior Designer, must be familiar with the Kitchen/Bathroom sector and have commercial, project management and relationship skills.
    He/she must be able to take responsibility for the whole commercial project managing everything from client briefing to final delivery.
    He/She must also have sharp problem-solving skills and authority, competence and the ability to work independently.
    Potential Candidates should send their C.V. to: recruiting@galliandpartners.com

    Galli&Partners is a leading provider of permanent recruitment in Italy. Galli&Partners is specialized in organization consulting and recruiting.

    my public profile: http://it.linkedin.com/pub/lucia-schipani/0/746/201

    P.S. Dear Kitchenguy, thank for your availability!
    Lucia

  7. Jason

    This blog is indispensable! Without a doubt the best source of info on the subject. Thanks so much.

    Does anybody have feedback about Florida cabinets? We are going with Pedini for part of our kitchen, but our design consultant is suggesting Florida as a less expensive alternative for the rest. I looked at samples in their showroom, and I’m worried about the quality of Florida’s materials. And aside from their website, I can’t find any info about Florida.

  8. George

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I am looking for a kitchen in Greece and i have seen the model that i like in Nolte, Rotpunkt, Miele and Alno.
    Alno and Miele are in the upper segment while Nolte and Rotpunkt cost much lower.
    Between Nolte & Rotpunkt that are in budget which company would you propose?
    Thanks
    George
    ————————————————————————————————
    Hi George,
    As I understand, you’re looking for a kitchen at the price level of Nolte and Rotpunkt. If so, though I’m not very familiar with the price points in Greece, i suggest you try Haecker – their lower price group is approx the same as these two but better quality. Also, consider Geba and Nobilia. On another note – have you considered looking at Italian kitchens instead? They tend to have a better value.
    good luck!
    kitchenguy

  9. Matt

    We are looking at Poggenpohl and SieMatic brands for a kitchen re-model. One problem is not being able to compare prices in an “apples to apples” way–the designs submitted by both are different. I would also like to get some price comparisons as well as quality comparison. We’re located in the Boston area, so European and/or contemporary cabinets styles are tough to find. Thanks for any guidance.
    ———————————————————————————————–
    It’s tough to compare, until you have a design that you’re set on and a door style/finish you’ve chosen. Beyond that – they are both great products.
    Regarding the selection – There’s a lot more than these 2 brands in the Boston area…
    kitchenguy

  10. Pablo

    Hi,
    My name is Pablo and I am the Export Sales Manager of a company from Spain that manufactures high-end kitchens.
    Can you contact me just to share some info about the US market? I will visit Miami and NY after the summer.
    Regards,
    Pablo
    —————————————————————————————————-
    Hi Pablo,
    I will.
    Thanks,
    kitchenguy

  11. Mark Graham

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I have just come across your site, very interesting well done. Just to let all your readers out there know, that I am the dealer in New Zealand of the Composit kitchen range from Italy.

    Cheers

    Mark

  12. Yiannis Demetriou

    Hello,

    This is a great site and thank you for creating it!

    I am currently looking for a fitted kitchen. I have been to a few showrooms in my country (Cyprus) and I have seen Snadeiro, Pedini, Seimatic and Alno. I intent to also check out Haecker and Poggenpohl.

    So far I really liked the design of Pedini and the quality and simple lines of Siematic. I haven’t got a quote yet but I think Siematic will be very expensive. In any case can you give me a short comparison on Siematic, Pedini, Haecker and Poggenpohl in terms of quality, price, design and innovation? Is there any other brand you can suggest to better these off?

    Many thanks,

    Yiannis
    ————————————————————————————————
    Dear Yiannis,
    Sorry for the delayed response.
    It is hard for me to comment on pricing, as I’m not sure what the prices in Cyprus are (many countries have different pricing, based on the importers and the local dealers mark-up), but I’ll try to give you an idea on the design and the International prices.
    I like your design choices – I like Pedini and SieMatic, though SieMatic seems to be overpriced, in most places I’ve seen them. Haecker, can give you a similar look and quality to SieMatic, but for less – they are able to do so, by offering a limited range and no customizing. If what you like is within their range, it could be a great alternative to SieMatic.
    Poggenpohl, in my opinion, is the lesser of the 3 (SieMatic and Haecker). I also see you already ruled out Alno and I agree with that too – it is not in the same level with the other brands you are comparing.
    Good luck and keep me posted!
    kitchenguy

  13. alex

    Hi kitchenguy,
    How would you compare Febal and Haecker in terms of quality, price, service and design?
    I haven’t been able to find any info on that on the web.

    cheers

    alex

    PS. great job… thanks
    ———————————————————-
    Hi Alex,
    Thanks for the kind words.
    Haecker is a much better product, in terms of quality, product design and company service. There is simply no comparison.
    With the above said, keep in mind that a big part of service and design has a lot to do with your local dealer and not just the company.
    Good luck!
    kitchenguy

  14. alex

    Hi, (in continuation with the last question)
    Thanks for the soon answer, you are right with the service and design, the dealer will definitely play an important role. I’ve got an extra question…
    What German company would you compare Febal with? Nobilia? Burger?

    Thanks again and cheers!
    alex
    ———————————————————————————————-
    Hi Alex,
    It really depends on which model/door style, etc. as they do not offer the same program, but i guess they are all about the same level.
    Ciao,
    kitchenguy

  15. Sophie Kitchen

    Hello,

    Can you tell me if it possible to get included on your site, we are a one of the largest manufacturers of kitchens in the U.K. We specialise in low cost kitchens.

    Thanks,

    Sophi
    ————————————————————————————————
    Dear Sophi,
    Though we usually only list manufacturers that have dealers networks, since your entire business is based on not having any showrooms (like Moben, I assume), we will bend the rulles a bit, this time… 🙂
    Ciao,
    kitchenguy

  16. Edwin

    Hello Kitchenguy,

    I keep getting more requests for rounded doors, in wood and in mdf. We sell mainly Keller kitchens http://www.kellereurope.com/(a Dutch factory) but they do not do these. I have received a quotation from BAX but generally English people find these very expensive and I have this feeling that there are UK door manufacturers or at least doors available on the uk market that are less expensive but that do have the rounded doors in their standard package. Would you be able to suggest any?
    many thanks
    Edwin
    ——————————————————————————
    Hi Edwin,
    Many suppliers have radius doors, in one form or another – Pedini has lots of variations and so does Snaidero. Even some of the Germans offer it now a days, like Haecker. Watch out for the cheap ones -round kitchens can be very expensive to replace…
    Good luck!
    kitchenguy

  17. Sophie Kitchen

    Hi Kitchen Guy,
    OK great, whats the procedure?

    Thanks,

    Sophie

  18. Luis H

    Hi Kitchen Guy, I live in Texas and actually under construction of a new house, I decided to install a fitted european kitchen, I have contact Alno, Leicht, Pedini and Scavolini, since they have authorized reps, would you help comparing these manufacturers considering design, quality, warranty and pricing in USA.

    Do you know what other respectable brand has a rep in Tx?
    Can you provide with tips to evaluate them to take the right option?

    It is great to have a blog like this
    ———————————————————————————————
    Hi Luis and thanks for visiting our blog.
    As far as the brands you’ve mentioned, Quality wise, I rank Pedini and Leicht at the top, with Alno and Scavolini second. Design wise, Pedini is really the only one with its own design and look, the others kind of look like each other…
    I’m not sure where in TX you are, so it’s hard for me to offer other brands.
    Good luck,
    kitchenguy

  19. Luis H

    Thanks for your answer Kitchenguy, I live in Brownsville, a small town deep south in Tx finally which brand offers best quality/price ratio? (Pedini VS Leight)

  20. David

    I am building a house in central Indiana. Unfortunately the European style of kitchen is not prevalent in this area. What are my choices of brands that can serve me in Indiana?
    —————————————————————
    Hi David,
    You can source it from Chicago – lots of them there and most companies will install for you too.
    Good luck,
    kitchenguy

  21. Philip Scott

    To Luis comment #69: I can’t comment on Leight as I’ve never seen it in Texas. Our company offers Pedini kitchens from both our Dallas and Austin showrooms. The staff in Austin is very skilled and can help you with pricing and design. 512-480-0436. Pedini offers excellent value and style.

  22. Martha

    Hi Kitchen guy
    Great blog site, I will like to share with you and all of your devoted bloggers I just open a european kitchen cabinetry showroom, I am the exclusive dealer for the Atlanta area for Alno kitchens, the metro atlanta is great area and i am looking foward to please everyone with my designs, products and service.
    Thank you for such a great blog

  23. tiendas de cocinas

    Hi, I like the blog you have, could tell you our website kitchens in Spain? http://www.grupocoeco.com called and we specialize in kitchen stores.
    ——————————————————
    Hello,
    Sorry, but the listing is for Spanish factories only not retailers…
    Thanks,
    kitchenguy

  24. Steve Bruun

    Hello,
    I would like to register my company in the ‘english kitchen companies’ listing, does anyone know how I do this or is it by invitation only.
    Many thanks
    Steve Bruun, Bruun Design

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Steve,
      No – all you have to do is inform us if you don’t see the company listed. We do require that the company has dealers/showrooms the sell to. Otherwise, we’ll end up listing every wood shop in Europe…
      Thanks,
      kitchenguy

    2. kitchenguy

      Dear Steve,
      We only list companies/manufacturers that have multiple dealers, otherwise, we’ll end up with a list of thousands of companies… 🙂
      Thanks,
      kitchenguy

      1. steve bruun

        Hi Kitchenguy
        Totally understand, thanks for the update. They new site looks great.

        1. kitchenguy

          Thanks for understanding, Steve.
          Hopefully, you’ll have dealers soon and we’ll gladly add you to our list 🙂
          kitchenguy

  25. Steve Bruun

    Hi Kitchenguy
    What a great site. It’s good to be able to see what Europe and the US have to offer in kitchen design.
    Thanks

  26. david

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I love the site. Do you have a top ten list of the best cabinet makers (in quality) with the most affordable. With the state of this economy, I’m very price conscious…. Thank you.

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi and thanks for the kind words. I tried coming up with such a list but with so many factors, such as price, quality, design, service, etc. I found it unfair to list companies this way. Also, take in consideration that in different countries, the price and service level may vary greatly.
      kitchenguy

  27. vincenzo

    Hi, may I ask what you think about Hacker and Scavolini? Which is the better, the more reliable?
    Thank you

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi,
      Hacker is a better made product and a much more reliable company.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

  28. cookie

    Thanks for the great site. Do you think Schmidt and Schueller kitchens are comparable in quality in the lower price ranges? Any other makes that you could recommend?

    1. kitchenguy

      You’re very welcome!
      Yes, I will agree that they are both, more or less on par.
      Thanks,
      kitchenguy

  29. Paul Whiers

    Hi noticed in one of your blogs you say Hacker do not do special sizes. they do special sizes of unit in nearly 90% of their ranges. the sky is the limit.

    keep up the good work
    paul interiors of harrogate

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Paul,
      Hacker has several lines, in different price points. On the lower lines, there are very few modifications possible, if any, of either finish/color or size. On their top line, the options are greater but the price is higher.
      Thanks,
      kitchenguy

      1. Paul Whiers

        They do three lines Classic, Systemat and emotion

        ALL can have size changes, ANY depth of unit, ANY width of unit in 90% of ranges, hight reduction and so on with exception of a few door styles you can now have what you want even in their lower Classic range.

        Colours are standard

        All the best Paul

        1. kitchenguy

          They will not customize a cabinet which needs custom size (or custom color) door, unless you need a few hundred pieces of that unit… You must order their standard items or a cabinet that is made from standard parts.
          Häcker produces approx 6,000 cabinets per day, which is approx 500 kitchens – they are not interested in specials, which hold up their production process.
          Their idea is to offer 85% of the international mainstream taste – they do it well and at a good value!
          kitchenguy

          1. Paul Whiers

            yep they do, as you say they don’t like it but we can order in most ranges any depth, any width, any height. you are correct they will only keep to standard colours.

            I’m a Hacker dealer

            cheers

            Paul

          2. kitchenguy

            I already figured that one out… 🙂
            kitchenguy

          3. Paul Whiers

            Keep up the good work, Website looks good

            Cheers

            Paul

  30. Ram

    I am trying to finalize between ALNO and NOLTE for Indian conditions. any suggestion?

    1. kitchenguy

      They are both at the same level, more or less and at the same price point – who has better service in your area? That should be the deciding factor.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  31. Pamela

    Hi There Kitchenguy! Wow, information galore! ..which is my problem…how to decide. We’ve been looking at Bultahaup and Copta only because I simply don’t know how to proceed in choosing. I know a lot about Bultahaup but nothing about Copta in terms of quality. Any insight into if Copta is a good choice or is there a better brand. Cost is a factor but so is design as I’m looking for very simple, clean lines,and very modern. Why is it that the simpler things are always more expensive? sigh. Anyway, any insight would be appreciated. Pamela in Toronto

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Pamela,
      I like Bulthaup and never heard of Copta… – did you mean Copat…? If so, they are not in the same league – Bultahup is a much better product and will cost a lot more.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  32. racheal

    i am looking at a leicth kitchen, just wanted to know your opinion…pros and cons. i am also looking at hakker too. this is my one time only kitchen. i have to get this right. top site by the way!

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Rachel,
      Go for Hacker – it’s a better value and quality!
      Thanks,
      kitchenguy

      1. Rachel

        Thanks for the reply! The only thing about the hacker is the handleless range has steel at the back making it look less streamlined, what would you say makes leitch lesser quality ? Not confirmed but I’ve chosen a veneer door on the leitch that I really like. It’s hard to find a better one right now.

        1. kitchenguy

          Hi Rachel,
          Please don’t misunderstand me – Leicht is a fine product, it is just that you have asked me about the two brands and my opinion is that Hacker is superior. I think it is made better and you get more for your money. There is always the issue of the look and if you like Leicht’s better, than perhaps you should go with it.
          Good luck,
          kitchenguy

          1. rachel

            thank you. nah no misunderstanding at all!!! is it true that hacker and leicht use the same metal fittings ie: rollers and hinges?

          2. Rachel

            So very glad I chose Leicht. It is so very beautiful. No other kitchen brand I looked at came close. I think that you are an expert and i mean no disrespect, but you are wrong about Hacker. Why? The drawers i have are stunning with it’s glass sides. The handleless fitting with colour coded back panels, the stunning wood finish.the choice of colours, I can go on. Hinges, quality of workmanship, amazing shelves. (Even my opinionated fussy builder was impressed) Awesome stunning tambour units. Hacker may be cheaper, but is in no way compares to Leicht in look or feel. Love you Leich kitchen so much! Just wanna stay in there.

          3. kitchenguy

            Rachel – I’m glad a kitchen can make one so happy!
            Even an expert can be wrong, but I’m not sure what I said that contradicts you…
            I must say though, that I have a strange feeling you are actually working with the brand, in some capacity and these e mails are self-serving… If you’re not – I apologize and if you are – I guess I’m right on both counts… 🙂
            All the best!
            kitchnguy

  33. Keith

    It has been a while since I stopped by. I like the new look of your website Kitchenguy:)

  34. Jacqueline

    You are such a savior! I truly appreciate your sharing your knowledge with this community. My question is about how thwo brands compare in price and quality: Pedini and hagen pohl. Could you please let me know? Thank you.

    1. kitchenguy

      Dear Jacqueline,
      Thanks for the praises!
      I’m assuming you are referring to Poggenpohl – if so, they are both great products, but I prefer Pedini – it is built better (steel legs, vs. plastic, dust seal on every opening, marine grade recycled wood construction, true 6 sided box construction and much more). Pedini also has more flexibility (custom colors, radius doors, special sizes, etc.). The best part is that they are about the same price…
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

  35. Michele

    Dear Kitchenguy

    I’m so happy I found this blog as need to make a decision re the kitchen in the next 2 weeks. Can I ask you what you think of Hacker v Rational v Siematic. I know that Siematic is expensive but I do like the fact that you can’t start with the basics and keep adding later. I also felt that their carcus and internal fitments were the strongest – with the dust seal really beneficial. Although I prefered the look of the Hacker carcus best of all.

    I’m also confused by the information I have read re the different finishes. I know lacquer is more expensive so I would expect it to be tougher, however I understand that the acrylic by Hacker is actually more tough due the plastic it contains but that the sealing of the edges is better with lacquer. To make matters even more confusing the Siematic that I am looking at is a high gloss laminate which I have been told is still tough – do you see my dilema? I was originally satisfied with the Hacker but was unsure of the blue steel colour in the acrylic as I really wanted a neutral grey. Both Siematic and Rational have the grey in the laminate and lacquer respectively. To get the grey in the Hacker I have to go to their group 5 units and the finish will be lacquer.

    Any help/guidance is greatly appreciated!

    Michele

  36. Kate

    Dear kitchenguy-
    Since my last question on the other page regarding the Siematic SE 2002RF we have also looked at Studio Becker. We are working on quotes for both but my guess is that they will be out of our range. Is there a Hacker dealer in the San Francisco Bay Area? Are there any other companies doing more transitional lines in matte lacquer finishes and wood veneers that are a bit more reasonable? Thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Dear Kate,
      I have a feeling that Studio Becker ill be priced the same (if not higher) than SieMatic…
      Häcker is not sold in the US.
      Being that you are in SF area and are looking for a transitional matte lacquer and wood veneer cabinetry, I would look at either Italian or Canadian cabinet lines – they both seem to be priced lower than the German, though quality wise, there is no difference.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

      1. Gabriel

        hi kitchenguy – which ones are the Canadian kitchen lines available in San Francisco? Which Italian ones are mid-range in price with decent quality? Thank you!

        1. kitchenguy

          Gabriel – not sure about Canadian and if you are comparing to Italian, with the Dollar being so strong, it’s a ‘no brainer’. Try Pedini – their lower priced models are just as good as the higher ones and are of the same quality.
          kitchenguy

  37. Jana

    Dear kitchenguy,
    we are about to decide for kitchen.Our house architect is proposing us moretuzzo,italy.I have no idea about quality and price. I have seen Schmidt and Schuller.Can you compare to these two producer? IS it comparable or better quality?
    thank you in advance for your advice.
    regards
    Jana

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Jana,
      I’m not vary familiar with Moretuzzo, as it is a smaller company that sells mainly in Italy and the surrounding countries.
      Both Schmidt and Schuller are higher-end, but I’m assuming that it will be reflected on the price as well.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

  38. ??????

    what a great designs! looks very good! really…
    and the pictures amazing! thanks!

  39. jabba

    sinking in a swamp of kitchens …. would like a German kitchen but not sure of the differences in quality and value between alno, schuller, rational or schmidt. We like Schuller … is it a reasonable quality?
    Any help would be very welcome!!!

    1. kitchenguy

      Dear Jabba,
      In my opinion, quality wise – Schuller is similar to Schmidt (French, not German, though located close to the German border…), than Rational and last Alno.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  40. Nadia

    Thanks Kitchenguy

    I am a kitchen designer from Australia and it’s always good to see where Europe is heading with their design trends and innovation. Thanks for an informative site.

    Cheers
    Nadia

  41. debby

    I am trying to decide between scavolini. snaidero , pedini, & cucina lube for a kitchen on the bay in florida. I like transitional with a contemporary flair and some soft natural qualities. Which offer the best qualities and value?

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Debby,
      Snaidero and Pedini are the top two, both in terms of quality, as well as value, in my opinion. Scavolini and Cucina Lube are a couple of levels down.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  42. Malina

    Dear Kitchen Guy,

    I am renovating my house and been reading your comments. I was wondering what do you think of dada from Italy? What is the main differences between Italian and German kitchen?

    Thank you

    M

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Malina,
      Dada is a very good company (not for nothing I’ve listed it as one of my Top 20). Their standard line is somewhat generic looking, but the recently introduced Armani line is very exciting.
      Due to globalization, the difference between Italian and German lines has been diminishing, in recent years. If we average all companies, the difference would be – German kitchen brands are a bit more expensive (comparing same quality) and the Italian kitchen design is a bit more exciting. Obviously, that is just a generalization – there are Exciting German kitchen designs out there and expensive Italian kitchen brands…
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  43. James

    Dear Kitchenguy,

    Thanks very much for this site.I am trying to decide between a Rational Kitchen, Leicht or Hacker. The rational is solid wood and glass fronted with slate worktop (neos), the the other two are acrylic gloss units with composite worktop. All three are coming in with similar prices, how should i be differentiating?

    Help please!

    James

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi James,
      Being that you are not comparing ‘apples and apples’, it is a tough comparison.
      All three should be priced out similarly, but my pick is definitely Häcker.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  44. Sylvia

    Dear Kitchen Guy,
    My blessing to have found your kitchen site! Thanks!
    We’re building our new house, and want to install a modular kitchen. What we have here are : Alno, Bulthaup, HAcker, PWS/UK and Siematic. Which should I pick based on quality and design? CAn you rank them based on your expertise?
    Thanks so much,
    Sylvia

    1. kitchenguy

      Sylvia,
      Thanks for the kind words – glad I can help!
      Here is your request:
      – Bulthaup
      – SieMatic
      – Häcker

      – Alno
      I left an empty spot between Häcker and Alno, because I believe there’s a big difference in quality, between them.
      PWS/UK is a completely different animal and is not in the same category, as they are not a large brand, but rather a local company.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

  45. Andy

    Torn between Schuller and Alno kitchen designs… the Schuller is about 30% cheaper for a similar set-up. Is there a substantive difference in quality/ build/ finish? Both are from the basic range (AlnoPlan for the Alno kitchen).

    Thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Andy,
      It is hard for me to understand what you’re comparing – Schüller shouldn’t be 30% cheaper…. Are you comparing ‘aples and aples’, as gar as the model and finish, within the two brands?
      Please explain.
      kitchenguy

      1. Andy

        If it helps, I am UK based. You sound surprised, but on reviewing it again, Alno is nearly double the price!

        The two are as near as damn identical…. same layout. Or at least that was the intention: am I missing something? Specs as follows [price group 1 finishes].

        ALNOPLAN/ ALNOGLOSS: Door colour- Oak effect Quartz Grey/High Gloss White; Carcass exterior and front edge, plinth colour- Quartz Grey/White; Carcass interior- White; Visible carcass side – Oak effect Quartz Grey/High gloss white; Handle- 146 metal D handle stainless steel; Interior fitments- Premium 1 Soft closing door hinges; Servosoft, full pull-out drawers. £11,100 +VAT (this includes one more unit in a utility not listed below)

        SCHÜLLER.C KITCHEN Furniture WG1 : LIM Lima; Front Finish : K Laminate; Front Colour : K775 Acacia Brazil NB Handle combination : 452 Bow Handle Stainl.Steel Col.Carcase Finish : K Laminate
        External Carcase Colour : K775 Acacia Brazil NB
        Door Hinge Finish : TD Door Damping;Plinth : K Laminate; Plinth Colour : K245 Stainless Steel Metallic. £5,100 + VAT

        While you are there, any thoughts about Luxor vs. Corian worktops? Prices are comparable.

        Many thanks

        1. kitchenguy

          Hi Andy,
          It looks like an easy decision to me – go with SCHÜLLER. At half the price, it is an easy one…
          Good luck!
          kitchenguy

          1. Andy

            Thanks very much… i checked as much as I could online… they seem near as damn identical in every way! Glad to hear that Schuller is not considered ‘second best’ in quality terms – the price discrepancy made me wonder.

          2. kitchenguy

            You’re very welcome, Andy. Glad I could help.
            kitchenguy

  46. Stelios

    Hello there,

    Congradulations on an informative website and a very helpful blog.

    I run a small architectural firm in Cyprus. I would just like to ask you if you have any experience with Ernestomeda kitchens. They appear to be priced quite high but have never worked with them, and would like the opinion of an expert before i can propose them to a client.

    Many thanks,

    Stelios

    1. kitchenguy

      Hi Stelios,
      Ernestomeda is actually… Scavolini. It is their higher-end off shoot and it is much better quality than the Scavolini brand, but it is also over priced, in my opinion. I believe you can do better and get a higher value product (better quality and/or lesser cost).
      I’m not 100% sure what other Itlain brands are available to you, in Cyprus, but check out my Top 20 – any of them, will be a better choice.
      Good luck,
      kitchenguy

  47. milimeter

    very quality designs! thanks for the information!

  48. Kaspar

    Hi

    I would like to get this site listed at your site.

    http://www.hanstholm.com

    They got +10 delaers in Denmark and one in Faroe Islands.

    They produce high quality kitchens.

  49. Bertram

    Dear kitchen-guy,

    my wife and I are building a contemporary house in Atlanta and are in the process of getting quotes for the kitchen cabinets. We are still in the beginning stages and just received a quote for Pedini’s Magika line (still not cheap btw). They showed us samples of their cabinet material and I was surprised to see that Pedini too uses particle board. The sales associate told us that ‘all’ manufactures use particle board for their ‘wood’ cabinets. Can you confirm that? Are for example Bulthaup cabinets made of particle board as well? I wasn’t able to confirm that from their webpage.. Thank you so much!

    1. kitchenguy

      Dear Bertram,
      Pedini’s Magika is a great value – not cheap.
      99%+ of the European manufacturers are using particle board construction (with very few exceptions of small shops that are manufacturing unique and unusual products), including Bulthaup.
      There are different grades of particle board, but Pedini uses the highest grade of ‘marine grade’, post consumption, recycled wood boards, for their cabinetry.
      Good luck!
      kitchenguy

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