my personal top 20 European kitchen brands

After many requests and lots of diliberations I’ve decided to post my own top 20 European brands. Top 20 European kitchen companies, because I simply felt that there are too many great European kitchen brands to limit the list to just top 10.

My Top 20 is based on the following criteria’s:

  • DESIGN – overall product design, esthetics and selection depth (colors, materials, design elements, etc.).
  • PRODUCT INNOVATION – is this a kitchen brand that takes risks, that is on the cutting edge of technology and innovates or just a company that copies others?
  • PRODUCT QUALITY – how well made is the product? Does the company ‘cuts corners’?
  • SERVICE – delivery on time, delivers complete orders, ‘after sale’ service, etc.

I have chosen not to take into consideration COMPANY SIZE, as there is no real direct benefit to the buyer and I’ve already listed the 10 largest European brands.

I also did not factor VALUE because I feel that value is very individual – what one consumer sees as a great value, another may view as cheap. Webster’s definition of Value is – “a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged”. Once a kitchen brand has top design, innovation, quality and service, the price will always be higher. Surprizingly, there are a few kitchen brands on this list that have a pretty good value, as well as ranking high on all the other categories.

In the Top 20 European Kitchen 11 Italian kitchen brands, 7 German kitchen companies, one English and one French are in the above list.

So, without further a due and in alphabetical order here are my Top 20 European kitchen Brands:

The Top 20 European Kitchen Brands
The Best of the Best in European Kitchen Design
European Kitchens at the Top
The Top Twenty European Kitchen Companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honorable mentions: there were a few companies that did not make it to my Top 20 European Kitchen Brands, but deserve a mention. Also in the advise of one of the readers of this blog, i’ve decided to update this post and add a few more (they deserve it!). We’ll call this section the “hors catégorie” (thanks Pierangelo):

Clive Christian – ranked high on DESIGN and if  marketing was a category, will most definitely be included in the Top 20 list.

Marchi – ranked very high on DESIGN and INNOVATION.

Minotti – one of the best in creating the very unique, minimalist and clean look, that goes beyond a kitchen design. Not for everyone and is available only in selected few locations worldwide but Minotti is at the top of the DESIGN category.

LaCornue – though they are really more of an appliance company (ranges, cook tops, etc.) , they do offer cabinets and other elements that allow them to complete a kitchen. Very unique DESIGN, perhaps a trend setter in the high end appliance arena, with HIGH QUALITY products.

 

kitchenguy

Amir J. Ilin, the president of Küche+Cucina, a design firm he started 24 years ago. Ilin’s work has been featured on HGTV, on Donald trump’s The Apprentice, in numerous national publications and on many national magazine covers. He is also the recipient of various design awards, among them “Best of Show Design Award”, from Signature Kitchens & Baths 8 times!Ilin was commissioned to design special projects in very exclusive homes, some located far away from his base in NJ. He was also chosen to create the cabinetry for the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, in NYC, as well as several luxury multi-unit projects around the country. To date, Ilin was involved in installations of more then 3,000 kitchens around the US and the islands, as well as many outside the US, many for well known clients.

This Post Has 767 Comments

  1. ibraheem

    Hello kitchenguy
    am confused between arclinea and hacker kitchen, which one do you recommend for the quality? I don’t mind about the price that much.
    thanks

    1. Farruck

      Hye.
      Check Arrex cucine

  2. Anna Maria

    Hi kitchen guy
    I’m shopping around for new traditional solid wood kitchen I like to know how do you rate the Italian brand Aran and Scavolini verses American brand Starmark and Decora. How does the Italian compare to the American
    Greatly appreciate a reply,
    Anna Maria

    1. kitchenguy

      Anna Maria – in traditional style, most European are lacking in options, finishes, etc. Unless what you want is exactly what they offer, you’re out of luck…
      kitchenguy

  3. dawn

    Hi, for an all out greatlooking,sturdy,durable,well made kitchen in what order would you recommend Haecker, Pedini, Varenna, siematic and Modulnova?

    1. kitchenguy

      dawn – all are great choices and each have strengths over the others, depands on what YOU are looking for…
      kitchenguy

      1. dawn

        THANKS KITCHENGUY. WHEN IT COMES TO VALUE 4 MONEY, OF THE 5 BRANDS THAT I MENTIONED ARE THEY ARE ALL THE SAME OR DOES ONE STAND OUT? IS THE CARCASS QUALITY OF THE SAME 5 BRANDS THE SAME OR DOES ONE STAND OUT?

        1. kitchenguy

          dawn – Haecker & Pedini also offer value models, so that may be what you’re looking for. Carcass is similar.
          kitchenguy

  4. Ammar

    Hi kiTchenguy…I’ve been shuttling between nobilia and Schuller showrooms and now I’m in a fix which one to go for. For almost the same price I’m offered a group 6 quality from shuller and a group 3 from nobilia( shuller being $500/- more expensive)….your expert advice on the over all workmanship of both shuller and nobilia and also the cabinet quality and other fittings is highly appreciated.

    1. kitchenguy

      Ammar – go with the designer/store that you like better. There’s little to no difference in the products.
      kitchenguy

  5. dawn

    Additionally, have you heard of GeD Cucine ? if so, would you say its nearer IKEA or EGGERSMANN in quality ? Or maybe somewhere in the middle?

    1. kitchenguy

      dawn – GeD is a good quality like. Very different than Eggrsmann, in terms of design but similar in terms of quality. IKEA…? That’s not in the same league universe…
      kitchenguy

  6. Bettina

    Hi , we’43 doing a kitchen remodel. Between Arclinea and Stosa what would you pick ? The Arclinea is coming out aboiyt 10% more expensive. Thanks!

    1. kitchenguy

      Bettina – that’s an easy one – Arclinea.
      kitchenguy

  7. Farma

    Hello,
    I am wondering if you are familiar with HOME Cucine in Italy, very good models and prices. Are you familiar with their quality?

    Thank You

  8. Farma

    Also what do you think of ALNO and wellmann please? German.

  9. Andria

    Hi kitchen guy,
    Great blog

    Between scavolini,miton,and nobila,
    Which one would u prefer,
    And what’s your overall opinion on Miton

    Thanks much

  10. Loulou

    Hi Kitchenguy, We are in between a veneta and a modulnova kitchen. Quality wise which direction do you suggest we should take? How would you rate them?. Thank you!

  11. Michelle

    We’re buying a kitchen for our new home. We’ve seen Arrex, Varenna, SCIC, Modulnova, Record and Miton. We’re choosing same materials but would like to base our decision on quality over price. Can you pls rate them in terms of their material quality. Thanks, great website.

  12. Miss k

    We have to make a decision on our new kitchen. We are stuck between Schuller being cheapest then Next 125 and Leicht (similar price) all with Meile appliances. Which one would you recomend quality and brand.
    Very helpful blog.

  13. Susan

    Hi Kitchenguy. First, thank you so much for your extremely informative blog. I’m disappointed to learn that Arclinea is declining as I was tentatively going with them. Can you tell me in what way they are declining? I want the handleless cabinets with the “channel” and find that Arclinea’s version of that style is the only one that is comfortable for my hand and I’ve gone to every high end European showroom in my city: Bulthaup, Boffi, Pedini, Poggenpohl, Eggersman, Siematic, Snaidero, Allmilmo and Verenna !!!!!! So, in what respect are they declining? Thank you

    1. kitchenguy

      Susan – all of them are good products. Go with the designer/store you fell most comfortable with.
      kitchenguy

  14. Susan Jormark

    Hi Kitchenguy. First, I want to thank you for your extremely informative blog. I am disappointed to learn that Arclinea is declining as I was tentatively going with them. In what is it they declining? I want the handleless cabinets with the “channel” and I find that Arclinea’s version of that style is the most comfortable for my hand and I’ve been to every high end European showroom in my city, ten in all, half of your list !! So, In what way is Arclinea declining….is it the quality? service? Thank you

    1. kitchenguy

      Susan Jormark – too omuch info for a quick answer (sorry – too many to respond to). Where is “your city”?
      kitchenguy

  15. Catherine

    Hi! Well done for this great blog! We are undecided between Nobilia,Veneta or Stosa. What do you think especially as regards to quality? Thanks and keep up the good work!

    1. kitchenguy

      Catherine – all 3 are very similar… Chose based on the designer/salesperson
      kitchenguy

  16. Jon

    hello!
    We are considering buying a kitchen from Leicht, Cesar or Nolte. Any favorites? Thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Jon – from these 3 I’d go with Leicht.
      kitchenguy

  17. Elle

    Hi kitchenguy,
    I am looking for a new kitchen and I got a quote from Nobilia for cheaper option about 28K and more expensive 35K. I like their design but after reading things on your blog it seems a bit expensive.
    I also got a quote from a carpenter about 25k.

    I am located in Miami and I don’t know which brand to look for to compare. The kitchen is fairly big but if I am about to pay around 30K for my new kitchen I want to be the best that I can find for that price. Any advise which good brand I should check. Thank you

    1. kitchenguy

      Elle – there are many other, better brands, that have a more basic, entry-level lines that will price like this or better.
      kitchenguy

  18. Jan323

    How you rate dada kitchen vs binova kitchen?

    1. kitchenguy

      Jan323 – both are great products.
      kitchenguy

  19. delta

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    When it comes to pull out units and corner units, do you prefer chrome or powdercoated ones?

  20. A

    Dear Kitchenguy

    Now that Alno AG have filed for insolvency, where do you think the company is going with it’s various brands; Alno, Wellman, Pino, Piatti and Alnoinox. Is it just matter of restructuring and will re position itself as a major player in the kitchen business or expected to close down.

    Thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Adil – I’m afraid that the second largest kitchen company in Germany (and the world) will soon disappear… The owe 28,000,000. Euro and are not able pay… There is very little value in the brands (other than perhaps the Alno name) and the ticket price, for someone to be interested is way too high…
      kitchenguy

  21. Leon

    Hi Kitchenguy, first of all, thanks for the invaluable insights. We’re in the NY area and have narrowed down our selection to Bulthaup, Valcucine, Boffi, Dada, Eggersmann, and Minimal. What do you think are the pros/cons on each in terms of quality and design flexibility , especially regarding Eggersmann and Minimal (can’t seem to find much info on them)? And the genera cost, most to least? Thanks in advance for your time!

  22. Kat

    Dear Kitchenguy,

    Thank you for sharing your expertise!

    Where does Cesar fall on the quality scale? It’s not on your list so assume it’s not in the top range? Can you name any brands that are comparable?

    Thanks!

  23. Sept

    Can you pls rank which you prefer as best quality starting from the best between nobilia, leicht, miton, lube and pedini kitchen? Thanks

  24. Hira

    Hi kitchen guy, what are your thoughts on Italian kitchens in general? Especially Aran cucine? I’m considering their lab13 range and the quality feels good…

  25. Eve Fybel

    Hey kitchenguy, We are debating between Arclinea and Pedini. Which do you prefer and why? Thank you.

  26. Paule

    We’re debating between Leicht and Snaidero for our kitchen cabinetry. Since you don’t have Leicht on your top 20 list, I’m going to guess you’d recommend Snaidero. If it’s not too much bother, what are the advantages of Snaidero over Leicht … or, if it’s easier, what do you view are Leicht’s disadvantages?

    Thanks!

    :Paul

  27. Henrietta

    Hi

    We’re about to spend £60k on a Bulthaup kitchen, I’m really nervous to do so but my husband has been totally sold – do you have any advice?

    Is there an less expensive brand offering a similar style and the same quality or are they worth it?

    Thanks

  28. danka ilich

    We are looking to purchase German kitchen. What brand do you recommend for entry level kitchen in the range of entry level of Nobilia. Thank you

  29. Mike H

    Kitchenguy,
    I’m looking into three different brands, Leicht, Arrital and Porcelanosa, I liked the first the best, but the price was a little out of my reach. The quotes came back in the order listed. What is your recommendation for best value? Do you have any concerns about the quality of the other two brands.
    Thanks

  30. Prasanthi

    Hello,
    I am from India and planning to open a wardrobe and kitchen studio. I have zeroed down on novamobili for wardrobe. thinking of copatlife for kitchen. looking for good enough quality with better price points and not luxury brands. pls suggest if copat life is good in terms to quality. any other brand you could think of in this range?

  31. Avi

    Dear Kitchen Guy

    I am looking for some solid wood brands , is there any other brand than TEAM7 in Europe or elsewhere , please let me know . Thanks in advance
    Regards
    Avi Mitta

  32. Nina

    Hello Kitchenguy,
    Thanks for putting together all this useful information on your blog. Between Häcker, Poggenpohl and Beckermann, which would be your top pick? Thanks!

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