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:
- Allmilmö
- Arclinea
- Binova
- Boffi
- Bulthaup
- Dada
- Eggersman
- Häcker
- Mobalpa
- Pedini
- Poggenpohl
- Schiffini
- SieMatic
- Smallbone
- Snaidero
- Strato
- Toncelli
- Valcucine
- Varenna
- Zeyko
- European Kitchens at the Top
Thank you for your blog it is very informative, however it would be nice to include some smaller companies as the bespoke kitchens market is difficult for the small but very talented companies, scattered across Europe to get in to.
Dear Altan,
I love some of the smaller companies and have featured some of them in here. The problem is that once I start including the smaller ones in the directories (the lists on the right side of the page), there is literally no end to it… – there are thousands of small companies and shops (if not more) around Europe – some make cabinets, some make just parts, others sell cabinets but claim they make them, etc… It will be impossible to keep track and give the people that visit this site an accurate picture.
Thanks for the input,
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy, Living in NYC we have seen many different showrooms. Did you ever hear of “Minimal Cucina Italia”? I also noticed that Cesar has the same laser mitering technology as Siematic to produce laminate doors without seams on the edges. Is Cesar a company worth considering as compared to Siematic and Minimal? Are they all comparable? Gilbert
Gilbert – Minimal is a tiny company with very few showrooms and an extremely limited product offering. The product is very nice, but this is more of an artisan shop, than a factory production, with all that relates to it. The laser mitering is pretty much the (European) industry standard, on these laminate doors and so there’s nothing unique about that anymore. Regarding the comparison, these are three very different products, at completely different price points and product levels. If price is not an issue – go with the one you like.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Dear All,,
Im working in UAE last 8 years as modular kitchen/Wardrobe/vanity Designer for European branded kitchens as local branded as well. I have total 14 years experience in this industry. i would like to develop my career in this field more. If anyone can help me to find a job opportunity in this field, that will be highly appreciated. My first preferred job location is in U.A.E Itself. I can send my Resume to your email if you want to more professional details about me. my email is lawrencebiju@gmail.com. Inviting valuable advices.
Thanks & Regards
Lawrence Jacob
Hi – this list looks great. You mentioned a few of these brands had good “value” – i was wondering which ones?
Best value – Haecker, Mobalpa and Pedini.
kitchenguy
Thanks for sharing up your top 20 kitchen brands. Now i have wide range of choices when it comes to choosing kitchen brands.
Shouldn’t Cuisines SCHMIDT be listed in the top 20 ! It is the leader in france and passed mobalpa by far the last 4 years.
Dear Joe,
When you say “passed Mobalpa by far” – what do you mean?
Remember – 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.
Do you still feel that Schmidt is better than Mobalpa…?
Thanks,
kitchenguy
Dear kitchenguy,
After launching their new 2011 E130 collection Schmidt are starting to compete on high levels becoming the innovative on the french market. And concerning your design criteria, consumers who visit a Schmidt shop have a wider choice of cuisines, catalog brand offers 83 models , while that of Mobalpa is limited to 35 models .
I truly recommend you to visit their website and check new improvements.
Thanks again for your time,
Joe.
Hi Joe,
Thanks for all the good info, but I must tell you that:
1. Schmidt’s web site is old and uninspiring, to say the least. It has several broken links (like for catalogs and curved bath, as an example).
2. I couldn’t find anything on the E130 – not on their site and not anywhere else. Is it a ‘top secret’ model…? If not, they are doing a horrible job promoting it…
3. The number of models is not important, if they are mostly outdated and not unique. Look at my Top 20 list – most companies have less than 10 models – but they are all exciting, fresh and inspiring.
4. I have actually seen their product and even visited the factory – I believe Schmidt to be a good value product, but not a Top 20 brand…
You seem to be very passionate about Schmidt and possibly working with them and I’m sorry if the above offended you , in any way, shape or form – I simply responded to your messages.
All the best,
kitchenguy
That’s the best answer by far! Thanks for cnotbrituing.
I recently bought a Schmidt kitchen and it was fine …..except that the granite worktop was the wrong colour! Went to the showroom to complain, the guy said he had just bought the concession from the bloke who sold me the kitchen, and that therefore it wasn’t his problem! Apparently all Schmidt dealers are independent concessionaires, and if what he says is correct, Schmidt doesn’t take any responsibility for mistakes or problems!!!!
Gibbs – most kitchen dealerships around the world are independently owned and operated. It is usually an advantage, because you have an owner of the business, that really cares about the outcome of each job. That is why I always advise to check our the dealership and not just the brand.
kitchenguy
Glad to see eggersmann in your top 20!
Great blog.
I love you blog.
Why did Schuller not make it to your list ? Aren’t they very similar to Hacker quality and price wise ?
Hi Sarah,
You are right – Schüller is definitely up there (in my Top 25), but being I limited it to just 20 kitchen brands, a couple of great companies were left out…
Thanks for the input,
kitchenguy
European kitchens are awesome! They have sophisticated designs!
thank you for this list it is helpful in a market with so many different companies. i am not sure if my question makes sense, but if you had to rank the 20 brands based on value for money, how would you rank them?
another more personal question: i have to buy a new kitchen, i want an italian one, and your list includes 11 italian brands. also i can’t spend a fortune on a boffi. which 2, 3 italian brands would you consider good value for money but not in the super-expensive price range?
thank you for your help!
Luca – glad you like it. My Top 20 does take into account Value, which is “a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged”.
Please tell me where you are located and I’ll come up with the “2, 3 italian brands would you consider good value for money but not in the super-expensive price range”.
Thanks,
kitchenguy
I would love to know which 2,3 italian brands you recommend in Los Angeles that aren’t super pricey and you consider good value. I am currently looking at scavolini and snidero (since these were the only ones I knew of until I saw your site). Any thoughts on these? I like poggenpohl, but have been told that it would be way out my price range. Thank you!
BTW, I am not limited to italian brands. Any brand you can recommend would be much appreciated. Thanks again
Carol – I figured that out, when you named Poggenpohl. Unfortunately, when they all converted to the Euro, the Germans became more expensive than the Italians…
kitchenguy
Carol – Snaidero and Poggenpohl should both not be ‘super pricey’. Scavolini will be cheaper, but so is the product’s quality… In LA, try also Pedini – they have a great product and a very good quality-to-price ratio.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy!
I took your advice at took a look at Pedini and we were quite impressed. We have narrowed it down to Poggenpohl and Pedini. Their quotes came in pretty close to each other. Poggenpohl quote is for laminates (which they say is quite durable and unlike other kitchen laminates)…we are eyeing the teak lava and elm brown laminates. Pedini quote is for the dune series in a wood veneer. We have 2 young children, so we do want something durable. Do you have any thoughts? Which one would you go for? I know it’s a hard question to answer, but any advice would be quite helpful.
Thanks again for all your help!
Dear Carol – if you were comparing ‘apple to apple’, in terms of the door style/material, Pedini is a better built cabinet (dust seal, thicker materials, etc.). Being that you are pricing veneer vs. laminate, it is a ‘no-brainer’… You are getting a great deal from the Pedini dealer!
If you feel that wood veneer is too fragile, go for Pedini’s laminate, which will be less expensive than Poggenpohl’s (for a better product)…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thanks for including Valcucine!
You’re very welcome, Daniele.
kitchenguy
hi!
what do you think is a better countertop? synthetic granite like the corian or the quartz?
Anna – Quartz!
More durable and looks better than Corian.
kitchenguy
Hi there!
I am from Singapore and stumbled upon your website while researching for kitchen design. I was wondering if you have any insights on Armony Cucine?
I am torn between Mobalpa and Armony but their aesthetics are slightly different and based on purely aesthetic sense I am leaning towards Armony.
Your views would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
Hi Jau – Armony is part of the Santarossa Group, which is a very large furniture components and wood products manufacturer. Their product line is very basic, in is not as developed as Mobalpa. Being that you seem to like the Armony design, I see no issue with going in that direction.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi there!
First of all many compliments for your blog, is not only a simple “content factory”, I red some of your post and they are written very well.
I wrote also because I think that you missed one brand: minotti cucine. Disclaimer: I admit that I work with them as consultant, but for this I have to say that there are something in this company that goes beyond a simple piece of kitchen furniture. Maybe the right thing to do is consider them “hors catégorie”.
Thanks for your attention.
Pierangelo
Pierangelo – thank you for the kind words! I didn’t miss Minotti, it is just that when you have to limit it to 20 only, some are going to be let out… Minotti is a wonderful brand and I love their look, but they are so limited in their offerings and are available in just a few showrooms, that I think you may be right and they should go into a “hors catégorie”, together with a few others like Clive Christian and Marchi. I may even modify the post, to reflect that… 🙂
Thanks again!
kitchenguy
Hi!The information is very useful for me .And you have a good command of the kitchen brand in Europe.Can you provide me some authoritative website about the kitichen cabinet,such as some association website.Thanks a million
Your top 20 list is so greatly appreciated. The contemporary European kitchen is so beautiful. Thank goodness I have access to them in NYC.
Please…one last question. This question may be unfair, as this blog is about European manufacturers, but do you know how European companies compare to Canadian companies, in general?
Susan – The Canadians brands are divided into 2 groups – the higher end, fully custom brands (like Downsview and Neff) and the price driven ones (like Kitchen Craft and Cabico). The higher end ones have the Euro look, but they are much more ‘home made’ish’ and ‘clunky’ looking… on the up-side, they are usually more custom, to accommodate the North Am taste. The ‘price driven’ brands are just that and therefore are more simplistic, more conservative/traditional and look more like American cabinetry, that European.
kitchenguy
Kitchenguy, I am in the process of building a kitchen for my apartment in Belgrade, Serbia. The only designers I have found localy are Valcucine, Varenna and Moda Cucina. The first two are obviously excellent, what are is your opinion
Moda Cucina? Between Valcucine and Varenna, which one do you feel offers a higher quality product? Which one is better value?
Your insight is highly appreciated.
Thank you,
Alex
Alexandre,
Valcucine is a step above Varenna, if you’re going for their high-end models (which will also cost you much more…). Both are several steps above Moda Cucina, which is a new company, producing only ‘price driven’ products.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thank you kitchenguy, your insight is appreciated. I am going for a basic kitchen; nothing fancy. I will keep you posted on the outcome.
Thank you.
Alex
That will be great!
Always happy to hear feedback, after the fact – it helps me with future question.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Cool posts! Thanks for sharing all these useful info!
I am curious about your opinion on Berloni, Arrital and Effequattro. How much do you think they represent a good value for their price.
Thanks,
Bence
Bence – they are all good value. It really comes down to the look you like best, the price (since all 3 are price focus products) and the local dealer (design, installation and service are just as important!).
Good luck!
kitchenguy
I am from India and looking to tie up with a good Italian/German brand for selling their kitchens here. Please recomend. I am looking for a brand that would offer good value for money in terms of quality of materials used and new and fresh designs.
Hi Dilip – India is a tough market. People want the European products, but are not willing to pay the higher prices yet… Whos product are you looking to compete with?
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Thanks for the info. Which one of the 3 (Berloni, Arrital and Effequattro) would you rank first in terms of quality (not design!) ?
I just found Comprex kitchens but I don’t know too much about the company. How would you place it compared to the 3 others above?
Many thanks again,
Bence
Bence – from these 3, I like Arrital and Berloni but Comprex is even better.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Cool blog. I also have to buy a new kitchen and we love the Valcucine product. The problem is that they did my last kitchen which turned out to be a horrible experience dealing with the New York rep. My question is what other brands would you consider comparable in inovation and design? We have come across Modulnova which didn’t make your TT. how far away is that brand?
Lee – sorry to hear about your experience with Valcucine. I always advise to choose the dealer wisely – it is as important (and in your case even more important) than the brand…
I’m not familiar with any Modulnova dealers in NYC and in any case, it is a brand that doesn’t really have a strong US presence, therefore I would recommend against it.
If you are still in NYC, close to the Valcucine dealer, you have Boffi, Pedini and Bulthaup – all three are great brands, with strong US presence and quality NYC showrooms.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Your thoughts about Scavolini? We are looking at a few Italian brands and Scavolini is a major brand like Veneta.How would you compare them.I believe Scavolini have opened a major showroom in Soho.
Rob – Scavolini is the largest factory in Italy. To hold this title, they mass produce a ‘price driven’ product, that is not necessarily a high quality one… Veneta, is also one of the largest and the same goes for their product, which is even of lesser quality.
Regarding Scavolini’s Soho showroom – they purchased the building a few years back and were going to build a showroom and rent it to their NY Metro dealers… None of their dealers had an interest and so they ended opening and running it themselves…
kitchenguy
Dear Kitckenguy,
Can you please give me some details on Gatto Cucine and with whom do you compare their quality and product range.I am based in Malta and im looking to open a medium range kitchen showroom.Thanks.
Claude – Gatto is a good mid level product. Not sure who else is in Malta, so it’s hard for me to come up with comparisons.
Good luck,
kitcheguy
Dear Kitchenguy,Thanks for your reply can you please suggest some good medium level companies which i can contact and see myself if they are alraedy represented .Thanks in advance.
Claude – there are just too many, mid level brands. It will be easier if you pick a few and I’ll be glad to compare them for you.
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy,The top brands in Malta are Aran,Scavolini,Veneta,Scic,Berloni.How does Gatto compare with these companies in your opinion when it comes to quality and price?.Thanks in advance.
Claude – Thanks for gathering the list. These are all ‘price driven’ products and my picks (better quality) will be Scavolini, Berloni and Gatto.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen guy
I just want to enquire how is the quality of FGV and Samet when
Compared to Grass, Hafele and Hettich.
Jay – the difference is in the selection (depth of product offering), the service and the branding. If you’re just looking for a decent piece of hardware, to do the job and you’re not concerned with ‘bells and whistles’ or with the perceived value of a brand name – these are good!
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Really interesting blog. Thanks! Trying to decide between Snaidero and Bultahup 1 or 3. What do you like better. Also, what about between Bultahup 1 or 3-are there major differences?
Judy – both are great products, just a different look and feel. Since I’m not sure what Snaidero model you are comparing to B1 or B3, it is hard to answer. The major difference between B1 and B3 is in the options and limitations.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thanks for your prompt response. I am looking at the Snaidero Way collection vs. the B3 (which I am realizing has many more options). Hope this gives you a better sense of what I am thinking of. Do you feel that one is a better quality over the other? Better value for the price?
Judy – I personally prefer B3. I feel it is better made, more unique and I like their look better.
Good luck and let me know what the outcome is…
kitchenguy
how can you possibly put hacker and toncelli on the same list???? you sound quite well documented somehow…..
Peppe – please read again the criteria’s – they both fit them…
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy, thanks for the great work here, this is really helpful. I dont know much about kitchens and I just bought a house and wanted to choose a kitchen for myself. I am struggling between Boffi and armani/dada kitchen. They both have designs which I like a lot. Do you maybe have any suggestions for me, that will be very helpful. In addition, do you know by any chance the price ranges of the kitchens from Boffi and Armani/dada? My budget is 20k Euro, but I am not sure if that will be enough to buy a boffi or armani/dada. Thanks in advance and ur reply will really helpful to me..since ur the expert here:D
Hi Aaron,
Thank you for the kind words.
These are both great products and you should decide base on the look, price and the local dealer.
I’m a bit concerned about your tight budget, though I don’t know your kitchen size – it is just that these two brands rarely come in at these numbers… If it doesn’t work out, try one of my other Top 20 brands.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
Hello,
Where is leicht?
Its one of the best brands in the market!!
What do you think about Leicht?
Thank you
Ohad – Leicht is in Germany… “One of the best brands in the market” – I don’t think so… definitely not one of My Personal Top 20…
Sorry… maybe next year…
kitchenguy
Dear kitchenguy,
Here in Panama, we have Snaidero, Berloni, Scavolini, Ar-tre, Arrex, Veneta Cucine, and some other german brands I havent seen yet and not planning to. Right now the ones I’m seriously considering are arrex, artre and snaidero. My favorite is snaidero, but with all all the drawers and gadjets i want, it might get too out of budget. How would you rate the other two?
Thank you for your time and dedication to helping us!
Sally – Arrex and Artre are similar. If it is between these two, choose the better dealer/designer.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Theyre both from the same great dealer with amazing service. Do you like the quality?
Is one slightly better than the other?
Hi again – they are too close to call…
Good luck,
kitchenguy
guys,does any one have information about,companies which make modular wall cabinets for living area
Hello Kitchenguy,
What do you think about Cesar kitchens? For me they score very high if you compare design/functionality/quality/price.
Patrick – Cesar is a very nice product!
kitchenguy
Hi,
I would like to know your opinion on Aster and Ernestomeda brands and how do they compare with Hacker.
Also how does Hacker compare to Poggenpohl.
Thanks
Louis – Ernestomeda is the larger of the two (part of the Scavolini group), but they are both fine products. Häcker is a better product than them both.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thank you for a great blog! In your view, how does bulthaup and poggenpohl compare to valcucine and toncelli. The tw first have a presence in norway, the latter I will have to import myself. I read somewhere that you compared bulthaup and pp to Mercedes and BMW. Not sure which is best myself, could you say a bit more about what makes the difference ? Did the Eurocucina bring any new producers as contender to your list? Thanks!
Peter – glad you like the blog. First and foremost, if the first two are already available in Norway – go with one of them! Importing a kitchen, as a ‘one time thing’, can be complicated and very costly. Any mistake and a need for replacement parts. will cost you a fortune…
With that said, Bulthaup is a better product (and more expensive) than Poggenpohl. Valcucine and Toncelli is somewhat similar to Bulthaup. The difference is in the quality of the product itself (how it is built) and the design and product innovation.
Not much new in Eurocucina this year…
kitchenguy
Hello again Kitchenguy,
Thanks so much for this valuable info you have provided, I want to know what your opinion on Mobalpa is and how does it compare with Hacker for example
Thanks so much
Louis – Mobalpa is a fine company, the largest one in France. Vs. Häcker, I think they are close in quality, with a slight edge to Häcker.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy,
Excellent detailed blog. Thank you. All the site links are super useful too. We are based in London and so far we are overwhelmed by the level of choice out there. Choosing which brand(s) to devote the required time to is a real challenge. So far we have seen bulthaup, poggenpohl, maistri (through a dealer called cococucine), Charles York, leicht and I think that is probably it.
Bulthaup seems to strike me as having the highest quality product. Would you agree? It is of course very expensive so I question whether it is value for money. As a final question, on your ranking scale in terms of the quality of product, which would your top 3 be.
Thanks for being the only useful page I have seen on this topic.
Barry – thanks for all the kind words!
Based on the brands you’ve listed, I think you’re a little bit all over the place… – Charles York, Bulthaup and Maistri are in 3 different product categories…
If you like Bulthaup the best, I’m assuming you prefer the minimalist clean look that is so typical to their design. If you find them to be too expensive, you’ll probably be able to get close to that same look, with Poggenpohl. Another brand you have not mentioned that will be even closer in look and quality, but less expensive is Pedini – try them out.
Regarding the Top 3 – it is impossible to even narrow it to Top 10… 🙂
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thank you Kitchen guy. You are right in terms of being all over the place as we have been trying to decide on a style. We will be sure to give pedini a good look. Thank you for the prompt response and we will be sure to give you our feedback on the whole purchasing experience.
Have a nice weekend,
Barry
Thanks Barry – please keep me posted!
kitchenguy
Hi
Have been given a design makeup for a kitchen by next line but an finding it difficult to get any info other tan they are made by Schuller. What is your opinion on this range is it a quality product? Who would you compare it to?
Ruth – I like Next Line by Schüller. It is good quality and aesthetically pleasing.
Go for it and good luck!
kitchenguy
Thank you for sharing the kitchen top brand. I just brought the new how and now struggling between Arclinea and Dada. The price and service are pretty much the same. Both design are attractive. Ihave no idea about kitchen brand before. Would appreciate your direct comment here. Thanks in advance.
Sara – they are both fine products and if all else is equal, I would choose based on the designer/showroom – after all, you’re going to have to work with them for a few months. Who do you feel you have a better chemistry with?
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Dear Sir/Madam,
I have a kitchen from Germany and I need 2 cupsorbers for my kitchen cupboard because the cupboard is not holding without them. can you pls tell me from where in Malta can I buy them? because I went several shops and no one had like them.
thanks a lot
Josefa
Josefa – not sure what exactly you are looking for, but it seems to me that you should first identify the brand (there maybe a name plate on the drawers or the hinge plates). Than, try to track down a local dealer. If there isn’t, you may be able to source it directly from the manufacturer.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi!
Which of the Snaidero Models do you prefer personally?
We are leaning towards the Way or Orange.
Thanks!
Marcello – this is a very tough question for me – I love them all! It depends on the application.
kitchenguy
Thanks Kitchenguy!
Would you consider Snaidero one of the top kitchens?
Marcello – see My Personal Top 20 Brands.
kitchenguy
Sorry…one more question. What is your opinion on White Finish or White Finish with Glass.
Marcello – white is an all-time classic. You can’t go wrong with white!
kitchenguy
Hi, Thanks for the great work!
I am now at the final stage between Boffi and Arclinea. As both of them are great in terms of design and service. I cannot make a decision. even though Arclinea is 10% chepaer than boffi.
How’s your thought?
Thanks Sara
Sara – if all is equal (finish, equipment, etc.) and it is only 10% difference, personally, I’d go with Boffi…
Good luck and keep us posted please.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy!
I was going to order the Snaidero Way, until I laid eyes on the OLA20. WOW! The one I saw was in a sort of Metalic White. Now I’m way confused!!!Opinions on the OLA20??
Thank You in Advance
Marcello
Marcello – both are good, it is a matter of personal taste.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Dear Kicthen Guy,
Many thanks for the very helpful article! I am planning a new kitchen project and I have been using the article (and comments) as a guide.
I have narrowed it down to three very different companies (and price points): Boffi, Mobalpa and Feve (a very small French boutique firm). I like Boffi the best, but it’s expensive. Mobalpa seems like a good substitute although the sales people seem slick and I am unsure about quality. Feve gave us very prompt and personalised service at our first meeting, but I worry about using such a small company (they say the cabinets are guaranteed for 20 years, but if they go under we’re out of luck). Is the quality difference between Mobalpa and Boffi reflected in the price difference (i.e., is Boffi really that much better than Mobalpa in your opinion?). Would you be concerned about going with a very small producer?
Also, on granite, everyone says that black granite is the easiest to maintain; do you agree?
Thanks a lot for your thoughts.
Molly
Molly – the price difference is a reflection of quality for one, but also other factors, such as R&D (developing new products and unique designs). Also, Mobalpa is mass produced and so the economy of scales in production are different.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy, and thanks for all the useful knowledge and information you share with us.
We are in the final stages of deciding which kitchen maker to go with, and narrowed the list to Dada and Hacker. The price difference is quite substantial – for the same finish and roughly the same layout, Dada is over 40% higher(!). We do like their local designers and service better, but does that justify a difference this high?
Also debating, if we’re already contemplating the higher price range – should we go talk to Boffi and/or Bulthaup to get a proposal from them, or would they inevitability be even higher, and would only confuse us more?
What’s your take?
Juno – Dada, Bofi and Bulthaup, should be at about the same price point. All three are smaller companies, of high end products and you are paying a premium, for the unique factor, the customization and for that fact that you are buying a high-end-brand. Häcker, on the other hand, is a much bigger company (on of the largest 5 companies in Europe!) and they streamlined their production, to be able to offer a good quality product for a lower price point. It is like comparing a Bently GT, to a Mercedes CL 550. Is the Bently a better car…? Is it worth the extra cost…? Only you’ll know the right answer (for you)…
Good luck and please keep us posted!
kitchenguy
hi Kitchen Guy
i would like to know, what’s your opinion about toncelli and La Cornue? how toncelli compared to valcucine in term of design and brand strength. Why la cornue is not in your top 20 list, whereas the dealer assistant inform that this is the hand made product from france.
Thanx a lot
Erick – Toncelli is a great product. Both brands are strong and have great designs. In different parts of the world, they have different brand strength.
LaCornue is a small company, focused on hand made ranges, cook tops, ovens, rotisseries, etc. Cabinetry is a small part of their business and so I wasn’t thinking of them, in terms of “kitchen Brands”. I will however add them, at the bottom of the list, under “Honorable mentions”.
Thanks,
kitchenguy
Hello kitchen guy,
Thanks for the great resources and info on your website. I am looking to get a modular kitchen for my house . I have shortlisted Hacker , Alno , Snaidero , SieMatic , Stosa Cucine and Arrital . How would you rate these 6 brands on 4 parameters which you have used to come up with top 20 brands . I believe service part can vary depending upon the dealer but it would be really helpful if you can rate them based on other 3 parameters . For appliances , i have the option of smeg or siemens . Which one of the 2 offers better design and is superior quality?
Thanks in advance
Alex
Alex – Haecker, Snaidero and SieMatic are higher end than Alno and Arrital and much higher end than Stosa… so it is nearly impossible to compare them one to another. Both appliance brands are okay.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thanks a ton for the prompt response . How would compare the 3 higher end i.e which one is best 2nd best and so on among the three higher end and also is alno is better than Arrital or vice versa? Given that stosa is lowest of the 6 brands , Should I completely drop it from consideration ?I was also keen on Pogganpohl but their quotation for same specification was almost double compared to snaidero and hacker and 30% higher than siematic . Is Pogganpohl higher end than these 3 brands ?
When you say both appliances brands are ok , does that mean they are not amongst the top brands for appliances ? Well I also have the option of Fabre , Bosch , fisher&paykel and Electrolux . I could not find appliances rating on your website and was wondering if could also help me out in selecting an appliances brand as well . I would like to buy mid category appliances which is why I have not included higher ends like Miele & gaggenau .
Thanks in advance !
Ankit
Alex – Haecker, Snaidero and SieMatic are all good brands and you should now chose based on the dealer, the designer and the product. Arrital and Alno is somewhat similar too and Stosa should be avoided, unless your focus is price. Poggenpohl is not better, by any measure and should be comparable in price with Haecker, Snaidero and SieMatic, so something in the pricing is wrong…
Smeg, Siemens and Electrolux are generally better than Fabre , Bosch and fisher&paykel, but they all have various product categories and so it is not an easy comparison. The price difference between them all and Miele or gaggenau, in some cases (like DW) are so small it is wise to upgrade
Good luck and come back to tell us what you ended up with.
kitchenguy
I will surely let you know what i end up getting . I contacted Miele dealer and found out their price is more than double of Siemens appliances . I live in India and maybe prices vary a lot country to country. I found out there are Varenna , Val cucine and Toncelli dealers as well but their price range for an approx. 200sq feet handle less , laminate and lacquer finish kitchen is more than 60k USD where as PP is around $50k and all the other brands i mentioned are 40k-35k USD (all prices without appliances ) . Are Varenna , Val Cucine and Toncelli kitchens usually that much more expensive than Siematic , snaidero etc?
Alex – each and one of these brands offer many models at different price points. You must compare ‘apples to apples’…
kitchenguy