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
Does anyone know anything about Copat kitchen cabinets? Are they good quality? How do they compare in quality, etc to Scavolini?
Melindammil – Copat is ‘more or less’ on par with Scavolini.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thanks for your reply! Is Copat just less known? I didn’t see anything about them on your discussion boards. Are they both good quality (Scavolini & Copat)? I guess I’m curious what you mean by “more or less on par”. And I’d love to understand why Scavolini is so much more expensive than Copat. Thanks Kitchenguy!
Melindammil – Yes. Scavolini is the largest kitchen company in Italy and are very well known around the world (they even own a Serie A basketball team…). Copat’s business has been more localized and therefore are less known.
Product wise they are somewhat close to each other.
If there’s a huge price difference, you’re probably not comparing ‘apples to apples’…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thank you!! One more question. We are going tomorrow to see both Copat & Scavolini cabinets in person. Do you have suggestions (or is there a reference online that you recommend) on what ro look for to be sure the quality is good. And how would I know if I’m comparing apples to apples? As a side note, the Copat dealer tells me his prices are way less than Scavolini bec he is a national agent in the USA for Copat and fills containers quickly with lower prices, while the higher priced Scavolini is due to their name recognition.
Melindammil – there are too many things to look for, in order to insure quality, but here are a few: 1. Are the drawers soft-closing Blumotion? Are the hinges? Are the cabinets adjustable legs (what supports the base cabinets) made of steel or plastic? Does the base cabinet have a solid top (or is it open)? What is the thickness of the door/shelves/cabinets? Is the a rubber gasket ‘dust seal’ around cabinet openings? Etc.
Regarding what the Copat dealer is telling you – if he is in Northbrook, IL, than he is the National agent for Copat. It sound impressive, but Copat hardly even exists in the US… they have 3 dealers in total and i’m not even sure they are all active. So basically, he is a direct importer, vs. the Scavolini dealer in town, that is not. If you are in IL. there are other brands that may want to look at, before making a decision. Also, it is not just the product that is important – the dealer/designer is just as important part of the decision.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
kitchenguy
Yes I am in IL near Chicago and the Copat dealer is in Northbrook. What are the other brands I may want to consider? Just to confuse me more – ha ha :-). Thanks for your tips on what to look for in the cabinets. You are so very helpful. I am grateful. Have a wonderful day
Melindammil – there are too many to mention…
Perhaps the dealers that see this posting can respond themselves and suggest their product/design/service.
kitchenguy
Hi Melindammil. Our company is a direct importer of Pedini cabinetry and I can tell you that Pedini offers all the features that kitchenguy recommends and more. Pedini is a highly respected and well-known Italian brand that has been around since 1956. Our Glen Ellyn, IL based design studio has won numerous awards and can help you design, specify and install your entire kitchen. You can check out our great reviews on Angies List and view our portfolio of work @ http://www.kitchenstudio-ge.com. Give us a call and we can help answer any questions you might have.
Thanks SusanK.
Melindammil – Pedini is a great option – try them out.
kitchenguy
SusanK, thank you for your post. How do you think your prices compare to to Scavolini and Copat?
kitchenguy, I am seeing a lot of good comments about Pedini on your website. How would you rate is compared to Copat in terms of price and quality?
Melindammil – Pedini is at a different league than Copat (or Scavolini for that matter), but they are offering various price points and if you can find what you like, within their lower priced models, it may work for you.
Good luck and please keep us posted,
kitchenguy
Does anyone know if Tundra Gray (Scavolini) is the same color as Tobacco (Copat) in high gloss lacquer? The samples in the 2 stores seemed similar, but we couldn’t take the samples with us to compare side by side. We only saw a full door panel in Tobacco which appeared darker than what we picture Tundra Gray to be. Does the lacquer process make the finished product a bit darker?
Hello Kitchen Guy,
I have kind of a lame question. Was wondering if you are aware of any great resource like yours for European furniture brands. I am having my house constructed and sought your help earlier on kitchen and was able to find a few furniture brands like Hulsta, Natuzzi, Poliform, Flexform etc. but not a whole lot.Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex
Alex – not really, perhaps someone else reading this can help.
kitchenguy
Hello Kitchenguy,
I have recently moved to Italy and am searching for a kitchen. I had decided on Berloni because I liked the design and the quality seemed high. While designing the kitchen the sales man suggested going with Miton. He said that they were the same. Same workmanship, same materials…basically we could get the same look/quality but with a certain promotion we would save a little.. Then someone else called Berloni’s quality into question. I don’t see them listed here. I’m wondering how you would rate Berloni’s quality. Also what do you know of Miton as I cannot find much information about them. Are they a high quality company as well? I was very happy that Berloni was FSC certified. They didn’t have any model kitchens of Miton to see. I don’t want to get a lesser quality kitchen to save $1000. Thank you!
Fay – both products are not categorized as ‘high quality’. They are more of a ‘price driven’ product.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
can you compare siematic kitchen to record cucine kitche. i need to make a hard decition and the price is about 10% higher for siematic. i am wondering about quility. please help!!!!!!
thanks
Valeriya – between these two, SieMatic is much better and if it is only 10% – go for it.
kitchenguy
Hi!
What is your opinion on the Snaidero Ola 20 in White Micalizato?
Thanks!
Its beautiful!
hello there,
i am in a similar situation as valeriya goldina, i need to make a hard decision re which kitchen to go for: i am from Oman in the Middle East, and we have limited options, we have some German brands and some Italian ones and as far as i know one American brand. after visiting most of them i am left with two options really(German: Nolte) and Merillat from the US. Nolte is a bit more expensive( 10%)what do think quality wise ?
Mansoor – Nolte is MUCH better than Merillat… – go for it!
kitchenguy
thanks
So how did you manage to forget mentioning Schmidt 4th Largest in Europe with 634 showrooms, no1 brand in France?
Frank – I did not forget, but based on the 4 criteria’s, I do not feel they belong in the Top 10…
Sorry,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy, you are an amazing source of information on European kitchens! Can you give me an indication of the quality of Aran Cucine? My dream kitchen would probably be a Pedini one but our budget only stretches to one or two of their lower priced ranges and I would like to look at a few other options first. I am considering Hacker, Leicht and have just come across a local supplier of Aran kitchens. Any advice will be gratefully received.
Shelly – Aran is a ‘price driven’ product. Pedini’s lower ranges, are the same quality as the higher ones, just with either less expensive door material or less customization. Hacker and Leicht are also better choices than Aran.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy, This may have been the case in the past with Aran but not so now. I feel there is a difference between price driven and competitive. Aran is exceptional value and has all the things that you stipulate to be a quality product, integrated blum soft close hinge (not the retro fit Piston type) Innox drawer box system, dust seal, solid tops etc. We have a huge range of doors 18mm to 28mm in various materials or colours and work with designers such as Karim Rashid to try and show innovative deign. I would invite you to take another look at Aran and if you are at Euro Cucina visit our stand which will be one of the largest there launching even more new ranges. I have worked in the KBB industry in London for 19 years for brands such as Zeyko, Pr-norm, Binova, Rossanna, Bontempi and Poggenpohl and yes I work for Aran now but I would say that Aran could hold its own against most of the brands mentioned and the likes of Pedini, Hacker, Leicht in regard to quality, design, innovation and still be more competitive. Aran export the most Italian kitchens around the World to over 190 countries and are being installed in some of the most prestigious projects around the World. Kind regards, Nick Waterton
Nick – you obviously a a big fan of Aran (helps keeping the job…) and I command you for that :). Aran is doing much better today, than the Masco days and Renzo has taken them a long way, since then, but let’s be real for a moment – Aran is a product that is driven by price, more than anything else (quality, design or service). Yes, it is a very large company but the fact that Aran export the most Italian kitchens around the World, doesn’t point to quality, quite the opposite… Selling tons of cheap kitchens in third world countries and everywhere else, does not point to quality, design or service…
Paying Karim Rashid to design for you, is also not proving a thing… He also designed for Scavolini. Does that make them a better product? You pay him – he’ll design for you…
Sorry, just have to say it like it is…
kitchenguy
I am looking at Nolte, Pedini or Snaidaro for our new kitchen. Has anyone used the new glass? Is it better that lacquer? Which holds up better? Which cabinet company is better quality. Should I expect the same bid for same quality cabinets for the same price? or is there a difference? Also shopping Pedini. Have no idea the price points. Thanks
Hi Caarol – Snaidero and Pedini are better than Nolte. The glass (which is not so new anymore), is stronger and much easier to maintain, but will price higher.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi ,is the glass surface on the top of the counter
(Like the design i saw of Scavolini)is it practical?
Is it safe to put hot pots on it?
Thanks
Tulip – glass countertops are very easy to clean and are safe to put a pot on them (as they are tempered), but can scratch, like any glass surface.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi I’m thinking of installing a miton kitchen. What do you think of their quality and workmanship. What exactly do you mean when you say price driven?
Maria – “price driven’ means that their main focus is the product’s low price. In cases like that, the quality of the product and service usually suffer…
kitchenguy
Although offering a more modular, space saving approach, Alpes Inox certainly compares with some of the best on your list. Also, though NewForm is a California based company, their products are truly European inspired. Just thought I would mention that,
Also, what is your opinion on ernestomeda?
And Salvarani?
Christopher – from what I know, they filed bankruptcy last year and the brand (only) is now owned by someone else.
kitchenguy
Christopher – nice product. Owned by Scavolini, as it is their higher end brand. Not very successful, in terms of branding and marketing.
kitchenguy
Christopher – Alpes Inox are too limited, to be added to the list. Also, they are thousands of small shops, arround the world that manufacture Euro-Style kitchens. We can’t possibly list them all…
Thanks,
kitchenguy
I have been watching your site for a while as we are looking for a new kitchen in the South of France.
We have had quotes from Siematic, Bulthaup B1, Polliform etc., and had nearly settled on Maistri Viva as we really like the “shark nose” doors and simple lines.
However, we were going for the 6cm plinth range, we think that 150 looks a bit dated, and have hit a big problem as we want to incorporate a built in Gaggenau fridge/freezer, which requires door clearance from the floor of 10.2cm, hence a 10 cm plinth. Same applies with Miele fridge.
The Maistri Viva seemed pretty good value but seems that we are now back looking.
Do you have any suggestions.
Tim – try Pedini. They offer the same look, at several plinth heights that I think will work for you and are available in your area.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thanks for the quick reply.
We are speaking with Pedini at the moment but it looks like we still have the same problem with plinth heights, as they are offering 80cm on the Magika range and the only alternative with others being 150cm. Gaggenau UK are insisting that less than 100cm would invalidate the warranty.
Think we are off to Modulnova tomorrow to see what they can offer.
Tim – Pedini also offers a 10cm (or 100mm) plinth on most of their ranges, like other European brands do. If that’s tsill a problem with the Gaggenau fridge – switch to Miele. It is a nicer fridge anyway… 🙂
Good luck and please keep us posted,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Not sure that Pedini is going to work for us as the only range that we like the look of, plus works dimensionally, is the Dune, and the cost looks like it is just too high for us. On a par with Varenna here.
Fridge clearance problems are the same with Gaggenau or Miele, also not so keen on the big Miele as it is not made by them, as you no doubt know.
At the moment, looks like we will be going down the Siematic route, not very exciting, but quality seems ok for the money and the supplier is pretty local and has a good reputation.
Just waiting to hear if they will “sharpen the pencil” a little.
Good luck Tim!
Please keep us posted,
kitchenguy
hi kitchenguy,
how you rate cucine lube kitchen in italy and what about its ranking in European market.
many thanks.
Anurag – Lube is a medium quality, meduim price line.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
It seems that Pedini may be back in the frame as we now have what looks like a pretty competitive offer for their Dune range, which brings it very close to the Siematic price. The Magika price is quite a bit less, but we are told by one dealer that the quality is not of the same level as for Dune. Do you know if this is true. I have emailed Pedini direct for their advice as we have received quite conflicting views so far.
The Dune with 8cm plinth and finished in white satin looks very appealing.
If we are looking at a straight choice between Pedini and Siematic what would your view be
I have to say that the information that Pedini give out is on another planet to anything else that we have found.
Look forward to your commets and if anyone else can contribute, please do so.
Tim – The Dune from Pedini is a better quality than their Magika collection in three areas, which also explain the price difference:
1. The lacquer on the Magika model, is a ‘direct gloss lacquer’ which is a ‘one coat’ application and the back of the door remains matte.
2. The drawers on the Magika model are Blumotion, but they are black, which are a bit less expensive than the stainless drawers on the Dune model.
3. The Magika model is limited, in the number of modifications and custom sizes you can do – the Dune model is fully custom.
Other than the above, they are the same.
Personally, I like Pedini better than SieMatic, as I find it to be more exciting and less conforming, if you get my drift.
Just for my curiosity – what did you mean by “…the information that Pedini give out is on another planet…”? 🙂
All the best,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
For Poliform and Scavolini, Which brand are more high end and more expensive? what’s main difference between these two brand?
Thanks,
Joann – Poliform is higher end and better quality in every aspect.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Thank you for all the valuable information. I was wondering how Aster and Scavolini compared in terms of quality.
And where do they stand when compared to brands such as Eggersmann and Zeyko.
Thanks
Malek – Aster is a bit higher end than Scavolini, but lower than the other two.
kitchenguy
Thanks a lot kitchenguy..
If I had Eggersmann and Zeyko at the same price, which one would you recommend in terms of quality and design?
Malek – six on one hand, half a dozen in the other – they are very similar. Go for the better designer, the more reputable shop.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Thanks a lot kitchenguy for your response, this was really helpful
Hi Kitchenguy,
I live in LA area and I am looing for Italian kitchen cabinets for my house. I counldn’t decide between Scavolini and Pedini. Can you please let me know which brand has better price value?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks so much!
Jennifer – Pedini is a much better product, all around. So unless Scavolini is half the price, the better value is Pedini!
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Thank you so much for your response. I live in Southern California Los Angeles area and looking for a Italian cabinet brand that has similar style and quality as Scavolini but less expensive. Can you please recommend a few brand to me?
Thank you,
Joann
Joann – I seriously doubt you should go lower than Scavolini. It is simply taking you to a very low quality product you will not be happy with…
kitchenguy
Hi, i was looking to buy a 500sqft kitchen in India. i have had discussions with siematic. How would you rate SieMatic and also guide me if this the best brand that i can get in India?
Ashish – SeMatic is a fine brand. Nor sure where you are and what’s available in your immediate area, but most brands are available in India’s big cities now.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi! Great website. Where does Arrital rank?
Kevin – Arrital is a nice, meduim price and quality product.
kitchenguy
Hi again Kitchenguy!
One last question pls before I make the final decision. How do you rate the Dinovo and Ciao lines manufactured by Aran World? Are they of top quality? Do they compare to Aster or Eggersmann?
Malek – NP. Aran is lower quality than Aster, which is lower quality than Eggersmann.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy,
Wonderful website! I learned alot from here. I am interested in opening a european kitchen showroom in LA area and I have few brands in mind. I need a mid level brand that’s not too expensive but with pretty good quality. My area is not super rich area.
So far, I have Pedini, Gatto, Berloni, Alno, Aran and Lube in mind. Can you put these in order from the least expensive to most expensive?
Or do you have any good suggestion?
I really appreciate your opinions!
Thanks so much!
jojo – this is not a simple answer. Some of these brands are in a higher category (Pedini, for example) and others are basically not even in business anymore… Also, you may not have these brands available to you, in the LA area, as they are already spoken for. I suggest you check availability, meet with the company, see the product and you’ll know which one is the brand for you.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy!
How would you rate Snaidero, compared to Scavolini, Berloni, Lube?
Joe – Snaidero is a couple of steps above the other three.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
thanks so much for publishing such a helpful blog. like many others, my head is spinning in trying to distinguish the differences between the various kitchen brands and your blog is one of the best resources available. i was wondering if you could tell me a few of the brands that are on the budget end of the scale, but still offer a look that is similar to some of the higher priced brands? thanks again for all of the great info.
kitchenshopper – thank you for the kind words, but unfortunately, your question is so open-ended, I simply can’t answer it the right way, without getting into a very, very long answer… – please narrow it down and I’ll be happy to advise.
kitchenguy
sorry to be so vague. i guess the thing that i’m trying to figure out is at what price point the various brands are. it would be helpful if there was a list dividing brands into low, medium and high price points.
kitchenshopper – I understand but it is a lot more complicated as most brands offer a “good, better, best” lines at different price points. Add to that the different pricing for each door materials, etc. and you’ll understand why there’s no such list…
kitchenguy
Hi! I need some advice please.
I have been offered Nobilia and Scavolini for a residential project. I have been told that these 2 brands are the most selling German and Italian brands. Is that true? Are they high end brands? Which one is higher quality than the other? Thanks
Hayfa – in “most selling”, I’m assuming you meant that they are the largest (most amount of sales). According to the info I have, Nobilia is the single largest German company and Scavolini is the second largest single Italian company (single, as not part of a group), but – why is this an advantage? In this case (like in many industries), they are the largest, because they are sold to the masses, cheaper than their competitors. Higher-end products are generally more expensive and therefore are sold less and the companies are smaller.
kitchenguy
have you heard about the brand Modern Kitchen Art (MoKA)? what do you think – good quality?
Dear Kitchen guy,
I’m shopping for kitchens (on a limited budget!) and would like your opinion of Colombini Artec polymer cabinets.
Also, since I live in France, I noticed that you included Mobalpa amongst your 20. I’ve been quoted a price on Domactis cabinets, who I believe supply Mobalpa. Now I see that the group that owns Mobalpa also owns Perene and Socooc. I’m starting to wonder if the same Domactis cabinets are not being sold by the three stores. What a maze!
Thanks very much!
Pete – Colombini Artec polymer cabinets are nice, but not high end (or close to it…).
Not sure about the in’s and outs of Domactis.
kitchenguy
Hi, just found this website and am finding it very useful. I live in Northern Italy and for my new house I am contemplating a Dada kitchen which I see makes your top 20, so I presume it lives up to its reputation as a top quality brand? I also have 3 other quotes from Euromobil, Scic and Cesar, what do you think of these makes?
Thanks a lot
Orla
Orla – these three brands are fine, but Dada is a step above. Rumour has it that Cesar is in big financial trouble and are not delivering on time, at this moment… Just thought you’d want to know…
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi! I will be getting a new kitchen soon….Would you consider Snaidero a “high end” brand?
I am interested in the OLA 20 in white in particular.
Thank You!
Vince
Vince – yes it is.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
I am considering Leitch and Pedini for our new home. Any preferences and if so why? Are warranty provisions similar or is one superior? Comments on Leitch’s Walnut Laminate solution from a quality perspective?
Leitch has 8 product groupings – 0-7. Am I correct in assuming #7 is the most expensive.
Mike – they are both good products, I personally prefer Pedini. They have more exciting designs and are more flixible, in terms of customization, etc.
The laminate is a good material, in any color – it is strong, durable and a great value.
Not 100% sure of the different price groups, etc.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thanks for the feedback Kitchen Guy!
My top choice for modern or contemporary kitchens would definitely be Pedini and my choice for bespoke transitional style would be Smallbone. Have you seen Smallbones new Kelly Hoppen collection? They are more contemporary and in my opinion fabulous.
Hi Kitchen Guy!
What do you think about Mobilturi, Nobilia and Stosa? Which one is better?Thank you
Steve – all three are large, ‘price driven’ suppliers. They each have strengths and weekneses and so you really need to study them to figure out which one is better for you.
All the best,
kitchenguy
How do you rate veneta cucine oyster ? is it comparable to euromobil, cesar , aster or poliform. i’m nearly decided on a veneta cucine but still have doubts.
Alison – no, they are not compareable with the other brands, but rather a major step down…
kitchenguy
What do you think of Veneta, Oyster model in particular? Is the quality good?
Alison – see my other comment on the same.
Hi,
I had asked to rate Nolte as to Venetta cucine/ Aran/ Alno but my question was deleted. Kindly advise as they are the only brands available in my city.
Bablu25 – Alno is better than the other two, who are about equal.
Sorry it was deleted…
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi, Thanks. How is Nolte in terms of timely supply and after sales service.
Bablu – it really depends on the country you’re in and the local dealer, as it different from one to another.
kitchenguy
bablu25 – it is hard to say, as it may be different from one country/market to another…
kitchenguy
Hello,
I have been looking at kitchens from Stosa, Lube and Record Cucine, all available in my area. Which one do you think is the best and the worst of the three, quality speaking.
I’d really appreciate your answer.
Thanks!
Paola – they are all about the same (that’s why the price is similar). Go with the better designer/service/reputation.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thank you for your response. A
Store that sells Aran just opene. If you were to choose between Aran and Stosa, wich one has
A Better quality?.
I’d appreciate your answer
Paola – they are about the same.
kitchenguy
Hi! We got offers for Veneta Cucine, Arrital, Record Cucine and Arrex (prices are similar), and we are also considering Scavolini. How do the above compare in terms of build quality?
Theo – they are all about the same (that’s why the price is similar). Go with the better designer/service/reputation.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Thanks! Are there any brands which are at the same price range but of better quality? Also, from Arrex the offer uses solid wood doors for the base units (Carola model) and lacquer for the wall units (Sole model) while all other offers are for laminate or PVC. Does this make the Arrex offer a much better deal?
And one last question! I was told by Arrex that they need to know the exact model of the appliances I am going to use at the time I order the kitchen. Is this really necessary? Shouldn’t it be enough to know that I am going to use a 60cm oven, 60cm dishwasher, 60cm hob etc?
Theo – yes, price is not necassarily an indication of quality… Also, solid wood door does not mean it is better – most of the cheapest Chinese cabinets sold today have solid woood doors…
Regarding needing the appliances – yes, this is the right way to order a kitchen.
kitchenguy
Thanks. Earlier you said that they are all about the same which is why the price is similar, so I assumed that in order to get something better I had to pay more. What are the brands which are better but not more expensive?
Theo – what I meant is that in order to get better quality, you will have to spend more, meaning go to a higher price category. If you want to stay at this price range, I suggest you chose based on the quality of the designer/shop.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
I had asked back in early April about Pedini and one other brand. We have decided on Pedini and wanted to get your feedback on two of the their product lines. The dealer is quoting Dune with a real walnut veneer for most cabinets and then Magika for the lacquered cabinets (island mainly). The Dune appears to have the nicer finished cabinet with a non-slip bottom versus glass in the Magika and apparently higher quality lacquer. The dealer suggests a 5% premuim for Dune over Magika. Are there any other significant differences between the two and bottom-line is Dune worth the additional investment in your view?
Mike – the cabinets are the same quality. The difference is in the lacquer finish – Dune is standard lacquer (6-7 coats, etc.) whereis Magika is what Pedini calls ‘Glossy Direct’. It is a one-coat application that looks almost as good as their regular lacquer, but a bit less expensive to produce. It also has a matte finish on the back of the door.
Good luck and please keep us posted.
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy,
We are it the process of buying a kitchen, and are undecided between arrex arcobaleno (real wood veneer + real lacquer ), scavolini liberamente with tall cupboards in laminate and rest in white lacquer or chateau D’Ax campania PVC finish. We would appreciate your views regarding quality of brand and the finishes offered to us.
Thanks a lot 🙂
Ian – Arrex and Scavolini are similar and also similar specs. Chateau D’Ax is a different company and are not really a kitchen brand, but rather a furniture company, with a kitchen line sold through some stores so I’m not sure how to compare them.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy
My wife and I were set on a siematic kitchen but rethinking a part wood (elm/walnut) look. We have seen valcucine but 20% more expensive. Pedini looks like it may have options. Any other suggestion / comments? We want something that will be durable.
thanks
kitchenkonfused – you alreday have 3 excellent choices. Any more suggestions will only confuse you more… 🙂
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy –
First of all, thank you for putting this together and sharing your knowledge.
I have 2 questions:
1. No one has mentioned Valcucine in the comments. I saw their logica system and fell in love but I don’t want to make a stupid decision. Can you please comment on their quality and who their peer companies are in terms of price and quality?
2. What resources do you suggest to find the best designer for the kitchen (I live in NYC)? The dealer has free designers, but I’m also making a few changes to my house so will need an architect (but could cooperate with a kitchen specialist).
Thanks!!
Oliver
Oliver – 1. Valcucine is a quality product. If you’re okay with their pricing, there’s no problem as far as quality, etc.
2. Quality kitchen designers should be able to help you with the design.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy, do you know where I can get a FGV hinge for my Kappa cucine kitchen? One broke and I can’t get a replacement. Can send photo on if needed. Thanks, Shane
Shane – try the local kitchen store or simply Google for ‘cabinet parts’.
kitchenguy