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
hi..i am looking for renovation in my kitchen..after looking through several websites,i am confused between poggen pohl,Elmar and nolte..i have to see my budget as well..could u please suggest which one is better taking quality and money into consideration.
Priyam – In terms of quality – Poggenpohl, Elmar, Nolte. In terms of price – Nolte, Elmar, Poggenpohl…
You get what you pay for…
kitchenguy
Hi, I live in New York City and am considering Leicht and Scavolini. I understand that Leicht is a better product, but based on my budget, I would have to get the laminate material. For a lower price, I can get lacquer from Scavolini (with some glass accent as well). What makes Scavolini’s product inferior if they use the same mechanisms? Is there another manufacturer I should consider (was reading about Alno and Cesar and I was offered the Nobila option from Leicht as a more affordable option). Thank you in advance for your advice.
Jackson – yes, Leicht is better and it is not just about the mechanisms – it is the way the entire is built and the materials used. Alno and Cesar are not going to be cheaper than Scavolini and if you are alreday considering Nobilia – go for Scavolini. If you want a great quality product, in real lacquer, at a decent price, look at Bulthaup’s b1 and at Pedini’s Magika.
Good luck,
kitchenguy
Hi,I would like to ask about Veneta Cucine. Where do they stand in terms of quality and design compared to a german brand such as Zeyko?
Thank you
Hayfa – much lower end than Zeyko… Not even in the same league…
kitchenguy
Hi, I am really confused with quality going best with price. I have Valcucine,Bulthaup, Dada and Schuller. I would really appreciate your comments. Thanks.
Rocio – all are great brands – go with the one you like best and trhe reatiler that has their act together.
kitchenguy
Outstanding blog, your comment above: “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.. Would you be able to tell me what kitchen brands you think are good value?
George – value is relative to the person and based on the needs, wants and also in this case, the model of the brand chosen and door style, so to answer that intelegently, I’ll need to put together a study, rather than a quick reply… – sorry.
kitchenguy
hi kitchenguy, whats your opinion about rational kitchen in terms of design, product innovation and quality?
is it comparable to SieMatic, Poliform, Leicht, Sciffini and Valcucine?
Daniel – they are okay, but are not coparable to the others.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy,
I am based out of Bangalore, India and looking for a country-style/ classic solid wood kitchen. We have short listed on
A) Spagnol’s Lucy model,
B) Lube’s Veronica and Laura models,
C) Scavolinni’s Baltimora and Madeline models
Can you please let me know which brand amongst the above three is the best in terms of quality? The pricing for all the brands are more or less in the same price bracket.
Lube has also come out with a new model called Pantheon which we like the most from an aesthetic point of view. It is however 40% costlier than their Veronica and Laura models. But we aren’t able to make up our mind due to our inability to judge if Lube clearly scores higher over the other two brands and making it worth that extra premium. Your inputs and opinion will help us decide.
Thanks..
PR
PR – all 3 are about the same, more or less. Choose based on design, designer and the company selling and installaing the kitchen.
kitchenguy
Good day.
I’m about to decide between Scavolini and Rationale but none of them appears in your list. Can you give me your two cents about these brands? Which one you’ll choose in terms of value (price/quality)?
Best regards
Isanto – they are not included in My Top 20 List, because… they are not on of the top 20…
Between these two, Rational is better, but will probably be a bit more expensive and I still think it is a better choice.
kitchenguy
Kitchen Guy,
I have stumbled upon your bl
Sorry for the typo……regardless, my question is about Poggenpohl. I am interviewing with then on Wednesday. I have over 20 years professional design & PM experience in the business; however, this is the first time I am looking at a brand of this caliber. I am passionate about design but live in upstate NY. I have no idea what to expect from a Manhattan showroom. Simple L shape kitchens in the US on average consist of about 13 boxes. The larger projects I work on may have up to 30+ boxes not including moldings and trims. My kitchens usuly range from 30,000-40,000 US. I imagine the size of most kitchens in NYC are much smaller. What should I expect the typical Poggenpohl kitchen to go for? Also, who are thae brands that compete directly with them and how do they compare in cost?
Thank you in advance….
John A Granato CKD
John – some NYc city are small, others can be very large… European NYC kitchens can range from $20K, all the way to a couple of hundred $K’s…But a good designer, should be able to adjust and design anywhere.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen guy,
Can you tell me more about Mobalpa?
Katrina – since I really don’t have the time to write a book – what would you like to know…? 🙂
kitchenguy
Katrina – a large French company, with qulaity products.
kitchenguy
Hey guys, I need some advice… Arredo3 or Dankuchen, what do you think?
Marko – as Dankuchen is a local brand, I’m not familiar with it…
Sorry,
kitchenguy
Hello,
Not planning on stalking all the brands for price offers;
Is Dada more expensive than Varenna, f.e. cabinets with wooden front ?
thx.
Felix – I believe so.
kitchenguy
Ciao Kitchenguy!
You’re idea of proposing a top of european kitchen manufacturers is very good especially in these difficult moments we are facing in this industry. Can you try also a top 10 best brands (high end)? Will be interesting also to set a top 10 of affordable, kitchens (the optimal choice).
And one more question, what do you think about Salvarani?
Best!
Andrei – I”l consider that in the future.
Salvarani, as far as I know was out of business a couple of years ago and I’m not sure what is the present status.
kitchenguy
Hi. Looking to create a contemporary kitchen combining wood and laminate finish. Valcucine was too expensive. Any thoughts on Cesar v Pedini v Bulthaup. Seems like the cesar guy is on our wavelength but don’t know much about it’s quality.
Ilan – if Valcucine is too expensive, I’m afraid Bulthaup will also be out of range. Pedini is similar quality, but have a couple of models that are priced lower.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy
We are considering a German kitchen. We are looking at either Hacker or Rotpunkt. Although you mention Hacker a lot, there are few mentions of Rotpunkt as a brand. Which one is better?
Thank you
Aleks
Aleksandra – Hacker is just better…
kitchenguy
Is TEKA a good brand?
Bren – medium to high quality.
kitchenguy
Hello,
I am currently in the process of purchasing a kitchen. I have gone for pricing to Baulthaup for a B.1 and B.3 and Valcucine Demode because I really like their products and impeccable detailing but I have also explored scavolini, muti kitchen and bath and euroDesign kitchen and bath. Could you please tell me why in your opinion scavolini is inferior to the 20 you have listed. Also have you heard anything of the other two brands I have mentioned?
Thank you!
Aga
Aga – Never heard of Muti and/or euroDesign. I’m assuming these are local shops where you are located. Scavolini is a lower quality product that is ‘price driven’ and can’t compete with Bulthaup or Valcucine in quality and/or design.
kitchenguy
Thank you. Yes the other two are local shops that have Italian made cabinets and price out very closely to the Baulthaup B.1. Which system do you find to be better the B.1 from Baulthaup or Démodé from Valcucine? I am looking at a matte lacquer finish. I find that the B.1 is very nice but cannot be customized. Should I also go to boffi or do you think these are pretty much the same products?
Thanks! This is a really great blog.
Aga – all 3 are great. Go with the one that feels best to you and the designer/shop that looks most trust worthy.
kitchenguy
Thanks! I really like the B.1 from Bulthaup but I am getting really poor customer service from them which is quite frustrating. There is also Gatto Cucine which my architect had some great things to say about but it is not in your top 20. What is your take on them?
Aga – Gatto is a nice product Not as good as Bulthaup, but all these products are only as good as the people behind them…
kitchenguy
Is Ricci Millan a good brand compare to the list you’ve mentioned?
Honey – Ricci Milan is not a brand, but rather a showroom in Dubai, selling Stosa cabinets… and no, Stosa is nowhere near the Top 20 brands…
kitchenguy
Hey Kitchenguy,
Deciding between Leicht and Aster Cucine. For a kitchen thats 8X10, Aster is coming in at about 4K less than Leicht (27K). Any advice would be appreciated.
thanks
JD
JD – 6 on one hand, half a dozen in the other – if there’s a 4K difference, go with Aster.
kitchenguy
Is Ernestomeda so far away from the top 20 please?
Mark – not sure about “far”, but Ernestomeda is actually Scavolini’s attempt in making a ‘higher end’…
kitchenguy
What is your opinion on Berloni ? I am considering it along with Santos and Scavolini…
Joey – you better off with the other two. Berloni is not in the greatest of shape these days…
kitchenguy
Hi,
I know that the brand Warendorf is not in your top 20 list, but would like to know in which segment you place this brand.
SS – Warendorf is a unique segment on its own… – for many years, they were the ones producing Miele kitchens. After they lost their license to do so, in 2010, they were left with a factory, producing the most expensive no-name kitchens in the world… They then partnered with Philippe Starck, to create a new line, but that did not prove as the winning formula. They are now trying to re-invent themselves. We’ll keep watching them.
kitchenguy
we are interior company based in Bangalore.
Looking for Italian/imported brand kitchens in Bangalore.
We are looking for good in quality / price.
Like to import directly.
300 kitchens approx. requirement in next 6 months.
suggest some names
Subramani BT – I’m not sure that I follow you – are you looking top purchased kitchens in Bangalore or to import yourself?
kitchenguy
Dear Mr. Subramani,
I am from Sobha Projects and Trade, we are the importers of a Luxury kitchen brand from Germany. You can reach me on +919945022994. We should be able to address your requirment.
Deciding between Arclinea and RECORD e Cucine. Both are sold locally here by design stores that seem to know their business. You do not mention RECORD. How do they compare.
Julian D 0 Arclinea is a better product (will most probably also be more expensive). Record is not as high end and currently are in some financial trouble, so the choice is simple…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
deciding among the good quality kitchens, Bulthaup b3 is the preference, however it is above our budget. which quality brand would you reccommend that offers a modern and minimalist style like b3 but in a lower budget? siematic, poggen pohl or any other?? thank you
Anna – where are you located? Not every brand is available everywhere…
kitchenguy
belgium
Anna – try Haecker
Good luck,
kitchenguy
We have looked at many companies and decided on the Siematic Beaux Art 2 kitchen. The quotes seem to be rather high and standardized, regardless of the country where one orders them from. Are they generally a more expensive brand than the other top brands on your list, and if so, why is this the case?
Soula – SieMatic are more expensive than many other brands and at times, for no apparent reason…
kitchenguy
Thanks! Your advice is very helpful. I have to take back my previous comment about bulthaup as I have since been dealing with the owner and he has been great. I am definitely team bulthaup my husband team gatto so we are in a bind. His concern being that b.1 has ply wood drawer interiors which aren’t good to clean and are not ideal in moisture. What is your opinion?
Aga – I think you’ll need “his” and “hers” kitchens… 🙂
I see his point and I personally am not crazy about that either, but these are the corners they cut to be able to deliver a less expensive kitchen…
kitchenguy
Hehe, his and hers, I like it! If my husband starts to cook he can have just his 😉 I think we might hold off until we can afford bulthaup the way it is meant to be b.3, and with your blessing go for Gatto.
Hi Kitchenguy,
I posted here earlier this year as we were looking for a new kitchen for our house in France. We liked bulthaup B1 and Siematic, also Varenna but finally decided on Pedini Dune. I know that you are a fan of Pedini. We also chose all Gaggenau appliances. The kitchen was installed late September and we have continuing problems with Pedini quality. Out of 14 door fronts, there were quality problems with 5. Replacements were sent a few weeks ago but 2 had wrong hinge cutouts and 1 was again faulty. It will be 3 months (hopefully) from installation before we have a fully completed kitchen. The installation company have been excellent but Pedini quality control seems to be non existant. Gaggenau and their appliances are great.
Certainly not what one expects from a supposed top brand.
Any suggestions ?
Could you give me your thoughts about IKEA and SCAVOLINI, it seems to me the IKEA is the low end brand. But their price is very good. Even the Leicht is not on your top 20 list, do you suggest that?
Oliver – IKEA is the lowest end. plus you’ll need to essemble it yourself… Scavolini, though is not a high end brand, is mucher better than IKEA. Leicht is not in My Top 20, because there are more than 20 brands that are better…
kitchenguy
Hi!
I know that the brand VALDESIGN is not in your top 20 list, but would like to know in which segment you place this brand.
Whats your opinion about VALDESIGN kitchens?
Thanks in advance,
Costas
Con – they are fine, but not in the Top 20…
kitchenguy
You have made some really good points there. I looked on the web for
more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views
on this website.
Hi kitchenguy,
I consider these 3 brands: Bulthaup, Varenna, and Valcucine based on the quality, design and innovation. I have seen your previous comments about Bulthaup and Valcucine compared in the same level. What do you think of Varenna? Is it the same level as Bulthaup and Valcucine?
As you notice, I did not base on service as I have yet to find out. However, what I would like to know is your ranking for these 3 brands as 1 being the highest based solely on overall quality, design and innovation (regardless of price and location etc.)?
Thank you very much. 🙂
VTN – Bulthaup and Valcucine are high quality and inovative design. Varenna is not up to par with them.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Thanks for the information. Okay hopefully, this will be my last question.
We decided to go for an Italian brand. One is Valcucine as I think is the top in Italian brand but I would like to know your recommendation of the top 3 for Italian brands (regardless of price and location) or at least goes apples to apples with it.
I have gone through your top 20 one by one. And I have some brands in mind. However, I would appreciate your recommendations for Italian brand to shortlist into 3 for me or your Top 3 Italian since you are expert already in the Italian brand names (based on overall quality, design and innovation).
I have chosen Bulthaup and Valcucine as my first choices. Now that I will be focusing on Italian brand at least to give myself some choices before we set our final decision.
I really appreciate your help.
Thank you very much in advance.
VTN – it is impossible – any of these Italian brands, in the Top 20 are very good and one offers things the other doesn’t… – they are all tops!
kitchenguy
Kitchen Guy,
Valcucine and bulthaup are very different brands, but we’re also between the same brands! I have been leaning toward bulthaup, but am worried I’m just more familiar as an architect. Valcucine is beautiful, but will it last the test of time like bulthaup is said to?
Lucy – sorry, but your question is not clear…
They are both great 🙂
kitchenguy
Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this web site needs
far more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information!
Hi kitchenguy,
Thank you for your blog. Is there very much difference between Hacker Classic and RWK? As a layman I can’t tell !
George
George – mainly, it is the number of options and the ability to customize.
kitchenguy
Kitchenguy, your comments and insight are very helpful.
Do you have any thoughts on Pedini v. Miton?
PK – Pedini is several levels above Miton, in every aspect.
kitchenguy
We have a choice between a fully lacquered Balerina kitchen and a Hacker with a laminate front and a PVC edging. Price is similar but the balerina dealer is offering far better appliances
What’s your view on the quality between the 2 companies and the different finish in units?
Many thanks in advance
Jon – hacker is a better pdoduct but balerina is giving you more expensive doors and appliances… – your call…
kitchenguy
What great site! thank you for all of the valuable information.
We’re looking for Modern /Minimal Style of cabinetry, Well made & low maintenance. We have a large kitchen so pricing is a factor. Is there any possibility you might at some point rearrange your list according to approximate average price range? For us at least it would be a huge help!
Thank you so much!
Aloha, from Hawaii!
Rebecca Han – sorry, but I’m not sure who’s left in Hawaii… This last recession dwindled down the number of options on the islands…
Maybe somone will reday this and respond.
kitchenguy
Kitchenguy, I am so impressed with the fact that you are sharing your knowledge with the public all over the world – My husband and I are truly laymen when it comes to kitchen cabinetry and we are very drawn to the Italian/European brands. At this time we are debating between Pedini and ValCucine – both are offered within the state of Florida. Do you have any advice as to which may be better for a family with 2 adults and 2 kids?
PK – thanks for the kind words. Both are great products – make your decision based on the local people, handling these products. I must feel comfortable with the dealer. At the end of the day – all these products are only as good as the people behind them…
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Kitchenguy, for a kitchen remodel in California (Bay Area) with local representation and a mid tier price range (say $35K – $50K for cabinets in an sligtly above average size kitchen) can you narrow the top 20 to 3-5 that will meet this criteria
Mike – based on the geographical availability and budget range, these are your options: Pedini, Poggenpohl, Snaidero, Varenna.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
hi Kitchenguy, we r in a dilemma now. Fortunately, i come across ur blog and found it more useful. How do u differentiate Veneta cucine and Aran ?
ur answer would be more helpful in terms of our decision. Tks, Bharatnesa
Bharatnesa – they are both ‘price driven’ products, but based on recent service reports and current quality to price ratio, I’d go with Aran (assuming the price is similar).
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Your opinion on Snaidero Kitchens….the OLA 20 in particular??
Mike – good company, very nice model.
kitchenguy
Hi there kitchen guy, aren’t you based in the U.S? Could you have a peek at my other halves site? http://www.garrettdillon.ie Small company in Ireland. Thanks. Great blog, by the way!
Sue – these are beautiful!
Thanks,
kitchenguy
Hey Kitchen Guy,
So we have finalized our kitchen decision however I would like your opinion of countertop material. In the past we have always selected a Caesar Stone but I am enamoured with the ultra thin 10mm countertops and am looking at the Neolith product. In your opinion is the 10mm porcelain surface good enough for a kitchen counter? I have pretty long straight runs and a 10′ island.
Thanks! Once again yours is the only expert opinion I trust 🙂
-a
aga – I personally love Caesarstone and Neolith, so I guess this decison needs to be all yours… 🙂
kitchenguy
We recently visited kdcuk and they recommended next125. Are they comparable to haecker?
http://www.next125.de/en/index.htm
Michael – the two are similar – go with the one that you like better. either the product, the design, the designer or the showroom.
Good luck!
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchen Guy,
Compare Boffi and Hacker, which one will you prefer? We are now struggling which one to go for…
And, in this top 20 that you have compile, if you have to pick one only, which company will you go for?
Ricky – Boffi is like a Maserati, Haecker is an Audi. Choose based on what you think you like… – uniquness, design, performence, value, service, etc – they should all go into account.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Please compare Zeyko, Wellmann and Zaccariotto in terms of quality. We are talking about the same material and finish (Melamine/Laminate, matt and glossy). The difference in price between the 3 is not that big.
Thank you
Hi Kitchenguy,
Please compare Zeyko, Wellmann and Zaccariotto in terms of quality. We are talking about the same material and finish, Melamine/Laminate matt and glossy. The difference in price between the three is not that big.
Thank you
Hayfa – Zeyko, Zaccariotto and Welmann, in this order.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Could you please compare Boffi, Toncelli, Dada, Varenna and Arclinea from price/quality ratio. All of them are on your top 20 list, I know, but how would you rate them. If you can’t rate from the price/quality ratio, then only from price level, from high to low.
Thanks so much.
Samir Rzayev – Boffi, Toncelli, Dada, Arclinea and Varenna, in this order.
kitchenguy
Thanks for your straightforward and very helpfull answers. Two questions ;
# What is your personel list for the best in your top 20 and in what sense ?
# Are there any other list like this ?
Thanks a lot
HA
Hi – see My Personal Top 20 post.
kitchenguy