Many of you have asked me for a ‘top 10 list’ of European kitchen companies. Being that in my mind ‘Top 10’ is not just about company size and/or sales volume (especially in today’s economy…) I’m still working on that list for you and sooner or later it will be posted.
In the mean time, with the help of a good friend (thank you, A.S.), I was able to come up with the list of the largest companies in the European kitchen brands for you.
The difficult part about coming up with such a list is how do you measure size, or I should say – by what parameters. I see, some European companies are actually part of a Group – they own several kitchen brands/factories, not necessarily all in the same country (!). Some manufacture kitchens but also sell retail, through a chain of factory owned stored. They may produce less kitchens, then another company, but if you add their retail sales, to their wholesale figures and then add appliances (manufactured by appliance companies, counters and even labor, the comparison is simply not easy.
So with the above in mind, the only way to create the list (without going nuts) is really just by total sales figures (Europeans like to use the term – ‘Turnover’). So here is the list:
1. Nobia Group (Sweden) – There are many companies in this group, like Poggenpohl and Pronorm (Germany), HTH (Denmark), Marbodal (Sweden), Sigdal (Norway), EWE (Austria), plus, they also have a retail-network in the group – Magnet (UK).
2. Nobilia (Germany) – one company.
3. Alno Group – Alno, Wellmann, Pino and Impuls (Germany).
4. Cuisine Schmidt (France) – including a retail-network.
5. Häcker (Germany) – one company.
6. Nolte (Germany) – one company.
7. Mobalpa (France) – including a retail-network.
8. Schüller (Germany) – one company.
9. Bauformat Group – Bauformat and Burger (Germany).
10. Snaidero Group – Snaidero (Italy), Rational (Germany and including retail-networks like Ixina and Cuisine-Plus.
Some intresting facts:
- The majority of the companies, in the above list, are from Germany and the Scandinavian countries. In that part of Europe, the groups (or concerns) are very typical and have been around since before Columbus discovered America… (no joke!).
- The only Italian company is in the tenth spot – unlike the northern Europeans, in the southern part of Europe, the opposite is more common – smaller companies, privately owned and operated. Even inside Italy, the more south you go, the smaller and more family owned and operated the companies are. With that said, there are a lot more Italian kitchen companies operating and selling kitchens, then there are German and Scandinavian combined…
- If we only consider single factory sales, without retail sales and/or other companies in the Group, the largest one is Nobilia, from Germany, then Häcker, Nolte and Schüller, from Germany.
- This list is not guaranteed, as many companies do not publish their sales figures but is fairly close to reality. Also, the list can change in one day, if one of the groups decides to sell off a factory or two, or in return, to acquire a couple of brands.
Can anyone tell me what Brigitte kitchens are like? Are they better than Nobilia? Thanks
Sammie – they are a much smaller company, but about the same quality.
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy,
There are 3 kitchen brands available in my city, Alno , Haecker & Nolte. The quote is nearly the same from all the 3 brands. Nolte has a good marketing team and they claim that they are the best. Can you kindly help me in choosing the best one in terms of build quality.
Ashok – between these 3 its easy – Haecker.
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy. First of all: excellent blog and thanks for answering so many questions!
In what order would you place Elementa, Brigitte, Schmidt and Beckermann, quality-wise?
Can you give some advise on how to distinguish a good quality kitchen from a lesser quality when in a showroom?
Henk H. – I don’y know much about Elementa (just waht is on their web site, which is very little) – it looks like some local shops, not a manufacturer… Or, are you referring to Element Kitchens, the Swiss company. In any case, they are about the same level and price – chose based on the local dealer, design and service.
kitchenguy
Hello, kitchen guy – what is the difference,if any, in quality between bauformat and burger,
And how do they compare with intoto ? i have had designs from outlets
for both which are similar in price and both guys seem competent and experienced?
Also you seem to like Hacker but in terms of construction quality alone,
in what way are they superior to Bauformat? I am London based btw.
Jason Simpson – bauformat and burger are the same company – just two different price points. Intoto is an English chain of showrooms, owned by the Alno/Wellmann group.
Haecker is superior to both, in all aspects.
kitchenguy
Hi kitchen guy , i am looking for famous Italian kitchen manufacturer to represent as a dealer in MEA , any suggestions other than scavolini or snaidero … , thank you
serge.c – look at the lists on this blog – many to chose from…
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Could you please help us out with the following? We’re going to buy a kitchen, already been to a few shops. These are the brands we have to choose from: Kvik, Rotpunkt or Salvani. One of the guys who sells Salvani (the same ad Rotpunkt) tells me Kvik is inferior quality to Salvani. Is this true?
Thanks in advance, Tim
Tim – sorry, but I know very little about Kvik and Salvani…
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy,
I am looking into buying a new kitchen, as I am totally remodelling my house. I live in Denmark, and there are several Danish Kitchen manufacturers, but I heard good things about the German Manufacturers, and wanted to explore that option.
I am looking for a modern minimalist look with lots of built in functionality. I Leicht looks nice, but I think that is out of my budget range. Häcker and Störmer also have some nice designs.
Budget wise, I am looking for something around £10-15K (all inclusive). The kitchen is about 10-15 square meters. Which brands would you recommend I look at?
Torsten – very hard to price kitchens based on this info – just visit the local dealers, see the product and get a free estimate.
kitchenguy
hi kitchen guy
stuck on what kitchen brand to buy liecht or schuller next 125 although designer is trying to push
schuller c system
thanks neil
neil kelly – next 125 would be my choice.
kitchenguy
Hi, I am building a 5 Bedroom house in Lagos, Nigeria, I require a very good kitchen manufacturer in Germany to make this dream a reality. Can you suggest a very good german kitchen maker for me.
peter omamegbe – not sure who’s in lagos. Sorry…
kitchenguy
Hi. Interesting thread. I was just about to commit to a Schmidt kitchen but then heard another kitchen designer saying that in France, Schmidt are a budget range and ithe company is having a big marketing drive to get their product into the UK as a higher end kitchen at inflated prices. This doesn’t seem right to me, in the showroom the quality of the product seemed pretty good. Any thoughts?
Also, they are a bit out of our price range. We have allowed £25k and told the designer before we started planning but it’s coming in at £34k all inclusive of: appliances, fitting and VAT. It’s a big kitchen 6m x 6m , handleless gloss doors, floor to ceiling units, stone work tops, huge island, mostly drawers etc, do it isn’t going to be cheap. They’ve offered to give us 2 free Neff ovens as a sweetener (RRP about £900 each) My husband and I are poor negotiators. Should we be able to get a percentage discount and if so how much? 5. 10, 20% ?
Any advice much appreciated.
Cazlit – I’m sorry but there simply isno way that i can comment on any of this, without seeing plans, design optionss, etc. It will be wrong of me to do so.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
We have been looking at a number of german kitchens however it can be confusing. We have tried to compare like for like. we are after High Gloss Lacquered door however its the edging and carcusses that confuse me
We have looked at Nobilia, Hacker, Schuller and RWK.
Is there a big difference between the 4 brands, does any stand out well above the others…i am aware that it can be down the owner preferences but any thoughts / opinions would be good.
Many thanks
booty – they all offer more than one line, so it is really hard to compare, but if all else is equal, I’d go with Hacker or Schuller.
kitchenguy
Many thanks for the reply kitchen guy –
We were looking at the RWK – vida range, the Schuller Gala or Fino ranges and the Hacker systemat range. I have been able to see the RWK kitchens, however we don’t have any showroom for the other two near us.
Are there any significant draw backs to the ranges?
Many thanks
booty – all are good and more or less the same. Go with the one you feel more comfortable with, in terms of the shop, designer, etc.
kitchenguy
Hello.
I am pleasure to see your site. and l need. More information and how to take the agent to my cantr y ..l am interiors design.
Thank, s.
E.D.Mohamed. Gahed
?
kitchenguy
Which company has the best quality and value between Bauformat, Leicht and Rational. We are building a new home in California and need a good amount of cabinetry. If you feel it is warranted, rate the quality and value separately. Your reply will be appreciated.
Joan – Leicht.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
Having said that Kitchen cabinet manufacturers in Germany and Scandanavian countries tend to be corporate large companies type while in Italy more of family owned smaller businesses.
In your openion, how would you descripe the pros and cons of the “product” of corporates vs smaller family or so run business. Maybe also which would be more suitable for type of consumer.
Thank you so much for the blog.
AA – that was taken out of context. Out of the Top 10 Largest, that was true. In general, there are all types of corporations, in all of these countries.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy
We want a kitchen in Lacquer and Veneer finish.
We have seen too many brands and are now getting confused.
Could you please provide your expert opinion and help shortlist from the following brands:
Hacker
Poggenpohl
Snaidero
Boffi
Lube
Veneto Cucine
Nobilia
Eagerly awaiting your expert advise
Vips – Boffi, Hacker, Poggenpohl, Snaidero and then the other 3.
kitchenguy
Kitchen Guy – Thank you for your prompt response.
I looked up Nobilia after reading your post “10 largest European kitchen companies”. However they do not provide Veneer, but offer some good alternative materials that give similar look and feel.
How would you rate Nobillia against Hacker?
cheers
Vips
Vips – not as good…
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy
Could you please also advise if Goldreif by Poggenpohl can be compared with Hacker and Snaidero
Thanks
Vips – no. It’s a lower grade product, thus the price…
kitchenguy
Hi
I am looking at buying a kitchen
Can you advise me on best value for money
Want entry level, decent quality,
Possible known or established brand
What would be your 5 choices
Laheriay – where are you located?
kitchenguy
Hi,
I am between a lacquered kitchen from poggenpohl or hacker. Poggenpohl is about 30% more expensive. Is their product much superior or more or less the same as haecker’s?
Thanks
Effie – both are very good quality. Poggenpohl has a bigger name, but if you are comparing the same design, there is little to no difference.
kitchenguy
How would you rate stormer kitchen?
paul – good.
kitchenguy
How do you rate the Danish Multiform kitchens against Hacker/phoggenphol
Hugh – I don’t… 🙂
kitchenguy
I am from India owning a small kitchen manufacturing set up .
I am in the look out for Luxury Kitchen maker from Europe who can join with me as a JV partner or give agency to supply to high end apartment / villas in Bangalore India
Cheema
Cheema – supply only? No showrooms, etc.?
kitchenguy
Hi Mr Cheema,
We can discuss. I am in to Kitchen design and sales in London. I can discuss different options to meet your requirement.
Hi kitchenguy, thank you for your brilliant pages.
I like to know, what are Germanys biggest factorys for no name kitchens?
I know that Nobilia is the first but who are the next four?
Thanks again.
Thoughts on Keller kitchens -a Dutch company. We like their options . They appear to be good quality, but can’t tell if their pricing is good about twice Ikea price.
bill blass – small company, only selling in Holland and UK. Don’t know much about them…
kitchenguy
Hi kitchenguy,
I am looking at buying a kitchen
How do you rate Nobilia and Bauformat?
Waseem – I like Nobilia a little better.
kitchenguy
Hi, I would like to know your opinion about Modulnova and Homecucine. Are they good quality, and what do you think about them….thankyou
Elena Guerra – Modulnova is better quality then Home.
kitchenguy
And is Modulnova a good quality kitchen???
How does it compare to Valcucine??
Thank you so much for your help!!! I live in Mexico but I´m moving to Switzerland and I´m building my home a bit long distance and I really don´t know much about European brands.
Elena Guerra – both are very good.
Go with the designer yu like better.
kitchenguy
hi kitchenguy, we are based in dubai and considering a kitchen with either Haecker Basic or Schuller C series. We have gone through with the basic designs with (G shaped, 12sqm) with Siemens appliances. Handleless designs. Matt finish
We are being quoted $41k at Schuller (basic cabinetry, with appliances, quartz countertops and foster faucets etc) and c.$47k with Haecker basic. From some online pricing calculators (http://www.pricemykitchen.co.uk/quickquote.html etc), we see 30-40% lower quotes. (there is no VAT in Dubai)
Without the detailed designs, does the pricing sound ballpark fair or way off?
Also, we have a Siematic showroom here. How would you rate them vs Haecker, Schuller and how much higher/lower would they be on pricing like to like?
kitchensearch – not enough info to convey an opinion…
Sorry…
kitchenguy
Hi KitchenGuy
we were searching for months and we are now puzzled between Hacker and nolte the price is the same
what is your recommendation between the two Brands
Tameem – haecker.
kitchenguy
which is the best german brand kitchen available in india. what is your opinion on SEA BAUFORMAT?
jos – best German brand in India, probably Bulthaup. Bauformat is on the lower end of the scale.
kitchenguy
What about Nolte kitchens vs Nobilia or Hacker?
Dalia – Nolte and Nobilia are semilar. Haecker is much more versital and goes higher-end.
kitchenguy
nolte, hacker, bauformat which is the best?
jos – that’s an easy one – Haecker.
kitchenguy
I am based at india. Looking for a kitchen for my villa. kindly advice me to select from the options available. sieMatic, Bulthaup,Hacker, Valcucine.
Tomy – all 4 are great product. It really depends on the design you’re looking for. They each have a very unique look. SieMatic and Haecker are more ‘streamlined’; Bulthaup and Valcucine are more ‘cutting edge’.
kitchenguy
What’s your view on Schrder.Where do they fall in pecking order say compared to hacker or Mobalpa. How would you rate Mobalpa in UK?
Som – did you mean Schroeder? Haecker is better. Similar to Mobalpa.
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy
I’m from Bahrain ,kindly sort the these German Kitchen from the best to lest best in term of quality and maintains schuller ,nolte,hacker ,Bauformat & Burger .
mariam – in this order: Haecker, Schueller, Nolte, Bauformat & Burger.
kitchenguy
kitchen guy,
pls can u tell me what are the top 10 european/german base modular kitchen brands to consider in india.
kitchenfinder – see “>this post, as well as this one.
kitchenguy
Hi there, my name is Alan and am a student I am currently doing a thesis on kitchen manufacturing and looking for any info on how big the kitchen industry is in Europe and Ireland cannot find any valid info anywhere if any one could please help me out it would be greatly appreciated.
Your knowledge is extremely good. Just wanted to know the difference between Hettich and Blum drawer system .
Thanks
Bharat Pathak – Blum, Hettich, Grass and so is Salice – are all good and all high quality. The difference is in the branding and marketing. Blum seems to be leading the pack – they are investing more in R&D and more consumers prefer their product.
kitchenguy
Purchasing in the UK> Comparing Haecker Systemat, Rational (lower end) and Rotpunkt mid range All gloss. It is so hard to compare just seeing them in the showroom. Which is better quality?
moneypenny – this one is an easy one – Haecker.
kitchenguy
Hi,
I am in the middle of a search for a new kitchen and until now the two best offers were from wellmann and burger. What is your opinion for these two manufacturers? Is one of the two better in terms of quality? Do you have to propose anyone else?
Thanks a lot 🙂
Kostas – they are very similar and both are you basic product – good price, but not much more…
kitchenguy
Hi, Buying in UK. Am currently looking at Kutchenhaus (Nobilia) & Mobalpa – going for high gloss with Corian worktops. Cant really decide if there is a big difference in quality between these two. Haven’t received formal quotes yet but it looks like Mobalpa will be more expensive. Any advice ?
Sanlak – Mobalpa should be higher in price, as it is also a bit higher in quality.
kitchenguy
hi kitchen guy,
I need your support, which one has better quality than another: Nobilia Chalet model (Price group 9), or Bauformat New York model (Price group 4)??
asu1033 – very similar.
kitchenguy
Mobalpa or nobilia?
Sarah – Mobalpa
kitchenguy
what do you think about arrex kitchens .and how do you compare it with arredo 3 and Nobilia
Fiona – no problem there.
kitchenguy
Dear Kitchenguy,
which is better in lacquer range? Nobilia or Schuller?
Regards
yousif – Schuller
kitchenguy
What about German private organization like Hafele? Why are they not in the list?
Koko – look under hardware…
kitchenguy
How does Alno compare with the rest.
? Is it high end?
Irshadul Haq – the “rest” is better…
kitchenguy
Which is better Liecht or nolte?
Indian – Leicht
kitchenguy
hi,
kitchen guy.I am looking for a kitchen carcasses supplier which can provide flat pack high quality with various finishing for respective designs. How could you introduce any with high reputation?
HOOMAN – for where?
kitchenguy
hi kitchenguy, four questions, would be grateful if you could answer as many as you can:
1) i’m looking for some advice in choosing a german kitchen brand. the options that the designers are suggesting are Brigitte, Burger (Bauformat), or RotPunkt
2) do you think one of these kitchens would add more value to a flat as opposed to, lets say, a UK Magnet kitchen?
3) what approach would you recommend to find a good kitchen fitter?
4) what is a sensible amount to invest in re-doing a kitchen (as a percentage of the overall cost of the flat)?
thanks,
ro
ro – 1) Brigitte, or RotPunkt.
2) Yes.
3) Go with a company that offers the entire job (Design, supply & installation).
4) Generally 10%, but it is very different, when you’re in the city vs, outside the city.
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
i want to buy a hacker kitchen for rwanda. i will install myself.
as nothing is there. willing to travel to anypart of the world to do the design and order.
is hacker priced the same globally, or are there places where it is cheaper eg
cars are cheaper in usa vs uk.
wong – I would guess that in Germany, you’ll get the best price, as the shipping costs will be lower.
kitchenguy
Hi
I am looking to put new kitchens in my showroom, I deal with Bauformat and uform kitchens as well as my own hand built kitchens. Bauformat have offered me a great deal and I know the product well. Just thinking should I look at Stormer kitchens instead of Bauformat?
Thanks
phillip tylman – yes! It’s a better product…
kitchenguy
Hi Kitchenguy,
witch is better Siematic or Poggenpohl?
Thanks forward.
Archie – very similar, though SieMatic is a bit better, quality wise.
kitchenguy