The 10 largest European Kitchen Companies

The Nobia Group                            Häcker                                   Mobalpa, France   

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.

Bauformat, Germany                      Nobilia, Germany                          Cuisine Schmidt
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.

Nolte, Germany       Alno Group, Germany         Schüller, Germany           Snaidero Group, Italy  

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 GroupAlno, 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.

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kitchenguy

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

This Post Has 670 Comments

  1. KitchenLost

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    We are in the process of renovating our house and are shopping around for a new kitchen.
    We have been to Hacker, Arclinea, Schuller, Leicht, Siematic, Snaidero. All gave similar designs. Quality and budget are driving our decision. How would you rate their quality in order?
    The prices we got in decreasing order Semantic, Arclinea, Hacker, Snaidero=Schuller, Leicht
    Much appreciate any input on your behalf…THX

    1. kitchenguy

      KitchenLost – as always, if all else is similar, go with the designer/shop you feel better about.
      kitchenguy

      1. KitchenLost

        THX!!
        Narrowed the choices down to Arclinea, Schueller (C Line) and Snaidero. All in matte laminate, quartz top and similar design – all with good designers/shops.
        Arclinea pricing out highest.
        Appreciate if can you rate them in order of quality?
        (Is Leicht as a brand comparable to Schueller? Better/Worse?)
        Much appreciated!

        PS. Great blog for all of us out there who are totally lost and overwhelmed!

        1. kitchenguy

          KitchenLost – all 3 are nice but Arclinea is a bit nicer. Not sure what the price difference is but if it is too high – go with one of the other 2.
          Leicht is comperable, though I’d go with Schueller.
          kitchenguy

  2. Pri

    Hi Kitchenguy.

    I’m based in south west London and am looking for a brand new German kitchen for my flat (4m x 3.5m). I’m looking to spend around £13-£17k on units, quartz worktop, appliances and fitting. I have a few questions:

    1. What type of unit finishes are available and what is the best type? Which manufacturer sells the best type?
    2. What type of hinges are available? which are best ? and which manufacturers sell the best type?
    3. I’ve been looking at a Brigitte kitchen. How does the quality compare to Nobilia?
    4. Are there any other German kitchens you would recommend around this price range?

    Many thanks in advance.

    1. kitchenguy

      Pri –
      1. too many questions that are not easy to answer…
      2. See EUROPEAN HARDWARE COMPANIES on the right side of the page, towards the bottom.
      3. Similar.
      4. Many…
      kitchenguy

  3. Lin

    Pronorm vs Brigge (can’t remember exact spelling) , which one is better?

    1. kitchenguy

      Lin – both the same, more or less…
      kitchenguy

  4. Nikhil

    Hi kitchen guy

    I want to open a modular kitchen store in india
    Please suggest me
    Nolte and haecker is available here
    Thinking for nolte
    Confused
    Please suggest me in india which brand you feel best for selling

    1. Nikhil

      Nolte , boffi, poggenpohl, bulthaup, dada kitchen ,
      These are the options i have

      1. kitchenguy

        Nikhil – I’m assuming you want me to rank them in order… (?).

        If so – Bulthaup and Boffi, than Dada and Poggenpohl and then way behind…. Nolte.
        kitchenguy

    2. kitchenguy

      Nikhil – between these 2 – Haecker for sure!
      kitchenguy

      1. Nikhil

        Thankyou kitchenguy
        The only problem with haecker is its showroom is already there so i cant work with them
        Bulthaup and boffi are better than all????
        Which one is the best any new name which is not in my list
        Plzz lemme kno….

        1. kitchenguy

          Nikhil – yes they are.
          Not sure who is there and who isn’t…
          sorry…
          kitchenguy

  5. Miriam

    Hi Kitchenguy, I”m in Ireland and have the option of Leicht or Rotpunkt – which would be better quality? Thanks, Miriam

    1. kitchenguy

      Miriam – both are similar. Go with the designer/studio you like better.
      kitchenguy

  6. Duuren

    Hi,

    I am from Mongolia, seeking kitchen in in Germany. I was advised SieMatic as the most preferable brand in Germany by my friend. Is that truly so?

    1. kitchenguy

      Duuran – not true. It sure is a good product, but Bulthaup, Poggenpohl and others are just as good if not better.
      kitchenguy

  7. Richard

    Hi Kitchen Guy

    We are looking at getting a new kitchen and your thoughts would be a great help on a number of things.
    We had a local independent designer round who designed a Pronorm x line handless kitchen. Am I correct in thinking they do an Y line handless as well?? is there any difference in build quality or is it just the opening style?? Am I also correct in thinking that the same carcass is used and its the doors that add the cost as such??

    The designer highlighted that there is not a great deal of difference between the group 4 and group 2 lacquered doors?? how true is that??

    They also stock Alno and Rempp kitchens are these significantly better in quality.

    Many thanks

    1. kitchenguy

      Richard – not 100% sure of all the little differences on this product and so I don’t want to give ouy the wrong info. Alno and Rempp are similar.
      kitchenguy

  8. Catlady

    Hi my builder suggested I get a Howdens or Benchmarx kitchen but I would like a better quality finish – do you have any knowledge of Schmidt kitchens and if so, what do you think? How do they compare to the likes of Haecker?

    1. kitchenguy

      Catlady – Schmidt is a good company, similar to haecker.
      kitchenguy

  9. Kenneth

    hi,

    I am based in the UK and I am thinking of going to Germany and buying direct from a retailer there.

    I have heard that the prices are generally discounted when compared to retailer in UK selling German kitchen, do you have any experience of this? recent currency fluctuations may have tipped the balance with this however.

    thanks

    Kenneth

  10. Vanessa

    Hi
    We’re base in the UK and we’ve got quotes for Rational, Rotpunkt and Schuller Next 125 (and Pronorm). In the quotes received, Schuller Next 125 was the cheapest which is not what I had expected. How do you perceive the quality of these 3 brands compared to one another?
    I was told that Rotpunkt’s new carcasses are more eco-friendly which is a real plus for us. Do you have by any chance more info on this aspect regarding the other brands? Many thanks!
    Vanessa

  11. Raj

    HI,
    I have shortlisted Nolte, Hacker and Poliform. Poliform is expensive than Hacker and Nolte while Nolte is the cheapest amongst this.
    I understand that Nolte uses chipboard while the other 2 uses HDF.
    Poliform has 6 side laminate / laquer while Nolte / Hacker has melamine coat inside.

    From durability and water resistant perspective, how does chip board and melamine rank up. Please share your views

  12. Shilpa

    Hi Kitchen Guy,

    I am based out of India and have shortlisted Nolte, Hacker and Scavolini..there is a tad extra usage of water in our kitchen.

    Can your pls recommend which one of above three are better in quality.

    Thanks,
    Shilpa

    1. puneet

      Hi shilpa,

      You can go for Alno also, which is better than hacker, they have a solution for water problems which are hapening in indian kitchens.

      Thanks
      Puneet

  13. Richard

    Hi Kitchenguy

    We have managed to find 3 german kitchen companies near to us one does Hacker, one Pronorm and one Nobillia.

    We are after a gloss handless kitchen so all things being equal are any of the 3 better or worst then each other.

    The pro norm x line we looked at comes with shoe like inserts for end panels which we were told adds extra protection however is it really needed??

    I am guessing all 3 will use the same basic carcass components.

    is a lacquered door with the PVC edging vastly inferior to completely lacquered doors?

    Many thanks

    Richard

  14. Gabriel

    Hi kitchenguy,

    I’m working on a kitchen remodel, and need to find a good cabinet company that can do custom, is high quality, but does not cost an arm and a leg to buy. I got a quote from SieMatic for $20,000 on cabinets only.

    Are there any brands with comparable quality but at a lower price? Or any companies at 50% of the price and not a huge degradation in quality?

    As long as I can buy in the U.S., I’m fine. Thank you for your expertise!!

    1. Gabriel

      I’d actually like to add to my question. I’m in the U.S., what are the best value for the money modern kitchen brands available for purchase here?

      I want to go with laminate (which is often the lowest price group), because for me quality and utility is more important than looking expensive.

      So far, I’ve seen Poggenpohl, ArcLinea, and SieMatic (price high to low order). Any others I should check? I liked SieMatic, but want to see if any others offer better value for the money.

      1. kitchenguy

        gabriel – where in the US are you…?
        kitchenguy

        1. Gabriel

          I am in the San Francisco Bay Area. So far, I’ve seen the following brands but more may be available:

          I already know these are out of my range – Boffi, Poggenpohl, Bulthaup and ArcLinea

          Others I’ve seen – Snaidero, SieMatic, Leicht, Alno, Pedini, Kvänum, and Varenna Poliform

          There might be others that I don’t know. I want something better than IKEA, but I can’t afford a SieMatic right now. What choices do I have?

          1. kitchenguy

            Gabriel – try Pedini’s Eko line. It’s moderately priced, but high quality and looks like the more expensive Pedini models.
            kitchenguy

          2. Graham Gould

            We are one of the importers for Rational. A German company owned by Snaidero. We are approx. 30% less than Poggenpohl and Siematic as we don’t have corporate showrooms and huge advertising expenses.

            please contact us at g2desint@yahoo.com

          3. gabriel

            Hi kitchenguy, following your recommendation, I also inquired Pedini about the Eko line, but the price quote that I got was at least 50% over my budget. The only kitchen systems that came close to my budget were Hacker Classic line and Leicht Contino line. Am I comparing apples to apples or would you recommend one over the other? This is my final selection 🙂

          4. kitchenguy

            gabriel – they are both good.
            kitchenguy

  15. Ruud

    Hi kitchenguy.

    Great website and blog. Have been using it for the past few weeks!!
    I am choosing between 2 brands arrex and hacker systemat? Im leaning towards hacker but its 20% more expensive. Shall i go for hacker or is it not worth the extra money??

    Eagerly awaiting your reply
    Thanks in advance

    Ruud

    1. kitchenguy

      Ruud – it’s well worth the money!
      kitchenguy

  16. Adam

    Do you have information whether they produce their own panels to produce kitchen? I mean pvc covered unsized semifinished panels.
    Or they import the panels and produce those brilliant kitchens?

  17. Gloria Amezcua

    There is a Kitchen Cabinet & Bath store that opened up in Katy, Texas called Europa Kitchens. They carry Bilia Kitchens. I am trying to find out more about them. My home is not a high-end home and I cannot afford the luxury brands. Do you think I would be happy with this brand?

    Thank you.

    Gloria

    1. kitchenguy

      Gloria Amezcua – you probably mean Nobilia. They are the largest company in the world and as such – a budget product. May be a good fit for you.
      kitchenguy

  18. SUNIL BANSAL

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I am from India i want to start a kitchen retail business in New delhi the capital of india. not so high a medium brand is suitable here can u suggest me the brand

    1. kitchenguy

      SUNIL BANSAL – not sure who’s already there, so it will be hard to do…
      Sorry,
      kitchenguy

  19. Mr M S Nair

    Hi,
    I am a consultant in the building materials trade. One of my clients based in the GCC is keen to have really top class kitchen brands (luxury) for his home(s), as well as some middle level brands for his construction company .
    Would appreciate your inputs here.
    FYI, I was heading the operations of VIlleroy and Boch in India before I quit in 2012 and started my own consultancy.
    KR
    M S Nair

    1. kitchenguy

      Mr M S Nair – not sure where exactly you are and what’s available there…
      kitchenguy

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  21. Jjg

    Hi
    How would one compare price / quality between Alno, siematic and hacker?
    Also, is nobilia much cheaper? What do you have to say about Moore?

    1. Jjg

      *Nolte

  22. William

    Hi kitchen guy,

    Have a new build project coming up and have some options available in Mauritius, namely schmidt, mobalpa, arrital, nolte but some brands like pedini and siematic have had some poorlocal reviews so I am avoiding these brands, they also seem to be out of budget. Hacker seems like a good bet but they aren’t sold in mauritius yet. Is there any advice you could give me on schmidt and arrital regarding price and quality? Thanks

  23. Akash Parmar

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    I’m looking for a high quality budget friendly kitchen. Could you recommend any good European brands?

    Please let me know if you need any other information.

    Thanks,

    Akash

  24. Nagesha

    I am getting a kitchen done for my house in Bangalore, India. The suggestion is from Scavolini brand with Blum machanisms. The contractor is also suggesting Laminates as it is economical.

    Please suggest whether the brand Scavolini is good for Indian rough and tough handling?

    1. kitchenguy

      Nagasha – prob. as good as the other choice your contractor…
      kitchenguy

  25. Chris Gamble

    Can you please give me an estimation of how many Factory only kitchens made in EU are sold in the EU in particular Haecker? How infuencial is the EU Single Market to them and what would be the impact of a collapse of the single market on their sales please.

    1. kitchenguy

      Chris Gamble – this is a study, not an answer I can give here, in a minute… Sorry
      kitchenguy

  26. Gretchen Trout

    Hi – looking to rip out kitchen and start afresh. Want a white matt flat slab, and down to choosing between a laqcuered door in their silk range from Masterclass based in the UK (where I am ) and a German lacquered laminate by Alno . Both through local showrooms. Are German kitchens better quality than English? Concerns me a bit about a laminated door delaminating, and like look of masterclass and seems to have better carcase. Can you advise which would be the better choice, especially when warranties on doors seem so poor in terms of number of years.

    1. kitchenguy

      Gretchen Trout – German kitchens are generally better, but stay away from Alno… They may not be around for long…
      kitchenguy

  27. Agnese Battistella

    Dear Kitchenguy, I’ve found this webside by case and I’am amazed of your knowledge regarding kitchens. I work in Italian company producing curved elements for kitchens and bathrooms. The production started 49 years ago. We have huge experience on that business. Till now we have collaborated with Italian manufacturers and now we would like to enlarge the sell to foreign countries. Do you have any idea who can be interested? Any suggestion for UK market? How to search the manufacturers who use curved elements for their collections? Thank a lot. Agnese Battistella

    1. kitchenguy

      Agnese – not sure that I follow your question and how it relates to kitchens… – ?
      kitchenguy

  28. Ken

    Hi kitchen guy…

    Local kitchen suppliers near me stocks stormer or rotpunkt German kitchen brand, which of the two brand should I go for?

    Thanks

    Ken

    1. kitchenguy

      Ken – both are somewhat similar – go with the dealer you like better.
      kitchenguy

  29. Ganesh Rayapudi

    Dear kitchen guy

    I am located in dubai
    We got a 4 mt x 3 my kitchen quote from hacker around USD 30,000.
    If I take from directly from Germany Haecker company will I save money? But what about fixing ( installation)and guarantees ? Please guide me .

  30. Christin

    Hi Kitchenguy, as an expat living in Austria, and building a house, you have no idea how helpful your blog is! Thank you! So far, I’m in between Intuo and Nolte. Amazingly, the cost of the same Miele appliances are considerably cheaper with the Nolte option. I guess they have struck a deal due to the sheer number of the kitchens they sell. Would love your opinion on which option to go with or if there’s one in the same range I should be considering. Thanks in advance!

  31. Deepak

    I want to know that what is new and trabding material used for kitchen finish..??

  32. Dave-DIY

    Hi kitchen guy,

    Have overdosed looking at Getman handleless kitchen here in the Uk. Have seen Haecker, Schuller, Nolte, Remp, Siematic, Schmidt, Kuhlmann and Bulthaup. Favourite was Bulthaup but price was just too steep. Of the others Siematic seems to be my next favourite though somewhat more expensive. In your expert option is it worthy of the extra (quality, finish, cabinet furniture etc) or is it a placebo and one of the others or another is ‘better,?

    Very many thanks

    Many thanks

  33. kshitiz

    hi kitchen guy,
    i am finalising a kitchen and have shortlisted 2. ( its going to be a lounge cum kitchen)
    first is Varenna kitchens and the other is .elmar
    varenna is approx 40-50% more expensive than elmar.
    quality and finish wise elmar looks good as well.
    what are your views .

  34. Stel

    Hi kitchenguy. Embarking on a new kitchen as part of a new build in Melbourne, Australia and we like what we see in Lube and Nobilia kitchens through a couple of local agents. With a tight budget of 20k (Euro) in mind, would you recommend one over the other? Or should we be looking elsewhere?
    Cheers

  35. jos

    Veneta cucine, Marinelli cucine or scavolini which is the best. please rate each in a point of 1-10.

    10 the best and 1 the least

  36. Mickey

    Hello Kitchenguy
    You posted on Jan 30, 2009 the Top 10 list of European kitchen companies.

    Do you classify these companes as design and production of kitchens?
    And has the list changed since 2009 please?

    many thanks
    Mickey

    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.

  37. Mahesh

    Hi kitchenguy,
    We’re looking for a modern kitchen and have 3 brands which have given us a design we like. Leicht, Schmidt and Nolte. The prices vary a little but within our budget. Which would you go for our of the 3 and why?
    Thanks
    Mahesh

  38. Michael Katselis

    Hi Kitchenguy,

    We are an Australian retailer of Tv cabinets and wall units. Do any of these european companies manufacture wholesale to businesses in other countries at wholesale prices?

    If not, do you know any in Asia, specifically China, who would have quality as close as these european companies but at cheaper prices.

  39. Kyle Campbell

    Looked at Foscari and Snaidero. Would you recommend one over the other?

  40. HMan

    Hi there Kitchen Guy

    How would you rate Schmidt vs Haecker Classic?

    I’m getting quotes very similar, but unsure which is better quality.

    Where would you put Scavolini Evolution?

    Thanks

    H

  41. AK

    hi
    I need to introduce a very economical italian kitchen brand in pakistan,
    Which one would you suggest provided we already have lube, arredo 3
    veneta cuine
    artee , home

    PLease suggust a brand which is at par with quality to lube bet better in price model, than all mentioned above.

    Regards

  42. Mohammed Bharucha

    Admo Kitchens is a specialist in the construction, supply, and fitting of premium quality German and Italian made kitchens of the highest standards.

  43. Munawar Yusuf

    Hi,
    just came across your blog.
    I am looking for a modular kitchen appliances manufacturer from Romania for bulk purchase.
    Can you kindly suggest good companies from Romania ?

    many thnx
    Yusuf

  44. Charlene Portelli

    Hi , I am looking to purchase a new kitchen . I liked a metal one from Armony , but even Snaidero have a similar material . Which brand would you go for ? And what do you think of the metal finish material ?
    Thanks

  45. Sharm

    Hi Kitchen Guy,

    Trying to decide between a Leicht kitchen and Shuller one? Which one is better in your opinion?

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  47. Ambereen

    I am considering Ernesto Meda for my kitchen remodel. Is this a good quality brand ? Any comparable options?

  48. Ankit

    Hi kitchenguy
    How do you compare nolte with aran kitchen.

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