When it comes to German kitchen manufacturers, the national archetype is sleek, precise and high quality. Just look at German cars, kitchen appliances and footballers – and you'll find the same precision in German kitchen design. It's no surprise really – the Germans did invent the concept of a fitted kitchen way back in the 1950s, and have been running with it ever since.
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German kitchens are also about great ergonomics. These days, kitchens are designed in response to the way we use this space and the Germans are particularly good are making sure their kitchens are easy and comfortable to use. Inside, you'll find lots of clever details, such as fittings to maximse storage, and a choice of heights, which is a real bonus if you are tall.
Cutting-edge design
Most of the German kitchens you'll find in the UK are modern in style. If you hanker after a sleek handleless kitchen in a hi-gloss or uber-matt finish, you'll be spoilt for choice across all budgets. Kitchens range from high-end designer pieces, such as the B3 and B2 at Bulthaup and the super storage in SieMatic's collections, to more budget-friendly options from Schuller and Nolte.
Carcases are strong, veneers and lacquers are hardwearing, and these kitchens are built in state-of-the-art factories by computers so you can be sure of accuracy and consistency, too.
Tailor-made to suit you
One of the great trademarks of a German kitchen is the sheer choice in cabinet sizes and fittings and that gives ultimate flexibility to create the kitchen you want. This is regardless of the shape or size of your room – it will certainly help make the most of every inch in a small kitchen.
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And, of course, you won't have to travel too far. Plenty of UK-based kitchen companies sell German kitchen ranges, adding in their design expertise to create stunning layouts. Kitchens are delivered ready-built and ready to install with your choice of built-in appliances already in place.
Take a look at these eight beauties to inspire you...
1. SieMatic PURE kitchens – best for style
Pure is the latest in a long line of handleless kitchens from archetypal German kitchen brand SieMatic. Every last detail of these designs is exquisite, and the materials used are opulent – think rich dark wood, sumptuous stone and shimmering metal.
A double drinks cabinet with bronze-tinted glass doors, golden aluminium edge detail and a statement light fitting bring the glamour to this particularly sensational bespoke design.
Enquire online: SieMatic
2. Schüller kitchens at In-House
Schüller is another huge name in German kitchens, offers great kitchens for smaller budgets. Its comprehensive ranges include matt, satin, silk gloss and hi-gloss cabinetry, plus golden spurce, knotty oak and beech, oak, pine imitation units. You'll find these designs through independent retailers and online at In-House in the UK.
Enquire online: Schüller at In-House
3. Next 125 kitchens by Schüller – best for statement pieces
Schüller's diffusion line is described as its 'statement brand'. Alongside the chic units there are wow-factor pieces made from high-quality materials such as wood, glass or ceramic. Many of these pieces address the fact that the kitchen has become a multi-functional space – bookcases, 'cooking tables' and swish sideboards.
Enquire online: Next 125 at In-House
4. Nolte kitchens – best for variety
Nolte is one of the original fitted kitchen companies and prides itself on its wide choice of units. There is everything here – country, modern, open-plan... and in a comprehensive choice of colours and finishes.
Enquire online: Nolte kitchens
5. Poggenpohl kitchens – best for designer collaborations
Poggenpohl is one of the oldest kitchen brands in the world and works with world-class designers to create its kitchen collections. It offers five stunning ranges, Artesio, Modo, Segmento, Edition and Stage, plus P7340 and P7350, which have been created in collaboration with the Porsche Design Studio.
Enquire online: Poggenpohl
6. Leicht kitchens – best for value
Big ideas but not such a big budget? Leicht has kitchen ranges for most budgets. The company prides itself on offering 'expert synergy by combining quality material, colour, architecture and light to make a kitchen more than just a room' and offers 19 beautiful collections to prove it.
Enquire online: Leicht
7. Bulthaup kitchens – best for standalone pieces
The Bulthaup name is synonymous with style and its B2 kitchen collection is a range of stand-alone pieces that include a work bench and one of the most awe-inspiring storage larders on the market. Choose from three core collections – B1, a purist, handle-less design, B2 (pictured above), its 'kitchen workshop' range, and B3, which is based on an ingenious multi-function wall concept that can be applied throughout the home.
Enquire online: Bulthaup
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