Buying a new German kitchen..advice please

sam1970

We are looking to replace our very old kitchen and we have decided on a German kitchen after looking at the overpriced awful quality Magnet kitchens. We are considering a make called Stormer kitchens and they look solid and beautiful. My only concern is that the panel thickness is only 15mm when even the Magnet crap is 18 mm thick. What do people think? should I consider something else?

Furts

The money saving answer is to apply common sense. If the home is a typical three bed semi in a typical part of the country then there is no no logic to spending German kitchen prices. If you are looking at a kitchen in an apartment block in Canary Wharf a different answer could be given.

What did you deem awful quality about the Magnet kitchens you viewed? You claim you want quality but if your Stormer carcass is 15mm this suggests you are not receiving this. Are you confusing quality with sales spin and flashy brochures?

tacpot12

I have no real evidence for this but I think that 'ordinary' 18mm chipboard will still be stronger than good '15mm' chipboard.

Magnet have always been very expensive for what you get. Shop somewhere else.

Davesnave

sam1970 wrote: »

What do people think? should I consider something else?

I think that a comparison of two brands is not enough.

The other thing to consider is the quality of your planner and fitters.

DaftyDuck

In my limited experience, "German" kitchens are often produced in the same factory, and from the same materials as, say... um... Welsh. Or Italian....

It's a sales ploy.

Silvertabby

If you want quality, have a look at 'Second Nature' kitchens.

Ours came with sturdy carcasses (not flat packed) and solid oak doors.

It's now 12 years old and still looks like new.

SuzieSue

Do a search for DIY-Kitchens on this forum. I used them because of recommendations on here and they are excellent quality and UK made.

LandyAndy

I have a large Beeck kitchen and I'm very pleased with the quality of it.

Head_The_Ball

You don't have to choose German to get a quality kitchen. There are some quality British manufacturers.

Last year, after extensive research, we chose a Masterclass kitchen from a local company.

Masterclass are based in Wales and have a UK wide network of independent installers.

We are very satisfied with it.

Remember that the fitting of the kitchen is at least as important as the quality of the units so do your research on the fitters.

You also have to choose worktops, sinks, appliances, tiles etc.

Jenniefour

I've had two German kitchens in two different properties (Beckermann and Schuller) and was delighted by both in terms of quality, function, finishes and the wide range of choices in cabinet sizes. I think there are probably UK kitchens of the same quality now - and the exchange rate is rubbish at the moment so you will most likely be paying more for a German kitchen.

sam1970

Thank you guys for all replies. I think the wife has already decided on a German kitchen after a lot of research. Our list has gone down now to two brands, Stormer and Rational. Any one had an experience of any of those? I believe Rational is more expensive but is the extra cost over Stormer is justified?