World of Design: The Appeal of the German Kitchen
German kitchen brands are household names across Europe, with roots reaching back more than a century
In Europe, German kitchen brands have been dominant in the market for decades. Now they are reaching out to the U.S. and Asia as well. What makes German kitchen systems so popular? Five factors contribute to their strong reputation at home and abroad.
In 1960, SieMatic introduced the first kitchen with integrated handles, pictured. Developments like these helped shape the appearance of the modern built-in kitchen.
A SieMatic kitchen in Germany
Many German kitchen manufacturers are family-operated. “I do believe that family-owned companies have a special culture that, combined with a market strongly shaped by small family businesses — in other words, specialized dealers — functions beautifully,” says Ulrich Siekmann, managing partner of SieMatic and a member of the company’s third generation.
“When circumstances demand it, one can accept a little suffering in the short term in order to be able to pass the company on to the next generation,” Siekmann says.
Many German kitchen manufacturers are family-operated. “I do believe that family-owned companies have a special culture that, combined with a market strongly shaped by small family businesses — in other words, specialized dealers — functions beautifully,” says Ulrich Siekmann, managing partner of SieMatic and a member of the company’s third generation.
“When circumstances demand it, one can accept a little suffering in the short term in order to be able to pass the company on to the next generation,” Siekmann says.
A Häcker kitchen in Dubai
2. ‘Made in Germany’ Has a Good Reputation Worldwide
“The early bird catches the worm” — and he who exports first has the best chance of being top dog. The success of German kitchen brands in Europe dates to the 1950s and 1960s — the years of Germany’s economic miracle. It was during these years that most German kitchen manufacturers began to export.
The companies’ strongest markets are traditionally Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France and the U.K.; recently, countries such as Russia, China and the U.S. have become a focus. German kitchen manufacturers typically export their products to up to 60 countries. Their export percentages range from about 40 percent of production (Häcker) to almost 80 percent (Bulthaup).
The industry benefits from the broad range of kitchens offered by German brands. Italy, another kitchen producer, is known more for luxury brands, such as Boffi, with smaller volumes.
Fun fact: You’ll find a German kitchen (SieMatic) even in the Pope’s Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
2. ‘Made in Germany’ Has a Good Reputation Worldwide
“The early bird catches the worm” — and he who exports first has the best chance of being top dog. The success of German kitchen brands in Europe dates to the 1950s and 1960s — the years of Germany’s economic miracle. It was during these years that most German kitchen manufacturers began to export.
The companies’ strongest markets are traditionally Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France and the U.K.; recently, countries such as Russia, China and the U.S. have become a focus. German kitchen manufacturers typically export their products to up to 60 countries. Their export percentages range from about 40 percent of production (Häcker) to almost 80 percent (Bulthaup).
The industry benefits from the broad range of kitchens offered by German brands. Italy, another kitchen producer, is known more for luxury brands, such as Boffi, with smaller volumes.
Fun fact: You’ll find a German kitchen (SieMatic) even in the Pope’s Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
A Leicht kitchen in the U.K.
Today, specialized German kitchen studios are based in countries around the world, from the U.S. to Australia and Holland to the U.K. The label “Made in Germany,” introduced in Britain in the 19th century — and intended then to deter people from making a purchase — has become a hallmark of quality.
Today, specialized German kitchen studios are based in countries around the world, from the U.S. to Australia and Holland to the U.K. The label “Made in Germany,” introduced in Britain in the 19th century — and intended then to deter people from making a purchase — has become a hallmark of quality.
An Eggersmann kitchen in Copenhagen
Exports are the growth engine, but the domestic market, with comparably high purchasing power and eager competition among brands, is the foundation. It’s an all-German game there: In 2014, export volume exceeded import volume by a factor of 14.
Foreign kitchen manufacturers can hardly get their foot in the door in Germany. For upholstered furniture, the landscape looks completely different — 2½ times as much is imported as exported.
Market and production volume are an advantage: They assure good prices, which provide good revenues, which make investments in production and research possible, which result in better products, and the cycle repeats.
Exports are the growth engine, but the domestic market, with comparably high purchasing power and eager competition among brands, is the foundation. It’s an all-German game there: In 2014, export volume exceeded import volume by a factor of 14.
Foreign kitchen manufacturers can hardly get their foot in the door in Germany. For upholstered furniture, the landscape looks completely different — 2½ times as much is imported as exported.
Market and production volume are an advantage: They assure good prices, which provide good revenues, which make investments in production and research possible, which result in better products, and the cycle repeats.
A LeMans pullout by Häfele
3. German Kitchens Benefit From Engineering Traditions
Germany is — if you’ll pardon the cliché — a land of nerds and engineers. This finds expression not just in the car industry, but also in the bathroom and kitchen industries.
A kitchen is a complicated product, and functionality is foremost. How easily does a cabinet open? How useful is the internal layout? How long will everything last with daily use? “I believe we in Germany have a good background in the field of engineering. In the case of kitchens, this, for example, means the fittings industry,” says SieMatic’s Siekmann. “These companies have contributed to the development of the kitchen industry in terms of quality and functionality over the past 40 to 50 years.”
There are hidden champions, such as Häfele fittings from the Swabian town of Nagold — also founded in the 1920s — that are renowned worldwide. Techniques are often developed in exclusive cooperation with a particular manufacturer.
3. German Kitchens Benefit From Engineering Traditions
Germany is — if you’ll pardon the cliché — a land of nerds and engineers. This finds expression not just in the car industry, but also in the bathroom and kitchen industries.
A kitchen is a complicated product, and functionality is foremost. How easily does a cabinet open? How useful is the internal layout? How long will everything last with daily use? “I believe we in Germany have a good background in the field of engineering. In the case of kitchens, this, for example, means the fittings industry,” says SieMatic’s Siekmann. “These companies have contributed to the development of the kitchen industry in terms of quality and functionality over the past 40 to 50 years.”
There are hidden champions, such as Häfele fittings from the Swabian town of Nagold — also founded in the 1920s — that are renowned worldwide. Techniques are often developed in exclusive cooperation with a particular manufacturer.
A SieMatic drawer with organizer
“Made in Germany” refers, in the case of kitchens, to practically every component. It’s interesting, in this regard, to note the geographical clustering. For example, 33 of the 76 German full kitchen manufacturers are located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia; 57 percent of the 16,400 people employed in the kitchen industry work there. Many other manufacturers are located in Bavaria and in Swabia. And with them, their suppliers.
Why is that clustering important? Because when the distances are short, cooperation increases over the long term. For example, Häcker Kitchens has been working for more than 50 years with cabinet hardware manufacturer Hettich, located nearby. Häcker’s head of sales, Markus Sander, says, “We can ride there on a bicycle! Despite the long-standing attachment, they naturally have to constantly keep up with competition, but as long as they grow as innovatively as their competitors, collaboration survives.”
“Made in Germany” refers, in the case of kitchens, to practically every component. It’s interesting, in this regard, to note the geographical clustering. For example, 33 of the 76 German full kitchen manufacturers are located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia; 57 percent of the 16,400 people employed in the kitchen industry work there. Many other manufacturers are located in Bavaria and in Swabia. And with them, their suppliers.
Why is that clustering important? Because when the distances are short, cooperation increases over the long term. For example, Häcker Kitchens has been working for more than 50 years with cabinet hardware manufacturer Hettich, located nearby. Häcker’s head of sales, Markus Sander, says, “We can ride there on a bicycle! Despite the long-standing attachment, they naturally have to constantly keep up with competition, but as long as they grow as innovatively as their competitors, collaboration survives.”
A Nolte kitchen in Moscow
Beyond furniture, many other components — from auxiliary equipment to electrical appliances — are crucial elements in a kitchen. And here also, noted manufacturers can be found in Germany, many of them small or family-run companies with similar values to the kitchen manufacturers.
In the area of auxiliary equipment and sinks, this includes Dornbracht, Blanco and Hansgrohe (founded in 1901 in the Swabian town of Schiltach). When it comes to electrical appliances, there’s Munich-based BSH Home Appliances, the largest home appliance manufacturer in Europe; Miele, founded in 1899 and still family-run; Gaggenau, which can trace its origins back to 1683, in the ironware industry; and Neff, founded in northern Baden in 1877.
These kitchen supply companies also profited from German engineering know-how. At the end of the 19th century, Carl von Linde founded modern cooling technology, the Linde process. Before then, iceboxes and ice cellars were cooled with ice. Linde AG, founded in 1879, quickly became the leader in cooling technology throughout Europe.
The first industrially suitable, modern refrigerator in Europe was developed in 1927-28 by the Zschopauer Motor Works in Saxony. Years later, in 1992, the world’s first chlorofluorocarbon-free refrigerator in modern times was produced by the Dkk Scharfenstein company (later under the name Foron) in Saxony.
Beyond furniture, many other components — from auxiliary equipment to electrical appliances — are crucial elements in a kitchen. And here also, noted manufacturers can be found in Germany, many of them small or family-run companies with similar values to the kitchen manufacturers.
In the area of auxiliary equipment and sinks, this includes Dornbracht, Blanco and Hansgrohe (founded in 1901 in the Swabian town of Schiltach). When it comes to electrical appliances, there’s Munich-based BSH Home Appliances, the largest home appliance manufacturer in Europe; Miele, founded in 1899 and still family-run; Gaggenau, which can trace its origins back to 1683, in the ironware industry; and Neff, founded in northern Baden in 1877.
These kitchen supply companies also profited from German engineering know-how. At the end of the 19th century, Carl von Linde founded modern cooling technology, the Linde process. Before then, iceboxes and ice cellars were cooled with ice. Linde AG, founded in 1879, quickly became the leader in cooling technology throughout Europe.
The first industrially suitable, modern refrigerator in Europe was developed in 1927-28 by the Zschopauer Motor Works in Saxony. Years later, in 1992, the world’s first chlorofluorocarbon-free refrigerator in modern times was produced by the Dkk Scharfenstein company (later under the name Foron) in Saxony.
A Poggenpohl kitchen in Atlanta
4. A German Kitchen Is Finished On Time
However, anyone theoretically could get good materials nowadays. When asked what generally distinguishes the German kitchen manufacturers from the others, Michael Wunram, managing director of Eggersmann, replied, “It must surely be more the reliability in delivery and execution than the creative aspects.”
Stefan Waldenmeier, chairman of the board at Leicht Kitchens and the Association of the German Kitchen Furniture Industry, says, “German kitchens are distinguished by their total package, consisting of the availability of quality digital-planning data for the various kitchen suppliers, a clean graphic order confirmation, control of the orders, delivery logistics and adherence to delivery dates” — alongside quality in production and design.
4. A German Kitchen Is Finished On Time
However, anyone theoretically could get good materials nowadays. When asked what generally distinguishes the German kitchen manufacturers from the others, Michael Wunram, managing director of Eggersmann, replied, “It must surely be more the reliability in delivery and execution than the creative aspects.”
Stefan Waldenmeier, chairman of the board at Leicht Kitchens and the Association of the German Kitchen Furniture Industry, says, “German kitchens are distinguished by their total package, consisting of the availability of quality digital-planning data for the various kitchen suppliers, a clean graphic order confirmation, control of the orders, delivery logistics and adherence to delivery dates” — alongside quality in production and design.
A Nobilia kitchen in Switzerland
In short, no matter which manufacturer or CEO you ask, they all see a distinct strength when it comes to delivery. “It’s more difficult to send 40 or 50 kitchen components, ranging from cabinets to bases, to a point somewhere in the world than to ship a sofa there. And I believe the German kitchen industry has mastered this subject well,” says Siekmann of SieMatic.
In the end, kitchen buyers don’t want to have to wait another two weeks for the stove and four for the missing cabinet fronts to arrive — they want everything at place in the same time. The close network of suppliers on hand in Germany then becomes a clear advantage for logistics too.
In short, no matter which manufacturer or CEO you ask, they all see a distinct strength when it comes to delivery. “It’s more difficult to send 40 or 50 kitchen components, ranging from cabinets to bases, to a point somewhere in the world than to ship a sofa there. And I believe the German kitchen industry has mastered this subject well,” says Siekmann of SieMatic.
In the end, kitchen buyers don’t want to have to wait another two weeks for the stove and four for the missing cabinet fronts to arrive — they want everything at place in the same time. The close network of suppliers on hand in Germany then becomes a clear advantage for logistics too.
A Bulthaup kitchen in France
5. Form Follows Function
Is there, then, nothing wrong with the German kitchen? Many would probably name design as the weak point — since Germany is not exactly known to have a lot to say when it comes to style. In spite of all the know-how, efficiency and functionality, style often falls by the wayside in Germany (and not just with kitchens).
“The Italians are naturally a benchmark in design competence, of course, and one looks to them to try to learn something. But they can also learn something from us,” Siekmann says. “Also, the individuality of North American manufacturers, who use a country-style kitchen approach, is noteworthy.”
5. Form Follows Function
Is there, then, nothing wrong with the German kitchen? Many would probably name design as the weak point — since Germany is not exactly known to have a lot to say when it comes to style. In spite of all the know-how, efficiency and functionality, style often falls by the wayside in Germany (and not just with kitchens).
“The Italians are naturally a benchmark in design competence, of course, and one looks to them to try to learn something. But they can also learn something from us,” Siekmann says. “Also, the individuality of North American manufacturers, who use a country-style kitchen approach, is noteworthy.”
An Alno kitchen in London
But Germans are trying to catch up. Stefan Waldenmeier of Leicht points to the “development of a German design that follows out of the Bauhaus tradition and is finding international acceptance.”
“Less is more” and “form follows function” are maxims that describe the “typical” German style well. For kitchens (and bathrooms), this perhaps fits the needs well, as straightforward and restrained design is more in demand for these long-lived purchases than any decorative trends, and both room types have big technical demands.
But Germans are trying to catch up. Stefan Waldenmeier of Leicht points to the “development of a German design that follows out of the Bauhaus tradition and is finding international acceptance.”
“Less is more” and “form follows function” are maxims that describe the “typical” German style well. For kitchens (and bathrooms), this perhaps fits the needs well, as straightforward and restrained design is more in demand for these long-lived purchases than any decorative trends, and both room types have big technical demands.
A Leicht Xtend+ shelving system
“If people in the U.S. see a German kitchen, they feel it’s very futuristic,” says Mayan Metzler, who sells German kitchens in New York. That may be because German design innovations are often technology-driven.
The Xtend+ light shelf unit by Leicht (pictured above and below) is an example. The wall-mounted aluminum shelves with integrated LED lights hook on to electricity-carrying vertical tracks in any desired position; no additional wiring is needed. The slatted doors covering the shelves open with the push of a button.
The SieMatic S1 was lauded in 2009 for its integrated illumination systems, hi-fi components and iPod docking station. Several manufacturers, including Tielsa and Sachsenküchen (with its Ergomatic) have recently added height-adjustable kitchen islands to their offerings.
Häcker is offering an integrated, invisible sound system within its kitchens, in which the base of the kitchen is used as a resonating body. You can connect via Bluetooth. There’s no need to have a docking station on your countertop.
“If people in the U.S. see a German kitchen, they feel it’s very futuristic,” says Mayan Metzler, who sells German kitchens in New York. That may be because German design innovations are often technology-driven.
The Xtend+ light shelf unit by Leicht (pictured above and below) is an example. The wall-mounted aluminum shelves with integrated LED lights hook on to electricity-carrying vertical tracks in any desired position; no additional wiring is needed. The slatted doors covering the shelves open with the push of a button.
The SieMatic S1 was lauded in 2009 for its integrated illumination systems, hi-fi components and iPod docking station. Several manufacturers, including Tielsa and Sachsenküchen (with its Ergomatic) have recently added height-adjustable kitchen islands to their offerings.
Häcker is offering an integrated, invisible sound system within its kitchens, in which the base of the kitchen is used as a resonating body. You can connect via Bluetooth. There’s no need to have a docking station on your countertop.
Eggersmann’s Unique series kitchen in limestone
Some German boutique manufacturers have also recently established themselves as a result of their special designs. A good example is Eggersmann, a small company that produces about 5,000 kitchens annually, including the Unique series (pictured).
Eggersmann’s Wunram, a fourth-generation company man, says: “In this series, we are using only authentic materials, such as genuine stone, hot-rolled stainless steel and Corian — and consistently, not just for the work surfaces.” That makes sense only when precise workmanship is at hand.
Some German boutique manufacturers have also recently established themselves as a result of their special designs. A good example is Eggersmann, a small company that produces about 5,000 kitchens annually, including the Unique series (pictured).
Eggersmann’s Wunram, a fourth-generation company man, says: “In this series, we are using only authentic materials, such as genuine stone, hot-rolled stainless steel and Corian — and consistently, not just for the work surfaces.” That makes sense only when precise workmanship is at hand.
Warendorf’s Hidden kitchen
Warendorf, meanwhile, has developed the Hidden kitchen, a one-wall kitchen that can disappear behind panels that have the look of Cor-Ten steel — suitable, perhaps, for large lofts. But come to think of it, the German kitchen hardly needs to hide.
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Warendorf, meanwhile, has developed the Hidden kitchen, a one-wall kitchen that can disappear behind panels that have the look of Cor-Ten steel — suitable, perhaps, for large lofts. But come to think of it, the German kitchen hardly needs to hide.
More
Architectural Icon: The World’s First Bauhaus House
The Romance of Living on Germany’s Medieval Merchants’ Bridge
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