WHAT MAKES A QUALITY KITCHEN?
If you're about to start your kitchen transformation journey, you may wonder, ' What makes a quality kitchen?' Is it the design, the cabinetry, the finishing touches, all three of those, or something else entirely?
In our latest blog post, we focus on some elements of a premium kitchen to help you make an informed decision. Read on…
Starting Off on the Right Foot
A quality kitchen begins with selecting a reputable supplier.
When you ask, "Who supplies your kitchen furniture?" a good kitchen designer should readily provide details about their sources, including how and where the furniture is made.
Many European kitchen manufacturers, particularly our German suppliers, have met the ‘Golden M’ rigorous standards in quality control. This certification means their products undergo extensive testing to ensure durability and longevity, which is why these kitchens often come with lengthy warranties—they're built to last.
Are Thicker Back Panels and Panels Better?
It's a common misconception that the quality of kitchen doors is solely about their thickness. In reality, many German doors are designed to be thinner than standard doors, enhancing their visual appeal. However, the true mark of quality lies in the materials and adhesives used. German doors are thinner, lighter, and made with the highest-quality materials, which offer superior resistance to water ingress, making them more durable.
Quality Installation
The fundamental difference between a high-quality kitchen and a lesser one lies in the installation. Even a budget kitchen can endure for years longer if fitted correctly. However, when you combine a well-made kitchen with expert installation, you ensure a seamless experience and a kitchen free from unpleasant surprises for many years to come. German kitchens are designed and created with the sole purpose of standing up to everything that daily life in a kitchen throws at it, but if your furniture isn’t level and square the doors don't fit flush and the other components are ill-fitted, your kitchen will age much quicker.
The Edge of the Carcass
Next, look closely at the carcass's edge. A good-quality kitchen will feature panels that are edged on all sides—either with a 1.2mm or 2mm PVC edge. Sealing the panel and protecting the board core from moisture ensures a more premium-looking product.
Select cheap cabinetry, and it’ll likely have a ‘paper edge’ made of flat, 0.4mm thick edging tape. Opt for this, and you may find that it peels and chips relatively easily.
The Colour
Kitchen units that are mass-produced by manufacturers tend to come in a choice of up to three colours: white, cream, or oak. While this doesn't necessarily mean they offer the same level of quality, having more choice means a kitchen that's much more in keeping with your own tastes.
There are other benefits to having more to choose from when it comes to colour – and we'd love to discuss them with you. Get in touch to chat through your options.
The Hinges, Drawer Boxes and Runners
How many times a day do you open your cutlery drawer? We say: 'a lot’. Consider how many times you open it over a year, then – and across the lifespan of your kitchen. With that in mind, good-quality drawers and runners are a must.
Look for hinges from a renowned brand name. Consider bottom-mounted runners, too. These should support the weight of the drawer base—and not from the side. Ask yourself this as well: Can you see the back of the drawer from above when it's fully open? When the drawer is fully extended, there should be little to no sag, too. If the drawer front drops slightly, your drawers could clash and thereby damage the frontage of the unit.
It's All in The Details
Look for a drawer that glides open smoothly, too, and one that opens with minimal wiggle or rocking.
Do the sides to your drawers finish square to the base? If not, are they curved? Square sides mean you'll have more space to play with. Plus, they're easier to pack.
Regarding the weight of your drawers, you should look for a unit with a load capacity of up to 90kg (but, at the very least, 40kg).
Oh, and are the working parts also covered by a long guarantee? This is the mark of a quality product, so do make sure you ask all the right questions of your kitchen sales team.
German Through and Through
At Ridgeway Interiors, we specialise in German kitchen furniture as well as Bespoke English Furniture. Of course, many companies claim to use German furniture in their designs when, in fact, they are using cabinetry heavily inspired by this sought-after aesthetic.
Our kitchens aren't just in keeping with German kitchen design trends; are Made In Germany, too. So, when you purchase a kitchen that's made up of German furniture, you can be sure it offers an authentically German stamp of approval. We're a trusted partner of Hacker and Nobilia German kitchens, which come with a quality promise and an environmental impact you’ll feel great about.
Keen to learn more about our previous projects, how we work, and so much more? Do not hesitate to get in touch with our team here at Ridgeway Interiors.
