Here at Hubble, we specialise in cutting-edge, contemporary German kitchens. We strive to deliver design-led interiors that enhance modern living. Our professional designers excel in maximising both aesthetics and practicality without compromise. After many years in the industry, we have found that German kitchens align best with our approach. However, that’s not to say British kitchens aren’t as good. It primarily comes down to your priorities and individual taste. To help you understand which style is right for you, we’ve outlined the differences between German and British kitchens below.
The Original Handleless Kitchen
German manufacturers created the handleless kitchen in the 1960s. Thus, we associate German kitchens with the handleless style; to the point where the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Unlike regular kitchens, a rail attached to the unit creates a finger gap behind the door rendering the kitchen seemingly handleless. This structural difference promotes a streamlined aesthetic and enhanced practicality. As pioneers of the handleless kitchen, German manufacturers have dedicated the past 60 years to enhancing their products. Their relentless pursuit of innovation has taken the handleless kitchen to new heights. While sleek and minimal styling typifies most German kitchens, not all are handleless and vice versa. Our manufacturers offer a range of stunning slab and shaker doors.
Types Of British Kitchen
Conjuring up images of charming rural settings, the traditional shaker kitchen is what first springs to mind when we think of British kitchens. Britain has a long-standing furniture-making heritage and reputation for craftsmanship. We are known for producing exceptional handcrafted shaker and in-frame kitchens. However, many British kitchen manufacturers also offer a range of modern styles, including German-inspired handleless kitchens.
Are German Kitchens Better Quality?
Traditional, handcrafted British kitchens and precision-engineered German kitchens are constructed very differently. Therefore, drawing a comparison between the quality of the two is challenging. However, it’s safe to say that both incorporate high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Thus, both represent outstanding quality.
German manufacturers have dedicated several decades to refining their state-of-the-art production techniques and have been responsible for many technological advancements. Solid wood cross members give all their cabinets unrivalled stability. Laser edge boding used on the front and back of their units promotes exceptional moisture resistance. Some of their designs even include rubber plinth seals to prevent dirt from gathering around the edge of the kitchen. Every detail has been considered. We can safely say the German kitchens we use here at Hubble are extremely high quality.
British manufacturers use similar techniques to construct their modern kitchens. In fact, they have based much of their technology on that used by German manufacturers. However, different companies tend to have different priorities. Some will focus more on price points, whereas others prioritise the latest trends. This means there can be greater variability in terms of quality.
Which Kitchen Is The Most Practical?
Both British and German manufacturers offer handleless and handled designs. The structural differences between the two styles mean they operate slightly differently. Some may find a handleless kitchen the more practical choice, whereas others may prefer the traditional handled style.
Doing away with protruding handles makes handleless kitchens easy to wipe clean. It also removes the risk of catching your clothes or knocking your side. Push-to-open mechanisms can even make it easy to access your cabinets when your handles are full. However, those with limited dexterity may find rail operated or J-trim handleless kitchens fiddly to use. Most of us have experienced using a regular handled kitchen and know what to expect in terms of practicality. Bear in mind that framed shaker styles take a little more care to wipe clean.
When it comes to comparing German and British kitchens, you’ll find German manufacturers tend to offer a broader selection of additional practical features. Our German kitchens offer a huge variety of internal organisation systems such as solid wood cutlery inserts, cookware centres, pull-out larders, waste organisers and more. They also feature clever practical features like slide-away pocket doors and mechanically operated wall units.
As leaders in premium, mass manufacturing, German brands have devised a way to deliver bespoke ergonomic solutions. Their modular designs include a range of heights and depths, promoting additional practicality. Cutting-edge functionality epitomises German kitchens. However, practicality is, of course, an important concern for German and British manufacturers alike.
Which Kitchen Is The Most Stylish?
Classic British kitchens and modern German kitchens are stylistically very different. British shaker and in-frame designs evoke a sense of homeliness, tradition and warmth. Contemporary German kitchens are much more minimal. The stereotypical German kitchen utilises a monochrome palette and dramatic surface finishes such as wood veneer, slate or metal.
As modern and handleless kitchens have grown in popularity, British manufacturers have taken inspiration from around the globe, including Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Japan and Germany. As such, modern British kitchens are highly versatile.
German manufacturers have also broadened their collections to appeal to a wider audience. Our German kitchens incorporate a range of additional design features like integrated lighting and stylish shelving. Which kitchen style appeals to you depends primarily on your individual taste.
Are German Kitchens More Expensive?
Both British and German kitchens can vary dramatically in price. Some high-end German kitchens can easily cost as much as a handcrafted British kitchen. However, you’ll also find plenty of superb quality German kitchens to suit a smaller budget. Ultimately, your choice of appliances, worktops and added extras will also influence the overall cost of your kitchen. And don’t forget, when you buy cheap you can end up buying twice. Thus, investing in a high-quality German kitchen might not be quite as expensive in the long run.
Traditional British kitchens are very different from modern German kitchens. However, British manufacturers also produce a range of contemporary kitchens that compete with German products. As creators of the first handleless kitchen, the Germans have long been at the forefront of modern kitchen design. The quality and practicality of their products are hard to beat. Ultimately, price, aesthetics, practicality and longevity all need considering on a case-by-case basis. If you’d like to know more about our exceptional German kitchens, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01243 533727 or email info@hubblekitchens.co.uk.