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Kitchen types in comparison - discover variety & find the right solution

    05/08/2025

    5 min.

    werkhaus küchen | Sascha Bartel | HVT interiery | Nordiska Kök/Andrea Papini

Do you love the minimalist design of a handleless kitchen, are you looking for inspiration for functional pantry kitchens - or have you always dreamed of a round kitchen with organic, harmonious shapes? Each of these kitchen types has certain characteristics that make them the perfect solution for your cooking projects. We show you the different types of kitchen, what makes them special and for whom they are particularly suitable. 

The kitchen types at a glance

Kitchen typeSuitable for
shared kitchens
  • shared flats
  • offices
  • dorm rooms
bar kitchens
  • families
  • shared flats
  • anyone who likes to receive guests frequently
round kitchens
  • families with small children
  • design enthusiasts
  • anyone, who love something special
handleless kitchens
  • minimalists
  • lovers of modern kitchens
  • all who prefer easy-to-clean surfaces
pantry kitchens
  • single households
  • second homes, weekend and holiday flats
  • all who only cook occasionally 

    The communal kitchen - plenty of space for shared flats and co.

    Together we are less alone: A communal kitchen is a meeting point in shared flats and companies, inviting you to cook together with generous seating, plenty of storage space and spacious work surfaces . This makes it convenient and efficient:

     

    • Room sizes of at least 20 square metres are recommended for communal kitchens.  

     

    • When planning your kitchen, ensure that there is sufficient space between opposing rows: 1.20 metres is the minimum dimension required to open pull-outs and doors comfortably on both sides. 
    • A large dining table or a kitchen island with seating should not be missing in the multi-person kitchen. 

     

    • Robust electrical appliances are ideal for intensive use by several people. 

     

    • Rely on solutions for quick organisation: Dishwasher, storage container for fridge contents and easily accessible waste bins. 

     

    Communal kitchen

      Space for socialising and communication: the bar kitchen

      For a quick breakfast, snack or aperitif: A bar kitchen is an all-round solution for different requirements. Single households appreciate the compact dining area just as much as families - and the kitchen bar becomes a meeting point for parties and dinner evenings. This is what characterises bar kitchens:

       

      • A bar or counter can be planned into two-line as well as L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens

       

      • It can be used as a dining area or as an additional work surface

       

      • Bar kitchens can be designed including storage space under the counter or as an extension table. 

       

      • Ideally, the bar should measure at least 60 centimetres in depth and no less than 40 centimetres in width. This means there is plenty of space for kitchen work and eating. 

       

      Bar kitchen

        Round kitchens - soft shapes, great appearance

        Rounded edges, furniture in organic shapes and with a gentle curve: Round kitchens create a harmonious, cosy look, appear inviting and spacious - and they are not just visual highlights. The rounded corners also increase safety, especially in households with children. This is what characterises round kitchens: 

         

        • Gently rounded edges create more freedom of movement

         

        • They expand narrow rooms visually and provide structure in spacious cooking areas. 

         

        • A rounded counter or a curved island in the centre of an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen is an eye-catcher.  

         

        • Round kitchens allow multiple design options. The kitchen shape flatters modern high-gloss surfaces as well as rustic country house furniture. 

         

        • Complement the kitchen shape with matching accessories such as round lights and vases in curved designs.

        The handleless kitchen - purism meets functionality

        Handleless kitchens are characterised by a clear, elegant look. They make small rooms appear larger and blend harmoniously into numerous furnishing styles. They also score highly in terms of functionality - and have a number of other pleasing features: 

         

        • Wall units and pull-outs open simply by gently pressing - perfect when your hands are full. 

         

        • The absence of handles increases safety: This means there is no risk of you or your children bumping into them or getting stuck. 
        • As a rule, the cabinets are very easy to open - an advantage for older people, children and people with disabilities. 

         

        • Handleless design harmonises with many styles - from country-style kitchens with panelled doors to modern, matt surfaces. 

         

        • It is advisable to opt for easy-care, insensitive surface materials on which fingerprints are as little visible as possible. 

          Small and powerful: the pantry kitchen

          All in one - that's the motto of the pantry kitchen. It combines a hob, fridge and storage space, and sometimes also an oven and/or dishwasher.

           

          • Galley kitchens are often found in single flats, holiday homes and commuter flats. 

           

          • As a rule, they are typically around 90 centimetres to 1.20 metres wide. 
          • They can be variably equipped and fit into the smallest hut. 

           

          • Cupboard pantry kitchens simply disappear behind a door - perfect for use in the living room or hallway. 

           

          • Aesthetic variants with high-gloss surfaces, pastel colours or cool metallic looks create a wow effect. 
            Clever cooking without steam The innovative BORA cooktop extractors

            With a BORA cooktop extractor, cooking vapours are extracted directly where they arise - for a clear view and fresh air when cooking.

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