Why German kitchens?

Before opening our shop, we explored the industry extensively, seeking out the best suppliers for our kitchens. Our aim has always been to offer high-quality, attractive, creative kitchens, built to last and employing the very best engineering principles. Aside from the worktops, which are shaped in England, the cabinetry and most of the appliances and ancillary components are sourced from German companies.

The brands of German kitchens have secured their prestigious positions by manufacturing and designing to the very highest standards. Names synonymous with high-quality such as Alno, Siematic, Poggenpohl, Hacker, and Bulthaup dominate the luxury kitchen market.

Not surprisingly, German engineering helps to create very special German kitchens. The construction methods and material specifications combine to produce an outstanding product.

At Black Rok, we combine that exceptional product with creative and innovative design. The result is a kitchen that looks fantastic, works beautifully and creates a living space that is a joy to be in. Best of all of course, Black Rok clients love their kitchens; you can see how some of their kitchens were created in recent projects.

The German Kitchen factory

To say the Hacker factory is impressive is an understatement. It really is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.

The kitchen production area is 223,500 square metres, that’s about 55 acres or 37 football pitches. The materials that comprise the kitchen cabinets are selected perfectly for their purpose and engineered with utmost precision on a grand scale. Although the kitchens we design and supply are unique and tailored to our clients’ needs, the manufacturing process works so well because it is finely honed and perfected on such a scale. The end user is not expected to be product tester or a member of the research and development team, as is the case with many smaller manufacturing operations.

The kitchen furniture arrives in the UK as factory-assembled cabinets, carefully packed for the journey; no flat-packs here. This ensures the structural integrity of the cabinets; they are rigid and they remain that way.

Rigid Construction

Black Rok German kitchens are manufactured ‘rigidly’. This means that the cabinets are glued and screwed at the factory, creating a much more robust and enduring construction. Unlike flat-packed cabinets, rigid cabinets benefit from a consistent assembly procedure that is tried and tested and faultlessly repeated. The furniture is made with the aid of computers, templates and very sophisticated machinery. This ensures that elements fit together exactly as they have been designed to do; corners are square, edges are straight, and joints are strong. Precision is assured; doors fit properly, draws run smoothly. This is a defining feature that has helped to make German kitchens so successful.

The components that form an integral part of the cabinets: hinges, draw runners, pull-out, swing-out and swivel shelf mechanisms, are all manufactured to the same high standards, to provide long-lasting and smooth operation.

To read more about the construction quality of our kitchens see the page about our kitchens.

German Style

Throughout the 20th Century, Germany was setting trends in design styles. Of course, the Bauhaus art school of the early 20th Century has been hugely influential in bringing together art and construction. However, the great leap in functional kitchen design is attributed to Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky and her Frankfurt Kitchen. So-called because the designs were first used in a large housing project in Frankfurt.

The design of the Frankfurt Kitchen incorporated the results of studies on workflow within the kitchen. Whereas Bauhaus married art and design; the Frankfurt kitchen brought scientific study to kitchen design. The kitchen became a separate room, specifically created as a space for preparing and cooking food — as efficiently as possible.

Another great trend-setter in kitchen design was the German cabinet maker Friedemir Poggenpohl. His company, Poggenpohl, started making kitchen cabinets in the late 1890s. Poggenpohl became a true innovator in cabinet design and in 1950 developed the unit kitchen; what we know today as the ‘fitted kitchen’.

Moving into the 21st Century, another German kitchen company, Hacker, launched the Handleless Kitchen. Handleless kitchen cabinets led to designs that embody a very sleek and clean look; perfect for the modern kitchen. The handleless kitchen design has become extremely popular because the good looks combine with real practical advantages such as ease of cleaning and fewer low-level protrusions; especially worth considering if you have small people in the house.

German Innovation

It’s not just in the kitchen industry that Germany leads the field with innovation. German industry is built on the constant drive not just to invent but also to innovate. Together with the German cars, the kitchens that Germany produces provide a perfect platform to showcase this innovation.

Of course, the best way to get a real taste of how good a Black Rok kitchen can be is to visit our showroom in Uckfield, you will discover the real qualities of German kitchen design. Here you can see and feel just how well the materials and design can be brought together to create something very special indeed.

It’s best to call ahead, just to make sure we are in the shop and able to see you in person.

Call for an Appointment

01825 766976

Black Rok showroom is conveniently located in Uckfield High Street opposite Pizza Express and has good road links from:

Brighton: 18 miles
Lewes: 9 miles
Tunbridge Wells: 15 miles
Eastbourne: 18 miles

There is free, easy parking nearby.

German Kitchens Supply Only

We can also offer German kitchens on a supply-only basis.

Built in our German factory… Delivered with cabinets fully assembled

Get your factory built German Kitchen for less…

If you already have a kitchen design and have no need for the Black Rok design and installation service you can still buy your German kitchen direct from us. If it is simple and straightforward and you know what you want we will usually be able to supply a quote within twenty four hours.

Come and check out our showroom

If you can, we recommend you come to our Uckfield showroom to see and explore the quality of our German kitchens. Not only is it great for you to see what you are buying but it is also nice for you to meet us and likewise, for us to meet you. Our showroom is very easy to find on Uckfield High Street, right opposite Pizza Express.

How it works

Please give us a call or send us a message and we will get the ball rolling. Ideally you will have plans, and by all means send them over. How quickly we are able to specify and quote for your kitchen will depend largely on how clear you are on your requirements. If you know exactly what you want it can often be done in an hour or two. It’s a case of getting in touch and having a chat…

For an additional fee we are happy to come to site and ensure your intended design will fit in the space and work as you expect. This service is £125 inc VAT within a 30 mile radius, outside will be dependent on location.

Order and payment

Once you are happy with our quote and we have agreed a delivery time you will be ready to order your kitchen. From order to delivery is usually between 4-6 weeks. At this stage we require 40% non-refundable deposit. The remaining 60% balance will be due as cleared funds with us 24 hours before delivery.

Once we have delivered your kitchen you will then have 48 hours to inspect it for any damage, unlikely though that it is, and if necessary we will order any remedial parts. Any claims outside this period will be discussed and dealt with on an individual basis. It’s worth remembering we are not an online business selling kitchens with no physical base. We are a high-end kitchen showroom, open 6 days a week, it just so happens that we also offer a supply-only service alongside our bespoke design and installation service.

factory assembled german kitchen cabinets — Not flat-packed, cabinets are factory assembled

Free Kitchen Delivery

Once your kitchen arrives from our factory in Germany our own, in house, delivery team will ensure your kitchen arrives with you in the same perfect condition it was in when it left our factory. We offer this service for free within a 30 mile radius of Uckfield in East Sussex (see map below). Outside of our free delivery zone we charge according to distance and logistical ease. As an example, a central London delivery, with two men, is usually £450.00 inc VAT.

Why not give us a call….

01825 766976

Free Delivery Area Map

Taryn Hodgskin

2 weeks ago

Every aspect of this kitchen; from design to delivery, fitting and then after sales support has been outstanding. The choices were vast and my husband and I had very different ideas. Jamie listened very carefully to us both and on our third meeting, much to our relief, presented a kitchen we both absolutely loved. Not only that, he offered some wonderful ideas in how some interior design features would work and delicately offered advice around material choices. The company were incredibly flexible when our installation date needed moving (twice) and could not have been more helpful for the plumber and electricians first fixing instructions. Delivery and installation took just over three weeks and the team who attended were highly competent, respectful of our home, good company and professional in every way. The small things mattered to them too, and absolutely nothing was too much trouble. Our after sales care from Ed has been brilliant too. Small changes and snags were very quickly resolved and always with a can do, no problem approach. The kitchen is beautiful, its a warm and welcoming space which is a pleasure to cook, entertain, work or just "be" in. The quality of the build is as you would expect from a solid German company (think Audi). Its seamless, well thought through and highly functional. There is copious storage and every moving part of the kitchen works exactly as it should. I could go on for ages, but bottom line is we trusted Black Rok and they delivered a space that we love and in a way that has minimised our stress levels as much as possible. We cant thank the team enough and are so grateful for the guidance along the way and now the ultimate result. We would recommend Black Rok to anyone who wants both a high quality product coupled with exceptional service and we would give 10 stars if we could. Thank you so very much. Taryn and Mike

Dr Martin Stillman-Jones

8 months ago

Jamie and Ed have created the most amazing kitchen, meeting every detail of an extremely demanding brief. The outcome is dramatic, contemporary and stylish — incredibly technically complex yet it presents with amazing simplicity and sensible design. They’ve achieved the near-impossible: a luxurious, fully-equipped kitchen within the compact confines of a 16th-century property that includes two ovens, coffee machine, steam oven, full-height fridge and freezer, induction and wok gas hobs, boiling tap, wine fridge - even a robot vacuum cupboard. The ergonomic design is brilliant. I can stand at the dishwasher and without moving my feet, unload everything in one arm’s stretch: glasses, crockery, cutlery, mugs, utensil drawers close at hand. Food prep is skilfully grouped around ingredients, spices or specialist implements, minimising time and effort. Pull-down content draws in wall cupboards to a wine fridge facing where we eat, not where we prepare… I’ve been renovating properties most of my life, and this is without doubt the easiest and best equipped kitchen I’ve ever worked in. Ed and his team worked tirelessly on the immense technical complexity — solving the instant hot water challenge to a very confined gas wok ring, built-in kettle tap or coffee maker - I can activate remotely for my morning brew! Steam oven to microwave everything close at hand. That it comes with the style and design elements I wanted was the cherry on the cake. Thank you both - and team!!

Dan Olliff

12 months ago

Jamie completely redesigned our large kitchen / breakfast room to maximize the available space and make the best use of limited natural light. The quality of the cabinetry supplied from Germany is excellent, and is complemented by fantastic work surfaces. The "Appliance Garage" in particular combines sleek design with practicality for day to day use. The attention to detail from Ed and the build team was also first class and we really appreciated the open dialogue throughout the entire design and install process. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Black Rok team to anyone considering a similar project.

John Rundle

1 year ago

After a challenging few years with various contractors it was a genuine pleasure to work with Jamie and Ed to realise our kitchen plans. Thanks to Jamie's design expertise we now have a fantastic looking kitchen that maximises the utility of a relatively small kitchen space. The design process was fantastic but we will be forever thankful for the efforts and attention to detail that Ed and his team of fitters brought to the project. I have no hesitation in recommending Black Rok Kitchen Design.

Katie Oakley

2 years ago

We are absolutely delighted with our new kitchen. It's sleek lines and clever design make it a joy to work in Our experience with Black Rock from design through to installation was impressive. So professional nothing was too much trouble and all stages were completed in a timely fashion and to a high standard.

KENNETH SMITH

We had a small, tired basic kitchen and wanted it to look different. Therefore we were in the market for a new kitchen and started looking on line. The Black Roc website was impressive so we decided to visit the showroom and were not disappointed. We met Jamie and Ed who were extremely helpful and the planning began. Jamie visited to take measurements and to listen to our ideas. Several plans followed, each one improving on the last. The time line of delivery and completion was exactly as Jamie had said. On fitting day one, Ed, Zac, Jake, JJ (electrician) and Dean (plumber) all arrived and in no time the old kitchen was removed. A very professional team, working well together and always ready to answer our questions. At the end of each day they left the kitchen and hall tidy having laid protective sheets over the flooring. A great team taking pride in their work has transformed our kitchen. It is now a sleek, modern, well-designed kitchen, with shelves, quartz work tops, carousels, a pull out larder, and even a peninsula! The units, cupboards and drawers streamline the kitchen making it look and feel larger. All finished to a high standard. Thanks to the whole team for giving us our ‘different’ kitchen, we love it!

Helen Gorman

Jamie & Ed at Black Rok have delivered the most amazing kitchen beyond my wildest dreams. From the minute I met them the energy, commitment and flair for design was infectious and I new in the first 5 minutes they were the people for me. The kitchen is the hub of our newly built house and the design is just perfect with Black Rok listening to my ideas and then adding in things I would never have thought of. My adult children especially love the new bar area Black Rok created. The attention to detail, ideas, appliance knowledge and ease with which they worked with my builders was super impressive. The quality of the kitchen and installation has been amazing all the way through the project and nothing has been too much trouble to bring all my ideas to life. My builders said Black Rok were the best kitchen people they have worked with. Everyone comments on, and loves, my new kitchen and I would highly recommend Black Rok if you are thinking of a kitchen project. They balance professionalism and fun with quality and value perfectly. I still walk into my kitchen every morning and can't quite believe it is mine.

Stephen Woolmer

We would like to thank Jamie and Ed at Black Rok for our amazing German kitchen. From design concept to installation, they have been professional throughout and ensured we have achieved our dream modern kitchen. The quality of the build is what you would expect from a Germany company, but the little details from different draw and cupboard configuration's, to the lighting has made the difference. The quartz worktops are beautiful and the island at nearly 3m long makes this large kitchen so workable and an entertainment area in its self. We even fitted in a large pantry behind the kitchen and Black Rok have ensured we have used this space to its maximum potential. We cannot recommend Black Rok enough for your next dream kitchen.

Lorraine Klus

There was no hesitation to use Black RoK for our new kitchen pantry utility and plant room in our new house having used them on several projects before. They never fail to do amazing designs and the insulation team are tidy and polite great quality kitchens .

Donna Law

Great service. Such beautiful well made kitchen. High quality highly recommend

John Wertheim

We love our Black Rok kitchen! Jamie showed amazing patience and design expertise over the two years that it took us to create our vision, at the same time as building our house. Jamie was able to incorporate everything that we wanted, providing great advice and suggestions along the way. The installation was amazing - nothing was too much trouble and the coordination with our builders went perfectly. We have both a beautiful and fully functional space and would thoroughly recommend Black Rok.

Dan Elson

Great service. All the team at Black Rock highly professional. The end result is fabulous. Many thanks Dan

D.M.N.M Gutteridge

3 years ago

Thoroughly recommend the Black Rok team. We put in a new kitchen and got excellent advice through the planning process. We asked to see a number of different layout options on the computer and Jamie was very patient and helpful. The installation team were first rate and took great pride in their work. Overall very satisfied.

Linda Woodhouse

Having downsized, I was somewhat daunted by the prospect of turning my narrow, shadowy, U-shaped, very basic kitchen into one that I actually wanted to spend time in. I now have a light, airy, functional space with practical ‘innards’ and modern, intuitive appliances. Thanks to Jamie and Ed the kitchen layout has been totally transformed and the best use has been made of the space with a sleek handle-less design and contemporary narrow worktops. Both Jamie and Ed have communicated professionally and openly at all stages of the project and Ed was even instrumental in steering me towards my final colour choices! I would thoroughly recommend Black Roc for their design and fitting capabilities.

steven eckhardt

WOW! Black Rok did a really fabulous job job with both design and fit. We have a high quality contemporary kitchen and appliances. The fit was done in just a few days with care and precision. We have had no issues but Black Rok have kept in touch and visited to ensure we are satisfied which of course we are. Fabulous colour and all very functional. Great decision to use Black Rok and we have no hesitation in recommending them.

Nigel Bragg

We have nothing but positive things to say about the team at Black Rok Kitchen Design. Having spent 3-4 years dithering over getting a new kitchen, we finally decided to take the plunge last year. We had 2 criteria: a sleek, modern, German style kitchen provided by an independent, local business with impeccable references. After coming across the Black Rok website, we were immediately taken by the striking designs and reassured by the volume of glowing customer testimonials along with photographs of recent projects. From the moment we met with Jamie in the Uckfield showroom, it was clear that he understood what we were looking for. Although we had some pretty fixed ideas on design and layout, Jamie was able to take those ideas and enhance them seamlessly into an overall design scheme that exceeded our expectations in all departments. We had a few design meetings, several phone calls and email conversations, and within fairly short order were signing off on a final specification for delivery in early 2023. In the lead up to installation, communication was great and the technical drawings provided by Jamie for layout of plumbing and electrical services were described by our builder as the most detailed and accurate he had come across. Indeed the Black Rok team came onto site during the preparation works to meet with our builder and electricians to ensure a smooth installation process. Everything was delivered on time and exactly to the agreed budget. The cabinets and interiors are really well made and constructed with an engineered precision you might expect of a German manufacturer. The installation team of Ed, Zac and Jake were really personable, treated our home with great respect and worked extremely efficiently to ensure the kitchen was installed quickly and accurately. They solved every problem posed to them, displaying great attention to detail and tidying up diligently at the end of each day. We are utterly delighted with the new kitchen, which certainly delivers a "wow" moment when friends and family come to visit. The quality of the workmanship is incredible value for the overall price paid. We still pinch ourselves when walking into the room and are so pleased with ourselves for choosing Black Rok.

philip mccabe

4 years ago

Fantastic, intelligent and responsive service from Jamie and Ed from start to end. The kitchen design stood out from the beginning for its attention to detail and a real understanding of what we wanted from the space. They recommended excellent builders and then worked with them to make sure that the end result was picture perfect to the design. Fitting was spot on from a skilled, diligent team and we were never kept waiting. Issues with 3rd party appliances were dealt with in a way which made it crystal clear that our satisfaction was the priority. Brilliant. Easy 5 Stars.

Helen Davies

We are so pleased we elected to go with Black Rok kitchens, as they have designed and installed the kitchen of our dreams! Throughout the process, from design to installation we were reassured by the professionalism of Jamie and Ed. Jamie created a fantastic design for our kitchen and suggested ideas we had not previously considered and the installation by Jake, Zak and Ed has been completed to an exceptionally high standard! Nothing was too much trouble. If you're considering upgrading your kitchen, don't hesitate to contact Black Rok, you won't regret it.