Interview with Peter and Sascha Panitz - Panitz Küchen; Nürnberg

2018-03-21 We went to Nuremberg to visit our partner Panitz Küchen.
In the showroom is a kitchen with a SapienStone countertop in the Calacatta texture.
 
We talked to owners Peter and Sascha about their business.
 
Good morning to both of you! What would you like to tell us about yourselves and your business?
 
A family-run business founded in Nuremberg in May 1998, Panitz Kitchens has grown to become a successful kitchen dealership serving the Nuremburg metropolitan area, Fürth and Erlangen, representing a number of prestigious brands: Warendorf (formerly Miele – Die Küche), Gaggenau and Poggenpohl.
 
At first our showroom had only three employees; our staff now includes nine professionals.
 
Peter Panitz worked for Miele for 17 years, and when they asked him to become a distributor, the idea evolved into an important project.
 
What kind of clientele do you serve?
 
All kinds of customers who are looking for a top quality, beautiful kitchen.
 
Küchen Panitz is not limited to a local clientele, but delivers to customers from all the federal states and all over Europe.
 
How would you define the role of the kitchen in the home today?
 
Most of our customers are looking for the perfect nest, a special place in which they will feel good.
The kitchen has become a centre of communications, and everything must be harmonised to respond to this need.
 
What are the benefits of using porcelain?
 
A porcelain surface feels much better than natural stone and is available in a broader choice of colours.
Unlike porcelain, natural stone is sensitive to oils and acids, as well as to heat.
 
Ceramic is destined to conquer a greater share of the market than other materials for these reasons.
 
What are the principal features of a good kitchen countertop?
 
In view of the way the market is evolving and the direction customers’ requests are taking, the kitchen must be able to meet specific needs and help consumers in their everyday lives.
 
This is why a good kitchen countertop must be resistant to stains, even the most difficult ones such as oils and acids. It is also essential for it to be resistant to heat and high temperatures.
 
Lastly, for both practical and aesthetic reasons, kitchen countertops must be visually light. This is permitted by slabs only 12mm thick such as those made by SapienStone.
 
WHAT’S THE TOP?
What is the top in the kitchen, as far as you are concerned?
 
The kitchen as a place for the family to get together. The centre of the home. The challenge is the make everything in such a way that everyone feels perfectly at home.

The Editors