Blum is well-known amongst interior designers, contractors and informed homeowners as the the gold standard when it comes to kitchen cabinet systems. Established in Austria in 1952, Blum is most prominently known for its soft-close hinges, durability ang high-SES aesthetics—as far as drawer interiors go. But, this high quality kitchen system does come with a rather hefty price tag.
Does the Blum system deliver enough value to justify the expense? We unpack the kitchen cabinet system, look into real homeowner reviews, and conduct a comprehensive cost breakdown to determine whether the Blum system is really worth the investment.
Unpacking the Blum kitchen cabinet system
Image credit: @berealdesignstudio
While the components of Blum’s cabinet system may initially appear daunting, homeowners will find that every aspect has been thoughtfully designed for maximum functionality and effortless operation. Here’s our full breakdown of the main features and components of the Blum kitchen cabinet system.
Kitchen cabinet systems
Blum’s key kitchen cabinet innovations include hinges, lift systems, box systems, runners, pocket door systems, and inner dividing solutions━a range of highly adaptable and customisable mechanisms that cater to every need.
AVENTOS HK-XS, AVENTOS HF bi-folding mechanism.
Image credit: Blum
Blum’s versatile hinge systems are compatible with a variety of surfaces, material thicknesses, and angled applications, while allowing for side, depth and height adjustment. Meanwhile, their AVENTOS lift systems are designed to maximise space in tall and wall cabinets, with cabinet fronts lifting up and out of the way for full freedom of movement.
TANDEMBOX, LEGRABOX.
Image credit: Blum
Blum offers 3 different double-walled box systems with horizontal, vertical, and L-shaped options, depending on homeowners’ needs. Meanwhile, their concealed steel runner systems – TANDEM and MOVENTO━can be paired with a variety of Blum’s motion technologies to create durable and smooth-operating drawer systems.
REVEGO pocket door.
Image credit: Blum
Homeowners looking to conceal kitchen mess when house guests are over will be thrilled by Blum’s REVEGO pocket door system, which they launched recently. While the pocket system’s full overlay front creates the illusion of a mess-free general living area, the sleek doors can tuck away effortlessly into a dedicated narrow cabinet to reveal your kitchen workspace when it’s time to cook.
AMBIA-LINE, ORGA-LINE.
Image credit: Blum
Lastly, Blum’s inner dividing systems are perfect for the hyper-organised Singaporean. Designed for versatility, visibility and hygiene, Blum’s ORGA-LINE containers are the perfect no-mess drawer solution. Alternatively, the AMBIA-LINE system embodies understated elegance, featuring minimalist magnetic frames for you to conveniently reconfigure your drawers, and anti-slip properties that allow the containers to stay where you placed them.
Advanced motion technologies
SERVO-DRIVE, BLUMOTION.
Image credit: Blum
Blum’s advanced motion technologies can be integrated into their kitchen cabinet systems for enhanced convenience and functionality, providing homeowners with even more exciting options for kitchen customisation.
Their 4 types of motion technologies feature combinations of soft-close, push-to-open, and electrical opening mechanisms.
Opening | Closing | Uses | |
BluMotion |
|
Mechanical soft-close technology | Wall cabinets, pull-outs and doors |
Servo-Drive | Electrical opening technology | Electrical soft-close technology (integrated BluMotion) | Wall cabinets, refrigerators and freezers, dishwashers and pull-outs |
Tip-On BluMotion | Mechanical opening technology | Mechanical soft-close technology | Pull-outs |
Tip-On | Mechanical opening technology |
|
Selected wall cabinets, slide-in door systems, pull-outs and doors |
BluMotion’s mechanical soft-close technology equips cabinets and doors with anti-slam properties, acting as a safety feature while ensuring the longevity of cabinet systems.
Meanwhile, Blum’s opening systems redefine convenience; their mechanical opening technology creates a push-to-open concept which eliminates the need for handles, while their electrical opening mechanism can be automatically activated with just a gentle touch.
Cabinet applications
SINK CABINET, SPACE CORNER.
Image credit: Blum
With seamless space-saving designs, Blum’s cabinet applications are specifically engineered to use every inch of space available━the ideal solution for anyone stressing about the size of their BTO kitchen.
Their cabinet applications series features ingenious designs such as the U-shaped Sink Cabinet━a nifty pull-out solution that utilises storage space beneath and around the kitchen sink━and the Space Corner, an unconventionally-shaped drawer specifically designed to maximise corner shelf space in a user-friendly manner.
Homeowner reviews of the Blum kitchen cabinet system
While reviews featured on company websites can sometimes come in handy, it’s no secret that the real place to go for unbiased opinions is online forums━and when it comes to Blum, homeowners have plenty to say.
TANDEMBOX, inner mechanism of TANDEMBOX with soft-close BLUMOTION.
Image credit: Blum
According to a HardwareZone forum discussion, homeowners tend to particularly appreciate Blum’s soft-close mechanisms, commending the durability and child-friendly anti-slam technology.
Unsurprisingly, several homeowners acknowledged potential budget concerns, specifically highlighting the higher price point of Blum’s runners as compared to their more affordable hinge range.
However, user @LoneTraveller testifies that the investment is worth it, explaining that the Blum drawer runners installed in their 4-room HDB flat have remained in great condition even after 9 years of use.
Image credit: Blum
A cabinetmaker of 20 years, Reddit user @El_Chelon_9000 swears by Blum drawer hardware, singing high praises about Blum’s LEGRABOX drawers and MOVENTO runner system. While he acknowledges the aesthetic appeal of IKEA cabinets, he maintains that Blum’s drawer system mechanisms reign supreme.
AVENTOS HK top with safety mechanism, soft-close BLUMOTION addition to CLIP TOP hinge.
Image credit: Blum
Beyond the cost, homeowners are also conscious of the complex installation processes involved when integrating the Blum system into their homes. Houzz user @Gemcap observed that despite having fewer components, Blum drawer systems appeared to require “far more precision to install than Hettich”.
Yet, others replied that Blum’s drawer mechanisms were not only convenient to install and remove, but that the quality was incomparable━with many testifying that their Blum mechanisms continued to operate smoothly 5, 6, and even 9 years in.
However, it’s worth noting that several SingaporeBridge forum users mentioned the need for special tools and equipment, with varying installation quotations from carpenters. Ultimately, the installation of Blum systems may depend on the individual homeowner’s confidence with hardware installation processes, or the specialisation of different carpentry companies.
Blum kitchen system cost breakdown
Pricing overview
Here’s an overview of the general cost range for each of Blum’s kitchen cabinet system components:
System | Uses | Price range | |
TANDEMBOX | Box | Standard drawers, inner drawers, sink drawers | $78.56 – $122.99 (Standard)
$115.57 – $178.80 (Inner) $132.07 – $207.55 (Sink) |
MERIVOBOX | Box | Standard drawers, inner drawers, sink drawers | $94.12 – $172.60 (Standard)
$146.54 – $223.09 (Inner) $133.31 – $192.35 (Sink) |
TANDEM | Runner | Full or single extension runners | $58.31 – $59.05 (Full)
$31.66 – $32.54 (Single) |
MOVENTO | Runner | Full extension runners | $71.70 – $117.39 |
ORGA-LINE | Inner dividing | Kitchen accessories, container and utensil divider sets, bottle storage set, dividers | $3.94 – $251.57 |
AMBIA-LINE | Inner dividing | Kitchen accessories, cutlery inserts, drawer frames, cross dividers, back adapters, bottle storage set and cross gallery accessories | $2.07 – $173.23 |
CLIP top BLUMOTION | Hinge | Concealed hinge (with soft close BLUMOTION) | $5.83 – $19.08 |
CLIP top TIP-ON | Hinge | Concealed hinge (with mechanical opening TIP-ON) | $2.48 – $12.34 |
CLIP top | Hinge | Concealed multipurpose hinge, wide application in both frameless and face frame cabinets | $2.31 – $8.67 |
AVENTOS | Lift | Wall cabinets – various mechanisms available (bi-fold, up and over, lift up or stay lift) | $189.36 – $232.74 (HF model)
$216.80 – $275.86 (HS model) $215.87 – $350.37 (HL model) $116.50 – $152.11 (HK top model) $53.75 – $60.14 (HK-S model) $35.47 – $40.61 (HK-XS model) |
The exact price of each component differs based on specific uses, dimensions, and weight ability━Blum’s Singapore catalogue 2024/2025 provides a full pricing list, allowing homeowners to accurately calculate specific costs for their homes.
Comparison against alternatives
When it comes to kitchen cabinet systems, there are many reputable options on the market, ranging from IKEA to Häfele and Hettich.
Image credit: Blum, Häfele, Hettich
Unlike the Austrian-founded Blum, Häfele and Hettich are German brands. Homeowners on Quora collectively conclude that while Blum’s prices certainly lie on the higher end, their reputation as providers of luxury kitchen hardware is not unfounded.
Häfele’s extensive product range, while comparable to Blum, has a lower price point, but Hettich stands out as a reliable and budget-friendly option. Nevertheless, reviews laud the Blum kitchen system as the pinnacle of functional elegance, highlighting the premium materials and outstanding designs, which together create a uniquely seamless kitchen experience.
Meanwhile, in a Houzz forum discussion of Blum versus IKEA drawers, several homeowners note that the latter offers several options which feature Blum hardware━though there is some contention about whether the quality of IKEA’s Blum products is comparable to the original.
Blum as a long-term investment
Image credit: @fss.interior
Ultimately, while the initial price of Blum’s kitchen cabinet system might be steep, many homeowners conclude that the investment is well worth it. From the premium quality to its seamless operation, the durability and functionality of Blum’s products speak for themselves.
Installation guidance and maintenance recommendations
Blum’s downloads and videos page offers homeowners a range of resources when it comes to installation and maintenance, with detailed installation instruction manuals for every product. Homeowners can also access product instruction leaflets, brochures, videos and more—all neatly categorised under each specific product.
Those less confident with installation processes may wish to engage an external contractor, though it’s worth noting that extra installation charges will be incurred.
Blum’s Cleaning and Maintenance Manual provides detailed instructions for keeping your cabinets and drawers in tip-top condition. While typically maintenance-free, Blum products may require occasional cleaning with solvent soap and a damp cloth—though the manual emphasises that you should never use abrasive chemicals on or near Blum products.
Blum Experience Centre Singapore.
Image credit: Blum
Additionally, Blum Singapore offers a host of services, ranging from personal customer support to digital, logistics, and assembly services. While many homeowners can attest that Blum equipment is built to last, new buyers can rest easy with Blum’s lifetime warranty on mechanical hardware.
Blum Experience Centre Singapore
Address: 150 Ubi Avenue 4, #02-01, Ubi Biz-Hub, Singapore 408825
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am to 5:30pm
Contact: +65 65471760 | info.sg@blum.com
Is the Blum kitchen cabinet system worth it?
Image credit: @intbybh
Ultimately, if your priority is to create a luxury kitchen experience, Blum is definitely the way to go—nothing beats the brand’s expertise in sleek designs and smooth operation. Having earned high praise from homeowners and cabinetmakers alike, Blum products are undoubtedly worth the investment.
That being said, homeowners on a budget can consider kitchen cabinetry from brands such as IKEA, Häfele, or Hettich—affordable yet reliable options which still serve their purpose.
For more homeowner insights, check out:
- Singaporean homeowners give us their honest cooker hob & hood reviews
- 16 Singaporeans tell us about the best standing fans to buy
- We polled Singaporeans on the best smart home gadgets
Cover image adapted from: @intbybh, @fss.interior
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