Karl Donovan was one of those owners opening his first store in South Manchester in 2018 and now not only has the first Kutchenhaus in the Algarve but also in Europe! We spent time catching up with Karl to understand how things are going in the Algarve and what the future holds.

“To be honest Portugal was never part of the business strategy. We opened Wilmslow in 2018 and the plan was to establish that business as the best showroom in South Manchester for premium German kitchens”.

“We have owned a property in Vale Do Lobo since 2014 and our long-term goal was to own a holiday home and eventually retire here. That all got turned on its head when, in June 2021, a gentleman by the name of Barry came into my UK shop and asked if I could get him a kitchen to Vilamoura for his project. Barry had lived locally to my UK shop and had moved to Portugal. When he was having no success in finding a kitchen in the Algarve he decided, whilst visiting family in the UK, to ask for help”.

“We successfully completed his project and then it was Barry who encouraged me to think about opening here. So, we did some mystery shopping together, it was then that I knew my model of working would really meet the needs of potential clients. In July 2022, we opened a small office with just our samples, my laptop and an advert in The Portugal News.

“Over 2 years later we now have a thriving kitchen business but what makes us unique is our service model… I have nicknamed it our ‘kitchen concierge service’ as the consultation, design and presentation are all demonstrated in the comfort of your own home. We then take you to see completed kitchen projects in your area enabling you to see the products in action and the quality of workmanship. All of this is endorsed by our happy clientele!

“I am immensely proud of every completed project that we have achieved so far. So, what’s next for Kutchenhaus Algarve?

“We are about to launch our new outdoor kitchens in partnership with Fògher Italian Outdoor Kitchens, exclusive to the Algarve market”.

“These are beautifully crafted, handmade kitchens created in the hills of the Dolomites with materials sourced and made locally.

We have two types of kitchen systems, the Laras which is a modular system which can be made in different sizes and system combinations. We then have the Agher which is a set module of 2.4m which can be mixed and matched in regards to the BBQ, sinks, hobs or chopping boards depending on your individual needs. The Agher also comes in 4 colours… Ancient Sage, Material Silk, Sienna and Obsidian black.

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

We have accessories such as the baking kit that can turn your BBQ into a pizza oven, a smoking kit to enhance the flavours of your food, and a soapstone for fish and vegetables.

What I love about these products is that they are so well made, they look modern and stylish but their BBQ is something else. Its cooking technique is non-direct heat so less chance of burning but also gives food much more flavour than normal BBQ’s. Fògher has patented a really clever venting system so that when the lid is closed the gasses, normally sealed in by the lid, can be released which means your food tastes even better as the gas does not impact the food… you have to try it to believe it, trust me!

There is plenty more I could add but the best way to experience Kutchenhaus Algarve firsthand is to book a visit where you can see our displays which are set up in an outdoor space. It’s actually my own home which enables you to see the products in a real environment.

If you like what you read and you’re interested in finding out more about both our indoor and outdoor kitchens, please contact us on:

Tel +35 911 899 927
Email showroom@algarve.kutchenhaus.com

www.fogher.com

www.pt.kutchenhaus.com

We will also be displaying at the Blip Expo in Portimao on the 12th & 13th of October.