Modular kitchen — price, types and what to check
Cabinets, sinks, chimneys, hobs and storage.
A modular kitchen combines cabinets, counter, sink, chimney and hob into one planned layout. The carcass material and hardware decide whether it lasts five years or twenty.
The basics
- Layouts: straight, L-shape, U-shape, parallel and island.
- Carcass in BWP plywood or HDHMR; shutters in laminate, acrylic, PU or glass.
- Plan plumbing, gas and electrical points before tiling.
Modular kitchen types and price ranges in India
| Type | Specification | Best used for | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate modular kitchen | BWP carcass | Standard homes (10×8 ft L) | ₹1.5–3.5 lakh |
| Acrylic / PU kitchen | High gloss | Premium homes (10×8 ft L) | ₹3–7 lakh |
| Stainless steel sink | SS 304, 0.8–1 mm | Everyday use | ₹2,500–15,000 |
| Quartz / granite sink | Composite | Premium | ₹10,000–40,000 |
| Kitchen chimney | 60–90 cm, 1,000–1,500 m³/h | Smoke extraction | ₹8,000–45,000 |
| Built-in hob | 3–5 burners | Cooking | ₹10,000–40,000 |
| Storage accessories | Tall unit, carousel, pull-outs | Storage | ₹3,000–30,000 |
Quality checks before you accept delivery
- Carcass must be BWP; check edge banding and hinge brand.
- Sink should be SS 304 and at least 0.8 mm thick.
- Chimney suction should suit Indian cooking — 1,000 m³/h or more.
- Open every drawer with weight inside — it should run smoothly.
- Shutter gaps should be even and aligned.
- Inspect edge banding on carcass edges.
Pro tips
- Keep the sink–stove–fridge work triangle between 4 and 7 m in total.
- Counter height 850–900 mm; chimney 650–750 mm above the hob.
- Give the oven and microwave their own 16–20 A circuit.
- Plan an approved PNG or LPG pipeline with valves.
- Keep sink and hob at least 600 mm apart.
- Put a drip tray under the sink.
- Finalise appliance sizes before the cabinet design.
Mistakes to avoid
- Long, bending chimney ducts that kill suction.
- No socket for the water purifier.
- Too little counter beside the hob.
- The hob under a window where wind blows out the flame.
- The fridge right next to the hob.
Where you can save
- Laminate shutters on a BWP carcass give the best value.
- Open shelves for part of the upper storage.
How much you need
Measure running length of counter; quotes are usually per running foot or per kitchen.
Brands to know
Nirali, Carysil, Franke, Faber, Elica, Hindware, Sleek, Hafele
Related materials
Sofas and seatingSofas, sectionals, recliners, sofa-cum-beds, diwans and swings.ChairsDining, office, study, accent, plastic and bar chairs.Beds and mattressesSingle, double, queen and king beds, storage beds, bunks and mattresses.Wardrobes and almirahsSliding and hinged wardrobes, walk-ins, steel almirahs, lofts.TablesDining, study, coffee, side, console and foldable tables.TV units and storageTV cases, shoe racks, bookshelves, crockery units, pooja mandirs, dressers.