Excessive costs for the kitchen?!

but this does not concern the IKEA brand.

No, definitely not Ikea and Roller even less so. I see it the same way.
My version refers solely to absolutely high-quality/high-priced brands like, for example, Poggenpohl or Bax, Siematic in the past, or in the living area, designer furniture brands such as Rolf Benz, Ruf, Cor, Brühl, Jori, etc.
In these areas, it is, in my opinion, worth keeping an eye out but also looking closely. These are furniture classics that you usually have for a lifetime.
Sometimes they are pieces of furniture that were practically unused in the guest area or a rarely used office kitchen, etc.; it depends on the circumstances and you need a lot of patience.
I like Ikea but would not want to buy a kitchen used unless I could be sure for myself that it is in top condition.

We bought an L-shaped kitchen 3.5m by 2m including appliances (oven, ceramic hob, extractor fan, freestanding refrigerator from Miele, ceramic sink from Schok, and dishwasher) with installation for 5500 euros for our rental apartment. We were at a furniture store (Wanninger), not a kitchen studio, but it went like this: We looked for a consultant and explained we needed this and that size, for a maximum of 4000 euros. He immediately said it would be at least 6000 to 7000. After an hour of planning, we ended up with installation at 4500. We bought the refrigerator and sink separately. It is a really nice and large kitchen, we are very satisfied. What I want to say is, if you know how much you want to pay and what you want to have, you will get it. No matter what the guy in the kitchen studio says. They charge prices beyond 20k because everyone, sorry, fool pays it and lets themselves be talked into everything without knowing anything. The bank will pay for it anyway. I really don’t mind if someone is into kitchens, knows about it, and spends their free time cooking. Then you can do that. As a hobby project, basically. But does everyone need that in their new house? You don’t have to let yourself be talked into everything. And then complain that it is so expensive. Just deal with the subject yourself once and then buy with clear ideas.

I really have nothing to say if someone deals with kitchens, knows about it, and spends their free time cooking. Then you can do that. As a kind of hobby project. But does everyone need that in their new house? You don't have to let everything be pushed on you. And then complain that it's so expensive. Just deal with the subject yourself and then buy with clear ideas.

You said that well – that was missing. I also thought of the "I'm only building once," which could fit with the person who said they were satisfied with a kitchen for 11,500, and then still ended up paying 19,000 after visiting the showroom again. I call that closing-time panic.

The furniture industry has perfectly mastered the art of foisting kitchens full of professional features from the gastronomy sector onto the average person. Stone countertops in private households, what nonsense, who really chops bones there? Steam cookers at the Heinzens' for guests three times a year. And so on. But if someone wants to spend money on it, let them do so. However, please do not pretend that this is how it has to be, and that everything cheaper would be saving money in the wrong place.

I initially thought our steam cooker was totally over the top, but now it runs at least 3-4 times a week. I would have chosen a stone countertop but only out of laziness, to be able to put a hot pot down anywhere. However, THAT was not enough of a reason for such an extra cost...

to be able to put a hot pot down anywhere

...which you actually don’t have with induction So you did everything right.