Quick Overview
- 1#1: Chief Architect Premier - Professional-grade home design software with advanced 3D kitchen modeling, cabinetry tools, and photorealistic rendering.
- 2#2: 20-20 Design - Industry-standard kitchen and bath design software with precise cabinetry, manufacturing integration, and 3D visualization.
- 3#3: SketchUp Pro - Versatile 3D modeling tool featuring extensive 3D Warehouse libraries for custom kitchen designs and layouts.
- 4#4: Cedreo - Cloud-based 3D design platform for professionals to quickly create photorealistic kitchen and home interiors.
- 5#5: Home Designer Pro - User-friendly desktop software for detailed 3D kitchen planning with automated building and furnishing tools.
- 6#6: RoomSketcher - App-based tool for generating professional floor plans and interactive 3D kitchen walkthroughs.
- 7#7: Planner 5D - Intuitive online and app-based 3D designer for easy kitchen layouts with drag-and-drop furniture and AR preview.
- 8#8: Floorplanner - Web-based editor for creating 2D floor plans and high-quality 3D kitchen renders effortlessly.
- 9#9: Live Home 3D - Cross-platform interior design app with robust 3D kitchen modeling and terrain editing features.
- 10#10: Sweet Home 3D - Free open-source application for simple 2D plan drawing and 3D kitchen preview with furniture libraries.
We ranked these tools by evaluating advanced features like cabinetry precision and rendering quality, ensuring reliability, balancing ease of use for both experts and beginners, and assessing overall value to guide readers toward the most suitable options.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores top 3D kitchen design software, featuring tools like Chief Architect Premier, 20-20 Design, SketchUp Pro, Cedreo, Home Designer Pro, and more, to assist users in selecting software that matches their skill level, project scope, and design goals. By examining key features, ease of use, and specialized capabilities, readers will learn how each tool addresses unique needs—from professional kitchen planning to personal DIY projects.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Architect Premier Professional-grade home design software with advanced 3D kitchen modeling, cabinetry tools, and photorealistic rendering. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | 20-20 Design Industry-standard kitchen and bath design software with precise cabinetry, manufacturing integration, and 3D visualization. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | SketchUp Pro Versatile 3D modeling tool featuring extensive 3D Warehouse libraries for custom kitchen designs and layouts. | creative_suite | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 4 | Cedreo Cloud-based 3D design platform for professionals to quickly create photorealistic kitchen and home interiors. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Home Designer Pro User-friendly desktop software for detailed 3D kitchen planning with automated building and furnishing tools. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 6 | RoomSketcher App-based tool for generating professional floor plans and interactive 3D kitchen walkthroughs. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 7 | Planner 5D Intuitive online and app-based 3D designer for easy kitchen layouts with drag-and-drop furniture and AR preview. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | Floorplanner Web-based editor for creating 2D floor plans and high-quality 3D kitchen renders effortlessly. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Live Home 3D Cross-platform interior design app with robust 3D kitchen modeling and terrain editing features. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 10 | Sweet Home 3D Free open-source application for simple 2D plan drawing and 3D kitchen preview with furniture libraries. | other | 7.4/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 |
Professional-grade home design software with advanced 3D kitchen modeling, cabinetry tools, and photorealistic rendering.
Industry-standard kitchen and bath design software with precise cabinetry, manufacturing integration, and 3D visualization.
Versatile 3D modeling tool featuring extensive 3D Warehouse libraries for custom kitchen designs and layouts.
Cloud-based 3D design platform for professionals to quickly create photorealistic kitchen and home interiors.
User-friendly desktop software for detailed 3D kitchen planning with automated building and furnishing tools.
App-based tool for generating professional floor plans and interactive 3D kitchen walkthroughs.
Intuitive online and app-based 3D designer for easy kitchen layouts with drag-and-drop furniture and AR preview.
Web-based editor for creating 2D floor plans and high-quality 3D kitchen renders effortlessly.
Cross-platform interior design app with robust 3D kitchen modeling and terrain editing features.
Free open-source application for simple 2D plan drawing and 3D kitchen preview with furniture libraries.
Chief Architect Premier
enterpriseProfessional-grade home design software with advanced 3D kitchen modeling, cabinetry tools, and photorealistic rendering.
Advanced cabinet design tools with parametric customization and direct integration of thousands of real-world manufacturer catalogs for accurate, spec-ready kitchens
Chief Architect Premier is a professional-grade 3D architectural design software renowned for its powerful capabilities in kitchen design within full residential projects. It offers advanced 3D modeling, precise cabinetry customization, photorealistic rendering, and integration with real manufacturer catalogs for appliances and fixtures. Users can generate detailed floor plans, elevations, and walkthroughs with automatic framing and material takeoffs, making it a comprehensive solution for high-end kitchen layouts.
Pros
- Exceptional 3D rendering with ray-tracing for photorealistic kitchen visualizations
- Vast library of customizable cabinets, appliances, and manufacturer-specific products
- Seamless integration of kitchen design into full home models with automatic detailing
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training for non-professionals
- High upfront cost and system resource demands
- Overkill for users focused solely on simple kitchen remodels without whole-house needs
Best For
Professional architects, builders, and kitchen designers handling complex residential projects requiring precise 3D modeling and manufacturer-accurate specifications.
Pricing
Perpetual license ~$3,495; annual subscription for updates ~$895; volume discounts available.
20-20 Design
enterpriseIndustry-standard kitchen and bath design software with precise cabinetry, manufacturing integration, and 3D visualization.
Seamless integration with thousands of real manufacturer catalogs for drag-and-drop accurate product placement and specs
20-20 Design is a professional 3D kitchen and interior design software renowned for its precision in cabinetry, millwork, and space planning. It provides extensive manufacturer catalogs, photorealistic rendering, cutlist generation, and shop drawings for seamless transition from design to production. Used widely in the industry, it excels in creating detailed, manufacturable kitchen layouts with high accuracy.
Pros
- Vast integrated manufacturer catalogs for accurate product specs
- Photorealistic 3D rendering and precise cutlists for production
- Industry-standard tools for professional kitchen design workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring significant training
- High subscription costs not ideal for hobbyists
- Primarily Windows-based with limited cross-platform support
Best For
Professional kitchen designers, cabinetmakers, and showrooms needing precise, production-ready 3D designs.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$149/month for core features, with premium Workspace and enterprise plans up to $300+/month or custom quotes.
SketchUp Pro
creative_suiteVersatile 3D modeling tool featuring extensive 3D Warehouse libraries for custom kitchen designs and layouts.
The 3D Warehouse, offering millions of free, user-generated kitchen models and components
SketchUp Pro is a powerful 3D modeling software renowned for its use in architecture and interior design, including kitchen planning and visualization. It enables users to build custom kitchen layouts from 2D sketches using intuitive push-pull tools, import pre-made models from the 3D Warehouse, and enhance designs with extensions for cabinets and appliances. While versatile for professional workflows, it excels in freeform modeling rather than parametric kitchen-specific automation.
Pros
- Vast 3D Warehouse library with thousands of kitchen components like cabinets and appliances
- Intuitive push-pull modeling for quick 3D kitchen prototyping
- Robust extension ecosystem for advanced kitchen design tools
Cons
- Requires third-party extensions for parametric cabinetry and cut lists
- Subscription model adds ongoing costs without perpetual license option
- Rendering capabilities need paid add-ons like V-Ray for photorealistic kitchen visuals
Best For
Architects and interior designers seeking flexible 3D modeling for kitchen designs within larger projects.
Pricing
Starts at $349/year for SketchUp Pro subscription; higher Studio tier at $699/year includes advanced rendering.
Cedreo
specializedCloud-based 3D design platform for professionals to quickly create photorealistic kitchen and home interiors.
Instant photorealistic 3D renders and automated construction drawings from any kitchen design
Cedreo is an online 3D home design platform optimized for professionals, allowing users to create photorealistic kitchen designs, floor plans, and presentations in under 2 hours using a drag-and-drop interface. It features a vast library of over 7,000 real-brand items, including cabinets, appliances, and materials tailored for kitchen layouts. The software generates 2D plans, elevations, 360° panoramas, and dollhouse views for client-ready outputs.
Pros
- Lightning-fast design workflow for complete kitchens in minutes
- Extensive catalog of manufacturer-specific kitchen products
- High-quality, client-ready renders and construction documents
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for highly bespoke designs
- Subscription pricing geared toward professionals, less ideal for hobbyists
- Web-based platform requires stable internet connection
Best For
Professional home builders, remodelers, and interior designers needing quick, photorealistic kitchen designs for client presentations.
Pricing
Starts at $49/user/month (Essentials, billed annually), with Pro at $79/month and Premium at $119/month including advanced features.
Home Designer Pro
otherUser-friendly desktop software for detailed 3D kitchen planning with automated building and furnishing tools.
Automatic cabinet design tools that generate uppers, lowers, islands, and uppers with custom sizing and hardware options
Home Designer Pro is a robust 3D home design software from Chief Architect, enabling users to create detailed floor plans and photorealistic 3D models with specialized tools for kitchen design, including cabinets, countertops, islands, and appliances. It supports drag-and-drop placement, custom sizing, material assignments, and automatic generation of elevations and material lists. The software excels in whole-home remodeling but provides pro-level kitchen visualization through ray-traced rendering and virtual walkthroughs.
Pros
- Extensive manufacturer-approved libraries for cabinets, appliances, and finishes
- High-quality ray-traced 3D rendering and 360° walkthroughs
- Comprehensive material takeoffs and cost estimation tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners due to complex interface
- High upfront cost without subscription flexibility
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for smooth performance
Best For
Professional remodelers, builders, and serious DIY homeowners tackling full-home designs with detailed kitchen layouts.
Pricing
$599 one-time purchase (perpetual license with free updates for one year; upgrades ~$199/year after).
RoomSketcher
specializedApp-based tool for generating professional floor plans and interactive 3D kitchen walkthroughs.
Live 3D preview that updates in real-time as you edit 2D floor plans
RoomSketcher is a cloud-based floor plan and interior design software that allows users to create detailed 2D floor plans and interactive 3D visualizations, with a strong focus on kitchens through its extensive library of cabinets, appliances, and surfaces. It supports drag-and-drop design, live 3D previews, high-quality renders, and 360° panoramas for immersive kitchen walkthroughs. Ideal for quick professional designs, it caters to both amateurs and pros in real estate and home renovation.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for rapid kitchen layouts
- Vast library of customizable kitchen furniture, fixtures, and materials
- High-quality 3D renders, 360° views, and export options
Cons
- Limited advanced parametric tools for custom cabinetry and complex designs
- Free version includes watermarks and export limits
- Occasional performance lag with very large or detailed projects
Best For
Homeowners, real estate professionals, and small design firms seeking easy, quick 3D kitchen visualizations without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan with limitations; Pro at $99/year; VIP at $199/year (includes unlimited projects and premium exports).
Planner 5D
otherIntuitive online and app-based 3D designer for easy kitchen layouts with drag-and-drop furniture and AR preview.
AI-powered design generation that creates full kitchen layouts from simple sketches, photos, or text descriptions
Planner 5D is a user-friendly web and mobile app for creating 2D floor plans and interactive 3D home designs, with robust tools tailored for kitchen layouts including cabinets, appliances, and countertops. It features a drag-and-drop interface, a vast catalog of over 7,000 furniture and decor items, and real-time 3D rendering for visualizing kitchen remodels. Users can export designs in HD, access VR walkthroughs, and leverage AI-assisted suggestions for layouts and styles.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners
- Extensive library of kitchen-specific items and customizable textures
- Cross-platform support with real-time 3D previews and VR mode
Cons
- Free version limited by watermarks and catalog restrictions
- Performance lags on complex designs or mobile devices
- Lacks advanced CAD precision for professional architects
Best For
DIY homeowners and novice designers seeking an accessible tool to plan and visualize kitchen renovations without steep learning curves.
Pricing
Free tier with basics; Premium from $9.99/month or $59.99/year for unlimited projects, HD exports, and full catalog access.
Floorplanner
otherWeb-based editor for creating 2D floor plans and high-quality 3D kitchen renders effortlessly.
One-click conversion from 2D floor plans to fully navigable 3D dollhouse and walkthrough views
Floorplanner is a web-based floor planning tool that allows users to create 2D layouts convertible to interactive 3D models, ideal for visualizing kitchen designs with drag-and-drop furniture and appliances. It supports detailed room planning, photorealistic renders, and 360-degree panoramas for immersive walkthroughs. While versatile for home design, it offers a solid library of kitchen elements like cabinets, islands, and fixtures for quick prototyping.
Pros
- Intuitive browser-based interface with instant 2D-to-3D conversion
- Large library of kitchen appliances, cabinets, and fixtures
- Shareable projects and high-quality export options like HD renders
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for kitchen materials and hardware
- Free plan restricted to 1 project with watermarks and low-res exports
- Rendering lacks the photorealism of dedicated kitchen design software
Best For
DIY homeowners and novice designers seeking simple, quick 3D kitchen layout visualizations without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan (1 project, watermarks); Plus $59/year (unlimited projects, HD exports); Pro $149/year (teams, advanced features).
Live Home 3D
otherCross-platform interior design app with robust 3D kitchen modeling and terrain editing features.
Built-in VR mode for immersive 3D kitchen walkthroughs
Live Home 3D is a cross-platform home design software that allows users to create detailed 2D floor plans and 3D models, with strong capabilities for kitchen design including cabinets, appliances, and countertops. It features a drag-and-drop interface, extensive object libraries, and real-time 3D visualization tools. The software supports exporting renders, animations, and even VR walkthroughs, making it suitable for planning kitchen remodels.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface ideal for beginners
- Large library of kitchen-specific furniture and appliances
- Cross-platform support (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android)
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for custom cabinetry
- Rendering quality lags behind professional tools
- Performance can slow on very complex designs
Best For
DIY homeowners and amateur designers planning kitchen layouts without needing professional-grade precision.
Pricing
One-time purchase: Standard edition ~$50, Pro edition ~$100 (per platform; cross-platform bundles available).
Sweet Home 3D
otherFree open-source application for simple 2D plan drawing and 3D kitchen preview with furniture libraries.
Seamless real-time switch between 2D floor plan editing and interactive 3D walkthroughs
Sweet Home 3D is a free, open-source interior design application that enables users to draw 2D floor plans and instantly visualize them in 3D, with a focus on home layouts including kitchens. It offers a drag-and-drop interface for placing furniture, cabinets, appliances, and other kitchen elements from an extensive online library or custom imports. While versatile for hobbyist kitchen design, it lacks specialized parametric tools found in professional software, making it ideal for quick visualizations and basic planning.
Pros
- Completely free with no usage limits
- Intuitive 2D-to-3D real-time preview
- Large community-driven library of kitchen items
Cons
- Dated interface feels clunky
- Limited advanced kitchen modeling like parametric cabinets
- Performance lags with complex scenes
Best For
DIY homeowners and beginners seeking a no-cost tool for basic kitchen layouts and visualizations.
Pricing
Free open-source download; optional paid furniture packs starting at $10.
Conclusion
When evaluating 3D kitchen design software, Chief Architect Premier stands out as the top choice, thanks to its professional-grade tools and photorealistic capabilities. 20-20 Design, a strong second, excels with industry-standard integration and precise cabinetry features, while SketchUp Pro rounds out the top three, offering versatility through extensive 3D libraries. Each tool caters to different needs, from beginners to professionals, ensuring there’s an option for every user.
Ready to transform your kitchen vision? Start with Chief Architect Premier to unlock advanced modeling and rendering, or explore 20-20 Design or SketchUp Pro to find the perfect fit for your unique workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison