Tchibo CN3 vs. USM Haller
Tchibo CN3 vs. USM Haller: Is CN3 a worthwhile alternative?
Anyone looking to furnish their home office or living room in style will sooner or later come across designer furniture from USM Haller. The modular system of chrome-plated steel tubing and powder-coated steel elements is known worldwide - not only for its timeless design, but also for its extreme durability. However, quality and brand name come at a price: even a single sideboard can quickly cost several thousand euros, and a complete office setup can easily run into five figures.
With the CN3 furniture series from Tchibo, there is now a significantly cheaper alternative that looks strikingly similar to the original. But how does the system perform in everyday life? Is it just a copy (dupe) - or actually a serious replacement for USM Haller?
USM Haller: The original at a glance
The Swiss company USM looks back on a long tradition. In the 1960s, Fritz Haller developed the modular furniture system that can now be found in law firms, agencies, companies and private homes worldwide.
The system is based on chrome-plated steel tubes, which are held together by the legendary connector with ball joints. This creates furniture that can be extended, converted and adapted as desired - from a small side table to a ceiling-high shelf. In addition, there are up to 14 color variants, optional castors and durable materials that make a piece of furniture virtually indestructible.
Another advantage: even used, the furniture retains a high value, as it lasts almost a lifetime. This makes USM Haller not only a furnishing object, but also a kind of investment.
Tchibo CN3 furniture in USM Haller style
Tchibo's CN3 series is clearly inspired by the original. Here too, there is a steel tube support system with chrome-plated tubes and powder-coated steel panels. Sideboards, shelves, cabinets and rolling containers therefore look almost identical to the design classic.
Differences in detail
- Connections: While USM uses chrome-plated brass, Tchibo uses plastic parts.
- Feet: Instead of optional castors or adjustable feet, there are only simple plastic feet - but they are height-adjustable.
- Weight: CN3 furniture is significantly lighter than USM Haller.
- Customization: Sizes, heights and compartment divisions are predefined, there are hardly any configuration options.
- Colors: Only black, white and grey - instead of 14 RAL color tones.
Quality and price of the CN3 series
Despite the simplified construction, CN3 surprises with solid workmanship. Assembly is straightforward with the included tools. If you work carefully, you avoid scratches in the powder coating and get a high-quality looking piece of furniture.
The price differences are enormous:
- Tchibo CN3: 230 € to 800 € per piece of furniture
- USM Haller: usually from 2,000 € per piece
A sample calculation shows the difference: two shelves and a sideboard from Tchibo would cost around 2,300 € - with USM Haller, comparable equipment would have cost over 6,000 €.
Conclusion: Is Tchibo CN3 a worthwhile USM Haller alternative?
The CN3 series from Tchibo is not a complete copy, but it comes very close to the original in terms of appearance. If you are looking for maximum flexibility, durability and color variety, USM Haller is the way to go. However, if you want the look for significantly less money, CN3 offers a robust and elegant solution for the office and home.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Tchibo CN3
Advantages:
- Significantly cheaper than USM Haller (up to 70% savings)
- Very similar look to the original
- Solid workmanship and robust materials
- Easy assembly
- Expandable within the series
- 10% discount possible via newsletter
Disadvantages:
- Less stable and heavy than USM Haller
- Plastic parts instead of metal for connectors and feet
- Hardly any individual configuration possible
- Only a few color variants
- Lower value stability on the used market
Our spare parts are 100% compatible with USM Haller furniture and similarly inexpensive as CN3 furniture. For bulk buyers, we can offer high discounts and are therefore the cheapest provider worldwide of USM Haller compatible accessories. All RAL colors are available on request.
Delivery time is only a few days, unlike other suppliers where it takes 8-12 weeks.