Kitchen recommendations

canadiangirl78

We've just ordered our kitchen from DIY kitchens will be delivered in 2 weeks! We have saved a lot of money by ordering online, so much so that we can afford to pay someone to fit it, to save my OH a job!

It is the Broadoak natural kitchen by second nature, will let you know what it's like when it turns up! Nearly went with Wickes but their price for a comparable solid oak kitchen was 75% more! They would have price matched other companies but the white carcass put me off in the end!

We had been looking for 5 months so good luck!

jimbo_the_jetset

Just installed IKEA kitchen (well just about). ~£2.25K inc oven & hob. Very satisfied with it so far. Nice deep drawers. Although note base units are flat against the wall so no room for elec or pipes. Wasn't an issue for us though. Long guarantee on units, appliances and taps

Got worktop from Homebase - took 12 weeks for delivery. V poor customer service. Still not replied to my 3rd letter of complaint!!

p.s. Was in IKEA last night. 24 months 0% when you spend over 2k or 2.5k. 10% off their fitting too.

hamblettamaud

jimbo_the_jetset wrote: »

Just installed IKEA kitchen (well just about). ~£2.25K inc oven & hob. Very satisfied with it so far. Nice deep drawers. Although note base units are flat against the wall so no room for elec or pipes. Wasn't an issue for us though. Long guarantee on units, appliances and taps

Got worktop from Homebase - took 12 weeks for delivery. V poor customer service. Still not replied to my 3rd letter of complaint!!

p.s. Was in IKEA last night. 24 months 0% when you spend over 2k or 2.5k. 10% off their fitting too.

i found homebase's customer service was absolutely terrible. they failed to respond to three letters of complaint about shoddy installation and what i believe to be breach of contract - the salesman appeared to have made an error inputting the kitchen details on his computer and the wrong items were delivered and installed. after the fourth letter of complaint someone phoned me and said they would get back, but of course she never did. i would urge anyone thinking of getting a homebase kitchen - do not do it. for a start they are overpriced, with overpriced installation charges, and unreliable should anything go wrong after installation.

allan673

have you tried howdens kitchens?
they are very good quality, had one in my old house and i would use again when im after a new kitchen.

flusk

I believe that National Kitchens (not allowed to post a link but easy enough to look up) supply Mereway kitchens online. I've no experience or connection with them, but we used their web site to benchmark quotes we had from locally based suppliers. Might be an option if the price is right and you have a local fitter happy to use them (and to advise you on what to buy).

btedds

Can you look at Howdens kitchens in a showroom (Norfolk)? I have looked at their website and it is trade only. It doesn't have any sort of list of suppliers or anyway of finding any in your area - or am I missing something? Also is it possible to open a trade account, even if you are not a kitchen fitter?

I think a document covering kitchens would be a great idea!

sp74

I've installed quite a few IKEA kitchens, and I rate them quite well for the cost. Most of the functional parts being German manufactured (like Blum drawers - soft-close as standard).

Some problems with IKEA stuff...
The lack of void space for pipes etc on the back can be a problem.
Most of the appliances are made by Whirlpool, better brands can be found cheaper elsewhere, and standard size appliances should fit most situations.
The sinks and plumbing are a bit naff. All the steel sinks have no tap hole in them, the finish on them is also a bit rough. And the waste plumbing parts are fit for the bin! Best to buy sinks and plumbing parts from BQ or plumbing suppliers.
Some of the laminate worktops are not great, factory-made edgings are known to start peeling off in a short time.

Basically, buy the cupboards, doors and drawer furniture from IKEA. Appliances from an online retailer (cheaper). Rest of stuff from B&Q, plumbers or possibly Howdens. Solid oak worktops are hard to find cheaper than IKEA as well.

I don't recommend necessarily buying pre-assembled cupboards from Howdens etc, as often have to be dismantled again for modifications when fitting.

Magnet are over-priced for what you get, and Homebase / Wickes are generally rubbish!

sheslookinhot

sp74 wrote: »

I've installed quite a few IKEA kitchens, and I rate them quite well for the cost. Most of the functional parts being German manufactured (like Blum drawers - soft-close as standard).

Some problems with IKEA stuff...
The lack of void space for pipes etc on the back can be a problem.
Most of the appliances are made by Whirlpool, better brands can be found cheaper elsewhere, and standard size appliances should fit most situations.
The sinks and plumbing are a bit naff. All the steel sinks have no tap hole in them, the finish on them is also a bit rough. And the waste plumbing parts are fit for the bin! Best to buy sinks and plumbing parts from BQ or plumbing suppliers.
Some of the laminate worktops are not great, factory-made edgings are known to start peeling off in a short time.

Basically, buy the cupboards, doors and drawer furniture from IKEA. Appliances from an online retailer (cheaper). Rest of stuff from B&Q, plumbers or possibly Howdens. Solid oak worktops are hard to find cheaper than IKEA as well.

I don't recommend necessarily buying pre-assembled cupboards from Howdens etc, as often have to be dismantled again for modifications when fitting.

Magnet are over-priced for what you get, and Homebase / Wickes are generally rubbish!

What a rubbish & stupid comment. What experience do you have of Wickes Kitchens ?

sp74

What experience do you have of fitting any kitchens?
Wickes kitchens are generally over-priced for what you get, which is a basic standard product, packaged with poor to average service and installation standards.
I take it you agree that Homebase is poor then??

Besides i'm not promoting any products, why do I have to describe in detail why a particular range of products is poor in my experience?

dollytub

hi ive just had my kitchen fitted with units from b@q which i am really please there quote for design and insallation was double to what i paid ,getting a recommended joiner to do it all for me