Kitchens, Magnet and alternatives?

isofa

We've just got a quote from Magnet for a new kitchen, and it's far too much, essentially it's the same design as we have now, just with everything brand new. We are also keeping our dishwasher and washer, as they are good quality items.

Coupled this with our builders quote for some minor alternations and fitting, and I can find a million better ways to spend 20K.

Are there any good alternatives to Magnet which have similar quality cabinets without paying the Earth? We've got a good quality old kitchen now and I don't want to replace it with poor quality units which won't last.

claire-f_3

Howdens I know are a good alternative price-wise. There is another company who actually supply the kitchens for Wickes and B&Q, but I can't remember their name..may be worth looking into as well (we bought ours from Wickes due to their sale 'Caledonia', but the name of the kitchen units had been left as that supplied by the original company 'Soho' so they literally do forward them on from their supplier).

phill99

Magnets are really expensive. You need to try Magnet Trade, which is the trade arm of Magnets and operate in the same way as Howdens ie that they sell only to trade so you will need to get a fitter/builder to front it for you. But you will be surprised how muchcheaper they are.

Try Howdens and Benchmarx, again trade only, but a lot cheaper than Magnet Retail and the same quality.

luke_kay

We always use benchmark on our projects they beat them all on price and quality.

CyCo_2

I'd have to agree with getting a joiner/builder and going through Magnet trade, that way you don't compromise on quality, but can save yourself a small fortune.

Howdens and Benchmarx are both trade only also, so comparing them to Magnet retail is a bit pointless.

Just to add as well about the quality. Benchmarx supply a pre-assembled flat-pack carcase, which isn't the same quality as a rigid built carcase.

Oh and refering back to the "company who supplies Wickes and B&Q" mentioned by claire-f. The company in question is Gower, but you cannot buy direct from them. (interestingly, they are a sister company of Magnet)

kitchencrazy

I didn't actually buy from Magnet, but did get a very expensive quote from them. In my experience though they kept on bringing the price down and it did get to a very reasonable price.

We were had a quote in their 50% 'Sale' before Christmas that was supposed to end at the end of November. The sale price was still far too expensive and straight away they discounted that further. We went away to think about it and they called us after the sale had ended to see if we still wanted it, funnily enough the further discounted sale price was still on offer even though the sale had finished. We said it was still too expensive and they came back with another big discount that they said was supplied at the prices of Magnet trade. It was pretty reasonable actually, so if you push them a little you may find they will come down a long way.

isofa

Excellent thanks all for your input, will do some more research!

SuzieSue

If you know a good kitchen fitter then go to Howdens and Benchmarx or to one of the other trade only outlets. If you don't it's worth considering KBBC - they did a good job on my kitchen at a reasonable price.

Al1x

Deffinetly get someone to get a quote through Magnet Trade... and then get them to haggle!! my sister got 8k off her Magnet kitchen! It is a lovely kitchen, is so well made.

Slim

Howdens is best avoided. They sell via the trade so if you fall out with your installer or anything happens to him after installation (ie retirement, bankruptcy etc.) then the guarantee is worthless.