any kitchen retailer / manufacturer recommendations?

rjmarsden

We have just bought a house and need to install a new kitchen. We want to install a reasonable quality kitchen at a reasonable price. Anyone got any recommendations out of all the big players? (ikea, b&q, wickes, etc)

Leif

It depends where you are. For what it's worth I had Optiplan install my kitchen. As far as I can tell the units are comparable in quality to ones from other makers at the same price point. What stood out was the service, and fitting. The fitting was very good, and service was excellent as they were reliable and organised meetings to suit me.

I believe companies such as B&Q contract out the fitting, and take a cut, so the fitter gets substantially less than B&Q charge for fitting. All of the money I paid went to my fitter, and I am sure that was an inducement for him to do a good job i.e. he knew he was onto a good thing with Optiplan.

I am sure there are other good companies. You might be able to find a good local kitchen company on the high street with a good reputation. Or find a local installer, but only ever use one if you have personal recommendations from someone you know and trust. There are a lot of ham fisted mutts out there.

111KAB

IMO the crucial part of any new kitchen installation is the fitter. Whether you purchase from Ikea, B&Q, Howdens, Magnet etc a decent fitter can make or break your purchase. Unless you go really up-market the carcasses are of similar quality and doors are very much a personal choice. I would always try and go for a good quality oven, sink, hob, dishwasher as you don't want to keep replacing these particularly, if for instance, your fridge is integrated. Worktop again is really an individual choice but again a prestige worktop (granite?) can really enhance your kitchen as can the tiling, flooring and lighting. You can never install enough power sockets and additional ones (assuming an element of re-wiring) are not expensive. Get the fitter sorted though ~ go on personal/local recommendation.

Leif

111KAB wrote: »

IMO the crucial part of any new kitchen installation is the fitter.

I am sure most of us would agree with that. However, I am renting a flat while I decorate my house, and the kitchen looks lovely. But edge strips are peeling off, and some cabinet sides have expanded and split due to water absorption. There are differences in cabinet quality e.g. thicker chipboard, moisture resistant versus ordinary chipboard, denser chipboard, flat pack versus ready made. More knowledgeable people may comment.

ryder72

A good fitter can make a cheap kitchen look good while a bad one can make a dogs dinner of the most expensive kitchen.

With a good kitchen fitter, your end result is only as good as the quality of kitchen and a good quality kitchen will stay looking good for years. A cheap kitchen will show some or all of the problems Leif mentioned - foil wrapped doors delaminating, carcases taking on moisture and swelling, edge strips peeling, doors dropping etc.

I would recommend that you look at a variety of local independents and pay particular attention to details of carcase construction. finishing touches etc.