Kitchen suppliers

pledgeX

I'm looking at getting a new kitchen and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on any reputable suppliers.

I know almost exactly what I what in terms of number of units, appearance, layout etc. It's a fairly straightforward design so doesn't need anything particularly fancy or complicated. We're looking to spend between 5-10k. Cheaper the better obviously, but we don't want something that will fall apart.

We'd like to see the kitchen in the flesh before purchasing if possible, so places with showrooms would be preferable.

I don't trust myself putting it together so will be using a builder/kitchen fitter. Do they tend to have their own supplier hat they prefer to deal with, or could I just order everything from somewhere and have them put it together?

Thanks for any advice.

BlueC

Sounds like you know what you're doing so DIY Kitchens would be perfect for you. The showroom near pontefract is well worth a visit or two. We got our kitchen from there and it is the exact same (literally, they make it in the same factory) as we could have bought from a local independent high quality kitchen company but half the price. The quality is excellent.

Have a nosey: http://www.diy-kitchens.com/

SuzieSue

BlueC wrote: »

Sounds like you know what you're doing so DIY Kitchens would be perfect for you. The showroom near pontefract is well worth a visit or two. We got our kitchen from there and it is the exact same (literally, they make it in the same factory) as we could have bought from a local independent high quality kitchen company but half the price. The quality is excellent.

Have a nosey: http://www.diy-kitchens.com/

I agree with this.

Furts

I would not knock DIY kitchens, but would save the journey and go along to my local builders merchants as a first point of call. My Buildbase has an excellent showroom as does the local independent builders merchant. There are numerous manufacturers and ranges that can be touched and squeezed, and the staff know their subject. They do not stock rubbish, nor do they give spiel. They are used to the building trade bartering the prices to match or undercut Howdens and Magnet Trade.

There are knowledgeable and excellent people posting on this Forum who say go to your local independent retailer. This is fine for those who have a pocket deep enough to pay the prices at such retailers. I accept that there are cheaper retailers but my experience of the independents has not been positive. Too many fly boys, and commission driven, over priced products has been my experience.

pledgeX

Thanks for the responses folks.

I've seen DIY kitchens recommended on here before, but I get the impression (perhaps wrongly) they're recommended because they're cheap, not because they're good. If they're good AND cheap, then fantastic, but I'd rather fork out a bit more for something that will last. Also I'm on the South coast so there's no chance I'll get to their show room ooop North, although I see they do a door sample service which is good.

I'll take a look round the local builders merchants too, although I've been to a couple in the past and I'm pretty sure they didn't have any kitchens on display.

BlueC

Just to clear up the DIY Kitchens thing:

They are definitely good AND cheap. In fact they aren't even cheap at all compared to cheap kitchens, but if you want a very good kitchen then they are a cheap way of doing it. If you actually want a cheap kitchen then probably best to look elsewhere.

To explain: they are the public-facing outlet for their own factory, Ultima Kitchens, which makes a lot of the high quality kitchens you will see sold elsewhere. So you save by buying direct. You don't lose out on quality - the are literally the same units from the same factory. Also, because they manufacture (most of the stuff) themselves you can have completely bespoke units made - they'll do whatever width, depth, door, etc that you want (at a price, of course).

Furts

pledgeX wrote: »

Thanks for the responses folks.

I've seen DIY kitchens recommended on here before, but I get the impression (perhaps wrongly) they're recommended because they're cheap, not because they're good. If they're good AND cheap, then fantastic, but I'd rather fork out a bit more for something that will last. Also I'm on the South coast so there's no chance I'll get to their show room ooop North, although I see they do a door sample service which is good.

For the majority of people if they specify rigid units using18mm chipboard for all panels on the units then there is little that should vary between manufacturers. The draw boxes will be the same, the doors will be bought in from an importer, the hinges can be specified as 180 degrees, the feet should all be adjustable, the handles should be picked to be quality items that are durable, again bought in from an importer, soft closers will be much the same - again bought in from an importer. You get the idea.

Hence any builders merchant or supplier can easily meet this requirement, even Wren IIRR with their top range named Linda Barker (but they get a drubbing on this Forum for customer support.)

Typical UK kitchen manufacturers do very little. They just buy everything in and cut, lip and fix pieces of chipboard. It is not bespoke skilled work. This is not said to knock DIY Kitchens - it is just a factual statement applicable to all.

What the majority conceive as a "quality kitchen" is widely available at realistic prices.