Kitchen - Value for Money

rbahia

I am after a kitchen that has the potential to last 10 years at least.

I am considering the below :
Howdens
Masterclass
Hacker
Independent kitchen manufacturers

I would welcome input on what the key things are to look out for to be able to differentiate the quality between kitchens. Of course they all talk them selves up but how can you accurately compare one kitchen to another and then try to uncover if the "premium" with say a Hacker kitchen is worth it?

CharTiC

Well I´ve been researching a few months ago about this. You should know that most of the sellers use the same few providers. Doors are bought to TradeMouldings, or a couple of them more, but they are usually the same.

The cabinets are usually 18mm or less, and a solid top would make the difference as it provides steadiness. If you want to do it yourself instead of hiring a 3rd party (which would save you a lot of money), make sure that they have an easy to fit system.

If you compare DYIKitchens with TradePrice or FinsaHome, you will realize how easy to fit are the ones from TP or Finsahome. And I should warn you I won't buy from DIYKitchens again. Plus, if you choose Finsahome you have a 10%off using WEVEGONELIVE at checkout.

BTW, any kitchen you could buy will last 10 years...

madeinireland_2

Why wouldn't you use DIY-kitchens?

I think a lot of people would disagree with you as they have a lot of very positive comments. I've just got some samples from them and they look great.

I've never heard of the other two and you appear to be a newbie on here so can you please explain your comment on DIY-kitchens.

Thanks...

missbiggles1

Sounds like a rather complicated attempt at Spam to me.

CharTiC

Why wouldn't you use DIY-kitchens?

I think a lot of people would disagree with you as they have a lot of very positive comments. I've just got some samples from them and they look great.

I've never heard of the other two and you appear to be a newbie on here so can you please explain your comment on DIY-kitchens.

Thanks...

Both DIYKitchens and TradPrice Kitchens have their own competitors price comparison charts. Everything is explained there, and if you have a look at them you will realize that the quality and finish is similar. The price on this kind of products is determinant. To be honest, I can't understand how they make money when you can go for similar things cheaper...

And, as I said, the doors are always the same.

leveller2911

CharTiC wrote: »

If you compare DYIKitchens with TradePrice or FinsaHome, you will realize how easy to fit are the ones from TP or Finsahome. And I should warn you I won't buy from DIYKitchens again. Plus, if you choose Finsahome you have a 10%off using WEVEGONELIVE at checkout.

BTW, any kitchen you could buy will last 10 years...

So why are the kitchens from Finsahome and Tradeprice easier to fit than say Howdens or DIY kitchens?.

martinnathalie9

Yes any new kitchen you invest in will last you 10 years. A kitchen is an investment, we want them to last the years both visually and practically. I would always advise investing a little more money to rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens.

I tend to find you know you're getting good quality when you are offered a free consultation, you already know they are willing to go the extra mile as well as understanding the importance of design and the investment you're about the make. I also looked at DIY kitchens and experienced no issues, the reviews are good. However, when I decided to visit kitchen showrooms in Surrey it was more of an experience... I was offered a free consultation and the whole thing felt like more of an experience. Do you live down south? If so why not try a consultation and see if you feel any more informed/confident in your decision? http://www.abwaters.co.uk/Showroom

On a more visual note, I would advise going for a more plain finish - something not too extravagant if you want it to last the trends of the next 10 years, greys are very trendy at the moment

cddc

Have said this before, but will say it again. DIY are good if you can do your own design and have your own fitter. The quality in terms of what you get for what you pay is good at the price point. Not everyone is in this situation.

Many will want a "one stop shop" service. ..design, supply and fit, in which case you should visit a national or local independent supplier.

Unless you go for a real bottom end kitchen (B&Q IT for example), a well fitted kitchen will last 15 years or much longer as long as you look after it sensibly.

As for quality. Most mainstream kitchen suppliers offer 18 mm carcasses, Blumotion drawers and hinges or similar, and good quality doors. There are differences in spec, but these are not massive, and should not lead to a large difference in the lifespan of the kitchen.

The only reason to go German is for greater flexibility in design.

rbahia

Thanks all for the input.

I have now visited countless showrooms, and spoken to lots of "professionals" and i think there is a lot of sales and marketing hype attached to most of the conversations.

I think I will be going for a kitchen from Howdens / Benchmarx , because the cost / quality / value for money isn't present in the more premium options.

Whenever i have asked these providers to explain why it is worth more of an investment -it all goes back to the carcasses etc. and very small details...then depending on what you are looking for the actual doors are pretty similar in terms of construction i.e if its a gloss look - either a wrap / wrap with laquer , or painted and the costs rise depending on what you go for.

I agree that the advantage of the independents could be the potential for a be-spoke design etc , but it really depends on the space you have , i am fortunate enough to have space to play around with where the standard unit sizes and depths give me what I want.