Where for kitchens

Buzzz

We're knocking through walls at home this summer so will be having a new kitchen and appliances.

Wow, is it me or are they expensive?

We've currently been to magnet and Wren, both quoting in the region of £10k, without fitting and with an Easter discount!

We've got a reasonably sized kitchen and need a double oven, induction hob and dishwasher where we've been looking at AEG quality. Standard stainless steel sink, mixer taps and the usual mix of pull out storage options.

I've had a few recommendations for Ikea and howdens, but have never used them.

ANY experiences? We'll be fitting it.

dunroving

I coincidentally was reading a few similar threads this morning. Not sure if they are of help but here goes:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5797715

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5811624

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5811936

SuzieSue

Do a search on DIY Kitchens on this forum. Lots of people on this forum have used them.

http://www.diy-kitchens.com

Don't use Wren - do a google for the horror stories.

owen_money

SuzieSue wrote: »

Do a search on DIY Kitchens on this forum. Lots of people on this forum have used them.

http://www.diy-kitchens.com

Don't use Wren - do a google for the horror stories.

+1. The units are well made but the service is rubbish. Our designer was an idiot and had no idea what he was doing, a complete fool, should have known then really. The after sales service, well it isnt a service. Once they have your cash they really dont want to know and treat you like dirt, it is so very, very poor, just shocking. If you do use them just prey your order is correct otherwise you're in trouble. PLEASE DO NOT USE WREN

Buzzz

Thanks all will take a look

rosie383

If you are fitting it yourselves then you really can't beat ikea. Their kitchens are designed to be fitted by the customer.
We used their design software and played around with it until we got it exactly how we wanted it. Bought it and fitted it ourselves. There is a fitting rail that you attach to the wall and then the units hook on over it.
It took my dh, dd and I 5 days but was worth it. It looks lovely and is as solid as a rock.
We also bought it on 0% finance over a year. Paid about £180/month I think, so it was all paid relatively painlessly within a year.
Many others from MSE have used IKEA kitchens and I don't think I remember any of them saying they had any problems.
Mind you, if you are doing it yourself it does help if you have straight walls. The other thing to bear in mind is that the cabinets don't have a space behind for pipes etc but it's easy enough to cut a few holes where necessary.

Doozergirl

I went to the DIY kitchens showroom yesterday. I wouldn't have a problem buying from them at all.

They do have a line of cupboards by all the main suspects and show how they compare. Howdens, B&Q, Ikea, Wren & DIY. In all honesty, they all look pretty much the same when they're built but there are definitely more options available with DIY and less faffing when fitting as the cabinets come complete even with doors and drawers hung. If the pricing is more competitive and entirely transparent then it's a bit of a no brainer. I'd be surprised if they're cheaper than Ikea, but Ikea has added fitting costs.

I might have a kitchen that's suitable to put their stuff in later in the year. In which case I will get a Howdens quote, just to compare, but I'll buy it from them just so I've got experience then of all of those kitchens, other than Wren. Never touching them. There's simply no need.

Doozergirl

All sounds good!

What I do want is a hand built kitchen. I'm dealing with the Shaker Kitchen Company. Kitchen 1 went fine, although it took them two months and an email to the MD to come back and put some missing pieces on. Everything on kitchen 2 has taken forever. They've had 50% deposit since November, I need a kitchen in less than 8 weeks and it still isn't signed off. Worrying, given their lead time is 16. I think I'm clear in my emails but only onenthing on the list seems to get ticked off each time. I'm only waiting for them remove surplus handles.

Waterlily24

rosie383 wrote: »

If you are fitting it yourselves then you really can't beat ikea. Their kitchens are designed to be fitted by the customer.
We used their design software and played around with it until we got it exactly how we wanted it. Bought it and fitted it ourselves. There is a fitting rail that you attach to the wall and then the units hook on over it.
It took my dh, dd and I 5 days but was worth it. It looks lovely and is as solid as a rock.
We also bought it on 0% finance over a year. Paid about £180/month I think, so it was all paid relatively painlessly within a year.
Many others from MSE have used IKEA kitchens and I don't think I remember any of them saying they had any problems.
Mind you, if you are doing it yourself it does help if you have straight walls. The other thing to bear in mind is that the cabinets don't have a space behind for pipes etc but it's easy enough to cut a few holes where necessary.

I agree, I love our Ikea kitchen. Hubby fitted it himself, he did have a mutter about the cabinet that the sink went in but that's just him lol.

Ours has been in use for a while (a few years) and still looks as good as new apart from the worktop.

premkit

Yes DIY Kitchens are a good set up, and well priced.

I have been fitting Bunnings/Homebase kitchens, 3 last mth. I have been impressed with them for the price, Blum hinges and draws as standard.

If you want a lot of storage space then Ikea beats all kitchens for cubic area of each unit.

The most important part of the kitchen process is the fitter.