I went and had a go at the Ikea kitchen planner yesterday

[BasinHaircut]

Couldn't get it to work on the computer so as we had a child free morning, DH and I went into the store and got some help. (FYI apparently it doesn't work on a Mac unless you download some sort of patch).

We only did a rough plan as we forgot some measurements e.g. Ceiling height and put cupboards/drawers in where we want them but they might not be the exact combinations we really need.

We are not in a rush so will take our time refining everything but was just after some tips.

The print out seems to have included things we need but didn't pick e.g. Hinges , but I'm assuming we can upgrade them to soft close. Is there anything it doesn't automatically include?

The woman in Ikea also said I need a 5cm filler stwhen end cupboards and the wall. Do you always? If so I'm not sure our plan will fit as the measurements are quite tight. Anyone got away wth this?

Also we have an American fridge freezer. Ideally I'd like base unit depth cupboards above to maximise storage. Can you do this? As obviously it doesn't let you on he planner.

Any other tips would be welcome!

[TropicalHorse]

There's amazing support for this online. You'll have to do some googling but there's whole forums where you upload your plans and super-experienced people give you advice. I got horribly addicted to it but then discovered that a cabinetmaker could make to measure AND fit for only 1k more than buying the ikea cabinets...

[Walnutpie]

Tropical please tell me your cabinetmaker is in London?

I'm about to go meet with IKEA myself to start this process and not yet convinced...

[Walnutpie]

I been googling to try to find the support mentioned by Tropical, seems like there was a great resource called ikeafans, that was full of knowledge and ideas, but it got taken down. It seems IKEA didn't like it even though it was very pro IKEA. Speculated that this is because it was very derogatory about IKEA ovens!

[BasinHaircut]

Thanks that's interesting walnut. We are considering an ikea oven but I might look elsewhere too then.

[Pradaqueen]

So I read this as you went and had a go at the ikea kitchen planner I.e the poor soul in the shop! Lol. Personally I have bought at least 5 ikea kitchens and found it easier to go into the shop when it is very likely to be quiet and then someone always helps you out. I've always bought the carcasses and doors from ikea but then bought appliances and worktops elsewhere. The staff are really helpful and if you don't want a filler don't order one but their job is to point out where they think they can add value aesthetically not just to sell you stuff. Personally I think that the faktum range was far superior in terms of sturdiness and the legs on the new metod are really very weak and awkward to use. Good luck with it all x

[BlackbirdOnTheWire]

I thought the same Prada! I was thinking, crikey, surely this is an AIBU, not a Property thread?!

Sorry, no help to the OP but bet the Ikea kitchen planner's relieved...

[BasinHaircut]

[scruffypelota]

Be very patient with the software, it crashes a lot