So... where would you get a new kitchen from?

[pimskie]

Our kitchen is over 15 yrs old and looks it. I really want to replace it, but DH think replacing the cupboard handles is enough...
I need to be armed with tons of info to stand a chance of convincing him. So... where would you recommend getting a kitchen from?
I wondered about Ikea, does anyone have experience? And do they fit as well or would I need to get a builder in to get it done?

Howdens.. need a fitter though as it's only trade. Never buy from b and q! Ikea are great quality and very reasonably priced

Agree do not go to b&q, poor quality and advice!

Howdens are the only people my handyman recommends

Howdens!

We got our from Howdens too

Ikea
great price and looks fab!

We've just ordered our new ikea kitchen today! Our last one was from ikea too and we were very happy with the quality. They do an installation service, although I'm not sure how it compares cost-wise with getting a local kitchen fitter in. They can also plan it for you for around £50 I think, or you can just do it yourself using their kitchen planner software online or in store. They also offer 0% finance, which is rather handy

What is I kea quality like? I like the look of their kitchens

We went with Benchmark because we wanted a granite worktop. Howden's don't do them and we didn't want the faff of co-ordinating a kitchen, a worktop survey and a templater. Our fitter had never used them before, only Howden's but said they were better because everything turned up on the lorry whereas he had usually had to ring Howden's because a bit was missing.

We're going with IKEA. For half the price of a Howdens we're getting all those little lights inside the drawers and all sort of drawer inserts. That's with one of their most expensive worktops custom made to fit.

Even if it doesn't last as long I could replace it all and probably still have some savings left over. I do have small children who I want them to be welcome to destroy use the kitchen as they grow. My builder did ask that we not as his guys to fit IKEA. I thin he was kidding but IKEA guys will do it all.

A friend has a kitchen from them and it's lasting well with another small human helper.

thanks all! I am looking forward to spending some time at Ikea then!

We've just fitted an ikea kitchen but it is very much a pimped up version with custom worktops, trim, feet, stacked cabinets etc. Took me ages to find a paint match so that we could put custom feet onto the cabinets. I think it looks fab. fitters don't like fitting them since they have no voids for pipework in the back which means a lot of fiddly cutting out.

My DH has previously worked for Howdens and now works for Benchmarx, so I can recommend both. I wouldn't go near a B & Q or Homebase kitchen, you can feel the lack of quality when you open and close the doors in the store. One thing my hubby said customers mention all the time is that large plates will easily fit inside a Benchmarx wall unit, but you may struggle with Howdens to get the door fully shut.

Sorry, I have no knowledge if Ikea kitchens

We have an Ikea kitchen that we fitted ourselves about 7 years ago, it still looks fab! We have just sold our house and lots of people viewing thought it was a new kitchen. We will def be putting another Ikea kitchen in the new house.

Ex did our own ikea kitchen a couple of years ago, it's still great, you need to get all the extra bits and bobs with it though.

We put an ikea kitchen in 9 years ago ( my mum and I built the units and my dad and I installed them). They are still going really well (although the wood work top need sanding and reoiling!)

I would get one again with out a doubt.