in frame kitchens - do you have one?

[dsamm]

Anyone got an inframe kitchen (ie like Harvey Jones / Wickes heritage / Carisbrooke cooke and lewis etc)?

I love the look but just wondered if there are any disadvantages? Was thinking about are they harder to keep clean/ or do they look bad if the doors start to go off symmetry etc, does the opening feel too small going into a smaller cupboard etc, harder to fit?

Basically would you get one again, or not bother (they are a bit more expensive usually)
Oh, and best place to get one!!

ooh I posted this exact same question a while ago! I'll try and find it. FWIW we decided against it simply because the model we then went for was discounted and the in-frame one was not.

There are disadvantages. The drawer runners and door hinges fit on extra brackets, rather than screwing to the carcass, so they are more likey to come lose. Also the drawers are smaller.

And they look horrible... but that's my personal preference

thanks both! I think the Harvey Jones quality ones are absolutely gorgeous, but I suppose I'm worried that the poor man's versions will look a bit wonky and awful after a while!

And having now seen some in the flesh I don't think the cheaper versions look great to start with.

I didn't know about the extra brackets etc... all good to know.

Dsamm I looked for the thread but couldnt find it, maybe it was in chat. Anyway, IIRC, people posted saying they thought they might be a bit of a 'fad' but didnt see why the quality would be any poorer (which was mynconcern when posting). However Nocake makes a good point about them possibly coming loose.

Oh dear, I'm bitter about this. It depends a lot on the range IMO. The in-frame one fitted in my house is dire. Most of the cupboards are 300mm or 400m wide with a drawer at the top. So the opening to put things into the cupboard is tiny, you can't fit in a cereal packet or a big pan. The upper shelves are barely useable. The corner cupboards are a joke. Also, when you have a cupboard with double doors, you have a double frame in the middle that obscures much of the space and means you can't open it clear. The hinges are huge, elbow like versions of flush hinges, when a simple butt hinge would work better and allow the doors to open clear of the frame.

With sensibly proportioned units it would probably be fine, I've nothing against the look and indeed have seen beautiful ones, but better to have it carpenter built or something like Handmade Kitchens, than fake frames bolted onto the front of standard issue carcases.

Have a good look at the display ones, open the doors and drawers and see how inefficient the space can be.

Nothing wrong with the quality (it was MFI) the damn thing would probably last another 10 years if I wasn't desperate to turn it into firewood.

There is a world of difference between bespoke handmade like your Harvey Jones, and the sort of thing you get in Wickes or B&Q.

IIRC another MNer had her kitchen from Handmade Kitchens Direct, seems like a much better way of getting the traditional look if you want it.