Fitted kitchens, where to buy?

[Notnowcato]

Finally, we have a house which comes complete with an original 1970s kitchen. Even the surveyor says it needs to go, pronto. Yipee, I get my first new kitchen. But, having never done this before, I need advice as I am quickly getting confused. I have had recommendations for IKEA and Howdens, but am also thinking about Magnet, John Lewis (plc, not of Hungerford)? We have about 5k to spend (including appliances) so I can't go for the top end, much as I'd love to. I'd like some thing modern and minimal with the idea that we can then add three children's worth of clutter and still come up smiling? . Does anyone have experience of any of the above? Or any other recommendations? Or just any hard-earned advice as I start on this process. Thank you for any words of wisdom

[Chihuahuas]

Mine is the one that's in painted collection group 4. I never thought I would be able to afford a nice kitchen and properly designed. :)

[Ginformation]

One word of caution about ikea kitchens, they can be a right bastard to fit if you don't have immaculately straight and plumb walls. The units go right to the back of the work top, unlike a lot of other standard carcasses which have a gap at the back for electrics, plumbing, bumpy walls etc. fitting an ikea kitchen yourself will make you very sweary unless you are a great diyer.

We got fantastic quality and service from a local kitchen showroom and fitter, dh's negotiation skills came into play too!

[Notnowcato]

Now my inclination would be to go for a local fitter for the kitchen. But I know my husband and he really hates paying for things that he could do himself. (Being a proper Yorkshire man.) (Writing this as a Yorkshire woman.) I do think it will be several days of swearyness. And so my plan would be to take the children to stay with my mother for a long weekend and leave him (and his best mate, who similarly likes a challenge) to it. With enough beers in the fridge (once it's installed) it might even make a super-bonding experience for them.

More seriously, thanks for the warning Ginformation. I will raise the issue with him and give him due warning ?

Just back from a fact-finding mission from Ikea today, actually. Am very impressed with the quality and the choice. Quite excited, actually. But can see I will need more than my 5k, although possibly not a great deal more.

[Jiansh]

www.williamballkitchens.com
Try them they are really good.

[Notnowcato]

Jiansh: Those are BEAUTIFUL kitchens. Thank you for the link!

[DIddled]

Chihuahuas- wow that's a fab site!! I am looking at kitchens and live near you!!! Can I ask how much it cost you in total please( if you don't mind) or think I am being cheeky- I had a Howdens kitchen fitted not that many years ago and though the carcasses are good and sturdy I am not that fussed on the door quality:(

Thanks so much for the link, can we see the finished article please ? :)

[Chihuahuas]

Hiya it was just over 7.5k. On the wicks qoute I didn't have any appliances or an oak worktop, fitting or a nice sink.

And the kitchen is not flat packed and made to order. It's the ridgley in azure.

I'm having intergrated fridge and freezer, microwave, good quality extractor, oven and hob, and a lush graphite sink and an water filter tap.

I've also had an sort of an island come breakfast bar made from the oak worktop with shelves and drawers and a hideous boiler covered up too with cupboard and oak worktop.

Well defo post pics. :)

[Bunbaker]

When we had a new kitchen fitted two houses ago we got it from Magnet. They were brilliant and did everything, including the electrics and plumbing. A workmate of mine was a cabinet maker by trade and also rated Magnet.

[DIddled]

That's a good price!!! Will wait to see pics x

[Chihuahuas]

Forgot to say plumbing electrics etc all included. I'm getting my own tiles but the fitter is doing them for me too. :)

[DIddled]

Fab! You are inspiring me!! I will be keeping tabs!!! Did you need building work- we are having a knock through - I am a bit scared. X

[Chihuahuas]

No building work here but don't be scared. You wil be so happy When It's done!

[HalleLouja]

Have a look at Schueller kitchens. This is what I am coveting at the moment. There is a website called pricemykitchen which sells them for good value. I haven't bought one but we will probably go ahead with a Schueller one. They are good quality and not too expensive.

[fussychica]

Just want to say I was also very impressed by Paul of Evo Kitchens (mentioned above)- he asked loads of questions and produced lovely plans and mock ups for us to see in various colours, nothing was too much trouble.

Unfortunately, for a number of reasons we aren't going ahead with the kitchen refit at the moment but when we do I'll be going back to Paul.

[nondomesticgoddess]

The evo kitchens look lovely! Do they charge for their consultations?

[annalouiseh]

Just email them and let them know what your wanting.
its my dh

[Bluegirl77]

Just wanted to share my experience of Magnet. I went for the big name as 2 friends left out of pocket when their builders disappeared or went bust. I have small kitchen, about 12 units and spent £12k inc fitting. Lots of problems from design, delivery thru to fitting and product quality. 4 day fit took 7 weeks and only completed when i wrote to MD in head office. Now completed but less than year old and have had 3 sets of fridge freezer doors and lots of issues .... i am going back into battle next week when i have the energy. All my doors are bowing and i know other customers must be having same issue but i have been told that i am too precise!!! My fitter, who was supposedly the best, has left them and gone to wren!!!. Say no more!!!

[dimsum123]

I've ordered a schueller kitchen. I have a big kitchen, around 5.5m x 4m. It was quite expensive 29k.

That includes units quartz workshops 2 sinks 2 ovens huge fridge huge freezer large induction hob fancy extractor fan dishwasher and fitting. I'll have a 3m island and another 5.5m run of units.

[Chihuahuas]

No Paul doesn't charge for consults and provides full visuals. Mine is starting in ten days!! Hes been more than helpful in helping me choose my tiles too :)

[Chihuahuas]

My Evo kitchen is nearly finished and oh my god it's looking beautiful!!! I'm dreading using it and have decided to only make sandwiches in it for ever as I'm scared of ruining it ha ha!

[DIddled]

Oooooh pictures pictures please CIhuahuas!!!!!

[Chihuahuas]

Sorry have been busy enjoying new kitchen and pottering. Just figuring out how to put pictures on and I will be back!

[Chihuahuas]

New kitchen. Going to decorate this weekend so ignore the white scruffy walls and sticker on the oven!

www.flickr.com/photos/94868316@N08/8635155910/

www.flickr.com/photos/94868316@N08/8635156050/

www.flickr.com/photos/94868316@N08/8635155990/

[Yorky]

Diddled - we have ordered an evo kitchen too, the Ridgley again, but in cream :) They are building the extension to put it in and I am loving watching it all coming together