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

[doglover]

Gorgeous photos! If our move (ever) happens, I'll be looking for something very similar.

[racmun]

We went to Magnet and it came to £5k including appliances during the sale which seems to always be on.

The service was amazing - much better than anywhere else we found and really competitively priced. You get the same service even though you're only buying a cheap kitchen. also the main carcass of the units come Pre assembled which saves loads of time and they were really sturdy.

[Chihuahuas]

You won't be disappointed the ridgley Is lovely!

[Chihuahuas]

Thanks doglover!

[armagh]

Even now, 12 years on the thought of Magnet makes me hyperventilate. The service was so awful. It is no longer available here( not in U.K.) i am not surprised. But the kitchen was lovely and is still going strong. Months and months I waited, calls to head office in U. K. ( overseas rate) to get two cupboards fixed. Eventually 2 men came and they were fixed in 5 minutes. Grrr. A woman ran the branch badly.

[armagh]

Magnet wasn't cheap then. About 12000 pounds, 12,years ago.

[Chihuahuas]

That's what put me off wicks really. I wanted just one person to deal with who had a vested interest In getting it right. I got the Impression from wicks the bloke just wanted a sale and I would just get passed on to another person after that. When I got the kitchen measured up by Paul and visuals done he found that I couldn't have had the cupboards wicks wanted to put in as there simply wasn't the room plus they wanted to put the pull out metal shelves in which would've lasted about 6 months with the le creuset pans I have. I had some of the cupboards custom made and they have hidden hidey holes! No longer are saucepans crammed in. I even have a dedicated cupboard for spices. Luxury :)

[ILikeBirds]

Kitchen looks good, can i just ask what's going on with the cupboard above the washing machine? Looks like it's floating in mid air and i'm puzzled

[PastaBeeandCheese]

Thanks for posting your pics and full price Chichuhaus. They look really good and are in our area. I'm moving at the moment and if I move to a house that needs a new kitchen I will defining give them a call.

I'd have been a bit put off calling if I hadn't seen what you paid as they look a lot more expensive!

[Chihuahuas]

Ha ha it's hiding a huge ugly boiler. Couldn't afford to have it moved so Paul made a nice cupboard with door to hide it. As the colour is pale and has panelled sides and door it blends well.

[floppyflapjack]

Try Simon Benjamin...

That's where we got our from and I love it! Its all real wood, handmade, handpainted... they do bespoke and semi bespoke too which helps bring the price down but you can still make sure it fits neatly in any awkward spaces (we live in a wonky cottage so it was a must!) They were really freindly too... I'd highly recommend.

www.simonbenjamin.co.uk

[Manchesterhistorygirl]

We had an ikea kitchen in our old house and I would have one again in a shot. I've even picked which one for if our move ever happens.

Magnet wouldn't even speak to us because our budget was unrealistic. Between 5-7k. Ikea were brilliant.