Built in appliances, haven't got a clue...

[ScarletWomanoftheVillage]

We are getting a new kitchen from Howdens, who are quite secretive about their prices, preferring to give an end total rather than an itemised one. This may be to do with our builder's discount, which he is letting us use in full. But it is very annoying not being able to now which bits are costing what.

Anyway, we've gone (from Howdens) for a built in fridge-freezer, built-in oven and hob and possibly dishwasher. The trouble is we don't know how much they are costing and have doubts about their own make (Lamona).

So, should we get appliances independently? And if so, which ones? I have no idea what to even look for in those things apart from size and price. Someone has suggested Boots online and I have had a look; they do seem to do a good variety, but I just don't even know where to start.

Any help at all would be very much appreciated.

Why don't you get the same kitchen priced without appliances, then you'll at least have a ball park figure on how much you're spending on them collectively?

In terms of which ones to buy, I'd avoid very cheap end of the market and look for ones that have an extended warranty as standard.

Our kitchen company (joinery company) gets appliances from wherever gives a good price however he says he generally gets good buys from www.ao.com or www.appliancecity.co.uk
I've never heard of Lamona (sp?), I've chosen appliances in brands I know & trust to last. Built in appliances are generally more expensive and I'd rather they last and don't need replacing too quickly. The prices on these websites seem good and the kitchen company get a further discount through their trade account.
I'm getting Neff ovens (which are fab), Samsung fridge, Neff freezer, Miele dishwasher, bosch cooker hood and Zanussi hob.

I found when we had our kitchen fitted that the kitchen company were charging extortionate prices for built in appliances.

We ended up shopping around and got our appliances from B&Q, John Lewis and Costo and probably saved several hundred pounds.

I'd do what lala suggested, get a price without appliances, shop around and see if you can get them cheaper.

Besides price it's worth considering energy efficiency on appliances like Fridges & Freezers as their main cost is their running cost not their purchase price. Appliances are given a energy rating you really want an A rating or A+ or if you can afford it an A++ is the best.
Look at capacity, built in appliances can be mean on the inside. Our current built in fridge is tiny and almost unusable. Can't wait til the replacement comes and I don't have to go to the shops everyday!

I have had a howden's integrated dishwasher. It was utter rubbish and soon replaced with a Miele. I think the builder got the howden's one free with the kitchen order.

Appliances from kitchen companies are usually poor quality and poor value. Go to the library and browse though "Which" and choose some best buys.

Freestanding are better value, and easier to install, remove and repair than built-in.

Thanks so much, lots of good advice to think about. Will get a re-quote without appliances and go from there.

Don't take Howdens.

Go for decent quality - for the price of the Lamona appliances you should be able to get Bosch/Siemens/AEG appliances.

Either online or try John Lewis - they have quite competitive prices, I find.

Ask for the specific sizes and of the appliances specified on the quote -so you can shop around for the equivelent products elsewhere - particularly the size and proportions of FF and DW as this affects the integrated doors that you'd be getting with the kitchen. You don't want to get this wrong !!! But also check the oven, hob and hood too !

With fridge freezer it was a 70/30, we'd now like a 60/40. Are these standard sizes?

The 60/40 split is more common than the 70/30 split ( which usually ends up being placed higher in the cabinet so the door split remains at a 'standard' height- which can be awkward if you are petite) - The people at Howdens should be able to show you the combinations available in the range you have chosen ... If you can try and keep all tall cabinet door configurations the same heights ( or one door the same size as two or three drawers etc ) it looks neater -so if you have more than one tall unit ask about the others too , and what difference this may cause (if any) ! It's easier to sort out the design before its ordered and on site ! So worth asking questions and taking time to make sure you are completely happy with it all on paper first ! :-)

Lamona is rebadged stuff from all over the place, none of it top-brand I don't think.

We have a Howdens kitchen but a Belling oven, Neff hob, Bosch dishwasher.

Personally i would source your appliances direct.

The Howdens ones are probably cheap brands that won't stand up to everyday use. We put one of their dishwashers into a house we were doing up to selll and it was VERY flimsy.

I've used this company for two houses and have been really pleased with them.

Lamona is Howdens own brand mostly made by Beko and generally poor quality. There is also absolutely no reason at all that they can't fully itemise your quotation for you if your builder has agreed for you to use his account.
I work in the industry and used to work at Howdens so am aware of how quotes are produced. It is not a reason not to use them, generally well priced furniture of a better than average price, definitely wouldn't buy anything with Lamona on it though.
Also the 70/30 split is by far and away the most common for a Fridge Freezer. Pretty much all your appliances should be approx 600mm wide so as long as you look for standard appliances you won't go far wrong. Appliances Direct is great for pricing,but always worth looking at John Lewis, they often have great deals on and their customer service and aftersales care is well worth paying a little extra for.

Meant to say 'better than average quality', oops

Meant to say 'better than average quality', oops

Than you, really appreciate all this help. Think my lovely builder is going to get the itemised quote from them for me. Will definitely be looking at appliances elsewhere!

We already have a free standing Bosch dishwasher, so think we will use that and not bother with integrated (was lured by a Howdens special offer on integrated dishwasher, but is sure not to be as good as the one we've already got.

If I were you, I would sell the dishwasher and get the integrated one. You will regret it later, as it will stick out like a sore thumb.

Ooh....will have a think about that. Just don't want to replace it with something inferior and think they cost a lot new (we bought it secondhand for £60 in good nick) the howdens one is £50, but probably not very good. Will be spending most of the day researching all these options I think.

Buy the furniture door for a fully integrated dishwasher and an extra length of plinth for when you change you dishwasher in years to come - keep it somewhere it won't be damaged by the elements or throw out by mistake ! You will be pleased you did !!!!
Best advice I always give is buy the best appliances your budget allows - and check that the clocks and light buttons are all the same colour, if buying different brands, as it is more noticeable overnight with green light / clock and a micro with red light/ clock etc etc !! ( or is that just my OCD yelling out to me ??)