Howdens vs Benchmarx for kitchen?

[suddenlycupishalffull]

We are having a new kitchen, I've always wanted a Howdens one (tend to think they're good quality, service etc) but DH has got a good price from Benchmarx. I'd never heard of them before, apparently they're better established down South (were up North :)). We're putting so much money into this, it needs to be right - good quality - anybody have any experience of Benchmarx? Them being an unknown to me makes me nervous.

Am currently having the same dilemma Howdens come highly recommended and lots of my neighbours and friends have a Howdens kitchen and are really happy is it worth the risk Benchmarx are not much cheaper but I think I prefer the colour. My head is bursting with kitchen related decisions and my husband is getting a tad annoyed at my decisiveness

We asked Howdens to price match Benchmarx (we preferred the Howdens unit colour). To be honest the quality is similar - Benchmarx is the trade version of Wickes. Also if you're looking for appliances, Benchmarx supply a broader range of brands whereas Howdens like to push their own brand (it's cheaper to source them yourself though).

We are having benchmarx because they do a cheaper white shaker range and howdens is cream. I have read a lot of reviews that recommend Benchmarx, have been into their showroom to look and all seemed nice. We also have a benchmarx wood effect laminate worktop in our current kitchen which is one of the more realistic wood laminates I've seen. Also very tough and easy to clean! We haven't got as far as planning and pricing the kitchen yet though as not in new house yet to measure up. Then just need to find a fitter who'll pass on the trade discount to us not pocket it!

Glad it's not just me who can't decide! It's so much money, I don't want to make the wrong choice for us sod going with a brand I know feels like the safer thing to do with our money. But Benchmark is cheaper (not hugely so I think), Howdens have been really lazy following up their quote, I think they think we're a done deal and therefore don't need to chase the sale. The kitchens in the Benchmark showroom seem nice, and they've chased us much more for the deal, but I just don't know, I still feel like Howdens = quality. Benchmark is an unknown.

We have had both! First kitchen we did was cream shaker from Howdens. Looked lovely, felt reasonable quality. We sold 2 years later so can't say how it is now. Last house we used Benchmarx and the kitchen was fine - white gloss. We had it nearly 5 years before we moved and it looked good as new and coped with 2 kids etc. In all honesty I think they are pretty much the same. The quality comes from using a good kitchen fitter IMO.