DIY-Kitchens Handleless Doors

[iRobot]

Hi,

I have read loads and loads of topics about these Handleless Kitchens but I have a specific Question for people who actually have the Handleless Kitchen from DIY-Kitchens? ...more specific, the Luca one.

They do not do the "True Handleless" doors like their German/European counterparts but their doors are 22mm and the J Groove is the higher quality one and not the vinyl wrapped type.

So, is their J-Groove practical? or is it that bad?
Quality and Price is quite good with DIY Kitchens but this True and Non-True Handleless type makes me think if I have to go to somewhere else...which I'm not sure I can afford and this point in time.

So please please, if you have a handleless kitchen from DIY Kitchens tell me your day to day experience! Good? Bad? Meah?...

I have a Luca kitchen from DIY and I have no problem with the J groove doors and drawers (fitted 3 years ago and all in perfect condition still).

I would say that if you have long nails you might find opening the doors and drawers a bit more tricky though.

We’ve got Luca. Absolutely not an issue at all! Easy to use - I do have slim fingers though.

We had the Luca installed maybe 3.5/4 years ago - the white matt version. Extended about 2 yrs ago - installed that kitchen in the utility room so still have it and it's great. I had quite a large island unit which was in such good condition after 2 years use, I sold it for more or less what I paid for it. Was great.

thank you guys, pretty impressed with German style Handleless but maybe I would give it a try to DIY Kitchens doors.

Have you looked at units online?

I did looked at Units Online but not sure if i have the patience to go through the design again...I know they do it quicker if you already have one but still a lot of time.

if your happy with the design there wont be many changes except if you have tall units.
Considering the true handleless is something you want

I'm happy with design, colour...etc...except the "Handleless Type"

I called UnitsOnline and they said that they are behind with Designs so it might take some time...; seems that business is flourishing in the UK; all the ones which I've been and called have backlogs!?! don't think is just Sale tactics as they don't seem "hungry" for new customers...well, except Wren Kitchens which I won't even mention!

Any other recommendations for reasonable Kitchen Retailers which offer TRUE Handleless type Kitchens?

DIY-Kitchens - Don't have this type
Units Online: HUGE Backlog, probably 2 to 4 weeks for Design, not enough staff to cover.
Online Kitchens UK: Same story, not enough staff to cover and create designs

Anything Else PleasE?

Get the kitchen designed by an independent designer like OnePlanOnHouzz. ( on the lessons learned thread)
Then send it to all of the online suppliers and a few independent retailers for pricing.

I have the Design, measurements, 3D Images...etc.
If I get them to price it they say they need to do the design, some unitas are no the same...etc.etc.etc...that takes weeks!

Wickes do a true handleless door, fraction of the price of German ones. Looks similar to me. Beautiful mechanism. Not to my taste but looks quality

Ooh I’m about to use oneplanhouzz - she’s been great in communications so far and I have high hopes for when we’re ready to start the plan together. Pleased to hear a recommendation on here!

Love proper German handleless! We got our kitchen from Rosewood ( www.rosewoodkitchens.co.uk ) and they do this. Tbh we found the quality to be really excellent (much better built/better quality materials, finish etc than Wickes, Wren, Howdens etc) but they were way more reasonable than loads of places we looked at (Tom Howley etc) plus the design service is great too (they were v patient with my numerous changes of mind )

We've just placed an order for a true handleless from Benchmarx (trade arm of Wickes). Quality appears to be excellent - we also looked at Hacker which is gorgeous but can't justify the 4x price increase!!

Howdens also have a sort of handleless but only two colour options. Magnet do one in strange colours. John Lewis lots of options but looong lead time.

Personally I don’t really get this style and why it’s so expensive and popular. I think they look like a basic gloss kitchen and not luxurious at all. I know they’re the height of fashion but they don’t look special enough to justify the price. I suppose with a nice waterfall worktop they look a bit more £££ I’m tired of seeing these kitchens in all the home magazines.

Is it the smooth opening and being able to use your leg when cooking to open a drawer which is the main benefit? You need to make sure there is a decent warranty in case the mechanism goes - and probably spend more to get the quality engineering.

another vote for OnePlanOnHouzz here! i can't seem to message her on mumsnet, guess she too busy to come on here anymore? She knows her stuff and is so lovely.

Apparently one house planzz has been banned from mumsnet- she told me because someone asked for her contact details and it looked like she was advertising so got kicked off. I think the genuine positive posts about her speaks volumes and she doesn’t need to advertise as she gets booked up through word of mouth. I’m a bit worried she’ll be booked up in jan when we need her but can’t really start planning till we get into new house!

that's a shame, as I've seen some really helpful posts from her on old threads etc. maybe they will ask her to come back? As it's useful to have a knowledgeable pro to ask questions to. Mumsnet are missing a trick here. She offers help on Houzz still.