Where to buy a kitchen?

[loveskaka]

Looking for a good quality kitchen but also a reasonable price. I looking at wren, Howens. Any experiences with these shops or maybe somewhere better? Help?!

I would go independent to be honest, more likely to get a bespoke kitchen as not restricted to 'standard' sizes etc. Hope that helps

What do mean independent? I had a fitter out and they basically said I go to wrens/howdens pick a kitchen and they install it. I am finding the whole thing stressing tbh! I have a 18months old, work night shift, selling my home buying my dads (desperately needing a new kitchen) and want it done before we move in.

I've just done the same. Researched all of them and went with IKEA as the design was smooth, installation easy plus installer did all the extra work like tiling etc. Looks great. Was half the price of others so I spent money on good oak worktops and fixtures

I mean a small independent kitchen company not wren etc. They use their own fitters or can do supply only and you find fitters

Howdens are good quality for the money.

I have buy to lets and use them when I change kitchens as they are known for being hard wearing. They look really smart and although dh and I have chosen a more expensive alternative, I’d be fine to have Howdens.

I've just signed with John Lewis. They're currently having some kind of 'Sale' going on but I've been discussing and planning with them and their fitters since April. Work to start in August.

You wont get a John Lewis kitchen in quickly....

For ease and quality I'd go with howdens or benchmarx. Builders like to install them for a reason!

Value for money go with ikea (but not an easy process unless you pay for their full design and install which soon racks up)

For something a little higher end than howdens try Crown Imperial or Hacker.

If I was doing it again I'd do howdens units, Plykea doors (google them!), and a bespoke stone top from a local independent.

Have fun!!

Herringbone kitchens are lovely

We had John Lewis also. Was worth it for installation, but you can actually buy the brand, Mereway, through independents around the country. We are in the process of extending the kitchen and are sourcing remaining cabinets through independents.

I've had a benchmarx kitchen in the past. Identical to wickes, but at the fraction of the cost. I had my own fitter, but they also had a list of recommended fitter they could put us in touch with.

I didn't like both Wren and Howdens as I felt neither of them were honest and open about pricing.

I ended up getting then both to design a kitchen but then ordering through an independent company and getting a local fitter.

Howdens were brilliant. So easy and no fuss or complications.

I'd use them again next time we need a new kitchen.

We had ours done by wickes nearly 3years ago and really good.

Thanks everyone, what about appliances? I want integrated fridge, washing machine, microwave, and oven. Should I buy them at howdens? Or....?

When I did my own kitchen I got the units from Howdens then sourced oven and Hob (Neff), Franke sink and Bosch fridge freezer elsewhere online. I then had it all installed (tiling etc) by a fitter. This was very cost effective, bu5 make sure you unwrap and check all items when they arrive before they are fitted as some units had to be replaced as slightly damaged.

I’m now in another house with a full Howdens kitchen including fitted appliances (already in). While they are ok (same stuff as Curry’s own but different name) they are not as good as what I left behind - ie self cleaning oven, frost free freezer etc - but Howdens probably give different choices for these.

I

Yes all appliances are integrated and really great

We’re going with a local independent kitchen retailer. They gave us a 3-d sketch and quote within 3 days of visiting their shop. The Buildbase shop still hasn’t come back to us since we visited their showroom 3 weeks ago.

I got my kitchen from Benchmarx after looking at independents, Howdens, Wren etc.

Really pleased with the finish. I have quite a standard size kitchen though and all of the standard sizes fitted perfectly into the space.

They had a deal on when I got mine and I got all of the fitted appliances really cheaply. They were all AEG so good quality, too.