So these Wren kitchens then - any good?

[BoffinMum]

I need to install a replacement kitchen in a house that's been trashed by tenants (long story), and I have been getting various quotes. It seems to have come down to Wren vs Howdens and I was wondering what experienced everyone had of them?

I’ve got a wren kitchen. It’s pretty good but my builder had to alter the design a bit as they’re measurer cocked up. Might be best to go with their own builders so they sort their own mess!
The quality is excellent though

We have one. I really liked it, we installed ourselves though not through their installers. We changed the design numerous times and staff were excellent.

We have just had one fitted, they were the best company during lockdown as the others either didn’t get back to us or werent open, we went in to have a look and they were really organised and so we booked it there and then.
Quality is average I’d say, although I’ve not got much experience of buying new kitchens. We also used their fitters as my husband didn’t have time to fit it and that quote came in the same as an independent we also had quote us. TBH, the fitting was the worst bit, the guy was nice and clearly knew what he was doing but there was little communication and a language barrier so it dragged on a bit when some pieces were missing.
All done now though and I’m pleased with it.

My experience was very good. It went like clockwork.

We had a Wren kitchen fitted about 18 months ago and have been pleased with it. We used our own builders to fit it as it was part of a bigger project. The designer was really great but I assume that's luck of the draw rather than consistent across the board!

Our experience with Wren was good too, and their communication during the first lockdown was really good. We had our own fitters, they were cheaper.

From what I can gather, some builders recommend Howden's because they buy it from Howdens on your behalf, charge you the full list price, but get a trade discount themselves. Don't know what the quality is like.

I have to say I have been very impressed with our designer at Wren. We've got our own fitter lined up, who knows the house already, so I am pretty confident of that part working OK.

My own kitchen is Howden's and it's really good quality.

I've got an online app with wren this week - they also offer interest free credit which appeals

Normally the advice given is to avoid Wren. I’m surprised by all the positive responses.

I can't see why - the showrooms are good, the staff are helpful, the online service great, I've been really pleased so far.

Just look for the other threads on Wren. They're an absolute nightmare. Many people on here have had very very bad experiences.

I've never seen so many positive comments about Wren.

I didn't like their selling technique and found them overpriced.

Massively overpriced and poor quality and customer service once they get your money. The DFS of the kitchen world with their constant sales.

Ditto howdens With their thicker than treacle pricing system.

I’d highly recommend DIY kitchens for value and quality and customer service. Any of their units are pre assembled too which saves money on installation time.

Take a look at whether the cabinet fronts are sprayed or vinyl wrapped.....it makes a huge difference to the overall wear and tear over time. It’s generally the cabinet fronts and working hinges etc that take a bashing, less so the internal carcasses. I’ve always preferred Howdens as the fronts are wrapped. Friend fitted a Wren with sprayed doors and now has a multitude of chips that need touching up.

We had a nightmare with them.

I've said the same on numerous threads.

Had a Wren kitchen fitted in 2017. Units are great, very pleased but do not use their fitters! Expensive and pretty crap all round. Delivery was on the date agreed, but some errors in ordering meant few doors were missing and some panels wrong. Doors and correct panels sent out but they don't take the wrong items back. I ended up with quite a few bits.

Our units are wrapped. One panel started peeling a few months ago. Got in touch with them, they sent replacement panel out and once that was here the fitter called to arrange his visit.

Well, in the end Howdens undercut Wren so I chose them - sounds like it may have been a good choice from these later comments!

Our experience was excellent but we used our own carpenters to fit it. The kitchen was and still is beautiful. In terms of their customer service it was generally pretty good- they forgot a plastic hose fixing and it arrived 6 days later. Everything else was spot on.

I wouldn't get one again. 4 years on and the kitchen is looking worn. A few of the cabinets have required fixing. Their design process was essentially stick cupboards everywhere to make it as expensive as possible. They even out cabinets where there were clearly walls and even up against windows! (obviously I did a lot of editing, but it was rushed as I had to spend a lot of time explaining why the cabinets wouldn't go up against windows). I would only use again if I was going to be in a property for a short time.

I have one, there were a few damaged parts which were replaced no hassle by next day delivery. Their customer service is excellent and I cannot understand why they get such a bad press.

DD3 just had a kitchen fitted by Wickes. Excellent from start to finish and very good quality.

It feels like it's pot luck on location / store, I know a few people that have used them over the years and been very happy - I'm planning to use them