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Original poster

Kitchens - soft close drawers?

39 replies

Classicblunder · 22/02/2022 09:16

Bit of a niche question but we are finalising our kitchen design and quote and I can't quite decide on whether soft close is worth it.

It would be an additional £2k to get soft close on all the drawers which seems like a lot! It would be nice for the drawers to extend fully but is it really worth that much?

OP posts:

Popsicle30 · 23/02/2022 13:36

I’d be checking what else is over inflated too. I went back to Howdens and explained that they were over £4K more for cabinets (we are getting worktops separately) for both solid timber and mdf against both DIY Kitchens and a local independent. What didn’t help is that they didn’t provide a break down of costs either just an overall cost for units.
Had no response at all. Thought they’d follow up and try and see whether there was anything they could do but no response.
DIY Kitchens is completely transparent and their online planner is fab.

Popsicle30 · 23/02/2022 13:40

I’d really want soft close and really can’t see why it costs that much. I always forget when I go to my in-laws as they don’t have them and it’s like I’m slamming the cupboards shut!

WheresYourSnickers · 23/02/2022 13:46

@Classicblunder

A quick update - we did go back to question the cost and the kitchen company are not budging. Not very clear why!

But the feature is ultimately not that important to us so we will just not go for it - having thought about it more, every previous kitchen we have had hasn't had soft close and I have never once really thought about it.

Soft close are great, but not at that price. If they're not willing to budge on a 14k kitchen I'd pull out and go with alternative supplier.

HerNameIsIncontinentiaButtocks · 23/02/2022 14:00

If they won't budge on that ridiculous markup (should be no more than £10 more per drawer, that's the cost diff and they're identical to install), then I would tell them you're not going with them. What else are they ripping you off for?

Also, soft-close for the absolute win. They turn a kitchen from being normal to a pleasing luxury.

Ariela · 23/02/2022 14:31

Can you do soft close on the few drawers/range of drawers you'll use most? My friend has one pair of soft close only - the pots and pans, rest are not.
Has soft close loo seat downstairs off the hall for visitors and their en suite, but not upstairs family bathroom & second en suite for similar reason in that 'the boys will leave the seats up anyway'.

FusionChefGeoff · 23/02/2022 17:13

Switch suppliers that whole kitchen is a massive rip off!!

Another vote for DIY kitchens it's very easy to use their awesome planner

Tonsiltrouble · 23/02/2022 17:15

We had a kitchen from DIY (excellent quality with a solid wood painted shaker door). I think we paid about a £5 surcharge for each set of soft close hinges (doors and drawers). I would not buy a kitchen without, it’s the soft close that gives the feel of it being expensive.

Tonsiltrouble · 23/02/2022 17:19

I cannot believe you would spent that much on a kitchen, and not have soft close tbh. Every time I go on holiday to somewhere that doesn’t have soft close I wince every time I close the cupboards. You are being ripped off for sure.

Oh and 17 drawers is not excessive. We have 15 in our kitchen, and we had 13 in our old kitchen.

Estara · 23/02/2022 17:23

They do make a difference but that is a hefty amount for such a small gadget.
Are you able to see how much it will cost for you to source them seperatly? Or ask your fitter for recommendations? We saved lots by sourcing our own hob/oven/ extractor.

Elderflower2016 · 23/02/2022 17:25

@LoveLabradors we have had two pine land kitchens and they have been great. Paint has stayed on no chipping. Lovely to design your own and they make it bespoke. Would highly recommend

JustJam4Tea · 23/02/2022 18:16

If you’ve got your own fitter get him to source and fit soft close for you. It is worth it but not at £2k.

Original poster

Classicblunder · 23/02/2022 18:32

@JustJam4Tea

If you’ve got your own fitter get him to source and fit soft close for you. It is worth it but not at £2k.

Thanks, that's a great suggestion. We will think about it.

We have been through the quote in some detail and I don't think it is otherwise excessive and it compares favourably with other quotes we have had. I am starting to wonder if soft close is just their big profit centre

Having had a play with the cabinets in different showrooms, the soft close aspect I am genuinely indifferent to - I guess because our previous kitchens haven't had it, it just doesn't particularly appeal - it's more that I like that you can get to the back of the drawers

OP posts:

PigletJohn · 24/02/2022 01:59

@LoveLabradors

This thread has been an eye opener and very useful - my kitchen quote is £45 per drawer for soft closers and £15 for soft doors. It’s quite a large kitchen so a lot of money. Think I might go back to them and question it!

Hahahahahaha!

If they are Blum hinges you can buy add-on soft closers and clip them on yourself.

PigletJohn · 24/02/2022 02:04

@Caspianberg

Also check they aren’t charging lots for certain items. Our new kitchen for main house they wanted £120 per handle! With 22 needed it was ridiculous. I checked the brand, and have bought all the same handles, directly from company for £25 each.

Ironmongerydirect is your friend for handles

Incidentally

www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/search?query=soft%20close

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