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Original poster

Kitchen confusion: Howdens v others....

34 replies

Mumofboys2006 · 17/07/2022 21:37

I just did a really long post, which disappeared! So, here we go again:
We are getting a new kitchen after our Magnet kitchen of 15 years has reached the end of its life!

So, I have a design from Howdens, which I'm happy with it. It's their Hockley range. Just worried about the very mixed reviews about them!

Had an Ikea design appointment and was very underwhelmed by their range and the design - nothing fits neatly and it's just bleurgh.

Wrens seems popular with builders but keep hearing the customer service is poor.

I know DIY is popular here, but I am really not getting on with the planner and honestly don't like the thought of ordering everything online. Wondering, will they take my Howdens design and just quote me on that?

Sorry for waffling on, My budget is under £10k for a medium or largish kitchen. I'm just after useful opinions please.

Most units are in one long line except for an island and a breakfast bar.

If I had the money I would definitely go with a German kitchen, but really not sure how much longer we'll live here...so don't want to build my 'dream kitchen' only to sell the house 2 years later....

All thoughts welcomed!

OP posts:
NeedAHoliday2021 · 17/07/2022 22:00

We were planning to go with Howdens but decided to get a comparison quote from a local company that project manages the whole thing. The price is really similar. We’re paying roughly £3k more than Howdens plus a fitter but the 3k includes extra electrical work and plastering so overall the difference is minimal price wise but cupboard doors are now painted oak rather than Howdens vinyl wrap so we could have got the local company’s cheaper range. I’m so glad we shopped around.

Original poster
Mumofboys2006 · 17/07/2022 22:06

Thanks. Could you tell me who you used? I’m open to suggestions!:)

OP posts:
RJnomore1 · 17/07/2022 22:08

I used DIY. I sent a design from wren and they matched the cupboards for me.

Haudyourwheesht · 17/07/2022 22:11

We went with Howdens and any bits missing or missed out (not many) were replaced within hours so there was no delay to installation. I know that can be an issue with other suppliers.

Netaporter · 17/07/2022 22:28

The Opaque pricing system used by Howdens creates confusion, no two Howdens seem to offer the same items for the same cost. Contractors love them for some reason (I’m told the void they have at the back of the cupboard makes running services easier) but they aren’t paying the end cost. I love Ikea kitchens (and buy a lot of them) but you do need to have an idea of what look you’d like, accurate measurements and sit with an experienced designer. Best time of day to go to get the best attention is a week day around 2.00/2.30 as everyone is doing the school run. Maybe give them another go? Lead time for delivery of most kitchens at the mo is 7-10 days (I was in there last week).

TheMess · 17/07/2022 22:36

We spent ages (last year, before the big price rises) trying to buy a kitchen with Howdens; a planner came out, created a design, we went in to discuss it, found some issues, they redid the design, etc. It was from their Elmbridge range, so we were prepared for it to be top of the budget, but even our builder was baffled at how much they were charging.

They wouldn't negotiate at all, so I sent the plan to DIY Kitchens; got a comparable kitchen plan within a day or so for about 2/3rds the price; I price-matched branded appliances on Boots Kitchen appliances for less than Howdens own line plus Boots advantage points and a quartz work surface through DIY kitchens. The whole thing cost about £4k less than Howdens, with better appliances.

For what it's worth, our builders (inc a very experienced kitchen fitter) were really impressed with the DIY Kitchens service/quality; generally recommended Howdens/Benchmarx; weren't keen on Wren; didn't have a view on Magnet; recoiled in horror when we even mentioned IKEA (all the measurements are non-standard, apparently).

RJnomore1 · 17/07/2022 22:41

We had a very similar experience to @TheMess and it’s much better quality than my friends v similar howdens kitchen.

I upgraded all the units to pull outs, drawers, runners etc for the same as basic cupboards from magnets and bought Bosch, smeg etc appliances. Still came in less than the howdens quote. One unit was damaged, I sent a photo and they sent a new one right away no issues.

Neednameinspiration · 17/07/2022 22:42

I've commented on here before about DIY Kitchens and think it is useful to give a counter opinion.

We went with them (in part due to some of the glowing reviews from Mumsnet!), but were very disappointed. The process was really positive up to the point at which we hit some problems with damaged units once they had been delivered. Once they already had our money, it was a nightmare to try and deal with their customer services. Very different experience during the ordering stages though.... They eventually agreed to replace some obviously damaged units but refused to do anything about some uneven paintwork and a warped door.

Over the last couple of years I also haven't been overly impressed with how the kitchen has lasted. The painted doors chipped very easily and the "not warped" door became even worse as it settled in - to the point where it made the kitchen look a bit crap. We've just moved house and will need to put a new kitchen in this house and it will definitely not be DIY.

In contrast, we used Homebase units for our old utility room and I would definitely consider them again.

Original poster
Mumofboys2006 · 17/07/2022 23:05

Thanks all! This is all really useful information!

I’m going to get in touch with DIY tomorrow and see if they can use the plan I have.

Im after a matt ‘modern’ style kitchen - not shaker. So I’m really happy to get suggestions.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mumofboys2006 · 17/07/2022 23:06

@Neednameinspiration - all opinions are welcome and it’s good to know the full picture

OP posts:
BerryTree1 · 17/07/2022 23:10

I've had 2 kitchens from Wren. Both have been fabulous. Great quality. Get your own fitter though and don't try on theirs.

Haggle hard. We paid about 25% of the original cost. Was £24k we paid £6k. Included 7m run of units, 3m x 2m island with draws and seating. Granite work tops. Excludes appliances.

Twiglets1 · 18/07/2022 06:47

BerryTree1 · 17/07/2022 23:10

I've had 2 kitchens from Wren. Both have been fabulous. Great quality. Get your own fitter though and don't try on theirs.

Haggle hard. We paid about 25% of the original cost. Was £24k we paid £6k. Included 7m run of units, 3m x 2m island with draws and seating. Granite work tops. Excludes appliances.

Wren don’t haggle any more. Just ordered a kitchen from them and were told very definitely that it’s a fixed price now

MiniCooperLover · 18/07/2022 07:06

We used Benchmarx. Very similar styles to Howdens but much more open about their pricing system which I found good.

catfunk · 18/07/2022 07:17

I have an ikea kitchen and it's absolutely brilliant. Drawers are HUGE you get so much more space. You do need to find a fitter who is used to working with them though.

I'd find a reputable fitter first and go with whoever they like installing. Will make the job so much easier.

NighghtmareNeighbour · 18/07/2022 07:37

I love our Howdens kitchen. 10 years old now and still looking fantastic, nothing has broken or fallen apart. Actually that’s a lie, the lamona mini drinks fridge died at the beginning of the year, we just replaced it with the same thing, as figured we got good use from it over the 10 years it was working.

Calmdown14 · 18/07/2022 07:54

Howdens quality is fine. I'm not that keen on their appliances.
But trying to work out what you are paying for is a nightmare.
Are you buying it through your builder as the amount of discount is determined by how much they spend there.

I liked IKEA but had same issue with sizing.

DIY is useful for getting an understanding of what adds the costs in terms of pull outs, internal fittings, door construction etc as it's much more transparent in terms of pricing.
I think it's worth spending a couple of hours looking at it even if you go elsewhere as you will come away more informed

Original poster
Mumofboys2006 · 18/07/2022 08:17

Thanks all.

I had a few issues with ikea. I really don’t like that their sizing is not standard and also they don’t do a pull out larder - which has been brilliant for storage @catfunk All builders seem to charge more for fitting IKEA as well

Will take a look at Benchmark @MiniCooperLover - thanks

Our Magnet kitchen has been good tbh - it’s only started falling apart in the last year but it’s had some pretty heavy use!

The builder I’m going with hasn’t got a Howdens account so will need to set one up - sounds like that will make a difference to pricing.

OP posts:
JolieJ · 18/07/2022 08:22

I'm about to order our kitchen from DIY...the planner isn't the easiest but their customer service has been great so far and I'm really happy with the final design and price!

OnTheRoll · 18/07/2022 09:04

We used Wren, very happy about the service throughout. And unlike Howdens - which our builder suggested we use - Wren do a zero-interest payment plan. Worked cheaper too - had branded appliances (instead of Lamona) and quartz worktops for the same price.

Isseywith3witchycats · 18/07/2022 09:11

we have a DIY kitchen like other people we got a plan from another company (wickes) took it to DIY we live near enough to do that they went through it and gave us prices for our kitchen they were £2000 cheaper than wickes for a better kitchen we went home did the plan online yes its not the easiest one to do , went back to the showroom and finalised the units worktops etc with one of their staff went home and ordered it they delivered on the dot and over a year later my kitchen still looks brand new and our fitter who normally fits howden kitchens was very impressed with the quality this is mine

Kitchen confusion: Howdens v others....
TheMess · 18/07/2022 09:32

I would have been happy to go with Howdens; the units are fine, the builders are used to fitting them, they're local so any problems should be sorted out easily. But the pricing issue is annoying; our quote had '25%' saving marked against applicances that were more expensive than I could find online including VAT. It just makes you feel a bit Hmm about the whole thing.

One thing I have learned, though, in the endless headfuckery of fitting a new kitchen is that an experienced/good fitter saves you so much time and money.

caringcarer · 18/07/2022 09:33

Have a look at Wickes kitchens. I had their top of range one 14 years ago and it still looks fab. The units have not marked, scuffed or dented and I have 2 dogs and a teen. They fitted it too.

quiteinfuriating · 18/07/2022 09:45

I had Howdens in a previous house but not their appliances. It lasted well and is still in 20 years later.
We put a howdens kitchen in this house 5 years ago and it's worn well. Our builder did the fitting as part of an extension. The fitter was crap, but everything got fixed.
We have their ovens which are fab.

HOWEVER...
We had a hot water tap which stopped working and I've given up now. I couldn't get Howdens to help at all, they kept sending us to Redring who couldn't help, no matter how many times I explained that the person who supplied me is liable. I should have fought harder but we other shit going on. In the end I just bought a decent kettle

eleanorwish · 18/07/2022 09:51

Benchmarx units are the same as Wickes

PicpoulDeMeNay · 18/07/2022 10:00

My kitchen fitter recommended Benchmarx, and he had fitted one of theirs in his own house which was a good sign. Apparently they've completely upgraded the carcasses and the quality for the price is excellent. I gave them the plans I'd already had from Howdens, and they came in at nearly £2k cheaper including appliances (and we're talking £7k vs £9k so not super expensive massive kitchen) - which was a big difference. I'm really pleased with it.