Kitchens Post Reply

[GardenRosie]

Hello

I am looking into off the shelf kitchens and have narrowed it down to Howdens, Magnet, Wickes and Ikea.

Before I do a boatload of running round the different showrooms with measurements, clutching a new baby and a 5 year old, has anyone already done this research who could share what they found out?!

Which one would you recommend, and how did they compare price wise?

Thanks!

Rosie x

[Roxron]

I don't have experience directly but have heard that most builders prefer Howdens, also they keep stock here in London so if by chance the wrong piece is sent it can be replaced within 24hrs. Magnet stock is held outside London so takes a few days minimum and I guess IKEA would be same day although you'd be the one doing the legwork going to the store.
With regards to the kitchens themselves I think they're all pretty similar. Magnet has more choice of worktop (ie Corian, Granite, Wood etc..) but that doesn't really matter as worktops, appliances etc.. can all be bought independently of the kitchen.

[Daniele@hub]

Dear Rosie,

From a quality point of view there is not much in the above company's you have mentioned.

Magnet probably have the widest range and therefore the widest range of prices - I have seen quotes from Magnet that you would not call 'budget' by any means.

You should really only be able to buy from Howdens through a builder as far as I know, or at least thats the cheapest way of purchasing.

Ikea are probably the most 'controversial' in that line up. A lot of kitchen fitters do not like fitting them for various reasons I will not bore you with.

Designed and fitted correctly, as with any kitchen really but more so using these companies, there is no reason why you would not get a very nice kitchen from any of the above. Just make sure the measurements you give them are as accurate as possible - take pictures of the room with you as well, this can help massively and help jog memories, ideas and possible issues for both you and the designer.

I went to a brand new Wickes outlet last night in Anerley (SW20) which has a lot of displays and is brand new so isn't in the normal tatty state most of their showrooms are in - If not too far worth a visit perhaps.

All in all I would say Wickes is your best starting point.

Best of Luck

Daniele

[sebastianbear]

Hi

I suggest you look at Benchmarx (nearest branch Wandsworth). They supply the trade, like Howdens, but will help individual customers and are much more user-friendly. They have a good showroom, will help you plan and will visit to measure up. Their designs are more modern (IMO) and the quality is really good.

We've had recent experience of both Benchmarx and Howdens and would go for Benchmarx any day. My DD is delighted with hers.

List prices are similar to Howdens Do ask for a discount - as an individual you might be able to get 10-15%.

Builders like Howdens because they can get big discounts if they buy a lot from them, but they may not pass the savings on to you - worth asking though, if you can find a kitchen you like (their local outlet does have display doors etc, although it's not aimed at end customers, so it's not easy to see what they have).

Hope this helps.

[mamarobbie]

Hi,
I'm in the process of refitting my kitchen (it's delivered tomorrow!)
I compared howdens, magnet and benchmarx. Went for benchmarx in the end - had great experience with the wandsworth branch - Richard - I think he's the branch manager was incredibly helpful.
Magnet were a 4-6 week lead time and howdens didn't have a range I liked.
Benchmarx deliver in 1-2 days and gave a 30% discount to my builder - they passed on 15% to us (no idea of this is normal that they told us this)
They can also add on / exchange items incredibly quickly which we potentially will need.
Hope that helps!

[AvalonNeighbour]

We have gone for Howdens. The team in the Brixton store were really helpful with the design. We have bought all of our appliances from Bemco at great prices for the latest NEFF models. We need to pick our worksurface still but are waiting until everything is in to decide on colour.