Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Kitchen in 2023
This Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023 is a comprehensive overview covering all you need to consider when buying a new kitchen
Let’s Get Straight To It!
Step One – Decide on Your Project Budget
It doesn’t matter what you’re planning, from a grand design self-build to a very simple kitchen door replacement, it’s always good practice to set a budget.
When I ask my customer how much they want to spend, almost everytime, I’ll get a similiar response such as; “I don’t know, haven’t thought about it or I’ll see what it comes out like”
These answers are not helpful to anyone including you as a buyer! The reason for these replies is usually that the buyer doesn’t want to divulge to the kitchen designer, which is understandable. However, you really should have a budget, at least some idea. When a budget isn’t provided, I’ll find out what the customer has in mind by asking the all-important questions – so let us start there.
Run through a wish-list and checkit against our calculator. This will give you a very rough guide to pricing.
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Step Two – The Important Questions When Buying a Kitchen
Is This a Complete Kitchen or Door Replacement / Worktop With or Without Part Remodelling?
This guide has been written to provide a guide to those buying a complete kitchen, for part refurbs we will write a dedicated guide to cover all the options and aspects like prices, if you are interested in replacement kitchen doors click here
What is the Size of the Kitchen Project?
Are you planning to replace an existing kitchen? Is it a small, medium, or large space because this will obviously have a significant impact on the final cost of your kitchen project.
Do you Want to Install the Kitchen Yourself or Have it Installed for You?
Going for the DIY option will no doubt save you some money, if this is the case, please consider your experience, knowledge and tools required to undertake the task, the last thing you want to do is spend money on kitchen cabinets and then spoil it by making mistakes with the installation. An experienced installer will project manage and have the entire project completed within a reasonable time frame, then, when it is finished you can sit back, relax and enjoy your new kitchen. Expect to pay somewhere between £2,000 and £5,000 for the installation fee of average size kitchen depending on what’s involved.
Post: How is a Kitchen Fitted?
Is There Additional Building Work or Major Changes?
Would you like to knock a dining room wall out to create a kitchen-diner or perhaps you want to build an extension to increase your overall living space, the starting point with any major extension building work is to consult a local architect who will be able to give advice and draw up the plans should you wish to proceed.
When you have your building plans it is a sensible idea to speak to a kitchen designer before you proceed to the actual build and I say this from vast experience of customers wishing they had moved a door 300mm or made a window slightly smaller, because, when planning a kitchen it is possible that we might advise on a change like this to the build in order to benefit the kitchen layout.
Process for Major Extensions Involving a Kitchen
1) Speak to an architect or planning consultant
2) Obtain the architect’s plans
3) Work on a plan with a kitchen designer
4) Make any adjustments required
5) Finalise your building plans
Long or Short Term?
Please think about whether this is your dream forever kitchen or if there’s a possibility of a move in the short to medium term. There is a fine line between cutting corners to work within a small budget and spoiling a reasonable amount of spend on a kitchen that simply doesn’t stand the test of time – If moving is possible then you don’t want a shabby kitchen in 2 years time having spent £10,000. Better to spend £15,000 and it still looks new in 2 years.
On the other hand, if this is your last kitchen, your dream and needs to last 20 years plus, do not cut any corners and invest in only quality products that will meet expectations.
Step Three – The Wishlist
Now you must think about everything you want to have fitted into your kitchen, I have made a list to help you consider all options.
Appliances
Probably the most important question to ask yourself is – What appliances do I want in my new kitchen? Appliances are so important in how the kitchen functions. A good way to consider this is looking at what you have now, what you like, what you don’t and also talking to friends and family.
Kitchen Appliances – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Appliance Types
Ovens | Hobs | Microwave | Extraction | Dishwasher | Refridgeration | Laundry |
1) Oven – Do you need a bigger capacity? Would you like the oven raised up high to avoid bending down when using it? Is one oven enough? The most popular choice for kitchens today is having a single oven and a combi microwave above, both in a tall cabinet. You might prefer a range style cooker or perhaps, two single ovens that sit side by side. There are plenty of choices here and you might also want to consider whether you want self cleaning, steam cooking and if you want to connect to your smart devices.
Types of Oven
Single Oven | Range Cooker | Tall Unit | Built Under | Combi Microwave | Freestanding
2) Hobs – The decision here is gas or electric, this will also depend on what services are available, should both gas and electric be an option then the most common choices are between a gas hob and induction. You will also want to think about how many rings / burners to go for, 4 or 5 is usually sufficient. The usual appliance colours are on offer, stainless steel and black dominate but there are some options like the Essentials white induction hob which can be a nice alternative when using white worktops. One more option with hobs is to go with a mix, with domino-style, you can buy in 300mm wide components which means you might have half induction and half gas, this type of hob also offers some nice options like grills and fryers.
Types of Hob
Gas | Electric | Halogen | Induction | Combi
3) Microwave – As mentioned above, the most popular choice is to locate a combi microwave oven above a built in single oven. There are alternatives, you can buy microwaves that can be fitted within a wall unit and of course, free-standing.
Types of Microwave
Wall Unit | Built-In | Free-Standing | Combi Oven
4) Extractors – You can opt for a chimney style extractor, built-in or choose a more modern design like the Om by Elica. They will all do a similar job but you need to consider whether you want to extract outside or use a charcoal filter to recycle the air.
Another option which is very popular at the moment is to use a hob that is vented, especially good if you are putting a hob into an island and don’t want an extractor over the island which can be a little oppressive.
Types of Extractor
Chimney | Built-In | Canopy | Integrated | Modern | Vented | Recycled
5) Dishwasher – This one is fairly easy. Integrated or freestanding, full width at 600mm or a slimline at 450mm. Apart from that, you may want to consider the usual, manufacturer, colour, performance and energy rating.
With certain kitchen designs, it is possible to have a dishwasher built-in at a higher level to make it easier to use, there are also dishwasher drawers made by companies like Fisher & Paykel. At Olivestone, because we are independent we can provide all options that are available to the market, our German kitchens made by Hacker offer high level dishwasher intergration.
Types of Dishwasher
Freestanding | Built-In | Slimline | Full Width | Drawers | High Level
6) Refridgeration – American-style fridge freezers are still one of the favourites with our customers and although they are built-in there are options we can look at to build around them and incorporate them into the flow of the kitchen.
Again, free-standing or built in in the main consideration, you’ll need to think about the capacity you need for both fridge and freezer. I personally think the very best option is to go with a tall fully integrated fridge and tall integrated freezer, this tends to tick every box both practical and aesthetically, but it requires a certain amount of space to do this.
Types of Refrigeration
Freestanding | Built-In | Built Under | American Style | Drawers | High Level
7) Laundry – Washing machine and / or tumble dryer should always be located in ones utility room! Ha, I know this isn’t always possible so you might want to with an integrated machine, you can do this for all options whether it’s a washing machine or dryer and there is also a washer-dryer combined. Drum size and spin speed are a consideration as is the energy performance. You can get a condenser dryer if venting out is an issue, I would highly recommend getting one that has a heat pump as this will save on running costs.
Types of Laundry
Freestanding | Built-In | Condensor Dryer | Washer-Dryer | Vented | Heat Pump
Kitchen Door Style
If the appliances weren’t the most important factor for you then this surely is. The kitchen doors will set the design for the entire project. Where do you start?
Kitchen Doors – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Door Types
Painted Wood | Painted Foil | Printed | Painted MDF | Wrapped | Laminated | Wood | Lay-On | Framed | Handleless | True Handleless | J-Pull | Slab | Shaker | Raised Centre
Modern or Traditional?
Deciding on whether you want to go modern or traditional is the first question to answer, then you can follow on from that. Obviously budget plays a big role in this decision too, solid wood framed and painted to order is going to be at the top end and a foil wrap chipboard core will be at the other end of the scale.
Let’s look at modern and traditional – This isn’t fact, it is very much a generalisation
Modern Kitchen Doors
Slab | J-Pull | Handleless
Modern designs will typically be slab sit-on doors with or without handles ( handleless ) which will be planned with clear symmetry and clean lines. It often features sleek and durable materials such as stainless steel, concrete, and glass. Modern kitchens also tend to incorporate high-tech appliances and smart home technology. The overall aesthetic is contemporary and minimalist
True handleless means that the kitchen door sits in front of a fixed space where a continuous trim is fitted as opposed to something like a J-Pull that has a built-in section across the top of the door.
Traditional Kitchen Doors
Raised Panel | In-Frame | Wood | Painted
Traditional kitchens are a rarity for us designers now, excuse me if I get excited when I get to work on a proper traditional kitchen because it’s a lovely break from the norm – nothing wrong with modern kitchens but it is nice to play with different design techniques. With a traditional kitchen, there is less emphasis on symmetry and it usually incorporates colours such as green, blue, and cream, mostly this is achieved using painted wood doors, both in-frame and lay-on doors can be used depending on the budget and desired appearance.
Here’s a kitchen manufactured by one of our partners – Sheraton kitchens by Omega PLC, a lovely sage grey framed painted ash kitchen.
That’s a traditional design but it isn’t dated, it looks like a new kitchen without the modern straight lines. This would suit a period property, a victorian house, a cottage, or a lovely farmhouse.
Classic Kitchen Doors
Shaker | In-Frame | Painted
If you want to achieve a timeless kitchen appearance then you really can’t beat a shaker door. You can opt for painted, wrapped or foil with shaker, it’s a cross between modern and traditional and will work in almost any setting, the other great thing about shaker is that it has wide appeal, as it isn’t offence to many it has a great audience, an ideal choice if you are thinking about selling in the short term.
Here’s a kitchen manufactured by one of our partners – Sheraton kitchens by Omega PLC, a classic shaker painted in white
A lovely contrast with the darker grey doors, this kitchen will stand the test of time, when other styles go out of fashion, this kitchen will still look fresh and vibrant.
Kitchen Cabinets
If the appliances weren’t the most important factor for you then this surely is. The kitchen doors will set the design for the entire project. Where do you start?
Kitchen Cabinets – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Cabinets
Rigid | Flat-Packed | MDF | Plywood | MFC | Solid Oak
A kitchen carcass is the structural framework of a kitchen cabinet. It typically consists of a bottom panel, a top panel, and two side panels, which are assembled to form the cabinet box. The cabinet box is then fitted with a door, drawer fronts, and other hardware to complete the cabinet. Carcasses are typically made of wood or a wood-like material such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard. They are typically the non-visible part of the kitchen cabinets and are hidden by the doors, drawers and other hardware.
MFC Cabinets
Most kitchen companies will be using an MFC cabinet for their kitchen units, this stands for melamine-faced chipboard, however, there are various levels of quality used in the production of chipboard, and this is VERY important. Lower-priced MFC cabinets will no doubt be using a lower-grade board, meaning the process and materials used are not the same, a cheaper board will have larger chips and generally won’t last the test of time. If you have ever experienced a kitchen door hanging off the cabinet, this is probably because the softer, less compressed cheaper board has failed on the weight of the door.
What would be the point of spending £12,000 on a new kitchen and for this to happen within a few years when you can spend £15,000 and have a piece of mind that it is going to last you a good 15 years plus?
It is worth ensuring that the cabinets are built with good-quality particle board.
Solid Wood
Usually, made from oak, solid wood cabinets are a good option if you’re looking for something a little nicer than MFC. Expect to pay a fair bit more for solid wood, it is also worth noting that wood will shrink, expand and move about a bit depending on moisture and temperature, there is also a certain level of maintenance required.
MDF Kitchen Cabinets
MDF and veneered MDF are viable options for the construction of kitchen units, be aware that larger units like tall appliance housings and drawer units will be extremely heavy when delivering and fitting an MDF kitchen. If plain MDF, it will need sealing and coating with something, this often is painted which opens up lots of colour options but can be a little problematic over time, sliding heavy items across a painted surface can cause damage to the paintwork.
Plywood Cabinets
Plywood kitchen cabinets are kitchen cabinets that are made from plywood, a type of engineered wood. Plywood is made by gluing layers of thin veneers together, with the grain of each layer running in a different direction. This creates a strong and stable material that is less likely to warp or split than solid wood.
Plywood kitchen cabinets have several benefits over solid wood cabinets. They are more stable, stronger, and less likely to warp or split. They are also often more affordable than solid wood cabinets. Additionally, plywood is a renewable resource, and it is often made from wood that is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
However, plywood kitchen cabinets are not as durable as solid wood cabinets, they can get damaged by water or humidity, and they are also not as strong as solid wood cabinets. They also tend to be less expensive than solid wood cabinets but more expensive than standard MFC.
Overall, plywood kitchen cabinets are a good choice for those looking for a stable, affordable, and renewable option for their kitchen.
Interested in making your own plywood cabinets?
It’s not that difficult when you use a plunge saw and track. Here’s a video I made showing how you can do this!
Flat-Packed or Rigid?
Rigid is referring to a cabinet that is pre-built, it is often glued and/or screw fixed meaning it can be a bit more tricky to adapt units if required. Typically rigid cabinets will offer a bit more stability and be stronger over time, this isn’t always the case, sometimes cabinets sold as rigid can be no better than a well-made and well-put-together flat-pack, more importantly, it is the materials used in the construction that is the key factor.
Do not assume that any rigid cabinet is the best option, the materials and manufacturing techniques are crucial elements. Sometimes companies will put basic flat-pack cabinets together and sell them as rigid.
Drawer Boxes
Before we move on, let’s just look at drawers, there are various options available when it comes to drawer boxes.
There are standard metal runners and soft close, there’s metal and there’s solid wood. When we are planning a kitchen for an Olivestone customer, we usually specify solid oak for the framed kitchens and a metal-formed soft close Gras drawer for lay-on doors. We don’t use anything that isn’t soft close and it’s almost always Blum or Gras. There are alternative soft close options but just be careful of cheaper alternatives as they might not last as long.
7 Things You Must Not Do When Designing a Kitchen
Kitchen Worktops
The last big decision to make. What worktops are you wanting for your new kitchen?
Worksurfaces – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Types of Worktops
Laminate | Solid Wood | Acrylic | Granite | Quartz | Corian | Concrete | Stone | Porcelain
Laminate
Obviously budget is going to be a huge factor when making this choice. In cost terms, laminate is the most cost-effective way to fit worktops in your kitchen. As always, laminate varies in quality, cheaper options are more likely to cause you issues in the short term. Laminate tops are fitted on-site by a kitchen fitter and use a router and bolts for joins, it is possible that laminate joins can blow, even when fitted professionally, there always remains a risk.
You should not use laminate if you want under-mounted or Belfast-type sinks.
Solid Wood
Solid wood is probably the next step up in cost, again fitted on-site by a kitchen fitter, you can choose from various kinds of wood such as oak, beech, and walnut.
Solid wood worktops are a popular choice for kitchen countertops because they are durable and long-lasting. They can also be sanded and resealed to renew the surface if it becomes scratched or damaged. They add a natural warmth and beauty to the kitchen and can complement a variety of kitchen styles.
One of the main downsides of solid wood worktops is that they are susceptible to damage from moisture and heat. They also require regular maintenance, such as oiling or waxing, to keep them in good condition.
Overall, solid wood worktops are a high-quality, natural, and attractive option for kitchen countertops. They are best suited for those who are willing to put in the effort to maintain them, and who appreciate the natural beauty and warmth that wood brings to the kitchen
Acrylic worktops
Acrylic worktops are a type of kitchen countertop material made from acrylic polymer. They are known for their durability and easy maintenance. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for kitchen remodeling projects. However, acrylic worktops are not as heat resistant as stone surfaces like granite and marble. They can also scratch or dent more easily than stone surfaces. One advantage with acrylic is that small damage can usually be repaired, scratches for example can be polished out. Acrylic worktops can be fitted on-site by a competent installer, there is more to fitting this type of top than regular laminate and you should ensure the fitter has sufficient experience. At Olivestone, we use a product called Minerva as it has some wonderful recessed and under-mounted sink options.
Corian Worktops
Corian worksurfaces are a type of kitchen countertop material made from a proprietary blend of natural minerals and acrylic polymer. They are known for their durability, resistance to scratches and heat, and easy maintenance. They are also non-porous, which means they are resistant to stains and bacteria. They can be shaped and formed into a variety of designs, making them a popular choice for kitchen remodeling projects. Corian worktops are also repairable, if they have any scratches or damages, they can be buffed out to remove them. However, Corian worktops are not as heat resistant as stone surfaces like granite and marble, and they can be damaged if exposed to high heat for an extended period of time. The good news is that in almost any case of even severe damage, Corian can be repaired, we work with a Corian fabricator that will always provide plenty of spare pieces for potential future accidents.
Corian is a brand owned by Dupont and has to be installed by qualified fitters, the process is the same for other solid surfaces like quartz; The kitchen is fitted so that a template can be drawn, and the tops are then fabricated in the factory and usually fitted a week later.
Corian is by far my favorite worktop as a designer because you can just do so much with it, seamless upstands, flush sinks, waterfront edges, and the joins can be virtually invisible with a majority of the colours.
Be wary of cheaper alternatives, Corian is expensive for a reason
Granite, Natural Stone & Marble Worktops
Granite is a natural stone that is commonly used for kitchen countertops and other surfaces such as flooring, walls, and fireplaces. It is known for its durability, resistance to scratches and heat, and unique natural patterns and colors. Granite is also highly resistant to stains and bacteria, making it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. The only downside is that some stone requires regular sealing to maintain their protective properties. It also can be quite heavy, so it may require additional support when used as a countertop. Additionally, granite countertops are more expensive than other materials such as laminate and solid surfaces.
Marble is better for bathrooms, it is a little too soft for use in a kitchen
Quartz Worksurfaces
Currently, the most popular choice of solid surface material on the market, quartz worktops, also known as engineered quartz, is a type of kitchen countertop material made from a blend of natural quartz and polymer resins. They are known for their durability, resistance to scratches and heat, and easy maintenance. They are also non-porous, which means they are resistant to stains and bacteria. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns and can mimic the look of natural stone, such as granite or marble. Quartz worktops are also more consistent in color and pattern compared to natural stone. They can be less expensive than natural stones and are more readily available. However, Quartz worktops are not the best for heat resistance, avoid placing hot pans or pots directly on the surface.
Porcelain Countertops
If you’re looking for the hardest, most heat-resistant, and thinnest material for your tops then look no further than porcelain.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. It is made by heating a mixture of kaolin clay, feldspar, and other minerals to high temperatures, creating a hard and dense material. Porcelain tile is used for flooring, walls, and countertops. Porcelain countertops are scratch and stain resistant, and they are also heat-resistant. They are easy to clean and maintain. They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. However, like other ceramic materials, porcelain can chip or crack if it is struck with a hard object.
Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. It is made by heating a mixture of kaolin clay, feldspar, and other minerals to high temperatures, creating a hard and dense material. Porcelain tile is used for flooring, walls, and countertops. Porcelain countertops are scratch and stain resistant, and they are also heat-resistant. They are easy to clean and maintain. They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes. However, like other ceramic materials, porcelain can chip or crack if it is struck with a hard object or exposed to extreme temperature changes. And it is also not as heat resistant as other materials such as granite or quartz
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Kitchen Sink & Taps
Most likely, this isn’t at the very top of your list of priorities but the sink is one of the most important working parts of any kitchen and is quite often one of the big regrets having had a kitchen fitted.
Sinks – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Types of Sink Material
Stainless Steel | Acrylic | Granite Resin Composite | Ceramic | Corian
Stainless Steel
Kitchen sinks are a crucial component of any kitchen, and come in a variety of styles and materials. There is a vast difference in cost from very low budget steel sinks that you can pick up off the shelf in B&Q to high-end designer sinks available from independent showrooms. Stainless can be used for every scenario when designing a kitchen, under-mounted, inset, sit-on, and commercial sinks and you can even buy a stainless steel Butler sink like this.
Acrylic Sinks
These are the lower priced coloured sinks, be careful when buying this type of sink, they can stain and scratch easily, it is worth paying more for a resin granite composite.
Granite Resin Sinks
Great all-round sinks that are practical for a number of uses, can be under-mounted or inset. Below is a 1 & 1/2 bowl granite resin sink made by Schock
Ceramic Sinks
Very practical material for a sink but be careful of dropping delicate items like glass in the sink as they are more likely to break. Heavy pans can chip the ceramic if you’re not careful. Overall tho, ceramic is a great choice of sink and can be used under-mounted, inset and Belfast/Butler style.
Taps – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Options For Taps
Material | Single Level | Filter| Lever | Boiling Water | Pull-Out Spray
The tap would probably match the material you’ve chosen for the sink so if its stainless then a brushed steel or chrome tap etc. You can decide between a single lever or separate ones, this is subjective and personal. Also, ask yourself whether you want to filter the water and if a pull-out spray head is a must-have.
One thing I wouldn’t go without personally is a Quooker tap, there’s one in our showroom in Wroughton and I absolutely love it, it would be number one on my wish-list if I was planning a new kitchen for myself. A Quooker tap is a type of kitchen faucet that dispenses boiling water. It is also known as a boiling water tap, or a hot water dispenser. The Quooker tap connects to a separate tank that heats and stores water at a high temperature, providing instant access to boiling water for cooking, making tea or coffee, cleaning, and other tasks. The tap typically has a safety feature that prevents accidental burns and scalds. Some Quooker taps also have a cold water dispenser, and some models come with a separate dispenser for filtered cold and room temperature water. Quooker taps are considered to be a luxury item, due to their high cost and professional installation requirements.
Quooker Tap
“One thing I wouldn’t go without personally is a Quooker tap, there’s one in our showroom in Wroughton and I absolutely love it, it would be number one on my wish list if I was planning a new kitchen for myself”
Kitchen Gadgets & Accessories
The really fun bit. Let’s look at ten gadgets that you must consider when buying a new kitchen in 2023
Must Have – Your Kitchen Buyers Guide 2023
Top Ten Kitchen Gadgets
Step Four – Designing Your Kitchen
Get a Good Idea of What You Want
If you’ve been following this guide you should now have a very thorough list of everything you do and don’t want in your new kitchen – this will make the next task of designing the kitchen a lot simpler. Quite often, there are hundreds of ways to design a kitchen so having the wishlist will somewhat dictate what you do with the design, have a play around with the design, think about where appliance services are now but don’t get too entrenched in the detail, let a good kitchen designer take over at this stage and they can do the hard work for you.
Free Kitchen Design?
Most kitchen companies offer a free design service, you can and should take advantage of that where possible, however, please note that us kitchen designers put a lot of work into designing a kitchen, we usually have to spend time and money on fuel, software and insurance, it is therefore in our interest to sell you a kitchen. That’s fine, but please don’t abuse it, it is also your time wasted if you’re going round to three or four companies and repeating that process. If you’ve got a good idea of your wishlist and budget then most decent designers will be able to tell you if they believe they can match your expectations – Don’t be offended when a designer asks your budget, I can design a kitchen in the same room for £20,000 or £100,000 very easily, we need the honest budget.
Paid Design Service
There are independent kitchen designers who will charge a fee to design a kitchen, don’t dismiss this option, it could actually save you a small fortune. I actually offer my local customers a free design service but I also offer a paid for design service across the UK, I can provide all the drawings with measurements and specs saving you a lot of time, I can also point you in the right direction for suppliers and installers and this alone will probably pay for my fee.
Step Five- Where to Buy Your New Kitchen
How Important is Product & Service Quality?
I’ll tell you a short story. This is a true story and a fairly recent one, I had a customer that had a plan and a quote from both myself at Olivestone and another quote from a major kitchen supplier. We were approximately £3,000 more expensive than the bigger company which is understandable, I explained the benefits of what my company can offer; guarantee that I care, this is my company, if something goes wrong it reflects on me ( and in kitchens, things do go wrong, don’t let anyone tell you differently) and I will do what I can to negate any issues but more importantly it is how you deal with problems, not the problem itself. This customer handed over their hard-earned cash to this larger chain company. It did not end well, I won’t go into details but six months on and the issues are still not resolved, every time it is at least one-hour on-hold to speak to a customer service agent.
When you buy a kitchen from an independent that extra money goes a long way, as a customer you mean so much more and we will do everything in our power to ensure you are happy at the end of the project.
Consider How important money is over the risk / reward of choosing a cheaper supplier
Kitchen Buying Options
Independent Kitchen Showrooms
Local Tradesmen and Builders – Howdens / Benchmarx / Merchants
Larger Kitchen Companies – Wren
Online Direct Kitchen Suppliers
Sheds – B&Q / Wickes / Homebase
Want to know the difference in cost between all these options?
You can get an idea using our kitchen calculator
Check Reviews
Search Facebook for pages and groups that represent the bigger companies to get a feel for the general feedback. Some of these giant businesses know how to get around negative reviews on their site so do a little deeper research and also ask your friends
There are some interesting groups “Insert company name kitchen disasters”
Kitchen Splashbacks
A kitchen splashback is a material, typically glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, that is installed behind a stove or sink to protect the wall from splashes and spills. They are available in a wide range of colors, materials, and designs, and can be customized to match the style of your kitchen
Kitchen Buyers Guide - FAQ
Q: How long does it take to fit a kitchen?
A: Really depends on the kitchen and what’s invloved with building work, whether there is any services to be moved. Here’s a post with more information
Q: What is the best colour for a kitchen?
A: That’s a really subjective question and comes down to opinion, Here’s a post with more information
Q: Is it worth paying more for a kitchen?
A: Only you can decide what you’re willing to spend, Here’s a post with more information
Q: What is different about a German kitchen?
A: There are a number of ways that distinguish a German kitchen, Read more about German Kitchens
Q: How much space is needed for a kitchen island?
A: A lot more space than most realsie, Exact Space Needed For An Island – Click Here
Q: What is different about a German kitchen?
A: There are a number of ways that distinguish a German kitchen, Read more about German Kitchens
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