Where to find the best-value rigid kitchens
Buying rigid kitchens is usually better than going for a flat-pack option, though either can work with expert fitting. As always, though, the big question is where to find the best-value rigid kitchens.
Buying rigid kitchens from trade-only suppliers
Trade-only suppliers supply rigid kitchens via builders, and many people assume they’ll be the best value. However, in reality, their kitchens are lower quality than what you will find in most independent kitchen showrooms.
So, for example, their rigid kitchens will be constructed from low-quality, low density chipboard. The problem with low density chipboard is it bows under the weight of the worktops. The first signs of bowing is usually seen on the backs of the units. Once the backs start to bow, it isn’t usually long before they come away completely, exposing the wall & any pipework behind.
Also, their doors tend to be the low-quality wrapped type. The problem with these are they peel. Below are pictures of peeling wrapped doors.
So, rather than getting the best value kitchen from one of the trade-only suppliers, you’ll instead be getting a kitchen that’s unlikely to last more than about 5 years.
Another problem with buying rigid kitchens from a trade-only supplier is the fitting. Although you may think a builder can fit a kitchen as well as a kitchen fitter, 95% of builders can’t. At best, you’ll only get an average finish. Remember, how ever good quality a kitchen you buy is, it will only be as good as how it’s fitted.
The biggest problem buying a rigid kitchen from a trade-only supplier is that you are buying a kitchen with little or no come-back. This is because your contract is with the builder and not with the trade-only supplier. So, If you get a problem with the kitchen a few years down the line, when you go back to the trade-only supplier, they’ll usually tell you that they only deal with the trade and you need to go back to your builder. However, when you go back to your builder, they’ll usually tell you that they are only responsible for the fitting and you’ll need to go back to the trade-only supplier. This toing and froing usually goes on for some time until people eventually give up.
Buying rigid kitchens from high street chains
Most people would look for rigid kitchens in the high street chains. The problem here is that most of them only sell flat pack kitchens. Also, for the ones that do sell rigid kitchens, their quality is no better than the trade suppliers.
Besides this, they’ll charge about £4,000 for fitting, which is about double what you should be paying. This leads many customers to cut corners and go for a builder, with the poor results already mentioned.
Buying rigid kitchens from independent kitchen showrooms
Rigid kitchens from independent kitchen showrooms are usually higher quality than what the chains and trade-only suppliers sell. So, their kitchens will be constructed from high-quality, high density chipboard. High density chipboard will support the weight of the heaviest worktops & will never bow.
Also, their doors will usually be the high quality lacquered or acrylic type. These will never peel like wrapped doors will. Therefore, their kitchens should still look great in 15-20 years.
You’ll also get far better standard of fit than a builder for a similar price. The showroom will supply and fit the kitchen, meaning any problems will be quickly put right without fuss. The fitters also specialise in the kitchen they’re fitting, so fitting will be quicker and better finished.
The downside of using an independent kitchen showroom is that many are more expensive than the chains and trade-only suppliers. However, this isn’t the case with all of them. Some are similar in price to the chains and trade-only suppliers and offer kitchens that are just as high-quality as what more expensive showrooms sell.
So, how do you find the showrooms that are similar in price to the chains and trade only suppliers?
Simple, just contact us and we will tell you who they are.
Our service is free.
Our free service recommends the best value kitchen suppliers in your area.
Their kitchens cost similar to places like Howdens, Wren and Magnet, but are higher-quality and will last much longer.
All showrooms offer free, no-obligation quotes.
Read what our customers say about our service below:
“Lloyd was able to point me to local independent kitchen retailers offering greater quality and value compared to the high street chains”
Mohammed Hashi, Northolt, Middx
“The price was similar to builders merchants & DIY chains, but the kitchen was much better quality”
Andrew Scott, Wivenhoe, Essex
“Kitchenfindr recommended a showroom who were much better value than most of the other showrooms I’d previously looked at”
Hannah Malone, Esher, Surrey
“If you’re looking for a good value kitchen supplier, these are the people to speak to first!”
Natalie D R, Stanmore, Middx
