New kitchens

[Gloucester Saint]

We had a brilliant new kitchen/diner from Sparkworld nearly 10 years ago in our previous house. We are doing one here as part of renovating and re-configuring our downstairs space here but we are now too far north for Sparkworld’s area.

So, has anyone had a new kitchen designed and fitted over the last 5-7 years? If so, would you recommend who went with or would you avoid them?

We are looking at Howdens, Rehome site is too risky as need particular dimension work surfaces and island. Leekes units look tidy but customer service ratings are very up and down. B&Q, Wickes and IKEA stuff don’t have the durability we’d want. Never used Wren. 

[Sarnia Cherie]

You are wise not to use Wickes. My daughter and son-in-law chose Wickes and not only were the units not fit for purpose for a busy family kitchen but they also had the installers from Hell. The job which was booked for 8 working days took over 3 months. Wickes after sales service was pathetic. Once they have your cash they are not interested. The Area Manager reluctantly came to have a look and was appalled at the 18 fitting errors. For example, the extractor fan was not fitted using the pack provided but by strips of duct tape. We eventually had a lovely installer from Wickes who righted all the wrongs but we wouldn't use them again. I have friends who have used Wren without any problem. 

[Turkish]

My brother in law is a kitchen fitter and swears by Howdens, very good quality products for the price.  Also Miele appliances. 

[spyinthesky]

18 minutes ago, Turkish said:

My brother in law is a kitchen fitter and swears by Howdens, very good quality products for the price.  Also Miele appliances. 

Howden is OK  but think they only sell to the trade so you need to get the kitchen planned and an installer to buy the units direct from Howdens.

[egg]

Wren are preferred by people I know in the trade. They'll design as well. 

[whelk]

I cannot believe the insensitivity of this thread. I once cut my finger in the kitchen and you lot just take the piss mocking my wound. Btw fully healed now but my point stands

[Turkish]

11 minutes ago, egg said:

Wren are preferred by people I know in the trade. They'll design as well. 

Actually yes Wren is the other one he goes on about I forgot the name of them until you said it

[Lighthouse]

No recent experience with any fitters but if you’re looking for brands then I’d recommend Smeg, Neff, Poggenpohl and Bosch.

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Turkish said:

My brother in law is a kitchen fitter and swears by Howdens, very good quality products for the price.  Also Miele appliances. 

Got an appointment with Howdens on Friday. Noted on Wren, seen mixed things online but will bear them in mind, cheers.

[Winnersaint]

Got mine from Magnet last year it’s pretty decent. 

[benjii]

Get a cast-iron egg tree. Lacquered.

[skintsaint]

Had a Wren kitchen fitted end of 2023 in our newly built cabin. Been really happy with it and so far no issues. Really easy to design how you want, although we didn't use their fitting services as we know a kitchen fitter, who initially recommended Wren even though they cost a touch more.

[Badger]

On 04/02/2025 at 16:59, Gloucester Saint said:

Got an appointment with Howdens on Friday. Noted on Wren, seen mixed things online but will bear them in mind, cheers.

 

Premier Kitchens used to operate out of Gloucester a few years ago. Think it was their head office as well.

Howdens seem to have the edge though from discussions with a few involved in the building trade. 

[Gloucester Saint]

1 hour ago, Badger said:

 

Premier Kitchens used to operate out of Gloucester a few years ago. Think it was their head office as well.

Howdens seem to have the edge though from discussions with a few involved in the building trade. 

Good point on Premier, thanks, need to have a look at them. Will look at Magnet after Winner’s recommendation.