Choosing where to buy your kitchen is just as important as choosing the design. Four of the most popular names in the Blackburn area are DIY Kitchens, Wren, Howdens and Magnet — but they work in very different ways. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you decide.
DIY Kitchens
DIY Kitchens is an online-only supplier known for rigid, pre-assembled cabinets at trade-friendly prices. Because everything arrives built rather than flat-pack, the units are sturdy and quick to install. The catch is that DIY Kitchens does not offer a fitting service, so you will need an independent fitter. For many people that is a feature, not a drawback, because it keeps the overall cost down.
- Best for: value, quality cabinets, and buyers happy to arrange their own fitting
- Watch out for: no showroom and no installation service
If you are going down this route, see my DIY Kitchens installation in Blackburn page.
Wren
Wren has showrooms (including one on Whitebirk Drive in Blackburn) and offers a full design-to-installation service. The designs are strong and the showroom experience is helpful, but the all-in price — particularly the fitting — tends to be at the higher end. A popular middle ground is to buy a Wren kitchen supply-only and have it fitted independently.
- Best for: showroom design help and a one-stop service
- Watch out for: in-house fitting costs, which can be reduced by fitting independently
More on this on my Wren kitchen installation in Blackburn page.
Howdens
Howdens supplies only through trade accounts — you cannot buy directly as a member of the public. Kitchens usually come via a builder or fitter, who orders on your behalf. The cabinets are well regarded, and pricing is handled through the trade rather than a public price list.
- Best for: anyone working with a builder or fitter who has a Howdens account
- Watch out for: no direct public sales, so you need a trade route
See my Howdens kitchen installation in Blackburn page for how this works.
Magnet
Magnet is another established name with showrooms and its own fitting service. Like Wren, the designs are good and the service is convenient, but you can often save by buying supply-only and using an independent fitter.
- Best for: showroom design and a familiar high-street name
- Watch out for: in-house fitting premium
More on my Magnet kitchen installation in Blackburn page.
Which Should You Choose?
There is no single best answer — it depends on how much design help you want and how much you want to spend. As a rough rule of thumb: DIY Kitchens for value if you are happy arranging your own fitting; Wren or Magnet if you want a showroom and design service; and Howdens if you are working with a builder. Whichever you choose, buying supply-only and using an independent fitter is usually the most cost-effective way to get it installed.
Whatever you decide, I can fit it. Take a look at kitchen fitting in Blackburn or get in touch for a free quote.