Fitted kitchen: compare quotes and prices

Define what your fitted kitchen order includes

A fitted kitchen combines cabinets, worktops and appliances into a suitable arrangement. Cabinet length alone does not define the job. A new kitchen supplied and installed, replacement of an existing kitchen, supply only and design advice have different scopes.

If the cabinets have already been purchased, kitchen fitting is usually the relevant service. Replacing only fronts, appliances or a worktop may instead be a partial kitchen renovation. Check what can usefully be retained before replacing everything.

For several properties, state the number of kitchens and their differences. One description with approximate dimensions is enough for the initial enquiry. Three kitchens do not necessarily mean three identical layouts.

Plan the layout around everyday use

Note usable wall lengths, doors, windows, radiators and sloping ceilings. The room needs to work with the fridge open, drawers extended and dishwasher door lowered. Handles, fronts and appliances can clash at corners.

An island supplements a layout: an L-shaped kitchen can also have an island. Storage and preparation alone require different work from an island containing a sink or hob. Water, drainage and extraction routes then need planning.

Provide useful landing space near washing, preparation and cooking areas. Try working heights and access to storage. A standard dimension does not replace adaptation to the users; circulation also depends on how many people cook together.

Compare fronts and worktops separately

Fronts set the visual character, while worktops face more water, heat and preparation. Compare these two items separately. A wood appearance does not necessarily mean solid wood: laminate, veneer and lacquer differ in construction and care.

For worktops, consider material, thickness, edges, cut-outs and joints. Natural stone, quartz composite, ceramic, wood, laminate and stainless steel can have different construction and care requirements. Ask for the actual product, rather than a material category alone.

Protect vulnerable joints and edges from standing water and follow the product instructions for trivets and chopping boards. A durable surface is not an absolute guarantee against every scratch, stain or heat mark. Samples help assess gloss, texture and fingerprints before ordering.

Choose appliances and check items to be retained

The quote should identify each new appliance: hob, oven, fridge, dishwasher and extractor have their own installation requirements. A combined appliance may bring functions together but does not suit every cooking routine.

Existing appliances can only be retained if cabinet openings, fronts, ventilation and connections are compatible. Nominal width alone does not establish this. Have the model details and installation instructions checked before ordering cabinets.

Compare consumption, useful capacity, noise and ease of use. Current fridges and dishwashers use an A–G energy label. Other appliance categories may use different scales; compare the same device type and declared consumption rather than relying on older plus ratings.

Coordinate connections and preparatory work

Keeping the sink, dishwasher and hob in their current positions involves different work from moving them. Existing services still need to suit the new equipment. Electrical and water work should be handled by competent professionals.

Extraction to the outside and filtered recirculation need different arrangements. The air route, building ventilation and other systems must work together. A new extractor alone does not fix an unsuitable exhaust route.

For a replacement, clarify removal, disposal and any wall or floor repairs. Before disturbing older finishes or adhesives, possible hazardous materials should be assessed. Building age provides useful context, rather than a reliable diagnosis.

Compare fitted kitchen prices using the complete scope

A low cabinet price is not yet the cost of a working kitchen. The number of kitchens, layout, fronts, worktops, appliances and building alterations shape the overall cost. Even a small kitchen can need special sizes or complex connections.

Request the same items and check exclusions: delivery into the room, assembly, appliance fitting and connections, old-kitchen removal, disposal and VAT. Work arranged separately is not automatically free; materials, transport, time and responsibilities still count.

A price per linear metre does not adequately describe tall units, corners, islands and appliances. Compare actual plans and equipment. Where choices remain open, clearly labelled alternatives and assumptions help distinguish an indicative estimate from a confirmed total quote.

From the first enquiry to handover

Start with the scope, approximate dimensions, preferred equipment, location and timing. Detailed plans and technical checks follow with the kitchen specialist. Final measurements should be confirmed before ordering.

Coordinate removal, preparatory trades, delivery and installation. Some worktops are measured after the base cabinets have been fitted. Clarify how long the kitchen will be unavailable or only provisionally usable.

At handover, try fronts, drawers and appliances and check connections and the agreed equipment. Ask about filters, service shut-offs and product-specific care. Keep model details, instructions and agreed service terms.

1. Define the need. Number, layout and desired equipment.
2. Confirm the quote. Measurements, products, inclusions and exclusions.
3. Coordinate the work. Removal, connections, delivery and fitting.
4. Check the result. Functions, operation and care at handover.