When choosing between Kitchenwide and Howdens for your bespoke kitchen, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the two brands. Howdens is widely known for its trade-only, quick-turnaround model, but if you’re looking for a kitchen that truly reflects your unique style, Kitchenwide’s made to order bespoke kitchen solutions are the clear winner. By the end of this blog you’ll understand why Kitchenwide is the best choice for both customers seeking high-quality, personalised kitchens and trades wanting to offer premium kitchen solutions.
Why You Should Consider a Howdens Alternative
While Howdens is a popular choice for trade professionals, its model is designed around mass production and speed, which limits the amount of customisation a customer can expect. The key differentiator between Kitchenwide and Howdens is the bespoke experience that Kitchenwide provides. Whether you’re the customer or fitter, this difference significantly impacts the quality, longevity, and individuality of your kitchen.
Other Howdens Alternatives for Bespoke Kitchens:
- Wren Kitchens: Known for its broad retail presence, Wren offers a high degree of customization, allowing customers to create kitchens tailored to their needs. However, like Howdens, Wren focuses on both trade and retail markets, which can sometimes limit the bespoke nature of their offerings.
- Magnet Kitchens: Magnet provides a middle ground between trade and retail, offering both ready-made and customizable kitchen designs. Their focus is on balancing quality with affordability, but customization options might not be as flexible as Kitchenwide.
- DIY Kitchens: A more budget-friendly option, DIY Kitchens allows for significant customization at a lower price point. However, customers must manage much of the design and installation themselves, which may not provide the premium experience offered by Kitchenwide and its factory partners.
If you’re exploring Howdens alternatives, consider what matters most to you. Do you need something that can be customised to your exact specifications, or are you looking for something more functional and affordable? At Kitchenwide, our focus is on high-quality bespoke kitchen solutions that blend function and beauty, offering the best of both worlds.
Howdens’ Strengths and Limitations
Before diving into why Kitchenwide is a better alternative, let’s first look at Howdens’ strengths. Howdens excels at delivering quick budget kitchens for trade professionals. With over 840 depots across the UK, they have a vast network that ensures products are always available for immediate purchase. This makes them a popular choice for builders and contractors who need off the shelf kitchens fast.
However, if you’re a homeowner who wants a kitchen that feels truly unique or a fitter who wants to offer something more than just another off-the-shelf product, Howdens’ limitations start to become apparent. Their designs are largely preset, and while they offer some customisation options, they lack the true bespoke experience that Kitchenwide is known for. Additionally, Howdens is known for supplying their products to trade professionals, which means homeowners often don’t interact directly with them. This can result in a disconnect between the customer’s vision and the final product that’s delivered.
Kitchenwide vs Howdens: Why Kitchenwide Offers More
The Kitchenwide difference lies in the personalisation and attention to detail that we offer. Our bespoke, made to order kitchens are designed to meet the exact specifications of our customers. Here’s how we compare to Howdens across several key areas:
1. Customisation: Making Your Kitchen Truly Unique
At Kitchenwide, we believe that your kitchen should reflect your personal taste and lifestyle. Our process is entirely customised, allowing customers to work directly with our Interior Designers to create a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful. From the layout to the materials, every aspect of your kitchen can be tailored to suit your needs and budget.
In contrast, Howdens focuses on offering a preset range of kitchen designs. While these designs can be tweaked slightly, they are primarily mass-produced to ensure quick availability. For customers who want a kitchen that feels personal and unique, this can be a limiting factor. At Kitchenwide, we take the time to ensure that every kitchen we design reflects the homeowner’s vision, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
2. Ready Built Bespoke Kitchens for Fitters
One of the key features that sets Kitchenwide apart is our ready built units delivered fully assembled. We supply fully customised kitchens to both homeowners and fitters, but we don’t handle the fitting. Instead, we provide a ready-to-install rigid built solution that can be seamlessly integrated into any home. This model is particularly beneficial for fitters who want to offer a bespoke kitchen solution without the need for extensive on-site customisation. Our truly bespoke kitchens are designed to be easy to install, allowing our factory partners to offer a high-end product without the hassle of building units or dealing with flat packs
Howdens, on the other hand, often relies on the trade professional they supply to handle the customers unique room layouts and minor customisations on-site. This means that the quality of the installation can vary depending on the builder or contractor, and homeowners may not get the same level of precision that they would with a Kitchenwide bespoke kitchen. By offering a supply-only, ready built solution, Kitchenwide ensures that the product you receive is perfectly tailored to your space and ready to be installed without any need for on-site changes to units and cabinetry.
3. Material Quality: No Compromises
When you choose Kitchenwide, you’re choosing premium materials that are built to last. We understand that your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and we take great care in sourcing the finest materials for every project. From luxurious countertops to our high-end cabinetry, we never compromise on quality.
While Howdens offers good-quality products, their focus on affordability and speed means that they often use standardised materials that may not have the same level of durability or aesthetic appeal. If you’re looking for a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time, Kitchenwide’s commitment to high-end craftsmanship makes us the better choice.
4. Personal Attention: A Collaborative Process
At Kitchenwide, we believe that the key to a successful kitchen project is collaboration. We work closely with our clients from the initial design phase all the way through to delivery, ensuring that every detail is just right. Our personalised service is what sets us apart from Howdens, where much of the customer interaction is handled by the trade professional rather than the company itself.
With Howdens, homeowners often have limited involvement in the design process, as they work through a builder or contractor. This can sometimes result in miscommunication or a kitchen that doesn’t quite match the homeowner’s vision. At Kitchenwide, we ensure that the client is at the centre of the design process, offering direct communication with our team to ensure the result is exactly what they envisioned.
5. Fitter Support: Building Long-Term Partnerships
For Fitters and Trades, partnering with Kitchenwide offers a range of benefits. We don’t just supply kitchens—we provide full support to help fitters offer bespoke kitchen solutions to their customers. Our ready built kitchens are easy to install, allowing our factory partners to provide a premium, customised product without the need for extensive on-site work. Additionally, we offer training and resources to help fitters succeed in selling bespoke kitchens, making Kitchenwide an ideal partner for those looking to differentiate themselves in a very competitive market.
Howdens, while offering a strong trade network, tends to focus more on product availability than on providing long-term support to their trade customers. This means that fitters who want to offer a more customised solution, will find that Kitchenwide is a better partner for their business.
How to Choose Your Bespoke Kitchen Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide
When it comes to choosing the right bespoke kitchen manufacturer, there are several factors to consider. Here’s how to ensure that you’re making the best choice for your home or business.
1. Understand Your Needs
The first step in choosing a bespoke kitchen is to understand the customer’s needs. Are they looking for a kitchen that is highly customisable and unique, or do they prefer a more standardised no frills option? At Kitchenwide, we offer complete customisation, allowing you to tailor every aspect of your kitchen to suit your needs. This includes everything from the layout and materials to the finishing touches and colour.
If you’re looking for a quick, functional solution, Howdens’ in-stock kitchens may be a good option. However, if you want a kitchen that reflects your personal style and offers superior quality, Kitchenwide’s bespoke approach is the way to go.
2. Consider the Installation Process
One of the key differences between Kitchenwide and Howdens is the installation process. Kitchenwide offers ready built kitchens, meaning that the kitchens we supply are ready to install without any need for on-site customisation. This is particularly beneficial for fitters, as it allows them to offer a premium product without the need for extensive installation work.
Howdens, on the other hand, relies on trade professionals to handle the installation. This can result in varying levels of quality depending on the contractor. If you’re looking for a kitchen that is easy to install and ensures a high level of precision, Kitchenwide’s ready built bespoke model is the better choice.
3. Evaluate Material Quality
Material quality is another important factor to consider when choosing a bespoke kitchen solution. Kitchenwide uses only the finest materials, ensuring that every kitchen we build is not only beautiful but also durable. From high-end countertops to custom cabinetry, we take great care in sourcing materials that are designed to stand the test of time.
While Howdens offers good-quality materials, their focus on affordability and speed can sometimes mean that they use more standardised materials that may not have the same level of durability. If you’re looking for a kitchen that offers long-lasting value, Kitchenwide is the better choice.
4. Think About Sustainability
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to homeowners, and Kitchenwide is committed to offering eco-friendly kitchen solutions. We work with sustainably sourced wood products and offer a range of materials that are better for the environment, without compromising on style or functionality.
Howdens has also made strides in improving their sustainability practices, but because their focus is on mass production, they may not be able to offer the same level of customised, eco-friendly options that Kitchenwide does. If sustainability is a priority for you, Kitchenwide’s bespoke approach allows for greater flexibility in choosing sustainable materials.
Kitchenwide is the Best Choice for Bespoke Kitchens
In the debate of Kitchenwide vs Howdens, the clear winner is Kitchenwide, especially when it comes to providing bespoke, high-quality, and personalised kitchens for both customers and fitters. While Howdens excels at offering fast, in-stock options for trade professionals, its limitations in customisation, material quality, and direct customer interaction make it less ideal for homeowners and fitters, who are looking for something truly unique and bespoke.
Kitchenwide’s ready build cabinetry offers fitters the flexibility to provide customised kitchens without the hassle of building units, making it easier for them to sell truly bespoke kitchens while maintaining a seamless installation process. This also benefits homeowners who want a bespoke kitchen tailored to their lifestyle, built from the best materials, and delivered ready to install.
To Summarise
Customisation and Personalisation: A Truly Bespoke Experience
When it comes to creating a bespoke kitchen, Kitchenwide offers an unparalleled level of customisation. Whether you’re looking for custom cabinetry, unique design elements, or personalised storage solutions, Kitchenwide works with both homeowners and fitters to create kitchens that are truly one-of-a-kind. The company’s focus on individual client needs ensures that every project is designed with the end-user in mind.
On the other hand, Howdens offers a more standardised approach to kitchen design. With a focus on mass production and trade efficiency, their customisation options are limited to choosing from pre-designed ranges. While this may be convenient for builders who need quick installations, it doesn’t allow for the level of creativity and personal input that Kitchenwide clients can expect. For homeowners who want their kitchen to reflect their personal style, Kitchenwide’s bespoke approach is unmatched.
Additionally, Kitchenwide’s ready built kitchens mean that fitters can offer a highly customisable product without the need for extensive on-site customisation. This ready-to-install solution is particularly beneficial for fitters looking to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, offering a high-end product with minimal hassle.
Material Quality: Built to Last
Another major advantage of Kitchenwide is the quality of the materials used in every project. Kitchenwide prides itself on using only premium materials, from luxury countertops to sustainably sourced wood products. This ensures that every kitchen is not only aesthetically pleasing but also built to last, offering long-term value for the customer.
While Howdens also offers good-quality materials, their focus on affordability and speed means that they often use standardised materials that may not have the same level of durability or aesthetic appeal. For homeowners who are looking to invest in a kitchen that will stand the test of time, Kitchenwide’s commitment to quality makes it the superior choice. With Kitchenwide, you can be confident that your kitchen will remain functional and beautiful for years to come.
Installation: Ready Built Kitchens for Fitters and Trade
One of the key benefits of choosing Kitchenwide is our ready built kitchen units. We provide fully customised kitchens that are ready to install, without the need for on-site customisation. This makes the installation process smooth and hassle-free for both fitters and customers.
For fitters, this is a significant advantage. Rather than having to manage a complicated fitting process, kitchen fitters can offer their customers a high-end kitchen that is ready to fit as soon as it arrives. This allows fitters to focus on selling bespoke kitchens, without getting bogged down in the logistics of hard installations and building flat packs for days.
In contrast, Howdens typically relies on trade professionals to handle the installation. While this works well for contractors who are managing multiple projects at once, it doesn’t provide the same level of precision or customisation that Kitchenwide’s ready built units offer. With Kitchenwide, fitters can ensure that their clients receive a kitchen that is perfectly tailored to their space, with minimal effort required during the installation process.
Customer Experience: Direct Communication and Support
At Kitchenwide, we believe that the customer should be at the centre of the design process. That’s why we offer direct communication and support throughout every stage of the project, from the initial consultation to the final delivery. This ensures that every kitchen we create is a perfect reflection of the homeowner’s vision.
In contrast, Howdens operates on a trade-only model, meaning that homeowners often have little to no interaction with the company itself. Instead, they work through their builder or contractor, which can sometimes lead to miscommunication or a kitchen that doesn’t quite meet the homeowner’s expectations. By working directly with the client, Kitchenwide ensures that every detail is considered, resulting in a kitchen that truly meets the client’s needs.
Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Options
Sustainability is an increasingly important consideration for homeowners, and Kitchenwide is committed to offering eco-friendly kitchen solutions. We use sustainably sourced wood and other environmentally friendly materials to create kitchens that are not only beautiful but also better for the planet. By choosing Kitchenwide, homeowners can feel confident that they are making a responsible choice for their home and the environment.
While Howdens has made efforts to improve their sustainability practices, their focus on mass production limits their ability to offer truly bespoke, eco-friendly options. For clients who are looking for a kitchen that aligns with their values, Kitchenwide’s commitment to sustainability makes us the better choice.
Fitter Collaboration: Long-Term Partnerships
At Kitchenwide, we don’t just supply kitchens—we build long-term partnerships with our fitters, that’s why we call them Factory Partners. Our goal is to help fitters succeed by offering high-quality, ready built kitchens that are easy to sell and install. We provide training and support to ensure that our Factory Partners have everything they need to offer their clients the best possible experience.
In contrast, Howdens focuses primarily on product availability and quick turnaround times, which can limit the level of support they offer to their trade customers. For Fitters who want to offer something more than just another off-the-shelf cashmere kitchen, partnering with Kitchenwide provides the opportunity to differentiate themselves in the market and offer their clients a truly bespoke product.
How to Choose Your Bespoke Kitchen Solution
When deciding how to choose your bespoke kitchen solution, it’s essential to consider a few key factors:
1. Customisation
Do you want a kitchen that reflects your unique style, or are you looking for something more standardised? Kitchenwide offers complete customisation, allowing you to design a kitchen that fits your specific needs and preferences. Howdens, on the other hand, offers more off the shelf options, which may not provide the level of personalisation that many homeowners desire.
2. Material Quality
Are you looking for a kitchen that will stand the test of time? At Kitchenwide, we use only the finest materials, ensuring that every kitchen we build is both beautiful and durable. Howdens offers good-quality products, but their focus on affordability means that they may use more standardised materials that don’t offer the same level of durability.
3. Installation
Are you looking for a kitchen that is easy to install? Kitchenwide’s ready build units make the installation process simple and hassle-free, offering fitters a ready-to-install product that requires minimal on-site work. Howdens, by contrast, relies on trade professionals for customisation and room fitting on site, which can sometimes lead to varying levels of quality and finish.
4. Sustainability
Is sustainability important to you? At Kitchenwide, we are committed to offering eco-friendly kitchen units that minimise environmental impact. Howdens has made efforts in this area, but their focus on mass production limits the level of customisation they can offer in terms of sustainability.
