Wickes fitted kitchens review

How Wickes kitchens compare to others

Wickes is currently one of the best kitchen suppliers on the UK market, but the brand isn’t suitable for everyone. If you are looking for something a little more affordable but don’t want to compromise on pricing, B&Q is a good option.

B&Q only has 12 different kitchen ranges, but there is more versatility and transparency in terms of pricing. There is a virtual showroom available so you can visualise what the designs will look like in your house. While B&Q don’t offer installation directly, they can arrange for the work to be carried out via trusted local installers. Alternatively, you can install the kitchen yourself to reduce the price even further. If you’re looking for a local builder or carpenter to do the work for you, then you can use our Find a Builder tool.

The premium range, Intelliga Chester, in the colour Midnight by Wickes. (image credit: Wickes)

Howdens is comparable to Wickes in terms of quality and range of choices. They offer 25 very different kitchen designs with seemingly endless options for customisation, from accent features and finishes to add-ons like wine racks and corner protectors. On the downside, Howdens only sells to trade partners. This means you’ll need to find a builder or carpenter to purchase and install the kitchen for you which could increase your costs.

How much do Wickes kitchens cost?

The most affordable Lifestyle Dakota kitchen unit starts at £929, while the pricier Camden range starts at £3,128. Wickes’ Bespoke kitchens are listed in three different pricing brackets, but you’ll need to talk to a designer to confirm how much your kitchen will cost.

Here’s how Wickes kitchens compare to other kitchen suppliers with a similar offering, based on a standard eight-unit kitchen:

How to maintain your Wickes kitchen

Like most modern kitchens, your new Wickes kitchen won’t require regular maintenance. However, regularly wiping your counter surfaces with a mild cleanser and soft cloth will help keep your kitchen in tip-top condition.

Avoid harsh chemical ingredients and make sure your sink and boiler aren’t leaking near or inside your cabinets. If you want to clean your kitchen without chemicals, try using a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

The Chester range in Forest Green by Wickes (image credit: Wickes)

What the professionals say

“Wickes’ wide choice of kitchen styles and colours means it’ll appeal to many buyers – from those who prize practicality and value for money to households seeking their dream kitchen. So whether your budget is £3,000 or £13,000, Wickes can provide a stylish design.”

• Architectural Digest

“Our research shows that Wickes kitchens are very competitive regarding price when it comes to the other national fitted kitchen retailers. And while the installation price might be higher than you can find from a local carpenter, the company’s knowledge of fitting kitchens plus its two-year workmanship guarantee makes it a worthwhile investment.”

• Housemethod.com

What customers say

“Our first contact at Wickes Salisbury was with Tom Burt, Design Consultant, and he has been with us throughout our journey to completely revamp our dream kitchen. He initially showed us Wickes kitchen displays, gave us relevant brochures to take away and agreed to come and visit our home to measure up and draw up a design plan. We then returned to the store for a booked appointment, where he discussed and showed us our digitally drawn new kitchen.

We were then able to look at the products recommended that were on display in store and make changes to suit our preferences. Tom was able to guide us through this process using his experience and knowledge of the products. He gave us all the time we needed without putting us under pressure to make snap decisions, which we really appreciated.”

Tom emailed the documentation of our kitchen design which enabled us to consider it in the comfort of our home, and he responded promptly to the emails we sent with questions to clarify changes and additions. We then returned for another consultation to make final changes. Throughout this process, we have found Tom to be approachable, courteous, knowledgeable and very professional. Thank you for your help, guidance and being a delight to work with.”

• Anne, Trustpilot review

“Absolute joke! 20K kitchen still not finished, jobs not done [or] what I asked for, wrong times and dates given for fitting worktops, blame fitter for trying and passing the buck and cannot get a reply from customer services, not sure where to go next.”

• Anonymous, Reviews.io

“Ordered units for my utility. Several items were damaged. Customer Services re-sent items that also arrived damaged. Eventually, the third lot was OK, but my builder had lost several days of work, and Wickes will not give me any discount for the inconvenience caused. I will not purchase from Wickes again.”

• BradyRoche140, Review Center

The Tiverton range in Anthracite, designed and installed by Wickes (image credit: Wickes)

Final recommendation

Wickes kitchens offer a variety of attractive modern and traditional designs that suit virtually every pocket and preference. Its in-house design service is very appealing as it gives you the opportunity to access expert advice and see what your kitchen could look like in your home before making a final decision.

Of course, the quality of installation and customer service can vary. Not everyone has a positive experience with this company. However, Wickes generally receives favourable reviews from experts and customers alike.

Of all the brands we have reviewed, Wickes is the best all-rounder. Its versatility and quality, along with lengthy product warranties, make this a safe option for virtually every homeowner. Wickes’ full-service model can take the pressure off your shoulders and reduce the time you spend managing your kitchen project.

Whether you are remodelling on a budget or have plenty to spend, Wickes will have something that suits your needs.

Our methodology

To help us put together this Wickes kitchens review, we looked at thousands of customer reviews from sites like TrustPilot, Google and Reviews.io. We also consulted professional reports, media reviews and forums.

We then compiled a 100-point scoring system to compare Wickes kitchens to its competitors and rate the brand’s quality.

The score was compiled as follows:

• The quality of the units (loading shelves, drawers, runners, hinges and worktops for three points each), for a total of 15 points;
• The availability of an in-house designer, for a total of five points;
• The availability of an in-house installer, for a total of five points;
• The number of ranges, colours and designs, for a maximum of five points each and a total of 15 points;
• The availability and length of warranty, for a total of 15 points;
• The cost, for a total of 10 points;
• Customer reviews and star ratings (Trustpilot, Google and Reviews.io), for a total of 15 points;
• Payment options, for a total of 10 points; and
• The number of local showrooms, shops and installers, for a total of 10 points.