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Howdens Joinery kitchens review: units, service and installation
We put Howdens Joinery kitchens through our rigorous lab tests and also surveyed Which? members, including those who had bought from Howdens, to see how happy they were with their purchase.
Howdens only sells to tradespeople because they have the expertise to install its kitchens well. This means you'll need to find an installer to buy and fit your kitchen.
The company offers more than 75 designs, including handleless and Shaker kitchens in a range of colours.
We assessed its three kitchen ranges in our lab: Handleless, Rigid Cabinet and Technik.
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Howdens Joinery kitchens overall scores
We tested 19 kitchen ranges from various brands, giving them an overall score based on their performance in the lab and customer ratings.
The top-scoring kitchen achieved 81% overall, while the lowest-scoring kitchen earned 59%.
Log in now or join Which? to reveal the results for Howdens.
| Unit | Overall score | Lab assessment score | Customer score | Customer service | How well the kitchen lasted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handleless | |||||
| Rigid Cabinet | |||||
| Technik |
Table notes: The overall score is based on the lab assessment of the units (60% weighting) and the feedback the brand received in our customer survey (40% weighting), which incorporates the customer score, plus ratings for the level of customer service and how well the kitchen lasted.
To see how Howdens compares with other leading brands we reviewed, visit our best and worst kitchen brands page.
Howdens Joinery kitchen lab assessment score
We assessed three units from Howdens (the pre-assembled Handleless and Rigid Cabinet ranges and the Technik flat-pack range) to find out how well they stand up to everyday use.
Log in now or join Which? to reveal the results.
| Unit | Lab assessment score | Quality of units | Loading shelves | Drawers and runners | Hinges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handleless | |||||
| Rigid Cabinet | |||||
| Technik |
Table notes: Lab assessment scores are calculated based on a kitchen’s performance in 19 tests across four key areas - quality of units, loading shelves, drawers and runners and hinges. Ratings are combined to create an overall assessment score.
Find out how we test kitchens in our lab.
Howdens Joinery kitchen customer survey score
We also asked Which? members to rate their kitchens, and the standard of customer service they had received.
Log in now to or join Which? find out how Howdens Joinery is rated by its customers.
| Customer survey category | Scores and ratings |
|---|---|
| Customer score | |
| Customer service | |
| Quality of cupboards, doors, drawers and worktops | |
| Quality of finish | |
| How well cupboards, doors, drawers and worktops lasted | |
| Value for money |
Table notes: Based on the responses of 983 Howdens Joinery customers in an online survey of 4,378 Which? members conducted in January and February 2023. Customer score is a combined score based on customer ratings of satisfaction with their kitchen and likelihood of recommending to a friend. Customers also rated other aspects of the service, shown as star ratings.
How to choose the best kitchen worktops, cabinets and doors for your home.
Howdens Joinery kitchen installation
Howdens Joinery is a trade kitchen supplier, which means it sells to tradespeople only. Therefore, you cannot fit the kitchen yourself.
Howdens Joinery also does not recommend installers, so you will need to find one yourself, although Howdens can guide you through the process.
To find a reliable fitter for your Howdens Joinery kitchen, use our free Which? Trusted Traders service.
Howdens Joinery kitchens: services and guarantee information
Does Howdens have a kitchen planner/design service?
Yes. There's a free personal design service online to help you plan your kitchen. This lets you consult a designer for expert advice on planning, layout and style.
You can have a consultation via video chat or at a Howdens depot. Howdens' designers can also carry out at-home assessments during which they will measure your kitchen. You can also get a 3D plan of your kitchen to help you visualise the final look.
Does Howdens sell kitchen appliances, flooring and tiles?
Howdens sells large kitchen appliances from Lamona (exclusive to Howdens Joinery) and a flooring range, but not wall tiles.
Howdens Joinery guarantees
Howdens offers a 25-year guarantee on its kitchen cabinets, a five-year guarantee for doors and a one-year guarantee for worktops.
The guarantee mostly covers defects in the manufacturing process or raw materials.
Make sure you keep your proof of purchase, as you'll need it to make a claim. Even if the kitchen was bought by a Howdens' account holder, you can contact Howdens direct.
Visit the Howdens website to see their full range of kitchens.
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