Used Kitchen Hub FAQ

Buying a Used Kitchen, either Ex Display or Second Hand, may seem daunting at first, but really its no different from buying any used item! Lets try and answer some common questions…

We are always happy to talk all things Kitchen! If you`d like to understand more about the process, or would like to talk about your specific requirements please dont hesitate to get in touch! 0203 002 0005

 

What are the benefits of an ex-display Kitchen?
Is it quicker and easier to buy an ex-display or used Kitchen?
Will the Kitchen be in good condition?
I found the Kitchen I like, who is responsible for removing it?
What other costs do I need to consider when buying my used kitchen?
How do I know its going to fit?
How do I sell my kitchen?
How much landfill does a kitchen fill up?
Can kitchens be recycled?
Who installs kitchens?
What is your budget?
To have a kitchen island or not?
What is the best kitchen worktop?
Which hob is best? Gas, electric or induction?
What are kitchen must-haves?
What styles are timeless?
How much does the average kitchen cost?
How much does it cost to be fitted?
What are the different splashback options?
How do you start designing a kitchen?
How do I maximise space in my kitchen?
How do I choose kitchen lighting?
What is the best way to hide kitchen appliances?
What is the most popular kitchen layout?
Best kitchen gadgets?
What are the best kitchen colours to have?
How long should a kitchen last?
How do I find a kitchen showroom?
What are the benefits of an ex-display kitchen?
What should I splurge on?
What can I save on?
Do you want to be able to eat in your kitchen?
Do you like modern or traditional?
Can I revamp my kitchen?
What is your budget?
What is on your design wish list?
Who will be using the kitchen?
Is a hot tap a necessity?
Free-standing or fitted appliances?
American fridge-freezer or integrated?
How many ovens will you need?
How long does it take a get a new kitchen?
Is it quicker and easier to buy an ex-display kitchen?

 

What are the benefits of an ex-display Kitchen?

The most obvious benefit of buying an ex-display kitchen is cost. The price of an ex-display kitchen will often be a fraction of the original price it was retailing for had it been sold as new. Another big benefit of an ex-display kitchen is that it usually includes the broadest range of units and key features. Display models often showcase a kitchen range at its best, so is likely to include the best of everything, from individual units and cupboards, through to worktops and splashbacks. When purchasing any ex-display product, you should expect some basic level of wear and tear, although this will usually be minimal.

Is it quicker and easier to buy an ex-display or used Kitchen?

Buying an ex-display kitchen is often far more convenient, especially for customers who do not want to wait weeks or months for a new kitchen to arrive. As an ex-display kitchen is surplus stock, retailers will be looking to get rid of them as quickly as possible. As you soon as you purchase an ex-display kitchen, it is ready to be shipped. Provided the courier is reliable and efficient, an ex-display kitchen can be at your door in as little as a few days.

Will the Kitchen be in good condition?

We are very selective on the kitchens we advertise, and all used kitchens have been carefully surveyed by us before they are offered to you. All our kitchens are in excellent condition and have been cared for by their owners, however most of our Ex Display Kitchens are like new and are in pristine condition.

I found the Kitchen I like, who is responsible for removing it?

Every scenario is different but in most cases, as a guide, the following usually takes place:

Ex Display kitchens are mostly dismantled by the showroom, ready to be collected by you. The units will remain fully built, they are rarely dismantled or flat packed. The buyer then needs to arrange for collection.

Used kitchens can vary with each location, and even though it is for the purchaser to arrange removal & collection in some scenarios the owners remove the kitchen ready for you to collect, especially if there is an ongoing project and the space is required. Again, kitchens are rarely dismantled or Flat Packed, so please ensure you have a big van to transport them in.

In all instances, we are able to liase between party’s. If required, we can help both Dismantling and Delivery, please call us for details: 0203 002 0005

What other costs do I need to consider when buying my used kitchen?

Only when a kitchen is being reconfigured you may need to allow for re cutting or templating the work surface and possibly the kick boards. In most cases the extra costs are simply for transport and Installing.

How do I know its going to fit?

All our kitchens are listed with images and a full description including measurements. With some forward thinking and planning, any kitchen can be reconfigured and tailored to fit in your home.

How do I sell my kitchen?

Looking to sell your old kitchen? We pride ourselves on our Professionalism & Customer Service. We deal with everything for you and importantly also for the buyer making the whole process effortless for everyone. Whether selling an ex display or a private kitchen our success comes from the way we “hand hold” the buyer and lead them on a journey to match them to your kitchen.

How much landfill does a kitchen fill up?

This really depends on the kinds of material your kitchen is made from, as well as the size of your kitchen. Most kitchen units can be recycled at local centres, provided the material is not heavily damaged or spoiled. Individual hardware can also be removed and easily recycled.

Can kitchens be recycled?

Yes, most kitchens can be recycled. This will depend on the materials used and in some cases, the condition of the materials. Recycling centres offer you a convenient way to dispose of used kitchens. These centres provide designated recycling points or disposing of certain materials. To make life easy, you should remove metal elements and hardware from doors and drawers prior to your arrival at a recycling centre.

Who installs kitchens?

Although many people attempt to fit kitchens themselves, it is always best to hire the services of a professional kitchen fitter. Installing a kitchen can be a complicated process, with many minor adjustments required. Even the best laid plans result in unforeseen challenges, but a professional kitchen fitter will have the experience to overcome these issues.

What is your budget?

The cost of a kitchen can vary wildly depending on what type of kitchen you are purchasing and where you are buying it from. In any case, you should allot the majority of your budget to kitchen units and worktops before you start thinking about the cost of the finer details. Even if you are buying a second-hand kitchen, units and worktops will be the priciest items. After purchase, you will also need to consider the cost of having it installed. Kitchen installation can be very expensive. When buying a new kitchen direct from a retailer, installation is often included in the price, but do check as this is not allways the case. You may find it cheaper to pursue a separate installation quote. To minimise  installation cost, make sure that your kitchen units are compatible with your existing space. The more work that is required to adjust and adapt units to your kitchen, the higher the overall installation cost.

To have a kitchen island or not?

A kitchen island is usually on the top of many wish lists. If you have a large enough space, a kitchen island is definitely advisable. An island works well with an L-shaped kitchen, even if you are looking to enjoy open-plan living. You can think about integrating additional items into your island if space allows. Many larger islands are used to house sinks and taps, as well as hobs. You may also want to think about integrating further storage into your island. Most islands are also utilised for occasional dining, with barstools doubling up as breakfast bar seating.

What is the best kitchen worktop?

Never overlook how important a worktop is to your kitchen. Solid wood can look good in both traditional and modern kitchens, although it is fairly susceptible to damage. A relatively affordable alternative is granite, although once again, you may risk damaging it and it can be tricky to make patch repairs to this type of material. If you can afford the premium cost of it, go for a quartz worktop. This material is one of the most durable around and adds a stunning finish to any kitchen.

Which hob is best? Gas, electric or induction?

You have various options when it comes to hob types for your kitchen. While electric and induction hobs are a good option for contemporary kitchens with a low-profile finish, gas hobs are the go-to if you are do plenty of cooking in the home. Gas hobs are incredibly easy to use and will heat your pans more quickly. If you are looking for precise cooking results and want to save time when whipping up multiple courses, a gas hob is a must.

What are kitchen must-haves?

After you have picked a suitable oven, hob, microwave and white goods, you can start thinking about other kitchen essentials. A reliable food processor will make your life much easier when it comes to meal prep. You also want to consider purchasing a slow cooker if you are away from the home for many hours of the day and want to prep recipes for your return. A juicer and blender are other useful appliances that be used to prepare a wide variety of recipes.

What styles are timeless?

Solid oak kitchens are among some of the most timeless styles you can invest in. Not only are the neutral colours and subtle grain accents very versatile, the wood itself will endure for many years and require minimal maintenance. Solid wood works well with all manner of worktops and can be coordinated with a broad palette of colours. You can also make subtle changes to your kitchen décor over time. Rather than invest in new units, you can personalise them with new hardware and handles. The solid wood will easily accommodate replacements, unlike poorer materials such as chipboard.

How much does the average kitchen cost?

The average kitchen will probably set you back in the region of £3,500. This will include a good range of units and cupboards for a decent sized room. You can of course find cheaper alternatives on the market, although you will be fairly limited in terms of internal storage space. Worktops can add a significant premium to the overall cost of your kitchen. Premium laminate worktops can cost several thousand pounds themselves, although cheaper alternatives are available.

How much does it cost to be fitted?

Generally speaking, it will cost you a minimum of £2,000 to have your kitchen professionally fitted. However, the overall cost of installation can be significantly more if you have a particularly large kitchen or you have ordered bespoke units that will prove more challenging to fitters. If you are also looking to add new flooring to your kitchen and install new lighting, the overall cost of revamping your kitchen will likely near or exceed £10,000.

What are the different splashback options?

The most obvious choice of splashback is tiles. Not only is a tiled splashback very affordable, it is practical and easy to maintain. You will find a huge selection of tile sizes, shapes and colours on the market, so you can easily tailor a tiled splashback to your individual requirements. Other options do exist, however. You can opt for a marbled splashback if you have a significant budget, or keep things contemporary with pressed metal. Exposed brick and timber splashbacks are also something to consider if you want something more rustic.

How do you start designing a kitchen?

Before you start thinking about specific kitchen design, you should measure the space available to you. Take note of existing electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures so you can build your kitchen around that. If you want to significantly reconfigure your kitchen, you will need to budget for modifications and renovations to the room itself. Once all that is taken care of, you can start investigating available kitchen models and appliances. A professional kitchen supplier will provide you with a bespoke design consultation that will take much of the hard work out of planning your kitchen renovation.

How do I maximise space in my kitchen?

If you only have limited space to work with, you should think vertically when planning your kitchen. In addition to generous base cabinetry, you should ensure your wall space is fully optimised with shelving and units. You may also want to allocate separate space for food storage if your kitchen is particularly small. A small pantry area separated from the main kitchen will free up your actual kitchen units for appliances, utensils and other essentials.

How do I choose kitchen lighting?

Lighting is important to a kitchen. Many people looking to invest in a contemporary kitchen tend to go for recessed ceiling lights, although pendant-style lighting is becoming more and more popular. More traditional kitchens also tend to look better with recessed lighting as these fixtures cause minimal clash with the décor. You may also want to think about adding concealed lighting underneath wall cabinets to illuminate your worktops. Splashbacks can also be optimised with lighting strips to provide you with plenty of visibility when preparing meals. If you have an island in your kitchen, you may want to add an overhead light to illuminate the space while you eat.

What is the best way to hide kitchen appliances?

If you want to keep your worktops free of clutter you should make sure you have ample storage space to keep them out of view when you are not using them. It is often more convenient to store appliances in base cabinets as these are more generously proportioned and allow for easier retrieval of heavier items.

For most people, an L-shaped kitchen is probably the best layout to go for. This configuration is the most versatile layout option and serves a variety of spaces well. It is particularly good for anyone looking to enjoy open-plan living. An L-shaped kitchen provides you with plenty of cupboard space and room for integrated units, but it also keeps a substantial amount of central floorspace open. This central area can then be utilised for other things, such as dining. Provided the central area is large enough, you can place a large dining table here. You can also place a large kitchen island if you want additional counter space that also be utilised as an informal dining area. If you live in a busy household with a larger family, an L-shaped layout is without doubt the best option.

Best kitchen gadgets?

Every kitchen needs reliable white goods and key appliances like a refrigerator, a freezer and potentially, a dishwasher. You may also wish to include a washing machine and/or tumble dryer if you do not have a separate utility room to house them. However, smaller appliances and gadgets will significantly improve the functionality of your kitchen. Some essential gadgets no kitchen can be without include a food processor. If you are short on counter space, consider buying a multifunctional appliance that provides you with general food processing functions, as well as a blending and juicing option. A stand mixer is also a must-have if you enjoy baking or prefer to prepare your own doughs. Coffee makers are also an essential for anyone who requires a caffeine kick in the mornings. Smaller kitchens may struggle to accommodate a large bean-to-cup machine, but a more compact espresso machine can be a good compromise.

What are the best kitchen colours to have?

Kitchen colour are ultimately about taste and preference, but there is some best practice to follow as a general guideline. For a long time, classic white and muted natural wooden shades were considered the best options. Neutral colours still considered the best option for many kitchen owners. The reason for this is that they allow you to furnish your kitchen with additional accessories and equipment without you having to keep to a limiting colour scheme. A white, grey or neutral kitchen can be complemented with a broad palette of secondary colours. While some may wish to go for a more daring kitchen colour, this can be very restricting when it comes to adding appliances and furnishings. A vibrant red kitchen may make a significant style statement, but you will need to keep secondary colours to a limited palette of blacks and metallics.

How long should a kitchen last?

Again, the answer to this question depends on the quality of the kitchen and its materials. If you have avoided cheaper chipboard cupboards and invested in hardwood or premium composite materials, your kitchen should last you for many years. You will of course need to care your kitchen during this time and ensure moisture exposure is maintained so materials do not become warped and damaged. If you are buying a brand new kitchen from a reputable supplier or retailer, you will almost certainly find a guarantee is attached to your purchase. These guarantees usually last for ten or more years. A budget-friendly kitchen may only last for a few years. Materials like chipboard are easily damaged and difficult to repair.

How do I find a kitchen showroom?

If you are having a hard time visualising how a new kitchen will look in your existing space, you should definitely think about visiting a kitchen showroom. Not only will a showroom allow you to see kitchen units and materials up close, you will also get a good idea of layout and kitchen configurations. If you only have vague ideas about the kind of kitchen you want, this can be incredibly valuable and help you avoid making a costly purchasing error. If you want to visit a showroom of a specific kitchen supplier, you may find yourself embarking on a lengthy drive as these showrooms are often few and far between. However, if you are not tied down to a specific supplier, you will find a more generous selection of showrooms in your vicinity. To find a nearby showroom, simply look for one via your preferred search engine. You will be given a list of the nearest showrooms to your current location.

What are the benefits of an ex-display kitchen?

The most obvious benefit of buying an ex-display kitchen is cost. The price of an ex-display kitchen will often be a fraction of the original price it was retailing for had it been sold as new. Another big benefit of an ex-display kitchen is that it usually includes the broadest range of units and key features. Display models often showcase a kitchen range at its best, so is likely to include the best of everything, from individual units and cupboards, through to worktops and splashbacks. When purchasing any ex-display product, you should expect some basic level of wear and tear, although this will usually be minimal.

What should I splurge on?

When purchasing a new kitchen, you should allot the majority of your budget to units and worktops. These are the bare bones of your kitchen and are what will ensure it lasts for as long as possible. Avoid the lure of low-cost units that can become easily damaged and invest in solid wood whenever possible. A premium worktop material is also advisable. If you like the aesthetics of it and can afford the premium price, you should look into purchasing worktops made from quartz and other high-grade materials. These not only look great, they are incredibly hard-wearing and will not be replacing for many years.

What can I save on?

If you are looking to make savings on a new kitchen, there are plenty of money saving strategies you can adopt. One of the biggest cost-saving areas is appliances. You can avoid buying premium kitchen brands to make significant savings. This is particularly useful if you need to purchase a wide variety of appliances and smaller items for your kitchen. However, you should always purchase appliances of a decent enough quality that they will last for as long as possible. You can also make big savings when it comes to the fitting of your kitchen. Although investing in a local fitter might seem more expensive than going for the lowest quote, it can often save you money in the long run. If you find any issues with the installation of your kitchen, a local fitter who is keen to preserve their reputation is likely to make any repairs and undertake follow-up jobs without any extra charge. A less reputable fitter or installation copy will often charge you a second invoice for such work. You can also think about integrating pieces from your existing kitchen into your new layout.

Do you want to be able to eat in your kitchen?

If your kitchen is large enough, you will definitely want to consider dining arrangements. As already discussed, an L-shaped layout is a good option for anyone looking to dine in their kitchen. If you have enough floorspace, you will have ample room to place a dining table. An extending table or drop-leaf table is a good option for rooms with less available square footage, as you an expand your dining space as and when the need arises. If you already have a dining room and want a more informal eating area within your kitchen, think about utilising a kitchen island. An island will provide you with a central preparation area for your kitchen, but can also be used for informal dining and socialising. As islands are raised higher than traditional dining surfaces, you will need to use bar stools as seating here. Such seating is fine for breakfast, brunches and light meals, but may not be suitable for more conventional dining.

Do you like modern or traditional?

When it comes to kitchen aesthetics and design, people are usually divided into these two camps. While contemporary design is quickly becoming the preferred option, there are still plenty of people who love traditional finishes and homely touches. A traditional kitchen is a good option for those looking to preserve a warm and inviting aesthetic, especially if the rest of the home is quite classic and timeless. However, those looking to maximise their living space will probably want to go for a modern style kitchen. Contemporary kitchens are the perfect match to open-living arrangements and free up as much space possible. Most modern kitchens include low-profile cupboards and units, with minimal hardware and clean lines. You do not have to dispense with personality completely, however. Discreet pull handles and simple accents can still have a place in a modern kitchen.

Can I revamp my kitchen?

Even if you can not afford to completely replace your kitchen, you can still overhaul it to look almost as good as a brand new one. For example, you do not necessarily need to purchase brand new units. You can instead simply replace unit doors and draw fronts. The cost of replacing your kitchen frontage will only be a fraction of what it would cost to replace the whole thing. You can also replace existing handles and knobs with new ones. If you purchase these in bulk from online retailers, the cost of a complete handle overhaul can be nominal. A far cheaper way of revamping your kitchen would be to repaint or refinish your existing units. However, this is only really an option if the existing units and cabinetry are of a high enough standard. You should avoid simply painting over an existing coat of colour, for example, as this will result in an inferior finish. To ensure premium results, you will need to sand down and smooth out the base wood before repainting the cabinetry with multiple coats of quality paint. This is not only time consuming, but requires a good level of skill in order to achieve decent results.

What is your budget?

Setting a budget is important when it comes to planning for a new kitchen. The cost of a kitchen can vary wildly depending on what type of kitchen you are purchasing and where you are buying it from. In any case, you should allot the majority of your budget to kitchen units and worktops before you start thinking about the cost of the finer details. Even if you are buying everything second-hand, units and worktops will be the priciest items. Once you have purchased a kitchen, you will also need to consider the cost of having it installed. Kitchen installation can be very expensive. If you are buying a new kitchen direct from a retailer, installation is often included in the price. However, you may find it cheaper to pursue a separate installation quote. To minimise the cost of installation, you will want to make sure that your kitchen units are compatible with your existing space. The more work that is required to adjust and adapt units to your kitchen, the higher the overall cost of installation.

What is on your design wish list?

If you are still unsure on what you want from a kitchen, should start thinking about putting together a design wish. Firstly, think about what kind of style you want. Contemporary and traditional are the two main design branches to consider, but you will find many deviations of said styles that cater to more specific tastes. Once you have chosen a broad design style, you can think about colour schemes and material choices. It is worth picking out a signature colour for your kitchen to begin with as you can then pick secondary colours and materials that will complement it.

Who will be using the kitchen?

If you have a significant budget to play around with, you can think about adapting your kitchen to a variety of users. An average family kitchen will need to cater to multiple users. In addition to providing you with an adequate food preparation area, a family kitchen should also provide some informal dining space. An island provides a central hub for a kitchen space, allowing you to prepare food while you socialise with family or friends. Even if you do not have room for a kitchen island, you can integrate some dining aspects in the form of a breakfast bar. If younger members of the family will be cooking alongside you, you may wish to provide them with easier access to worktops. Some kitchen owners may wish to include sections of counter at a lower overall height than the rest of the worktop surface, although a sturdy footstool can be an effective compromise. You will also want to ensure youngsters are prevented access to certain areas of the kitchen. Placing your ovens in a high position is not only convenient for adults, but also ensures children are prevented from accessing them while they are being used. You may also want to add child locks to knife drawers and specific cabinets.

Is a hot tap a necessity?

Hot taps were once reserved for premium kitchens, but are becoming increasingly common and far more affordable. If you have a large budget, you can have a hot tap integrated into your kitchen along with your existing plumbing. However, hot taps can also be readily fitted at a later point and do not require any costly installation. The best hot taps not only provide you with instant access to boiling water, they can also provide you with source of filtered and chilled water. Most hot taps require some supply of C02 in order to provide you with full functionality, with these tanks requiring replenishment over time. Therefore, you may want to consider the ongoing cost of one. Although not a necessity, hot taps are incredibly useful to have. If you do not think you can afford one initially, you can always purchase one at a later date.

Free-standing or fitted appliances?

Although fitted appliances provide a more seamless solution and contribute to streamlined aesthetics, they are not always practical. If you plan on remaining in your home for a long period of time, fitted appliances can prove a cost-effective option. However, when it comes to relocating, they can be tricky to remove and may not work with your new kitchen. Some kitchen users may be happy to leave their fitted units behind, while others may wish to take their entire kitchen with them. Both options are costly. Therefore, free-standing appliances are often the best way to go. While you will not enjoy the same flush finish ad integrated appliances, you have the freedom to take your appliances with you should you ever move to a new premises.

American fridge-freezer or integrated?

As with other fitted appliances, an integrated fridge-freezer provides you with a more seamless solution for your kitchen. Many integrated fridges can be readily removed and relocated to a new kitchen, so the cost implication of them is not as significant as more bespoke appliances. However, an American fridge-freezer can often bring a welcome style a statement to a kitchen. Rather than look cumbersome and imposing, a free-standing fridge-freezer often looks right at home in a kitchen. If your fridge-freezer includes an ice dispenser and chilled water source, you will also want to enjoy instant access to your appliance. Many families also appreciate the magnetic exterior of a fridge-freezer as it can be utilised as an impromptu message board and a place to put family photos and other notices.

How many ovens will you need?

A single oven should provide you with all the cooking functionality you need. Provided an oven is large enough that multiple shelves are included, you probably will not need to invest in a second one. If your family is particularly large or you cook frequently throughout the day, a substantial single oven is all you need. Of course, you should also think about microwave cooking. A free-standing microwave is often the preferred option as it provides you with some flexibility. However, you will also find plenty of fitted microwaves on the market. These are often purchased alongside integrated ovens and are the go-to option for contemporary kitchens.

How long does it take a get a new kitchen?

This will vary depending on where you buy your kitchen from. Most suppliers selling new kitchens will aim to deliver kitchens within 2-4 weeks. However, the overall delivery period can vary depending on where the kitchen is coming from. If you are looking to purchase a bespoke kitchen, you may find yourself waiting for far longer. If you are looking to buy a used kitchen or an ex-display kitchen, you will usually find your items delivered far more quickly.

Is it quicker and easier to buy an ex-display kitchen?

Buying an ex-display kitchen is often far more convenient, especially for customers who do not want to wait weeks or months for a new kitchen to arrive. As an ex-display kitchen is surplus stock, retailers will be looking to get rid of them as quickly as possible. As you soon as you purchase an ex-display kitchen, it is ready to be shipped. Provided the courier is reliable and efficient, an ex-display kitchen can be at your door in as little as a few days.