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Kitchen Cabinet Buying Guide

Providing valuable insight on what units are available, including handleless, flat-pack, and ready-made options, this kitchen cabinet buying guide can help you decide what cupboards are right for the home. From making the most of available space and achieving accessible storage, to ensuring you have selected the right carcasses, this guide to kitchen units is the best place to start. Explore our kitchen buying guides for even more advice on how to maximise cabinets and transform every aspect of a space.

Made by us in the UK

Designed and manufactured by us in the UK, our cabinets are built to last and come with a 25-year guarantee, which is why thousands of tradespeople and homeowners choose Howdens.

Which cabinets match our kitchen doors?

Choosing the right cabinet shade can transform the look of a kitchen. Our natural oak, grey, and white cabinets are designed to complement specific kitchen door colours. Use the chart below to see which cabinet works with each door and quickly spot combinations that create a smart, coordinated finish.

White Cabinet
Oak Cabinet
Croft Grey Cabinet

Choosing Ready-Assembled Units

SEE READY ASSEMBLED KITCHEN CABINETS

Sizing

With 360mm, 720mm, and 900mm wall heights, these cabinets make it easy to plan any kitchen layout. Widths like 350mm and 450mm, and 575mm depths give flexibility. 72mm service voids neatly hide cables and pipes.

Storage

Ready-assembled units include pre-fitted accessories to save time and keep cupboards organised. Upgrade drawers glide with a soft-close design and extend fully for easy reach. Inside, push-to-open fittings create a handle-free look.

Curved cabinets

Creating a smooth, flowing design that is both stylish and safe to use, curved doors are now available with our ready-assembled cabinets and can be paired with various collections, including our timber Chelford styles.

Openings

Our ready-assembled units come with standard 110-degree hinges, and you can upgrade to a wider 170-degree option. These cabinets make items at the back easier to access – great for multi-generational homes.

Choosing Handleless Units

SEE HANDLELESS KITCHEN CABINETS

Sizing

Available in a variety of heights and widths, handleless cabinets make it easy to design a kitchen that fits your space perfectly. From compact layouts to large, open-plan rooms, every unit is built for a balanced look that flows beautifully from one area to the next.

Profiles

Profiles are built into the cabinet for a smooth, easy grip. You can choose from different positions and sizes, creating subtle definition or a bolder contrast depending on your style. Each one keeps the clean, uninterrupted lines that give handleless kitchens their signature look.

End Fittings

Finishing touches like matching end panels and corner posts keep the design flowing from every angle. These small details help create a polished, built-in look, tying the whole space together for a high-end finish that feels effortless.

Appliances

Handleless designs pair perfectly with integrated appliances for a sleek, cohesive look. Ovens, dishwashers, and fridges sit flush with the surrounding cabinets, so everything lines up neatly for a modern, minimalist style that’s easy on the eye.

Choosing Flat Pack Units

SEE FLAT-PACK KITCHEN CABINETS

Reed Green kitchen in an l-shaped layout

Sizing

Available in a wide range of heights and widths, flat pack units make it easy to create layouts that fit any space. Whether you’re working on a small utility room or a large kitchen, there’s a size to suit every plan and storage need.

Storage

Designed with practicality in mind, flat pack cabinets feature generous internal space, wide openings, and service voids that make fitting plumbing and electrics straightforward. The result is a kitchen that not only looks great but works efficiently behind the scenes too.

Compatibility

Flat pack units work seamlessly with our full range of cupboard doors and configurations, from standard cupboards to drawer packs. This means you can mix and match to achieve a tailored design that suits your home and your style.

Best Uses

Flat pack cabinets are a great choice for quick projects, rental properties, or where access to the room is limited. Their compact packaging and easy assembly make them ideal for tight spaces or upstairs installs, while still offering a professional finish that lasts.