5 days ago

Supplied goods on time

Supplied goods on time

I. Nicholson

a month ago

Avoid Howdens Kitchens – Misleading Promises, Poor Quality, and Worse Customer Service

We purchased the Hockley Super Matt range from Howdens, drawn in by their claims of "durable" kitchens and sleek, "zen-like" design. However, what we received was a product entirely unsuitable for a kitchen environment. Here’s what you need to know before considering Howdens: Misleading Marketing Howdens markets their kitchens as durable, but their brochures and website conveniently omit any mention of ease of maintenance or cleaning. What they don't say speaks volumes. After purchase, we learned that their products are not tested for cleaning as part of FIRA testing, which is alarming for something meant to withstand everyday kitchen use. Fragile and Impractical The Hockley Super Matt range marks with minimal usage not what you would expect from a "trusted" name like Howdens —this does not happen with cheaper products (similar finish) at B&Q or Ikea. Our expectations were reasonable: a kitchen that can handle normal daily wear. This product falls far short. Impractical Cleaning Requirements During a site visit, Howdens' Head of Joinery demonstrated a cleaning process with specialist equipment. It took him 15 minutes to clean just 3 small cabinet fronts. For our kitchen with 34 frontals, that’s 2.5 hours of cleaning, three times a week! This is simply impractical for anyone with a busy household or regular kitchen use. Lack of Accountability Despite acknowledging the issues, Howdens concluded that the problem isn’t with their product’s quality and advised us to seek independent legal advice. Their response was dismissive: "The underlying issue is not due to the intrinsic quality of the product itself, therefore we are unable to progress this matter further." Key Lessons 1. Not Customer-Focused: Howdens showed zero empathy. For most people, a kitchen is an emotional investment—the heart of the home. Their customer service acknowledged the problem but refused to resolve it. 2. Not Experts in Kitchens: A kitchen range that marks so easily under minimal use is unacceptable. Howdens lacks expertise in designing practical, everyday kitchen solutions. 3. Dishonest Practices: They’re clearly aware of these issues, yet they conveniently leave out cleaning and maintenance details in their marketing. 4. Misleading Guarantees: The brand promises reliability and quality, but their guarantees are worthless when issues arise. Final Verdict Save yourself the disappointment and frustration. Howdens kitchens might look good in a showroom, but they fail miserably in real-life use. Look elsewhere for a kitchen that meets practical needs and a company that truly values its customers.

Stuart Ross

a month ago

Quality and reliability as usual from…

Quality and reliability as usual from Howdens. If items are not in stock then they will source them asap and also let you know when they arrive in store for collection

David Wallis

2 months ago

Great service

Great service. Friendly and well informed staff. Nice people to deal with at competitive prices

DFB SERVICES LIMITED

3 months ago

Great staff great service

Great staff great service

D T IRONMONGER BUILDING SERVIC

4 months ago

free coffee helpful staff and lower…

free coffee helpful staff and lower priced item than screwfix

Nick Andrew Harvey

5 months ago

Great service

Great service, advice, adaptability and expertise, very happy with my new kitchen 😀

Ms L Devonport

6 months ago

Always good service and helpful staff

Always good service and helpful staff. Never had any problems with their kitchen quality

Richard Flowers

7 months ago

The staff in Nottingham branch are…

The staff in Nottingham branch are really good

ANTHONY BAKER

9 months ago

helpful staff and a great customer…

helpful staff and a great customer experience

PAUL BARNES

10 months ago

Most things in stock, if not usually no more than 2 days. It's trade only.

Been using Howdens for years. Everything usually in stock for imidiate collection. Makes it easy for trades to finish a job and get paid. Some things are cheaper online, like everything these days, but you can inspect while picking up and they are happy to change if any faults. Had a kitchen delivered late December but builders pushed the job back. Wasn't fitted until June. I had two damaged doors that were exchanged without quibble. This is the service you are paying for. Also never been disappointed with the quality of anything I've bought. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

Adam Carver-smith

10 months ago

Very satisfied with the products great…

Very satisfied with the products great service thanks

D T IRONMONGER BUILDING SERVIC

a year ago

Kitchen renovation

Excellent kitchen design visit - captured everything we wanted and provide input from previous experience to take the design above our expectations. Amazing designs and thought the mock up of floor, cupboards & worktops in the showroom was a great touch. Ordering was simple and delivery was timely. Excellent service overall.

D.J. JOINERY

a year ago

Very happy great staff

Very happy great staff, very helpful through all stages and every hurdle I came against Howdens just proved to go above and beyond to help me out

bohdan

a year ago

Very accommodating when the delivery…

Very accommodating when the delivery date had to be pushed back, slight design change once the install was underway and the extra parts needed were in stock straight away. Very good customer service when you need it. As a tradesmen I always recommend howdens to clients from past experiences.

Luke Calladine