ᐅ Ikea Kitchen Experiences – Looking for Your Opinions, Tips, and Recommendations!
Created on: 21 Dec 2011 18:08
G
grekkoHello everyone,
I am considering buying an IKEA kitchen and am looking for your honest experiences with IKEA kitchens!
I look forward to your brief reviews, tips, or even photos! Thanks in advance!
Best regards
I am considering buying an IKEA kitchen and am looking for your honest experiences with IKEA kitchens!
- How satisfied are you with the quality and value for money?
- How was the purchase process, delivery, and, if applicable, the assembly?
- Have you encountered any issues, defects, or wear and tear after a few years?
- What should be definitely considered when planning or purchasing?
- Would you recommend IKEA kitchens to others?
I look forward to your brief reviews, tips, or even photos! Thanks in advance!
Best regards
M
Melliunger29 Dec 2011 15:38Sure
I'll share my impressions.
I have had my Ikea kitchen for almost four years now. The fronts and drawers are still stable, and the mechanics are still running smoothly, which honestly surprised me given the price. Only one or two corners show slight scratches, but that’s simply because there’s a lot going on in our home and sometimes a chair bumps into them.
The delivery was on time back then, but I had to follow up once due to a missing cover panel – fortunately, the customer service handled it smoothly, although I had to wait another two weeks for the replacement part appointment. I assembled it together with a friend who has a bit more experience – I definitely would have taken longer on my own, especially with the wall cabinets. Overall, I think thorough planning can prevent a lot of stress. Better to double-check measurements several times; in my case, the walls were far from straight.
I also integrated appliances from other brands. You really have to pay close attention to the dimensions. It was doable, but definitely not as hassle-free as Ikea’s own program; I had to do a bit of tweaking...
I'll share my impressions.
I have had my Ikea kitchen for almost four years now. The fronts and drawers are still stable, and the mechanics are still running smoothly, which honestly surprised me given the price. Only one or two corners show slight scratches, but that’s simply because there’s a lot going on in our home and sometimes a chair bumps into them.
The delivery was on time back then, but I had to follow up once due to a missing cover panel – fortunately, the customer service handled it smoothly, although I had to wait another two weeks for the replacement part appointment. I assembled it together with a friend who has a bit more experience – I definitely would have taken longer on my own, especially with the wall cabinets. Overall, I think thorough planning can prevent a lot of stress. Better to double-check measurements several times; in my case, the walls were far from straight.
I also integrated appliances from other brands. You really have to pay close attention to the dimensions. It was doable, but definitely not as hassle-free as Ikea’s own program; I had to do a bit of tweaking...
N
Nordlicht30 Jun 2012 11:48To be honest, I can’t fully agree with that. About three years ago, I had an Ikea kitchen installed and was overall rather moderately satisfied. The delivery time was quite long, mainly because some parts were simply unavailable, and the customer service wasn’t as responsive as I had hoped. The quality is okay for the price – but it’s clear that the materials aren’t high-end. One of my drawers is already sticking a bit, and the paint on one door has gotten a few blemishes, even though I haven’t treated it roughly.
What annoyed me a lot was that custom measurements or tricky angles in the room were hardly achievable without compromises. Standard sizing is often difficult in older buildings. While third-party appliances somehow fit, it required more adjustment work than expected.
In terms of cost, in the end, there wasn’t a huge difference compared to a local kitchen studio, especially since installation, a custom wood countertop, and some special solutions added up. Personally, I would probably decide differently now and at least get a quote from another company. Is there anyone who has had good experiences with Ikea kitchens when moving later on? I’m curious whether the kitchen can be disassembled and reassembled easily or if it’s a real challenge.
What annoyed me a lot was that custom measurements or tricky angles in the room were hardly achievable without compromises. Standard sizing is often difficult in older buildings. While third-party appliances somehow fit, it required more adjustment work than expected.
In terms of cost, in the end, there wasn’t a huge difference compared to a local kitchen studio, especially since installation, a custom wood countertop, and some special solutions added up. Personally, I would probably decide differently now and at least get a quote from another company. Is there anyone who has had good experiences with Ikea kitchens when moving later on? I’m curious whether the kitchen can be disassembled and reassembled easily or if it’s a real challenge.
Hmm – what I find amusing right now is that in probably any other topic area in this forum, someone would immediately get criticized for saying something like:
> Folks, I’m planning a new house for xxx euros, but I’d like to skip “master quality” on this or that trade and instead install some DIY low-quality stuff...<
I worked in the kitchen retail business for almost ten years and here are my experiences:
1. Ikea appliances are expensive
At that time, Ikea electrical appliances were supplied by Whirlpool/Bauknecht. We were a small (!) kitchen specialty store and could deliver the appliances including delivery and installation at the Ikea pickup price. (And we still made a good profit)
2. Professional design service including measurements and installation plans
Do they even offer that? Of course it’s included at a specialty retailer.
3. The quality of the furniture
Honestly: Just take a look at a professionally supplied kitchen in the delivered condition, and then look at the flat-pack boxes from Ikea. Every professional installer gets stressed when they have to assemble this DIY stuff. Nobody starts by brickmaking on the construction site either.
Once assembled it may look similar at first, but it’s nothing like it underneath. Detailing this would be too time-consuming; you really have to compare the products directly.
4. Prices for the furniture parts
Basic cheap kitchens for student apartments under 1,000 euros (about 1,000 euros) – okay, Ikea belongs there and they do it well.
But when prices exceed 2,000 euros (about 2,000 euros) for the wooden components, specialty retailers can keep up, because that’s where Ikea starts to get really expensive and uneconomical...
If anyone is from the South Sauerland region, I can gladly pass on the Ikea (Cola) challenge to my former employer.
But what IKEA really does well: marketing. Ikea is a multi-billion-dollar corporation that produces worldwide at dumping prices at the expense of nature and workers. Yet every German housewife feels personally offended when someone says something negative about Ikea...
> Folks, I’m planning a new house for xxx euros, but I’d like to skip “master quality” on this or that trade and instead install some DIY low-quality stuff...<
I worked in the kitchen retail business for almost ten years and here are my experiences:
1. Ikea appliances are expensive
At that time, Ikea electrical appliances were supplied by Whirlpool/Bauknecht. We were a small (!) kitchen specialty store and could deliver the appliances including delivery and installation at the Ikea pickup price. (And we still made a good profit)
2. Professional design service including measurements and installation plans
Do they even offer that? Of course it’s included at a specialty retailer.
3. The quality of the furniture
Honestly: Just take a look at a professionally supplied kitchen in the delivered condition, and then look at the flat-pack boxes from Ikea. Every professional installer gets stressed when they have to assemble this DIY stuff. Nobody starts by brickmaking on the construction site either.
Once assembled it may look similar at first, but it’s nothing like it underneath. Detailing this would be too time-consuming; you really have to compare the products directly.
4. Prices for the furniture parts
Basic cheap kitchens for student apartments under 1,000 euros (about 1,000 euros) – okay, Ikea belongs there and they do it well.
But when prices exceed 2,000 euros (about 2,000 euros) for the wooden components, specialty retailers can keep up, because that’s where Ikea starts to get really expensive and uneconomical...
If anyone is from the South Sauerland region, I can gladly pass on the Ikea (Cola) challenge to my former employer.
But what IKEA really does well: marketing. Ikea is a multi-billion-dollar corporation that produces worldwide at dumping prices at the expense of nature and workers. Yet every German housewife feels personally offended when someone says something negative about Ikea...
I can understand the skepticism about Ikea kitchens to some extent, but in my case, it was actually better than I expected. I’ve had the kitchen installed in a rental apartment for about a year and a half now. For me, it was especially important not to spend too much money since I wasn’t sure how long I would stay, and Ikea simply fit best in that regard. Planning with the online tool was quite a hassle, but it was ultimately sufficient. I had the countertop custom cut myself because the Ikea countertops didn’t suit my layout – luckily, that wasn’t a problem.
Regarding quality: to be honest, you can see and feel the difference compared to real brand-name kitchens, but the handles and fittings have held up well so far. The hinges operate smoothly, and the drawers don’t stick, although sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t bang on them too hard. Everything was delivered in one day; only one drawer was wrong, but that was easily replaced after a complaint.
What I’m generally curious about – has anyone here chosen an Ikea kitchen and then made changes afterward? For example, adjusting measurements later, attaching new fronts, or swapping out appliances? I’m really interested in how compatible everything remains afterward, especially when Ikea changes their product lines again.
Regarding quality: to be honest, you can see and feel the difference compared to real brand-name kitchens, but the handles and fittings have held up well so far. The hinges operate smoothly, and the drawers don’t stick, although sometimes I feel like I shouldn’t bang on them too hard. Everything was delivered in one day; only one drawer was wrong, but that was easily replaced after a complaint.
What I’m generally curious about – has anyone here chosen an Ikea kitchen and then made changes afterward? For example, adjusting measurements later, attaching new fronts, or swapping out appliances? I’m really interested in how compatible everything remains afterward, especially when Ikea changes their product lines again.
Hello
My experiences have honestly been rather mixed. I chose Ikea at the time because I found the concept interesting and the savings sounded good. They really put effort into the planning in-store, but in detail, the system turned out to be quite inflexible for my older building. The corner kitchen somehow worked, but I had to improvise at the sides and corners because nothing fit perfectly right away. The quality is acceptable, but after three years you can clearly see wear on the edges and drawers, especially in areas with heavy use.
One issue for me was integrating my existing dishwasher. The measurements were anything but straightforward, and the adjustments took time and patience. Customer service also involved long waiting times for replacement parts in my case. The price advantage also diminished because all the small parts and installations added up in the end.
What I would like to know: How do you handle difficult cuts for countertops or wall connections? Do you go to a carpenter, or is there an Ikea trick I’m not aware of? To be honest, for standard kitchens it all works great, but once you get into more unusual cases, you do reach some limits.
My experiences have honestly been rather mixed. I chose Ikea at the time because I found the concept interesting and the savings sounded good. They really put effort into the planning in-store, but in detail, the system turned out to be quite inflexible for my older building. The corner kitchen somehow worked, but I had to improvise at the sides and corners because nothing fit perfectly right away. The quality is acceptable, but after three years you can clearly see wear on the edges and drawers, especially in areas with heavy use.
One issue for me was integrating my existing dishwasher. The measurements were anything but straightforward, and the adjustments took time and patience. Customer service also involved long waiting times for replacement parts in my case. The price advantage also diminished because all the small parts and installations added up in the end.
What I would like to know: How do you handle difficult cuts for countertops or wall connections? Do you go to a carpenter, or is there an Ikea trick I’m not aware of? To be honest, for standard kitchens it all works great, but once you get into more unusual cases, you do reach some limits.
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