Best kitchen brands 2026, according to over 4,000 owners and 19 expert lab tests

To help you find the best kitchen, we've meticulously tested and researched leading brands, including Howdens, Ikea and Magnet.

We assess kitchen brands in two ways: via our expert independent lab tests and a survey of real kitchen owners. 

This year, our experts evaluated 21 kitchen ranges from nine brands in the lab. Then we surveyed 4,580 Which? members and members of the public about their experiences with these brands. 

Only the best kitchens from the top-rated brands were named Which? Best Buys.

Best kitchens overall

Looking for the best kitchen brand to create your dream space? Our expert assessments of popular kitchen brands will help you find the right one.

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Which is the best kitchen brand?

The best kitchen brand achieved an overall score of 82%. Our three best kitchens all scored 80% or over.

Which are the worst kitchen brands?

At the bottom end of the table, our lowest-scoring kitchen earned 63%. 

In fact, six kitchens from four brands all got scores of less than 70%.

Our Best Buy kitchens

Six kitchens performed well enough to receive our renowned Which? Best Buy endorsement. 

Best Buy kitchens need to achieve an overall score of 78% or above, a customer score of at least 70% and a minimum of three stars in every customer survey category.

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Best kitchen units

Looking for top-quality kitchen units? See which brands scored highest in our independent lab tests.

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The best kitchen range achieved 89% in our lab tests – a full 35 percentage points more than the lowest-scoring model. 

The two lowest-scoring models failed the hinge-strength test.

Common issues identified in our lab tests 

Hinges

We test the strength of kitchens' hinges by applying weight to the cabinet doors.

This not only measures the strength of hinges, but also the density and stability of the wood used to make the kitchen. If the hinges can be ripped out of the cabinet, this means that the kitchen is made of a less durable material. 

Two kitchens failed our hinges test - the hinges were ripped out of the cabinet when we applied weight to the door. 

Shelving systems

We also carefully examine the stability of the shelving systems in all the units.

In most kitchens, the shelves rest on top of support pegs – they are not held in place. That means they can tip if weight is applied to the front or back of the shelf. 

Some of our top-rated kitchens had more stable supports that prevent this from happening. 

Other kitchen problems

We also identified dangerously sharp drawer runners on one of our kitchens, which comes from a very popular brand. 

Find out more about our testing and scoring process in how we test kitchens

Best kitchen suppliers

Want to be confident you've chosen a reliable kitchen supplier? Check how each brand performed in our customer survey.

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Customer scores ranged from 80% to 65%.

Some of the lowest-scoring brands received just two-star ratings for value for money and customer service. 

Victoria Purcell, Which? Home content editor

'Our survey respondents have owned their kitchen for up to 10 years, so they know the product inside out. Which?'s expert analysis of lab tests and customer surveys provides rigorous and fair reviews.' 

How well do kitchens last?

We also asked customers who reported buying their kitchen between 5 and 10 years ago whether it showed any signs of damage or wear and tear. 

This gives a sense of how different brands hold up in the long term. 

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On average, 44% of our survey respondents reported that their kitchen was showing signs of damage or wear and tear after at least five years of ownership. 

The most common issues were scratches on the cabinets' finish (15%) and soft-close mechanisms failing (12%). 

Just 34% of owners from the most reliable brand reported damage to their kitchen. 

Independent kitchen companies

As well as surveying the top brands, we also asked customers who used independent kitchen companies to rate their experience, so we could see how well they stood up to large chains. 

These ratings are based on an average of all scores given for all independents – not any one company. 

This means we were unable to include independents in our results tables, since they didn't meet the minimum sample size for us to report on.

Log in or join Which? to see how they performed. 

To find a reliable, independent kitchen company, use Which? Trusted Traders

How much do the kitchen brands cost?

As well as surveying and testing the most popular brands in the UK, we also set up mystery shopping appointments to find out which are the most expensive. 

We booked a design appointment with each brand, posing as a real customer. We created a standardised model of a 12-unit kitchen, and asked the design teams to provide prices. 

To find out the quotes we were given for each kitchen, visit our individual brand review pages. 

Best kitchen brands for installation

In our consumer survey, we also asked respondents how they installed their kitchen. 

A total of 797 respondents reported using their kitchen brand's in-house installation service, providing us with enough data to generate ratings for five leading kitchen brands: B&Q, Ikea, Magnet, Wickes and Wren. 

However, brands such as Howdens and DIY Kitchens don't offer their own installation service, so we also asked respondents who used an independent trader – or chose to install it themselves – to rate their experiences.

To discover which companies came top – and which flatpack kitchens are easiest to install yourself – visit our guide to the best kitchen fitters

How to choose the best fitted kitchen for you

We've used the data we gathered from our lab tests, customer survey and pricing research to help you choose the best fitted kitchen for your home and your budget.

Our expert recommendations include the kitchens that offer the best value for money, and the company that offers the best end-to-end service.

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You can see and buy the brands and ranges we've tested below:

• B&Q GoodHome Caraway and GoodHome Caraway Innovo cabinet.
  Read our B&Q kitchens review, or browse all kitchens from B&Q.

• Benchmarx Grey Kitchen cabinets and Essence flatpack.
  Read our Benchmarx kitchens review, or view all kitchens from Benchmarx.

• DIY Kitchens Innova range.
  Read our DIY Kitchens review, or view all DIY Kitchens.

• Howdens Ready-assembled, Handleless and Flatpack kitchens.
  Read our Howdens kitchens review, or view all kitchens from Howdens.

• Ikea Enhet, Knoxhult and Metod.
  Read our Ikea kitchens review, or browse all ranges from Ikea.

• Magnet Pre-built and Ready-to-assemble.
  Read our Magnet kitchens review, or view the full range from Magnet.

• Symphony Laura Ashley, Gallery and Linear.
  Read our Symphony kitchens review, or view all kitchens from Symphony. 

• Wickes Bespoke and Lifestyle.
  Read our Wickes kitchens review, or view all kitchens from Wickes. 

• Wren Infinity ready-assembled, Infinity Plus bespoke kitchens and Flatpack Vogue.
  Read our full Wren kitchens review, or visit Wren.

Next steps towards your new kitchen

Alongside deciding where to buy your kitchen, consider the following to help design your kitchen, find a good installation service and keep your kitchen renovation on track:

• Read our kitchen planning and layout ideas.
• Get advice on how to choose the best kitchen worktops and cabinets.
• Find the best kitchen appliances, including fridges, ovens, washing machines and kettles.
• Discover how much a new kitchen costs.