How to buy a second-hand kitchen
Hannah has almost three years of experience overseeing surveys, product testing and investigations around home improvements and pet care.
Buying a new kitchen can set you back thousands of pounds, so a second-hand or ex-display kitchen could be a good choice.
According to used-kitchen specialist Rehome, you could spend up to 85% less compared with buying the same kitchen brand new (including appliances) – and save 5,000kg of carbon.
It requires a bit of research, but it may help you afford a much higher-quality kitchen that looks better and lasts longer.
Wondering where to start? Our expert guide has everything you need to know.
Not sure a second-hand kitchen is right for you? Before buying new, read our guide to the best and worst kitchen brands
Types of second-hand kitchens
Second-hand and ex-display kitchens are both types of used kitchens, but they're not quite the same thing.
A second-hand kitchen is a pre-owned one from somebody's home.
An ex-display kitchen has been set up in a showroom, but it won't have been used for daily activities such as cooking. For this reason, these are typically less worn than second-hand options, but more expensive.
One advantage of an ex-display kitchen is that it will be a more recent model than a second-hand kitchen, so you may be able to get replacement cabinets and fittings should you need to. But don't assume that this is the case – always check before buying.
How does buying a second-hand kitchen work?
It's possible to reuse kitchens because they come in individual units that are fitted together to create a whole new one.
‘You can think of a kitchen unit as an individual box with a lid (the worktop) attached to the top,’ says Helen Lord, founder of Rehome (formerly the Used Kitchen Exchange). ‘That means kitchens can be taken apart and reassembled in new spaces.’
For example, a U-shaped kitchen can be remodelled into an L-shape, or you can create an island with unused cabinets.
Kitchen units also typically come in standard sizes (for example, 500 or 600mm wide), which makes the fitting and reusing process easier.
If you choose to buy a used kitchen, it will be disassembled in its original home and reassembled to make your new kitchen.
Where to buy second-hand kitchen units
There are several online stores dedicated to selling used kitchens, including:
They stock kitchens from a variety of companies and second-hand sellers, and sometimes carry bespoke kitchens made for clients who later cancel the order.
Alternatively, search for a used kitchen store or hub near you. Some charity shops, such as the British Red Cross, also have furniture stores, from where you may be able to buy a kitchen. Check the availability before you travel.
You can also look for second-hand kitchens from online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree. But be careful when handing over large amounts of money to sellers from these sites.
We recommend reading our guide to your consumer rights on an online marketplace before making a purchase.
How to buy second-hand kitchen units
1. Measure your own kitchen
The first step of buying a used kitchen is measuring your existing kitchen. Measure the lengths of the walls you're looking to fill. Consider any height restrictions and be aware of the location of windows, doors, electrics and plumbing.
Remember that most kitchen units come in standard sizes (for example, 500mm or 600mm wide), which makes it easier to work from your existing design.
In addition to knowing your kitchen dimensions, consider how many units you need.
2. Browse, browse, browse
Look for kitchen design ideas to get a sense of the style and colours you like, and how best to use your space.
Remember that when you buy a second-hand kitchen, your choices will be limited by the range available at that time, so be prepared to wait to find your perfect kitchen.
In addition to checking different websites, you can often sign up for email updates to hear about used kitchens as soon as they become available.
3. View the kitchen and gather information
If you're buying a kitchen online, always try to book a viewing to assess its quality and condition in person.
Try to find out about how the kitchen cabinets were made, what they're made of, how old they are and how they've been used.
If you can only view the kitchen online, ask for as many pictures as possible.
4. Book removal and installation
Most second-hand kitchen retailers have dedicated teams for removing, transporting and installing used kitchens. However, if you buy from stores or online marketplaces, you may have to organise this yourself.
In general, you'll want a professional to remove, transport and install the kitchen at your home.
‘It's important not just to protect the kitchen units themselves, but also the house from which they're being removed or into which they're being installed,’ Helen explains. ‘Plus, transporting the kitchen can be difficult. You may even find the kitchen is over the weight limit for your car or van, which would make it dangerous to drive.'
If the kitchen is flat-packed, the process will be easier. You may also be able to install the kitchen yourself if you're confident in your DIY skills (and you're not moving any electrical or plumbing elements).
Victoria Purcell, Which? home content editor:
'Even if you buy a great kitchen, a poor installation job can make it difficult to use and lead to increased wear and tear over time.
'And it could be a false economy to think that you can move a second-hand kitchen with the help of friends and family – a professional will take extra care to prevent damage to the worktops or units.'
Use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable kitchen fitter near you
Tips for buying a second-hand kitchen
Rehome's Helen Lord shares her top tips:
1. Map out your kitchen
'Get some graph paper and map out your current kitchen,' says Helen. 'Draw it to scale, and mark your windows, plumbing and other relevant details.
'Then, on another piece of graph paper, draw and cut out the units of the kitchen you are considering. Make sure you keep them in scale with your map.
'That will help you play around with your layout and visualise the kitchen in your space.'
Need help planning your space? Check out our kitchen layout ideas.
2. Buy a little bigger
Some experts recommend buying a kitchen that's up to 10% bigger than you need.
'Having a few extra units will give you the ability to truly customise your kitchen and build a space that works for you,' says Helen.
3. Customise awkward spaces
Don’t worry if your new kitchen design leaves some small gaps or is a little too big.
‘It’s easy to customise those little spaces,’ says Helen. ‘For example, you can get a joiner to make you a wine rack to fill a small gap.’
If your units are too big, you can also get a carpenter to narrow them down.
4. Assess the quality of your second-hand kitchen
Second-hand specialists will check the quality and state of the kitchens they list, but it's always a good idea to check yourself.
To start, find out whether the kitchen is flat-packed or factory-assembled. If you're considering a flat-pack kitchen, ensure it's high quality and consider transporting it without disassembling the units.
Always check the thickness of the units – ideally, look for units that are thicker than 15mm.
You should also consider the material of your kitchen. For example, MDF is higher-density and stronger than chipboard and tends to be more water-resistant. Solid wood kitchen units are considered to be the most durable.
Finally, check the kitchen for damage: ‘The main things that damage your kitchen are heat, water and steam, so the main places to check are around the oven, sink and kettle,' says Helen. ‘If the kitchen is laminated or vinyl wrapped, it can start to bubble or peel. MDF can also swell when it gets wet. Those issues can’t really be fixed.’
Any chips or knocks can be easily remedied, so don't worry too much about them. If the cabinets need repainting, you could even try that yourself.
Follow our step-by-step guide to painting kitchen cabinets
Is it worth buying a second-hand kitchen?
The main advantages of a used kitchen are the cost savings and environmental benefits.
You might also be able to buy a luxury or designer kitchen for a fraction of the price.
You might be able to afford a much higher-quality kitchen if you buy second-hand. That means it should age much more slowly, and look better for longer.’
‘Some people worry that their kitchen will be lower quality because it has been used,’ says Helen, ‘but actually you might be able to afford a much higher-quality kitchen if you buy second-hand. That means it should age much more slowly, and look better for longer.’
The main disadvantage of buying second-hand is the inconvenience. It can take a lot of work to find, check, install and refurbish the kitchen.
However, if you're willing to invest the time, then you could end up with a beautiful – and much more sustainable – kitchen.