What manufacturers and salespeople often don't mention when you order a kitchen: hidden extras, material substitutions, warranty small print, and other unpleasant surprises.
The "from" price in advertising
The price in the ad is for the bare minimum: carcasses only, no worktop, no installation, no soft-close, no handles. The same kitchen in a normal specification costs 1.5–2× more.
- Always ask: what is included in the price and what is charged separately
- Typical extras: installation, delivery, carrying to the floor, worktop, sink, tap, under-cabinet lighting
- Compare quotes on the final total for the same specification — not on price per linear metre
Material substitution after signing
The contract says "chipboard" with no brand or emission class. After production starts, it turns out they used E2 instead of E1, or a completely different supplier.
- Require in the contract: chipboard brand, emission class (E1), edge banding brand and thickness on visible edges
- Same for hardware: not "hinges with soft-close" but "Blum Clip Top Blumotion" or "Hettich Sensys"
- Same for the worktop: brand, decor code, thickness
Carcass thickness
Budget manufacturers use 16 mm carcasses and call it standard. With a shelf span over 600 mm under load, it sags.
- The standard for load-bearing shelves is 18 mm
- Base units, shelving, appliance housings — 18 mm minimum
- Back panel: 4–6 mm HDF/chipboard; 4 mm is acceptable only in wall units with no load on the back
"Free soft-close" as a marketing trick
Some manufacturers advertise soft-close as a bonus — and fit separate clip-on buffers instead of integrated soft-close. These are different things.
- Integrated soft-close (Blumotion, SilentSystem) — smooth action for the life of the hinge
- Clip-on buffer — cheaper, typically fails within 1–2 years
- Ask directly: "Is the soft-close built into the hinge or is it a separate add-on?"
Installation "not included"
Prices excluding installation are common. Installation charged separately can add 15–25% to the kitchen cost.
- Clarify what installation covers: assembly, appliance connection, sink fitting, adjustment?
- Packaging removal: often not included and charged separately
- Carrying up stairs without a lift: confirm the charge in advance
The "kitchen warranty"
A warranty "on the kitchen" often means different terms for different components — and usually excludes normal wear, misuse, and improper storage conditions.
- Ask for the warranty period on carcasses, fronts, and hardware separately
- What qualifies as a warranty claim: factory defect only, or any defect?
- Who carries out the repair: does the manufacturer come to you, or do you take it to a workshop?
Lead time and delivery date
- "4–6 weeks" in the contract is the production lead time, not the delivery date
- Delivery, carrying in, and installation are separate dates — get them confirmed in writing
- Penalty for late delivery: without one in the contract there's no incentive for the manufacturer to hurry
- Peak seasons (Aug–Oct, Jan) — lead times genuinely stretch
The golden rule: if it matters to you, it must be in the contract. The sales manager's verbal promises carry no legal weight and change when the staff member does.
Checklist before signing
- Quote specifies brand and code for chipboard, edge banding, hardware, and worktop
- Installation, delivery, and floor carry are itemised separately
- Carcass thickness is stated
- Hardware lists a specific brand and series — not just "European quality"
- Lead time and delivery: specific dates or weeks from order confirmation
- Warranty terms: duration and claims procedure
- Late-delivery penalty clause is included