If you’re looking for a straight answer on whether a B&Q kitchen can deliver what you expect in 2025, this honest review lays out the facts.
This piece blends independent lab results, real‑world pricing and buyer tips to help you judge build, finish and long‑term performance. It covers GoodHome ranges — Caraway and Caraway Innovo — which ship as flatpack systems, and explains how assembly and fitting skill shape final results.
We look at what the 2025 tests checked (units, shelves, drawers, runners and hinges), what the 25‑year guarantee covers and what it excludes, and how typical costs stack up. A Which? mystery shop found quotes for a 12‑unit layout between £4,154 and £4,799, and installation usually adds 20–30% of the total.
Design support is free and a £50 measuring service is refundable — practical steps that can save time and hassle. Later sections unpack installer choices, value‑for‑money factors and common pitfalls so you can decide if a B&Q solution is the best kitchen for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Caraway and Caraway Innovo are flatpack ranges; fitting skill greatly affects results.
- Independent 2025 lab tests focused on drawers, hinges and shelf loading.
- The 25‑year guarantee covers many cabinet components but excludes appliances and fittings.
- Expect a 12‑unit quote near £4,154–£4,799; installation often adds 20–30%.
- Free design appointments and a refundable measuring service can reduce errors.
- Compare B&Q quotes with independent fitters to weigh trade‑offs and risks.
- See the full Which? review for detailed test and price context: B&Q kitchens review.
Are B&Q kitchens good quality? The short answer
Short version: Independent tests in 2025 put GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo through 19 performance checks. The results show solid everyday durability when a sensible design, the right options and careful fitting are in place.
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Value for money is a clear strength. Typical cabinet‑only quotes for a 12‑unit layout sat in the mid‑£4k range in May 2025. That makes a b&q kitchen competitive on price versus other high‑street choices.
- Warranty: 25 years on cabinets and listed fronts, though appliances and some accessories are excluded.
- Support: free design appointments and a refundable £50 measuring service help avoid costly errors.
- Limitations: bespoke sizes and exotic finishes can be restricted by standard modules.
For customers who ‘re looking for a sensible kitchen right now, the sweet spot is a mid‑range door, good design input and a reliable fitter. Done well, a b&q kitchen can punch above its price.
| Aspect | What to expect | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Build tests | 19 lab checks on units, drawers, runners and hinges | Ask to see test summaries in store or online |
| Price | 12‑unit cabinet quotes £4,154–£4,799 (May 2025) | Compare installer quotes to include labour |
| Aftercare | 25‑year cabinet guarantee; limited exclusions | Keep receipts and register warranty promptly |
What B&Q actually offers in 2025: ranges, sizes and guarantees
B&Q’s 2025 kitchen line-up centres on two GoodHome collections designed for speed and choice. Both are flat packed, so kitchens come ready to assemble and factor into delivery and fitting plans.
Kitchen ranges and finishes
Caraway gives seven door styles, from shaker to slab, mostly matt with one gloss option. Caraway Innovo is the handleless line: three door styles and 11 finishes for a sleek look.
Unit sizes and specifications
Modules use standard widths, including 50mm and 60mm increments to simplify planning. Innovo cabinets sit 34mm taller than standard to hide the grip rail for handleless fronts.
Guarantees and cover
The 25‑year guarantee covers cabinets, door and drawer fronts, panels, cornices, pelmets, plinths, hinges, worktops and drawers. It excludes appliances, taps, sinks, internal storage, bins, accessories, handles, under‑cabinet lighting and hanging brackets.
| Feature | Caraway | Innovo |
|---|---|---|
| Finish options | 7 door styles | 3 styles, 11 finishes |
| Height | Standard | 34mm taller |
| Price guide | 12‑unit cabinet quote £4,154–£4,799 (May 2025) | |
- Note: As a high‑street supplier, B&Q offers speed and value but less bespoke flexibility than some brands.
- Installation choice affects final fit — B&Q service or independent fitters will not change the physical spec, but will influence alignment and finish. Shortlist a few door and colour options and compare samples before ordering.
Quality and durability under the microscope
Test labs used repeat cycles and heavy loads to reveal which fittings last and which fail early under daily use.
How independent labs assess units, shelves, drawers and runners
In 2025 testers bought Caraway and Caraway Innovo as shoppers do, then ran 19 mechanical checks. Labs loaded shelves to measured weights, cycled drawers and runners thousands of times, and repeated door swings to stress hinges.
This method gives a practical view of performance beyond marketing claims. Scores that year ranged from 89% down to 54% across brands, showing wide variation in build resilience.
Stress points to watch: hinge and soft-close performance over time
Two ranges from different makers failed hinge tests entirely. That highlights why hinge spec and correct alignment matter as much as the cabinet itself.
Customer survey work in Feb–Mar 2025 drew 4,580 replies; B&Q had 477 respondents in that sample. A longer durability survey of 2,496 owners (B&Q sample 220) found 44% of buyers reported damage after five years or more.
Owner-reported wear and tear after five years+
The top issues were scratched cabinet finishes (15%) and failed soft-close mechanisms (12%). High-use homes will show wear faster than lightly used spaces.
- Check exact hinge models in store and ask about upgrade options.
- Inspect door alignment and drawer glide in showrooms before ordering.
- Document early defects and agree a snagging process with your fitter to use the guarantee quickly.
| Test area | What labs did | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Units & carcasses | Load and stability checks | Shows resistance to sag and misalignment over time |
| Shelves | Weighted loading to failure points | Predicts how storage performs under regular use |
| Drawers & runners | Thousands of open-close cycles | Reveals runner wear and glide issues |
| Hinges | Repeated door cycles and stress tests | Key to long-term door alignment and soft-close life |
Pricing and value for money: what a B&Q kitchen really costs
A clear cost benchmark is the best starting point for comparing kitchen ranges. Use the figures below to frame expectations before you add worktops, taps or appliances.
Cabinet-only benchmarks and entry pricing
In May 2025 a 12‑unit cabinet-only quote (handles, cornices, plinths, pelmets and panels, VAT and discounts included) sat between £4,154 and £4,799. Smaller layouts often start just above £1,000 for about eight base units during promotions.
Installation and labour: the typical uplift
Plan for installation to add roughly 20–30% of your total budget. Site prep for plumbing, electrics or flooring can push that figure higher. Complex layouts, tall larders and internal storage options also raise costs before labour is added.
Ways to save without cutting core build
- Compare the same plan in two door options and a cheaper range to see true finish deltas.
- Flat packed units lower cabinet prices but increase fitter time; self‑assembly can save money if you’re confident.
- Time purchases for seasonal b&q offers and ask about bundle discounts on units and selected accessories.
| Item | Typical impact |
|---|---|
| Appliances & worktops | Can double the total cost |
| Layout complexity | Raises unit and fitting charges |
| Pre‑assembly | May reduce fitters’ hours |
Get at least three install quotes and specify whether units will arrive pre‑assembled. For fitting guidance see the installation guide.
Design and buying process: from first appointment to delivery
A clear design process helps avoid costly mistakes and keeps installation on schedule.
Free design appointments are available in store or online. Book a slot, share room dimensions or use the £50 refundable measuring service, and the designer will produce a plan and a quote.
Preparing for the appointment
Bring appliance sizes, photos and finish ideas. These details help the designer suggest smart storage and workflow tweaks that suit your daily routine.
DIY ordering vs guided design
If you prefer self‑service, use the diy.com planner to pick a range, units, internals and appliances. Cross‑check the parts list before checkout to avoid missing fillers or end panels.
- Stress‑test clearances for ovens, dishwashers and corner units.
- Ask the designer to list fillers, service voids and handover notes clearly.
- Confirm lead times for made‑to‑order doors and align delivery with the fitter’s start date.
Save a PDF of the final plan and parts list as your guide for checking deliveries. Lock in a design but keep a small contingency for last‑minute tweaks once walls are exposed.
| Step | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Book appointment | Gets a tailored plan | Use the refundable measure |
| Plan review | Find clearance issues | Bring appliance templates |
| Order & delivery | Coordinates fitter | Save final PDF |
“Keeping the process tidy reduces delays and improves the customer experience.”
Installation and fitters: why the job makes or breaks the kitchen
A successful install depends as much on fitters and sequencing as it does on the units you choose. A clear plan cuts delays, reduces snags and keeps costs predictable.
Using B&Q’s fitting service: scope, management and workmanship cover
B&Q offers three routes: DIY, their optional fitting service, or hiring your own fitter. Choosing B&Q’s service gives a single point of contact, a pre‑install survey, scheduling and a workmanship guarantee.
This managed route suits buyers who want the supplier to handle logistics and disputes. Ask what the guarantee covers and keep the survey notes with your paperwork.
Hiring your own kitchen fitter: quotes, fixed‑price contracts and reliability
An experienced kitchen fitter can offer more flexible timing and sometimes lower costs. Seek at least three like‑for‑like quotes and prefer a fixed‑price contract that lists plumbing, electrics and finish items.
Check references, confirm insurance and agree a snagging process before work starts so the job scope is clear.
Flat packed kitchens and the true cost to fit
Flat packed and packed kitchens take longer to assemble on site. Pre‑assembly (DIY) can save time and help the fitter begin fixing units sooner.
If you want to save money, consider partial pre‑assembly, but be realistic about the skill and time required.
Typical timelines: how long fitting usually takes
A straightforward install with pre‑assembled units often finishes in under a week. Complex layouts, on‑site assembly and additional trades can extend timeframes.
Protect floors, schedule plastering and templating in the right order, and photograph walls after strip‑out to document services and avoid later disputes.
“Agree a snagging list and a completion sign‑off process before work begins to speed resolution of any issues.”
| Aspect | What to check | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Quotes | Scope, fixed price, trade inclusion | Get three like‑for‑like |
| Workmanship | Guarantee and references | Confirm insurer and timescale |
| Timeline | Pre‑assembly vs onsite build | Plan trades sequence |
Pros and cons of B&Q kitchens
Weighing up pros and cons helps spot where a supplier gives value and where compromises hide.
Where B&Q shines: affordability, variety and warranty confidence
Sharp pricing for cabinet packs makes it easier to get a full layout within a sensible budget. Typical 12‑unit cabinet quotes sat between £4,154 and £4,799 (May 2025), which helps stretch your money for upgrades.
Choice and supply are strong points. A broad mix of contemporary and shaker styles, plus regular b&q offers, means you can match finishes without breaking the bank.
The 25‑year cabinet guarantee adds real reassurance for many buyers. Parts availability for popular ranges is usually good, and flat packed units speed delivery into tighter homes.
Trade-offs to consider: limited customisation and mixed customer feedback
Preset modules limit bespoke sizing. Very niche plans often need fillers or design compromises, so check options early with the designer.
Customer experience varies. Independent 2025 tests showed solid unit and hinge performance in some checks, but many issues reported by owners trace back to installation and finishing rather than the core product.
Flat packed assembly saves on lead times, yet it relies on careful fitting. A rushed install can cause alignment issues or soft‑close frustrations over time, so pick experienced kitchen fitters or agree a clear snagging plan.
“Spend where it counts—upgrade internals or worktops if you want a longer‑lasting, better‑performing kitchen.”
| Strength | Why it helps | Practical tip |
|---|---|---|
| Price & offers | Saves on cabinet packs; frees budget for upgrades | Watch seasonal b&q offers and compare like‑for‑like quotes |
| 25‑year guarantee | Long cover on cabinets and listed parts | Register warranty and keep receipts |
| Flat packed supply | Faster delivery and easier access into tight homes | Decide if pre‑assembly will save fitter hours |
| Limited custom sizes | May force compromises in unique layouts | Use fillers or consult a joiner for tricky runs |
| Installation impact | Fit quality affects final finish more than brand | Hire qualified fitters and agree snagging terms |
Are B&Q kitchens good quality compared with other UK brands?
Lab testing in 2025 covered 21 ranges and showed wide variation. Overall scores ran from 89% down to 54%, and two brands failed hinge tests. The top brands scored over 75%, with the leader at 82%.
B&Q’s Caraway and Caraway Innovo sit within that spread. They aim to balance function and value among mainstream kitchen supplier options rather than offer bespoke joinery.
What the best performers share: robust carcasses, high‑grade hinges and smooth runners. That trio usually makes the difference between a top‑rated range and one that shows wear under heavy use.
Customer sentiment from a 4,580‑person survey complements lab work. Survey responses show how ranges perform in day‑to‑day life over years, not just in a lab setting.
If ultimate customisation and craftwork matter most, a specialist supplier may suit. If price, availability and a solid warranty matter more, b&q remains competitive.
To compare properly, request like‑for‑like quotes that match units, appliances and warranty. Door and finish upgrades can narrow or widen the gap versus rivals.
Practical step: ask stores for specification sheets, check hinge models, and get two matched quotes to judge true value. For fitting choices and service differences, see this guide on installation options: B&Q install services and alternatives.
| Comparison point | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carcass & fittings | Hinge model, runner type, carcass material | Controls durability and daily use feel |
| Price & upgrades | Door finish, soft‑close, internals | Can close the gap with premium brands |
| Survey & reviews | Owner feedback over 5+ years | Shows real‑world longevity and common faults |
Conclusion
, We close with clear, practical steps to help you move from quote to a finished, well‑functioning kitchen.
Summary: Independent 2025 testing and a large UK survey show mid‑range performance and common wear after five years such as surface scuffs and soft‑close fatigue.
If you want a new kitchen that balances cost, availability and reassurance, pick a sensible door, plan carefully and hire trusted kitchen fitters. The process is simple: measure, finalise a design, check parts and book installation with your chosen supplier or B&Q service.
Keep time and budget in check by aligning delivery with the fitter, locking a fixed‑price job and pre‑assembling where useful. Use this guide and the review data as a practical map, then tailor choices to your space for the best long‑term result.
FAQ
Are B&Q kitchens good quality in 2025?
B&Q still offers solid choices in 2025. Their GoodHome Caraway range and the handleless Innovo range suit budget and mid-market buyers. Cabinets carry a long cabinet guarantee, while durability depends heavily on installation and care. Expect decent materials for the price, but don’t treat them as luxury bespoke units.
What does B&Q actually offer in 2025: ranges, sizes and guarantees?
The main lines include GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo (handleless). Unit widths follow standard UK sizes, with taller Innovo cabinets for extra storage. B&Q advertises a 25-year cabinet guarantee — typically covering structural faults but excluding wear and tear, misuse, joins caused by poor fitting, and some hardware like hinges and appliances.
How do the GoodHome Caraway and Caraway Innovo finishes compare?
Caraway offers classic door styles and cost-effective finishes. Innovo is more contemporary with handleless options and sleeker edges. Innovo usually uses thicker door fronts and concealed fittings, but final feel depends on the specific finish and whether you choose assembled or flat-packed units.
What unit sizes and specifications should I expect?
Expect standard widths (300–1000mm), common cabinet depths and tall unit options. Innovo includes taller, deeper units for pantry-style storage. Check internal shelf thickness, fixed vs. adjustable shelving, and drawer runner ratings if longevity matters.
What does the 25-year cabinet guarantee cover and exclude?
The guarantee covers manufacturing defects in cabinet carcasses under normal domestic use. It usually excludes damage from improper installation, moisture ingress, misuse, normal wear, worktops, appliances, and fitting labour. Keep receipts and installation records to support any claim.
How do independent labs test kitchen durability?
Tests focus on unit strength, shelf load, drawer cycle counts, runner performance and hinge life. Labs simulate repeated opening/closing, weight-bearing and humidity exposure. Results show how components hold up long-term and highlight weaker elements such as budget runners or thin shelving.
What stress points should I watch for over time?
Hinges, soft-close mechanisms, drawer runners and carcass joins are common weak spots. Moisture at sink areas and heavy loads on shelves accelerate wear. Choose metal runners and reinforced shelves if possible, and ask about spares for hardware.
What do owners report after five years of use?
Many owners report good service with minimal issues when fitted professionally. Typical complaints include scuffs on door edges, slower soft-closes, and occasional hinge adjustments. Problems rise when flat-packed units are self-fitted by inexperienced DIYers.
How much does a B&Q kitchen typically cost?
Cabinet-only quotes for a 12-unit layout often sit in the budget to mid-range bracket. Prices vary by finish, appliances and worktops. Expect upgrades (doors, soft-close, tall units) to add up quickly, so get itemised quotes to compare value.
What should I budget for installation and labour?
Labour commonly adds 20–30% to the cabinet cost but can rise for complex layouts, plumbing or electrical moves. Using B&Q’s fitting service bundles supply and fit, while independent fitters may offer competitive fixed-price contracts — check references and a written warranty.
How can I save money without sacrificing results?
Save by choosing standard sizes, selecting flat-packed units for DIY-savvy households, shopping B&Q seasonal offers, and avoiding bespoke cut-outs. Opting for showroom-standard doors on a standard carcass can cut costs while retaining a clean look.
What does the design and buying process look like at B&Q?
B&Q offers free design appointments, measuring services and online planning tools. You can choose guided design with a consultant or order via DIY routes. Design sessions help specify storage, door styles and appliance locations before finalising a quote.
Should I order DIY or use the guided design service?
DIY ordering suits experienced planners who want to save money. Guided design benefits those who prefer expert layouts, help with appliance integration and a managed ordering process. For first-time buyers, a design appointment reduces mistakes and mismatched parts.
What does B&Q’s fitting service include and cover?
The fitting service covers supply, assembly and installation to an agreed scope, with workmanship cover for a set period. Confirm what’s included: plumbing, electrics, worktops, waste removal and final adjustments. Ask for a schedule and written guarantee.
Is it better to hire an independent kitchen fitter?
Independent fitters can offer competitive fixed-price quotes and bespoke workmanship. Check qualifications, past work, written contracts and insurance. A reputable fitter may handle tricky installs better than a general service, but warranty links with B&Q supply may differ.
What are the true costs of flat-packed kitchens?
Flat-packed ranges reduce upfront costs but increase labour time for assembly and potential stress. Poor assembly can affect alignment and longevity. Factor in extra hours or the cost of hiring a fitter if you lack experience.
How long does installation usually take?
Typical fitting for a medium-sized kitchen takes several days to a week, depending on complexity. Worktop templating, plumbing, electrical changes and tiling may extend timelines. Agree milestones with your fitter to manage expectations.
What are the main advantages of choosing B&Q?
Strengths include affordability, wide style range, accessible showrooms, online planning and a lengthy cabinet guarantee. B&Q suits homeowners seeking value, straightforward designs and easy sourcing of extra parts.
What trade-offs should I consider?
Trade-offs include limited true customisation compared with bespoke makers, variable hardware depending on range, and mixed customer feedback on long-term performance. Quality often hinges on installation and chosen finish level.
How do B&Q kitchens compare with other UK brands?
Compared with bespoke UK brands, B&Q is more affordable but less custom. Against other national chains, B&Q holds its own on price and range variety. For premium performance or unique layouts, specialist suppliers may offer better long-term value.
