The 7 most common mistakes when buying a kitchen - and how to avoid them
The 7 most common mistakes when buying a kitchen - and how to avoid them
Kitchen fail no. 1: Unprofessional advice and planning
When buying a kitchen, many people have a dream in mind, but are unable to realize it within their budget. A lack of or unrealistic ideas can also be an obstacle that prevents you from having your dream kitchen. Perhaps you have a kitchen with a large cooking island in mind, but your space doesn't allow for this and you would feel cramped in the long run.
Or you fall in love with a certain design and forget about ergonomics and the storage space you need. The location of the existing connections, the different sizes and the number of people in the household as well as cooking skills and occasions should also be taken into account at the planning stage.
We often hear from laypeople who have planned their own kitchens: “I would do it completely differently next time, I just didn't have the experience and advice back then.” Good advice does indeed require good training and a lot of experience and always begins with a structured assessment of your wishes and needs and only ends after the successful installation of your new dream kitchen. A dedicated contact person should be available to you throughout the entire process. This person will ensure optimum ergonomics and reconcile your wishes in terms of design, storage space and functionality with your budget. That way you won't experience any nasty surprises.
MÖBEL MARTIN stocks over 800 sample kitchens on more than 17,000 square meters and can therefore cover almost all wishes, price ranges and design ideas. All our consultants undergo a qualification process in our in-house training center and are constantly developing their professional skills.
And, of course, you don't have to buy a pig in a poke. Of course, we can also visualize your planning in a 3D model or, if you wish, present it to you as realistically as possible using VR glasses
Kitchen fail no. 2: Neglecting ergonomics
The kitchen is a workplace and should be designed accordingly. It should also be fun to move around and cook in. If you plan the work surfaces too low, this can lead to back pain. Perhaps you squeezed the dishwasher into a corner when planning your last kitchen and now the dishes often end up on the worktop first instead of directly in the dishwasher?
The MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen experts not only plan your kitchen ergonomically, but also in such a way that it is easy for you to keep things tidy with sufficient space and the right walking routes. And we can demonstrate all of this to you directly on site using our extensive selection of sample kitchens.
Kitchen fail no. 3: Choosing a kitchen retailer with a limited choice
Some supposedly cheap furniture discounters and smaller kitchen studios have a common problem: a limited selection of price ranges, brands, qualities and designs. In the end, this will often lead to you being sold what is available and not what you want and what best suits your needs and budget. A good and open-ended consultation always begins with an assessment of your needs, your wishes, the circumstances of your home and your budget.
On this basis, we make concrete suggestions and show you options. Would you like natural stone or solid wood elements? Or specific functions for the electrical appliances, such as smart home, cooling or heating taps, integrated steam cookers or would you prefer just basic equipment for novice cooks? On this basis, we can then present you with price ranges and implementation options.
There are also considerable differences in the selection within specific cabinet systems, for example in the number of cabinet widths and base heights on offer.
Versatile systems, such as those offered by our brand suppliers, provide smart solutions for every eventuality. This means that unused corners, ergonomically poor solutions and patchwork can be avoided.
Whether you want an inexpensive kitchen with fast delivery for self-assembly or a prestigious branded cooking temple with smart home control. With our IN STORE kitchens or high-quality in-house kitchen studios, we cover the full range of possible wishes and requirements. Our advice is always aimed at fulfilling your wishes within your budget without compromising on quality.
Kitchen fail no. 4: Poor quality
It can be tempting to save money when buying a kitchen by choosing cheaper materials and appliances. However, a kitchen is usually a long-term purchase in which quality and durability are decisive for the price-performance ratio. Very cheap but unsuitable materials often prove to be uneconomical in the long term, as they are very high-maintenance, become unsightly very quickly or even have to be replaced prematurely due to rapid wear and tear. Surfaces that come into direct contact with food in particular should also be hygienic and free from harmful substances.
There are also huge differences in terms of the functionality, service life and operating costs of electrical appliances. High-quality hobs and ovens are extremely efficient in terms of energy consumption and allow food to be prepared gently and healthily. Additional functions integrated into the oven, such as steam cookers and microwaves, allow energy-saving “regeneration” of food or the optimal preparation of home-baked bread - as fresh as from the baker.
High-quality refrigerators distribute the cold optimally to different zones, save enormous amounts of energy and ensure that your food keeps for longer. You therefore save on electricity costs and significantly reduce food waste. So you are doing something for your wallet and for the environment.
Modern taps provide chilled or carbonated drinking water or boiling water for pasta or tea. So you never have to carry crates of drinks or wait for your kettle again. If you always want to have everything under control and in view, you can also use smart home functions to control and monitor your appliances while on the move.
Extractor fan technology has also developed enormously in recent years. Unwanted odors throughout the home can quickly spoil the pleasure of cooking. And in winter, you don't want to spend minutes airing the room after every meal. Regardless of whether you prefer an extractor hood or a modern hob extractor: we will demonstrate the performance and benefits of the appliances to you on site and find the right solution for you.
With a huge selection of modern brand appliances in all price ranges, our planning expertise from more than 10,000 kitchen projects a year and our digital appliance finder, the MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen consultants will plan the perfect solution for you.
Kitchen fail no. 5: Buying completely disassembled cabinet elements
Some furniture discounters will offer you completely disassembled cabinet elements for self-assembly. This means that you have to assemble these cabinets yourself from scratch using individual boards. This is usually done using dowels and nails. We advise against buying such completely disassembled kitchen cabinet systems, as a lot can go wrong.
The assembly work involved is disproportionately high. There is also a high risk of assembly errors, which are very difficult to correct without permanent damage due to the nailed back panel. As a result, elements can quickly become crooked or unstable. The same problem exists if you receive cheap but unstable (no-name) hinges and have to fit them yourself. In both cases, you bear the risk of incorrect installation.
Cabinets should therefore be pre-assembled in the factory and back panels should be coated on both sides to provide basic resistance to moisture. This is also not the case with some discount kitchens.
You can also purchase quick delivery kitchens for self-assembly from MÖBEL MARTIN. However, we supply you with pre-assembled cabinet systems in which the elements are screwed and glued together in a high-quality, accurate and stable manner. The fittings are also pre-assembled so that all you have to do is set up, align and screw the cabinet elements together.
Kitchen fail no. 6: Unprofessional assembly
If you assemble complex kitchens yourself without the appropriate skills or use poorly trained fitters, you will often experience unpleasant surprises that can permanently spoil your enjoyment of your new kitchen. In the worst-case scenario, dangerous situations can arise during installation or use that put your health at risk.
Unprofessional installation can also lead to damage to the new kitchen that requires furniture or electrical appliances to be replaced immediately at your own expense. Gradual damage caused by improper installation is also generally not covered by the guarantee.
The worst installation errors include the improper connection of electrical appliances. This can quickly endanger life and limb. Improper water connections and drains can lead to considerable damage to furnishings and buildings, for which you may have to pay yourself in case of doubt.
In apartment buildings, you are also liable for damage to the residential units below or to the building if you are responsible for the incorrect installation of water connections.
Tension cracks often occur on glass or ceramic elements or swelling wooden elements if worktops, hobs or sinks are installed incorrectly. Installation errors on cabinets can limit functionality and durability or even lead to cabinet elements falling down dangerously. You can easily avoid all these risks by choosing a professional partner.
MÖBEL MARTIN has specially trained experts for this, who will conveniently ensure a perfect result. Of course, we also take care of a professional measurement of your premises so that everything fits seamlessly in the end.
Another advantage: professional installation of pre-assembled cabinet elements is much quicker than if you approach the project unprofessionally. Most kitchens can be installed in a single day, including the dismantling and disposal of the old kitchen.
Kitchen fail no. 7: Paying too high a price
One of the most annoying mistakes when buying a kitchen is when the service offered is not in good proportion to the price offered. Most customers are probably aware that smaller kitchen studios cannot compete with large furniture retailers and market leaders such as MÖBEL MARTIN in terms of price due to poorer purchasing conditions and often lower capacity utilization. But the danger of spending too much money on inferior goods also lurks with other retailers.
Very common price stumbling blocks are:
- Disproportionately high prices for inferior self-assembly kitchens and no-name electrical appliances with poor energy efficiency. These are very often offered by some discounters, but frustration is virtually pre-programmed here.
- When a low price is bought at the price of poor quality and durability of the furniture and surfaces. Some dubious kitchen retailers try to undercut the price by offering inferior quality furniture and appliances, but you end up paying for it in the long run.
- Dubious financing offers. Some kitchen retailers work with a progressive interest rate scale for financing. You receive an apparently attractive interest rate at the start, but this rises sharply after a while. When financing, make sure that you are always guaranteed an interest rate for the entire term.
- Offer overpriced insurance and guarantees. Weigh up the options carefully to ensure that costs and risks are in a reasonable relationship.
- Apparent “all-inclusive promises”: Some dealers work with seemingly attractive all-inclusive promises and 0% financing. However, these are often based on an overpriced starting price. This means that the services and interest saved have already been overpriced. The decisive factor for you should always be what you pay in total.
MÖBEL MARTIN refrains from dubious discount statements and sham discounts based on fictitious moon prices and instead concentrates on transparent and comprehensible pricing based on a permanent low price guarantee. We also refrain from buying low prices by offering poor quality.
At MÖBEL MARTIN, you may also receive temporary discounts or free extras as part of kitchen trade fairs or special offers, for example if we have been able to negotiate special quotas with our suppliers. Your advisor will always inform you of any such promotions and will put together the best offer for you. If you wish, you can also receive an attractive financing offer without hidden costs or a dubious, high interest rate scale.
What counts, however, is always the final price including services, and at MÖBEL MARTIN you always receive the best price guarantee*.
Kitchen fail no. 1:
Unprofessional advice and planning
When buying a kitchen, many people have a dream in mind, but are unable to realize it within their budget. A lack of or unrealistic ideas can also be an obstacle that prevents you from having your dream kitchen. Perhaps you have a kitchen with a large cooking island in mind, but your space doesn't allow for this and you would feel cramped in the long run.
Or you fall in love with a certain design and forget about ergonomics and the storage space you need. The location of the existing connections, the different sizes and the number of people in the household as well as cooking skills and occasions should also be taken into account at the planning stage.
We often hear from laypeople who have planned their own kitchens: “I would do it completely differently next time, I just didn't have the experience and advice back then.” Good advice does indeed require good training and a lot of experience and always begins with a structured assessment of your wishes and needs and only ends after the successful installation of your new dream kitchen. A dedicated contact person should be available to you throughout the entire process. This person will ensure optimum ergonomics and reconcile your wishes in terms of design, storage space and functionality with your budget. That way you won't experience any nasty surprises.
MÖBEL MARTIN stocks over 800 sample kitchens on more than 17,000 square meters and can therefore cover almost all wishes, price ranges and design ideas. All our consultants undergo a qualification process in our in-house training center and are constantly developing their professional skills.
And, of course, you don't have to buy a pig in a poke. Of course, we can also visualize your planning in a 3D model or, if you wish, present it to you as realistically as possible using VR glasses.
Kitchen fail no. 2:
Neglecting ergonomics
The kitchen is a workplace and should be designed accordingly. It should also be fun to move around and cook in. If you plan the work surfaces too low, this can lead to back pain. Perhaps you squeezed the dishwasher into a corner when planning your last kitchen and now the dishes often end up on the worktop first instead of directly in the dishwasher? The MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen experts not only plan your kitchen ergonomically, but also in such a way that it is easy for you to keep things tidy with sufficient space and the right walking routes. And we can demonstrate all of this to you directly on site using our extensive selection of sample kitchens.
Kitchen fail no. 3:
Choosing a kitchen retailer with a limited choice
Some supposedly cheap furniture discounters and smaller kitchen studios have a common problem: a limited selection of price ranges, brands, qualities and designs. In the end, this will often lead to you being sold what is available and not what you want and what best suits your needs and budget. A good and open-ended consultation always begins with an assessment of your needs, your wishes, the circumstances of your home and your budget.
On this basis, we make concrete suggestions and show you options. Would you like natural stone or solid wood elements? Or specific functions for the electrical appliances, such as smart home, cooling or heating taps, integrated steam cookers or would you prefer just basic equipment for novice cooks? On this basis, we can then present you with price ranges and implementation options.
There are also considerable differences in the selection within specific cabinet systems, for example in the number of cabinet widths and base heights on offer.
Versatile systems, such as those offered by our brand suppliers, provide smart solutions for every eventuality. This means that unused corners, ergonomically poor solutions and patchwork can be avoided.
Whether you want an inexpensive kitchen with fast delivery for self-assembly or a prestigious branded cooking temple with smart home control. With our IN STORE kitchens or high-quality in-house kitchen studios, we cover the full range of possible wishes and requirements. Our advice is always aimed at fulfilling your wishes within your budget without compromising on quality.
Kitchen fail no. 4:
Poor quality
It can be tempting to save money when buying a kitchen by choosing cheaper materials and appliances. However, a kitchen is usually a long-term purchase in which quality and durability are decisive for the price-performance ratio. Very cheap but unsuitable materials often prove to be uneconomical in the long term, as they are very high-maintenance, become unsightly very quickly or even have to be replaced prematurely due to rapid wear and tear. Surfaces that come into direct contact with food in particular should also be hygienic and free from harmful substances.
There are also huge differences in terms of the functionality, service life and operating costs of electrical appliances. High-quality hobs and ovens are extremely efficient in terms of energy consumption and allow food to be prepared gently and healthily. Additional functions integrated into the oven, such as steam cookers and microwaves, allow energy-saving “regeneration” of food or the optimal preparation of home-baked bread - as fresh as from the baker.
High-quality refrigerators distribute the cold optimally to different zones, save enormous amounts of energy and ensure that your food keeps for longer. You therefore save on electricity costs and significantly reduce food waste. So you are doing something for your wallet and for the environment.
Modern taps provide chilled or carbonated drinking water or boiling water for pasta or tea. So you never have to carry crates of drinks or wait for your kettle again. If you always want to have everything under control and in view, you can also use smart home functions to control and monitor your appliances while on the move.
Extractor fan technology has also developed enormously in recent years. Unwanted odors throughout the home can quickly spoil the pleasure of cooking. And in winter, you don't want to spend minutes airing the room after every meal. Regardless of whether you prefer an extractor hood or a modern hob extractor: we will demonstrate the performance and benefits of the appliances to you on site and find the right solution for you.
With a huge selection of modern brand appliances in all price ranges, our planning expertise from more than 10,000 kitchen projects a year and our digital appliance finder, the MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen consultants will plan the perfect solution for you.
Kitchen fail no. 5:
Buying completely disassembled cabinet elements
Some furniture discounters will offer you completely disassembled cabinet elements for self-assembly. This means that you have to assemble these cabinets yourself from scratch using individual boards. This is usually done using dowels and nails. We advise against buying such completely disassembled kitchen cabinet systems, as a lot can go wrong.
The assembly work involved is disproportionately high. There is also a high risk of assembly errors, which are very difficult to correct without permanent damage due to the nailed back panel. As a result, elements can quickly become crooked or unstable. The same problem exists if you receive cheap but unstable (no-name) hinges and have to fit them yourself. In both cases, you bear the risk of incorrect installation.
Cabinets should therefore be pre-assembled in the factory and back panels should be coated on both sides to provide basic resistance to moisture. This is also not the case with some discount kitchens.
You can also purchase quick delivery kitchens for self-assembly from MÖBEL MARTIN. However, we supply you with pre-assembled cabinet systems in which the elements are screwed and glued together in a high-quality, accurate and stable manner. The fittings are also pre-assembled so that all you have to do is set up, align and screw the cabinet elements together.
Kitchen fail no. 6:
Unprofessional assembly
If you assemble complex kitchens yourself without the appropriate skills or use poorly trained fitters, you will often experience unpleasant surprises that can permanently spoil your enjoyment of your new kitchen. In the worst-case scenario, dangerous situations can arise during installation or use that put your health at risk.
Unprofessional installation can also lead to damage to the new kitchen that requires furniture or electrical appliances to be replaced immediately at your own expense. Gradual damage caused by improper installation is also generally not covered by the guarantee.
The worst installation errors include the improper connection of electrical appliances. This can quickly endanger life and limb. Improper water connections and drains can lead to considerable damage to furnishings and buildings, for which you may have to pay yourself in case of doubt.
In apartment buildings, you are also liable for damage to the residential units below or to the building if you are responsible for the incorrect installation of water connections.
Tension cracks often occur on glass or ceramic elements or swelling wooden elements if worktops, hobs or sinks are installed incorrectly. Installation errors on cabinets can limit functionality and durability or even lead to cabinet elements falling down dangerously. You can easily avoid all these risks by choosing a professional partner.
MÖBEL MARTIN has specially trained experts for this, who will conveniently ensure a perfect result. Of course, we also take care of a professional measurement of your premises so that everything fits seamlessly in the end.
Another advantage: professional installation of pre-assembled cabinet elements is much quicker than if you approach the project unprofessionally. Most kitchens can be installed in a single day, including the dismantling and disposal of the old kitchen.
Kitchen fail no. 7:
Paying too high a price
One of the most annoying mistakes when buying a kitchen is when the service offered is not in good proportion to the price offered. Most customers are probably aware that smaller kitchen studios cannot compete with large furniture retailers and market leaders such as MÖBEL MARTIN in terms of price due to poorer purchasing conditions and often lower capacity utilization. But the danger of spending too much money on inferior goods also lurks with other retailers.
Very common price stumbling blocks are:
- Disproportionately high prices for inferior self-assembly kitchens and no-name electrical appliances with poor energy efficiency. These are very often offered by some discounters, but frustration is virtually pre-programmed here.
- When a low price is bought at the price of poor quality and durability of the furniture and surfaces. Some dubious kitchen retailers try to undercut the price by offering inferior quality furniture and appliances, but you end up paying for it in the long run.
- Dubious financing offers. Some kitchen retailers work with a progressive interest rate scale for financing. You receive an apparently attractive interest rate at the start, but this rises sharply after a while. When financing, make sure that you are always guaranteed an interest rate for the entire term.
- Offer overpriced insurance and guarantees. Weigh up the options carefully to ensure that costs and risks are in a reasonable relationship.
- Apparent “all-inclusive promises”: Some dealers work with seemingly attractive all-inclusive promises and 0% financing. However, these are often based on an overpriced starting price. This means that the services and interest saved have already been overpriced. The decisive factor for you should always be what you pay in total.
MÖBEL MARTIN refrains from dubious discount statements and sham discounts based on fictitious moon prices and instead concentrates on transparent and comprehensible pricing based on a permanent low price guarantee. We also refrain from buying low prices by offering poor quality.
At MÖBEL MARTIN, you may also receive temporary discounts or free extras as part of kitchen trade fairs or special offers, for example if we have been able to negotiate special quotas with our suppliers. Your advisor will always inform you of any such promotions and will put together the best offer for you. If you wish, you can also receive an attractive financing offer without hidden costs or a dubious, high interest rate scale.
What counts, however, is always the final price including services, and at MÖBEL MARTIN you always receive the best price guarantee*.
With the MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen experts, you are always better advised!
With MÖBEL MARTIN you are on the safe side. With us, you have a dedicated contact person at your side from the initial consultation to the final installation. While companies with a supposedly good price image often disappoint and the joy of the kitchen evaporates faster than expected, MÖBEL MARTIN offers quality that convinces and guarantees that go beyond the legal requirements. With sales of 10,000 kitchens per year, MÖBEL MARTIN benefits from the best conditions offered by manufacturers and can pass these on to you directly. The broad brand portfolio guarantees you a diverse selection, and the MÖBEL MARITN kitchen experts provide professional planning and advice that takes all aspects into account and ensures that the new kitchen meets your individual needs and wishes exactly.
With the MÖBEL MARTIN kitchen experts, you are always better advised!
With MÖBEL MARTIN you are on the safe side. With us, you have a dedicated contact person at your side from the initial consultation to the final installation. While companies with a supposedly good price image often disappoint and the joy of the kitchen evaporates faster than expected, MÖBEL MARTIN offers quality that convinces and guarantees that go beyond the legal requirements. With sales of 10,000 kitchens per year, MÖBEL MARTIN benefits from the best conditions offered by manufacturers and can pass these on to you directly. The broad brand portfolio guarantees you a diverse selection, and the MÖBEL MARITN kitchen experts provide professional planning and advice that takes all aspects into account and ensures that the new kitchen meets your individual needs and wishes exactly.
Unsere Preise halten jedem Vergleich stand
Bei MÖBEL MARTIN bieten wir unseren Kunden die Bestpreisgarantie. Sie kaufen also immer zum besten Preis – garantiert! Sollte dennoch – innerhalb von 30 Tagen – ein bei uns gekaufter Artikel mit gleicher Leistung bei einem anderen Anbieter in Deutschland nachweislich billiger erhältlich sein, erstatten wir Ihnen die Differenz.*
MÖBEL MARTIN steht für 65 Jahre Küchenkompetenz. Wir bieten unseren Kunden eine riesige Markenvielfalt – online und in unseren acht Einrichtungshäusern. Jedes Jahr liefern wir mehr als 10.000 Küchen an zufriedene Kunden. Dabei setzen wir auf beste Beratung und Top-Service:
Unsere Preise halten jedem Vergleich stand
Bei MÖBEL MARTIN bieten wir unseren Kunden die Bestpreisgarantie. Sie kaufen also immer zum besten Preis – garantiert! Sollte dennoch – innerhalb von 30 Tagen – ein bei uns gekaufter Artikel mit gleicher Leistung bei einem anderen Anbieter in Deutschland nachweislich billiger erhältlich sein, erstatten wir Ihnen die Differenz.
MÖBEL MARTIN steht für 65 Jahre Küchenkompetenz. Wir bieten unseren Kunden eine riesige Markenvielfalt – online und in unseren acht Einrichtungshäusern. Jedes Jahr liefern wir mehr als 10.000 Küchen an zufriedene Kunden. Dabei setzen wir auf beste Beratung und Top-Service: