Magnet Kitchens Review — Buying and Installing the Integra Range

* Last updated: June 2026.

We installed our Magnet Integra kitchen back in 2016 and this post shares our experience of buying, designing and fitting it. This is our full Magnet Kitchens review of the Magnet Integra Kitchen, covering the whole kitchen design, installation and buying process from start to finish. Since then, we’ve lived with the kitchen for many years and have also published a follow-up review looking at how it has stood the test of time. You can read that review here.

Back in 2016, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts on Magnet Kitchens. We ordered our new kitchen in February and I never imagined the whole kitchen installation process would take quite so long. I didn’t want to publish this review until we had received the final missing item (our hidden drawers) but now that they’ve finally been fitted, it felt like the right time to share our full experience.

Here’s what the kitchen looked like before.

Why We Chose Magnet Kitchens

We looked into several kitchen companies before deciding to go with Magnet, including Wickes, Howdens and John Lewis. We spent quite a bit of time comparing designs, prices and customer reviews, but we kept coming back to Magnet’s Integra range. We loved the clean, contemporary look of the handleless units and felt they offered a good balance between style and quality. Another factor that appealed to us was the convenience of having everything coordinated through one company, from the kitchen design and installation to recommended fitters, electricians and worktop suppliers.

On paper, the whole process seemed straightforward and well organised. We felt confident that we were in good hands and expected the project to run relatively smoothly. Unfortunately, while there were certainly some positives, our experience didn’t quite live up to the promises made at the outset.

Kitchen Design Process

When we first walked into their showroom, we almost turned away because the salespeople seemed so busy and it was very chaotic. Finally, one of their representatives noticed us and scheduled us for a free estimate, and we had to wait about 30 minutes. In this first appointment, they gave us an estimated price for the kitchen but it did not include installation or any other work your room may require (and our kitchen needed A LOT of work!). The initial quote was just for the cabinets and appliances (plus the worktop if you buy it from them). The total price adds up very quickly once you start adding extractor hoods, integrated appliances, wine fridges and lights. Initially, we agreed that we didn’t need any of the ‘extras’ but of course in the end we got everything we possibly could. It’s funny how it happens every time.

The second appointment was more detailed and they gave us a more realistic price for the kitchen. At this stage, we had to bring measurements with us (although they do come to your house to confirm them afterwards) and we spent 2 hours planning our kitchen with the kitchen designer (yes, that’s right, 2 long hours, but honestly, if you do it properly, that’s how long it will take).

The third appointment took place at our house. The same person we had dealt with before arrived to take the measurements and he then assigned the kitchen fitters (recommended to us by Magnet) to visit and confirm that the measurements are correct. The fitters found quite a few different issues at this stage and we agreed what we wanted done. Basically, it was everything from the floor to the ceiling. We agreed that everything would be replaced and made good.

Magnet Kitchen Quality Review

I found the cabinets quite a good quality, although it depends on which range you decide to go for. Our Integra kitchen was part of their mid-range collection called Purely Magnet. I found their cheapest range, Essentially Magnet, quite flimsy and the cabinet doors a bit too thin. In comparison to Homebase and Wickes, I found the material much more sturdy and the cabinets better built. There were also a lot of different drawer options such as pullout drawers, carousel units and other accessories, which was nice.

Magnet Customer Service Review

I am a tough one to please and I expect a lot when you are paying Magnet prices for a kitchen. My initial feeling of their customer service was good.  You do need to have an idea of what you want before you go there as they are not independent kitchen designers. We had to change our draft many times as space was limited and this was not a problem at all for them. In fact, our sales representative spent many evenings replying to our emails as we wanted to make further changes. They were very patient and offered a few different ideas how to utilise our space. They also gave us background on the functionality of different appliances, for example induction hobs, which I was not familiar with.

Now, it’s quite a different story with their after-sales. The sales people are really pushing for the sale but their lack of attention to detail and organisational skills are appalling. I can accept that a few items can get damaged in the transit and go missing but the most disappointing part was waiting for our quartz worktops additional 3 weeks because of an error they made. They forgot to arrange the quartz supplier to come to our house and take the measurements which meant we had to wait another 3 weeks for our worktops. Magnet agreed to provide us a temporary worktop (they don’t normally do this) so I could use the hob which was least  they could do to be honest, but this was only after a few angry phone calls. The most annoying part was that the sales representative (I won’t mention any names..) did not admit he had done anything wrong although his manager had already admitted on the phone it was his mistake they had not been ordered. I understand that everyone can make mistakes but seriously, be a man and admit you made a mistake!

Towards the end, we were dealing with the branch manager who was very helpful and to be honest I was relieved I didn’t have to deal with our original sales representative (I got the feeling that the feeling was mutual) as it was pretty clear once he had closed the sale, he didn’t care about anything else.

Magnet Kitchen Appliances

Magnet offered a vast selection of appliances, from ovens and hobs to integrated fridges, freezers and wine coolers. While it was convenient to source everything through one company, I quickly discovered that many of the same appliances could be purchased online for significantly less. Before placing our order, I spent quite a bit of time comparing prices and was pleasantly surprised when Magnet agreed to price-match most of the appliances we had chosen. This ended up saving us a substantial amount of money and meant we could still enjoy the convenience of ordering everything together without paying a large premium. My advice would be to always do your research beforehand and check online retailers, as there can be considerable price differences.

Kitchen Installation Experience

Although the external fitters (Aspirations M J Ltd) recommended to us by Magnet were excellent, the final installation costs ended up being more than double the original estimate due to additional issues uncovered during the inspection process. To be fair, our kitchen required a significant amount of work, but the difference between the initial estimate and the final bill was still quite a shock. I also got the impression that using contractors through Magnet comes at a premium, which is perhaps one way they recoup some of their costs. That said, the fitters themselves were highly skilled and did a fantastic job. If I were doing it again, I would probably approach them directly, as I suspect the overall cost would have been considerably lower.

Quartz Worktops Review

Since Magnet forgot to arrange for the quartz supplier, The Stone Company, to visit during the early stages of the project, we ended up waiting an additional three weeks for our worktops. When they finally came to take the template measurements, they brought a sample of the quartz with them so I could confirm it was the correct material. Everything seemed in order and they came across as professional, knowledgeable and experienced. After another three weeks, the worktops were finally installed and they looked exactly as I had hoped. There were a few rough edges initially, but I was assured these would be polished out during the finishing process. Overall, the quartz looked fantastic and transformed the kitchen. I did notice a few tiny mirror flecks that appeared to have lifted, possibly during transit, but thankfully they haven’t caused any issues since.

On a more positive note, we didn’t end up paying anything extra for the quartz window sill. Our sales representative had originally forgotten to include it in the quotation, and when The Stone Company came to take the measurements, we were informed that it would cost an additional £500. Given the delays we had already experienced, I felt Magnet should cover this cost as a gesture of goodwill. After a few conversations with the branch manager, they agreed to honour the original quotation and absorb the additional expense, which I felt was a fair resolution. That said, if I were doing the project again, I would probably obtain separate quotes from independent quartz suppliers. While I was happy with the quality and installation, I suspect it would have been possible to achieve a similar result at a lower cost without the premium that comes with ordering through a large kitchen retailer.

Pros and Cons of Magnet Kitchens

Pros

• Reputable company that is trademark-registered (protection in case of a dispute).
• Helpful salespeople who made as many drafts of our kitchen design as required before we were happy.
• Great software that shows you a very realistic, 360-degree panoramic image of the room.
• The selection of kitchen styles is vast and there are different price ranges for everyone.
• Kitchens are good quality (especially medium and upper-end seem very sturdy and well built).
• They explain and show you different mechanisms of drawers and the functionality of appliances.
• Good selection of accessories to go with the kitchen (handles, lights etc).
• Nice showrooms that help you to decide what kitchen to go for.
• They use good, reputable suppliers and fitters.
• Different worktop options (laminate, granite, quartz, corian, etc.).

Cons

• You need to have an idea what you want beforehand (they are not independent kitchen designers).
• Ultimately, their ‘kitchen designers’ are salespeople. They will not know much about installation or any other problems your kitchen fitter might face down the road.
• The kitchens are not cheap and you are paying for the name.
• Colours for granite and quartz are limited.
•  Magnet-recommended fitters and granite suppliers are expensive because Magnet takes a huge cut of their earnings.
• Waiting time for your kitchen is app. 4-6 weeks once you have ordered it.
• Once the kitchen is ready to be delivered, you have to take it (they cannot store it until it is ready for installation).
• Even though the 360 panoramic is very realistic, it is only an artist’s impression. Heights and other dimensions might have to be different due to installation requirements so by all means it will not be exact.
• Magnet will add on their most expensive appliances in your kitchen design unless you advise them otherwise!

For an overall score, I would give Magnet 3.5 out of 5.

 

Kitchen Buying Tips

• Do a lot of research online and have an idea before going into a kitchen store. Nobody knows your kitchen as well as you do!
• There is always a sale in kitchen stores so expect to get between 40-60 % off the original price (the first price they gave us, without the discounts, was ridiculous!). However, be advised that they will add on appliances, lights etc.
• You can find appliances cheaper on the internet but we had a better idea. We asked Magnet to price match the appliances we wanted with the online prices from other websites and they did!
• Negotiate. There is always room for negotiation and the more you buy, the more room there is to negotiate.
• Take some pictures and measurements of your current kitchen when you go to your first appointment (this way, the estimate will be more accurate).
• Allow 2 hours for the first appointment (well if you are demanding like me, allow 2.5 hours!).
• Go to a few different kitchen stores (at least 3) for quotes and try to get them to price match. You would be surprised to see what they will throw into get your business!
• Walk around in the showroom and open the drawers and see which different mechanisms you prefer.
• Ask if they can give you examples of the worktop materials (granite, quartz, laminate) and take it home with you and do some testing to see if it is as hard-wearing as you need (try scratching it and pouring liquids like lemon juice and red wine on them and see if these come off nicely).
• Ask to see a larger slab of the worktop if possible before ordering in order to get a more realistic idea of what it will look like in your kitchen.
• Read up on appliances before buying so you can make an informed decision.
• Pick a kitchen style/worktop that suits your lifestyle (don’t follow trends).
• Choosing the right kitchen fitter is as important (if not more!) as choosing the right kitchen company. Go by references if possible.
• If you decide to go with their recommended kitchen fitter, do a background check on them before to check if they are any good (I can speak from experience, they aren’t all good!)
• When dealing with the company or fitters, make sure that all important decisions/plans are in writing (email) so that in case of a dispute, you have some proof.
• Don’t be afraid to be demanding and precise. A certain level of micromanagement will be required!

Final Verdict

I hope you found this Magnet Kitchens review helpful. If you’ve recently renovated a kitchen or had a particularly positive experience with a kitchen company, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!