Buying A Second Hand Kitchen - Is It A Risk Worth Taking?

1 day ago

5 min read

Buying a second hand kitchen can feel risky, but it is a great way to get a kitchen that goes a little easier on both your wallet and the planet, it takes a little more work than just walking into a kitchen showroom but here is some guidance to ensure that your time investment is a wise one.

Where to find a second hand Kitchen

Finding a quality second hand kitchen has never been easier; kitchen showrooms, particularly larger ones will change their displays at least several times a year, either due to a style being discontinued, or ensuring their windows remain interesting to passers by, so they will often have ex-display kitchens available. These will be in very good condition so will pose less risk than a used kitchen and whilst they will be more expensive than a second hand kitchen, they will still be much cheaper than new, often up to 50% less than the recommended retail price. To have the widest choice we recommend visiting your local showroom and getting to know the team, this allows you not only to be the first to know, it allows you to see and feel the quality, but if you are in a hurry there are now several companies online that specialise in ex-display kitchens & second hand kitchens such as The Used Kitchen Company, Rehome, Used Kitchen Hub, Love My Kitchen, and Pre Owned Kitchens, all offering great choice with some excellent reviews.

For those that are seeking even more value, second hand kitchens can be a great option; there is a little more risk involved and someone's view of great condition may not be yours, but you can still find some incredible kitchens, and if you have time on your side you can widen your search to include Gumtree, eBay, and even Etsy - some very generous folk will even offer free kitchens to free up their space.

Images (Left to Right) by The Used Kitchen Company | Design@Studio17

Will an ex-display kitchen fit in my home?

Whatever you decide, accuracy of measurements will be crucial and you need to consider both layouts & ceiling heights, you might feel like you are getting a deal but maximising ceiling height and storage will make a huge difference to the longevity of loving your new kitchen. If possible, buying a kitchen with a few more units is advisable to ensure you have some configuration options available. Before you buy we would recommend doing several layout options, there is free software available to help you do this, or investing in an interior designer who offers a consultancy service can help your build confidence that you have the best kitchen and layout for your space. You will need a talented carpenter if any adjustments need to be made, and don't be put off if the kitchen available isn't a perfect match for the space, if you love the style and colour, there may be some clever creative solutions may be able to make it work, be it the addition of a bespoke unit or some clever shelving solutions to make it work for your space.

A 3D drawing of a kitchen diner open plan living space

Image by Design@Studio17

How to make a second hand kitchen fit your style

Whilst units are the bones of your kitchen design, the accessories are what bring your kitchen to life, the worktops and hardware are a make or break to the overall feeling and quality of your kitchen development. It is often harder to find a perfect pre loved worktop for your space, and we don't recommend too many patches as the finish won't look as great, but you maybe able to source the same worktop to add to the existing so that it works or even find a contrasting solution, but if the bones work for you and the worktop doesn't, investing in new will still ensure you have made a considerable saving.

#detailsmatter, and when you have made such a saving on the kitchen we would recommend investing in hardware, mood lighting, and the finishing touches to ensure your new kitchen is perfect for you. The handles, taps and switches that you touch many times each day are the details that add a little luxury and you will be grateful you invested in.

A mood board for a kitchen design with neutral colours, with accents of green red and blue

Image by Design@Studio17

Is it worth buying a second hand kitchen?

Buying a second hand kitchen is a smart way for homeowners to make intentional choices about budget, materials and design. One of the biggest reasons people choose second hand kitchens is value. Buying pre-owned can significantly reduce the overall cost while allowing you to choose materials and finishes that might otherwise be out of reach. Instead of opting for basic cabinetry or laminate worktops, you may be able to afford solid units, quartz or granite surfaces, and integrated appliances from well-known manufacturers. This can make a noticeable difference to how the kitchen looks, feels and performs over time.

Choosing to reuse a kitchen is a more sustainable choice, keeping high-quality materials out of landfill and reducing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new units. Cabinets, worktops, and appliances all require energy and raw materials to produce, transport and install.

For homeowners who want to make more sustainable decisions without compromising on style or function, second hand kitchens offer a practical middle ground. Extending the life of an existing kitchen can be one of the simplest ways to reduce waste during a renovation.

By understanding where a kitchen comes from, checking its condition carefully, and thinking realistically about fit and lifestyle, it becomes easier to decide whether it is the right choice for you.

At Design@Studio17 there are several ways you can work with us to help you create your dream kitchen -

Design Consultancy - our Creative Studio allows you to get a designer's insight on all your major kitchen decisions; layouts, colour palette, electrical drawings, lighting plans, or the finishing touches that bring your kitchen design to life. You can hire us for an hour, or buy packages to ensure you have support to make the right decisions for your new kitchen.
Virtual Room Design - our Virtual Design services are conducted online and in the most part, the level of service and support you receive would be exactly the same as a full room design with the exception of two key areas
- You provide room measurements and pictures at the start of your project, we then develop the scheme for your space as we would a full home design service.
- Once the design is agreed, you then order the recommended purchases and complete the renovations and install yourself.
This service is ideal if you want to get involved in your home renovations but would like help in design direction, making the most of your space and sourcing the perfect items for your home.
Full Design Service for kitchens - When choosing to work with us, you can be reassured that your kitchen renovation experience will be seamless and we will take care of every detail, from concept design through to install and beyond. We understand the significance of our role in crafting your perfect interior. Our Full Design Service always starts with you; we take the time to understand your needs, your aspirations, and how you live so that we can curate a bespoke home design that not only looks great, it reflects your lifestyle and aspirations and it enhances how you feel.

A kitchen is often one of the biggest expenses in renovating a home, it’s important to get it right, not just aesthetically, it should be designed to support how you live and use the space. Our Founder spent 30 years in hospitality so understands the impact of layout, lighting, flow and function which help make spending time in your kitchen feel effortless, be it cooking, hosting or living.

Mistakes can be costly on your wallet and your time, or on your appreciation of the finished space, we can help you navigate the decisions and the details that matter so your new kitchen will be loved for many years to come. Get in touch today to explore how we can work together.