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Benchmarx kitchens review
We put Benchmarx kitchens through our rigorous lab tests and surveyed Which? members (including those who had bought from Benchmarx) to see how happy they were with their kitchens.
We assessed two Benchmarx kitchens in our lab: the Grey Cabinet and the Essence Flatpack.
It's Flatpack range is designed to offer a versatile kitchen that is suitable for all budgets, while the Grey Cabinet is factory assembled and therefore studier.
To see how Benchmarx compare with other leading brands we reviewed, discover the best and worst kitchen brands according to our robust assessments
Benchmarx kitchens overall score
Our overall scores combine expert lab assessment results and customer survey data from real owners.
Log in now or join Which? to reveal the results for Benchmarx kitchens.
| Unit | Overall score | Lab assessment score | Brand customer score | Customer service | How well the kitchen lasted | Visit retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essence Flatpack | Benchmarx kitchens | |||||
| Grey Cabinet | Benchmarx kitchens |
Table notes: The overall score is based on the lab assessment of the units (60% weighting) and feedback from our customer survey (40% weighting), which incorporates the customer score, plus ratings for the level of customer service and how well the kitchen lasted. The customer survey was conducted online in February 2023 among 4,378 Which? members who have bought a new kitchen in the past 10 years. Benchmarx sample size: 86.
We tested 19 kitchen ranges from various brands, giving them an overall score based on their performance in the lab and customer ratings.
The best kitchen we assessed achieved an overall score of 81%. Our five best kitchen suppliers all scored over 75%.
At the bottom end of the table, our lowest-scoring kitchen earned 59%. In fact, eight kitchens from four brands all got scores of less than 70%.
Benchmarx scores varied significantly. One of its kitchens scored 24 percentage points higher than the other.
For advice on creating a stylish, functional kitchen, read our guide to kitchen planning
Benchmarx kitchens lab assessment scores
Our expert lab tests are specially designed to test how kitchens will stand up to everyday use.
Log in now or join Which? to reveal the results.
| Unit | Lab assessment score | Quality of units | Loading shelves | Drawers and runners | Hinges |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essence Flatpack | |||||
| Grey Cabinet |
Table notes: Lab assessment scores are calculated based on a kitchen’s performance in 19 tests across four key areas - quality of units, loading shelves, drawers and runners and hinges. Ratings are combined to create an overall assessment score.
One of Benchmarx's kitchens lost a significant number of points for its hinges.
Find out how we test kitchens in our lab
Benchmarx kitchens customer survey score
We spoke to 86 Which? members with a Benchmarx kitchen to find out how real owners rate their kitchens.
Log in now or join Which? to find out how Benchmarx is rated by its customers.
| Customer survey category | Scored and ratings |
|---|---|
| Customer score | |
| Customer service | |
| Quality of cupboards, doors, drawers and worktops | |
| Quality of finish | |
| How well cupboards, doors, drawers and worktops lasted | |
| Value for money |
Table notes: Based on the responses of 86 Benchmarx customers in an online survey of 4,378 Which? members conducted in January and February 2023. Customer score is a combined score based on customer ratings of satisfaction with their kitchen and likelihood of recommending to a friend.
Our top overall scorer achieved an outstanding score of 86% in our customer survey.
At the other end of the table, some of the brands we assessed scored less than 65% overall – including some two-star ratings.
We also used our reader survey to find the 7 things people regret most about their kitchen design
How to buy a Benchmarx kitchen
Like Howdens, Benchmarx only sell to tradespeople – you cannot buy a kitchen directly from the company.
You do not need to find an installer before you start designing your kitchen, but you will need to find one before you pay for and install your kitchen.
Benchmarx has the details of local installers, but they cannot recommend anyone directly to you.
The process of buying a kitchen is as follows:
- Research your kitchen - Look through the kitchens offered by Benchmarx to get an idea of the styles you are interested in. You can either browse the ranges on the Benchmarx website, or visit your local branch to meet a designer and see the kitchens in person.
- Measure up - Once you have an idea of the kitchen you want, you will need to measure your kitchen or use Benchmarx's free home survey service.
- Time to design - Book a free online or in-person design consultation to design your kitchen.
- Install your kitchen - Benchmarx will work with your installer to find a time to deliver your kitchen.
Benchmarx design services
There's a free online kitchen visualiser tool, as well as a free design service with online or in-store appointments.
Benchmarx will also carry out an in-home survey to check the measurements for your kitchen, if you're comfortable with this.
Benchmarx kitchens installation
Does Benchmarx fit kitchens?
Benchmarx is a trade kitchen supplier, which means it sells to tradespeople only. Therefore, you cannot fit the kitchen yourself.
Benchmarx also does not recommend installers, so you will need to find one yourself, although Benchmarx can guide you through the process.
To find a reliable fitter for your Benchmarx kitchen, use our free Which? Trusted Traders service.
How much does it cost to fit a Benchmarx kitchen?
To find out how much the average kitchen installation costs in 2024, we consulted the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) database.
They estimate labour rates based on the current Building and Allied Trades Joint Industrial Council wage agreement and a model of the average kitchen.
They told us that the total cost of labour should be 20-30% of your total spend. Fitting a bespoke kitchen costs 20-35% more than fitting a standard kitchen.
Log in now to or join Which? find out how much you can expect to spend on labour when renovating your kitchen
House type (floor size) | Number of units | Standard kitchen | Bespoke kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terraced (8sqm) | 8 | ||
| Semi-detached (15sqm) | 12 | ||
| Detached (24sqm) | 16 |
Table notes: Prices includes the cost of stripping your old kitchen, fitting your cabinets and finishing the kitchen. Prices also include VAT. Data copyright RICS 2023, reproduced with permission. Data is correct as of December 2023.
We recommend that you always get at least three quotes from different traders before you start any job, and get a fixed price contract if possible (this means the prices can not go up expect in pre-agreed circumstances).
Which? members can see a full breakdown of how much a new kitchen costs in 2024, including for labour, kitchen islands and worktops.
See our guide to how to work with your trader to find out more money-saving tips
Benchmarx kitchen ranges and unit sizes
Benchmarx Essence Flatpack is a slab kitchen which comes in three finishes: cashmere grey, matt white, and sandstone oak.
The Grey Cabinet range comes in shaker, slab and J-Pull styles, all with multiple finishes.
Some of its ranges also come in True Handleless (a push-to-open system) or Benchmarx Design (made-to-order colourways and finishes).
All Benchmarx cabinets come in standard sizes, with 50cm and 60cm widths available. It also carries corner, tall and appliance units.
Benchmarx kitchens guarantees
All Benchmarx kitchen cabinets come with a lifetime guarantee (equivalent to 25 years). This includes drawer boxes, drawer runners, hinges, adjustable cabinet legs, shelf supports, and wall hanging brackets.
Benchmarx kitchen doors, drawer fronts, and handles come with a five-year guarantee.
Find out more at Benchmarxkitchens.co.uk
This article uses insights from the Which? Connect panel, collected from research activities with our members. Find out how to get involved