Smile Kitchens vs Howdens

This accessibility is a key difference, and Smile Kitchens aim to make designing a bespoke kitchen that fits your layout and desired style, without needing to visit a trade-only showroom or rely on a third party to make decisions on your behalf.

We’ve summarised some of the main contrasts between Smile Kitchens and Howdens to help you decide, looking at customer support, design flexibility, and how each service works.

Smile Kitchens vs Howdens: Key Takeaways

• Smile Kitchens is a highly experienced team of kitchen design professionals who work directly with individual customers, whereas Howdens operates mainly on a trade model (although end buyers often purchase via Howdens).
• Howdens has many physical showrooms, while Smile Kitchens offers the convenience of a remote design process, though retail buyers may still need to hire a professional to visit a Howdens site in person.
• The Howdens business model is focused on supplying units through trade networks – Smile Kitchens concentrates on personalised support, independent advice and custom designs.

What Are the Main Differences Between Smile Kitchens vs Howdens?

What Does Buying a Kitchen From Smile Kitchens or Howdens Involve?

Howden’s trade model means the firm primarily serves professionals, such as builders, renovation firms, and individual installers.

Therefore, a homeowner looking for a new kitchen will have to buy through a tradesperson. The process usually means they’ll need to:

• Hire a builder or kitchen installer
• Arrange to visit a showroom if there is one locally
• Work with their tradesperson to manage the design through their trade account
• Deal with the contractor to organise delivery

While Smile Kitchens also requires customers to hire a preferred installer, every other step is managed in-house, so buyers can consult with our kitchen designers remotely at their convenience and chat with real people about their design aspirations.

They receive tailored designs and can make as many revisions as required, with the delivery then coordinated to ensure that every fixture is included for their installer to start work.

What Do Previous Customers Think About Smile Kitchens vs Howdens?

It’s well worth taking the time to visit independent review sites like Trustpilot, because this can give you a great idea of whether the service, quality, and reliability of a kitchen designer are right for you.

Smile Kitchens holds a 4.8/5 score on the site, with customers primarily commenting on:

• The ease of using the design service
• The personalised attention and advice from seasoned designers
• The convenience of being actively involved in design decisions without needing to travel to showrooms or consultations

Howdens is rated 4.7/5, with feedback that highlights positives, such as the knowledge of Howden’s in-store teams, but also issues around customer service and complications when kitchen design mistakes or problems arise with product quality, which the firm isn’t always able to address directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do I Need to Hire a Builder to Buy a Kitchen from Howdens?

Howdens only operates through trade accounts, which means customers must have a representative, such as a builder or kitchen installer, to purchase their preferred kitchen.

Can I See Products in-Person During a Remote Smile Kitchens Design Project?

Yes, while we don’t operate a showroom (and therefore don’t include those costs that some companies build into their pricing), we can send you physical samples, along with detailed 3D modelling and visualisations, so you can see exactly how your kitchen will look and perform.

Do Smile Kitchens Manage Complex Kitchen Designs?

Absolutely! Our design team are accomplished professionals and work on everything from compact, space-saving ideas for period homes with smaller galley kitchens to large, luxurious farmhouse kitchens and ultra-contemporary designs for new-builds or renovations.

References:

1. Trustpilot: Smile Kitchens
2. Trustpilot: Howdens