When it comes to choosing the perfect kitchen, Howdens and Magnet have long been household names in the UK market. Both brands offer a range of styles and options, catering to different tastes and budgets. However, for discerning homeowners seeking quality, value, and flexibility, these options often come with compromises that may not be immediately obvious.

At SJB Trade Kitchens, we pride ourselves on cutting through the noise. As industry insiders and direct suppliers, we understand the strengths and weaknesses of both Howdens and Magnet. This comparison is designed to provide a clear, honest perspective — with SJB Trade Kitchens as the smarter, more customer-focused alternative.

Howdens Magnet SJB Trade Kitchens
Price level Mid to High Mid to High 30-50% Cheaper than Howdens & Magnet
Back panel thickness 3-6mm (thin hardboard) 8-12mm (thin hardboard) 18mm Solid backs (Egger/Kronospan board)
Carcass construction Flat-pack, standard build Flat-pack, standard build Rigid construction, units come ready built
Bespoke sizing Limited Limited Made to order, bespoke sizing standard
Delivery time Typically 2-4 weeks Typically 2-4 weeks From 10 working days
Can homeowners buy direct No, trade-only Yes Yes, direct from supplier
Showroom pressure sales Yes, known for high pressure Yes Friendly, no pressure at our Oldham showroom
Drawer boxes standard Blum available as upgrade Blum soft close drawer boxes Blum Antaro soft close standard, Legrabox and dovetail solid oak upgrades available

Howdens is well-known in the trade and often praised for its extensive range and availability to tradespeople. However, this trade-only model means that ordinary homeowners cannot purchase directly, pushing them into the middleman market where costs inflate. Additionally, Howdens’ construction materials tend to skimp on quality in key areas — their back panels are notably thin, at just 3-6mm, reducing durability and longevity over time.

Another common concern is their showroom sales tactics, which many customers describe as high-pressure. This can lead to rushed decisions and choices that may not fit the customer’s actual needs or budget. Combined with standard drawer boxes and carcass construction typical of the industry, Howdens can feel like a “safe” choice but lacks the customization and quality that many homeowners desire in a lasting kitchen investment.

Magnet also enjoys a significant market presence, offering a wide variety of styles and options directly available to homeowners. Despite this, their product construction still relies on thinner back panels (8-12mm hardboard) and conventional flat-pack construction that requires significant assembly and may not withstand daily use as well as rigid, fully assembled units.

While Magnet does allow direct purchasing by homeowners, customers often report limited bespoke sizing options, making it challenging to achieve truly custom layouts. Their showroom experiences, similar to Howdens, can feel pressurized, which detracts from a relaxed, informed buying process. Overall, Magnet delivers decent quality but may fall short where customisation and fast turnaround are critical.

SJB Trade Kitchens takes a fundamentally different approach — prioritising quality, affordability, and customer experience. Our kitchens feature 18mm solid back panels from Egger or Kronospan, not the thin hardboard commonly used elsewhere, resulting in more durable and robust units. We also utilise rigid, ready-built carcass construction, meaning less hassle and a fitter finish than flat-pack alternatives.

Additionally, bespoke sizing is standard at SJB, allowing perfect fits regardless of room shape or size. We offer Blum Antaro soft-close drawer boxes as standard, with premium options like Legrabox and dovetail solid oak upgrades for those seeking luxury touches. Homeowners can buy directly from us, cutting out middlemen and achieving savings of up to 50% compared to Howdens or Magnet — all backed by a friendly, no-pressure service in our Greater Manchester showroom.

“Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine and to be trusted. Really easy to work with. Couldn’t do enough and always on hand. The kitchen was amazing quality and the kitchen looked exactly like the images he produced on his computer. The units came ready built which saved a lot of time! Even if you’re not a joiner it was really easy to assemble and fit. The kitchen is great quality and a VERY competitive price! 100% recommended! Thank you so much! – Scott”

Frequently Asked Questions



Can homeowners buy directly from Howdens, Magnet, and SJB?

Homeowners cannot buy directly from Howdens as they operate on a trade-only basis. Magnet allows homeowner purchases, but SJB Trade Kitchens offers direct buying with no middleman, providing better price savings and service.

How do the back panel thicknesses compare?

Howdens back panels are between 3-6mm, Magnet’s range from 8-12mm, while SJB Trade Kitchens uses solid 18mm Egger or Kronospan boards for superior strength and durability.

Are SJB’s kitchens fully assembled or flat-pack?

Unlike Howdens and Magnet’s mostly flat-pack offerings, SJB units come rigid and ready-built, reducing assembly time and enhancing overall product quality.

Can I get bespoke kitchen sizes from all three?

Howdens and Magnet offer limited bespoke sizing options. SJB Trade Kitchens provides made-to-order, bespoke sizing as a standard feature to ensure perfect kitchen fits for every space.

What about drawer boxes — are soft close options standard?

Howdens offers Blum drawers as an upgrade (not standard); Magnet uses Blum soft-close drawer boxes as standard. SJB includes high-quality Blum Antaro soft-close drawer boxes as standard, with premium upgrades like Legrabox and dovetail solid oak available.


From Design to Reality — A Real Customer Kitchen

Every SJB kitchen starts with a detailed CAD design so you can see exactly how your finished kitchen will look before a single unit is ordered. Here is what that looks like in practice.

SJB Trade Kitchens CAD design render - Scott kitchen view 1

The CAD design produced by Steve before the kitchen was ordered

Finished SJB Trade Kitchens installation - Scott kitchen photo 5

The finished kitchen installed by the customer – exactly as designed

“Steve is absolutely epic! Really nice guy. 100% genuine and to be trusted. Really easy to work with. Couldn’t do enough and always on hand.

The kitchen was amazing quality and the kitchen looked exactly like the images he produced on his computer. The units came ready built which saved a lot of time! Even if you’re not a joiner it was really easy to assemble and fit.

The kitchen is great quality and a VERY competitive price! 100% recommended! Thank you so much!”

— Scott, verified SJB Trade Kitchens customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

What Our Customers Say

Got a Quote from Howdens or Magnet? Let Steve Take a Look.

Upload your quote below and Steve will come back with a like-for-like comparison — usually within 24 hours. Call 0161 509 4221 or use the form.


Not sure where to start? Just drop your details below or upload a rough sketch or floor plan. I’ll give you a ring to talk through the best layout for your home — no sales pressure, just honest trade advice from someone who’s been in kitchens for 20 years.

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload You can upload up to 10 files.

SJB Trade Kitchens is an independent kitchen specialist. All competitor names are used for comparative purposes only based on publicly available specifications. SJB Trade Kitchens is not affiliated with Howdens, Wren Kitchens, Magnet, or DIY Kitchens.