Magnet has been around for decades and has a network of showrooms across the UK. They sell to both trade and retail customers, which sounds like the best of both worlds. But their pricing model and product quality deserve a closer look.
I'm Steve from SJB Trade Kitchens. After 20 years in the kitchen industry, I know that a familiar brand name doesn't always mean the best value. Here's how we compare.
Magnet operates through high street showrooms with sales staff, designers, and display kitchens. All of that costs money — rent, staff wages, fit-outs — and those costs are built into the price of every kitchen they sell.
SJB is a supply-only manufacturer. We don't have expensive high street premises or a large sales team. We have a working showroom in Oldham where you can see the product, and we focus our resources on building quality kitchens rather than paying for retail overheads. The savings get passed directly to you.
Magnet, like most showroom brands, runs regular sales and promotions. Their pricing follows the familiar pattern: high list price, big discount, “limited time” offer. This makes it very difficult to know what the kitchen is actually worth.
At SJB, we offer one price all year round. Every quote is fully itemised — you can see the cost of every individual unit, door, and component. There are no hidden costs, no bundled packages, and no pressure to buy during a “sale.” Our kitchens are typically 30-50% cheaper than comparable Magnet offerings.
Carcasses: Magnet offers various quality levels depending on the range. Their budget ranges use thinner board and hardboard backs. At SJB, every kitchen uses 18mm Egger or Kronospan board with 18mm backs. No tiered quality, no compromises.
Build method: Magnet offers both flat-pack and rigid options. SJB is rigid-built only — every unit arrives fully assembled.
Hardware: We fit Blum soft-close hinges and drawer runners as standard. Hafele and Kessebohmer hardware for internal storage. Ask Magnet what brand of hardware they use and whether soft-close is included or an extra.
Doors: Our gloss doors are MDF with acrylic coating or lacquered — never vinyl. Painted Shaker doors are solid wood. We focus on quality across every style we offer.
Magnet works primarily with standard sizes. If your room has quirks — an odd angle, a boiler in the way, a non-standard ceiling height — you're stuck with filler panels and workarounds.
SJB builds everything to order. Custom heights, depths, and widths are standard practice for us. Your kitchen is built to fit your room, delivered from as little as 10 working days, anywhere in the UK.
Want to see the difference? Call us on 0161 509 4221 or visit our showroom in Oldham.
We offer a range of styles to suit any home — from solid wood Painted Shaker doors to sleek Handleless designs. All built on rigid 18mm carcasses with Blum soft-close as standard.
