A Better Alternative to Magnet Kitchens in Manchester — 18mm Rigid Units, 10-Day Delivery, No Showroom Pressure.
Rigid Built
Nationwide Delivery
Blum Soft Close
Are you a homeowner in Manchester, perhaps in the bustling Northern Quarter, the leafy suburbs of Didsbury, or the vibrant community of Chorlton, contemplating a kitchen renovation? You’ve likely explored various options, and Magnet Kitchens, with their prominent high street presence, might have crossed your mind. However, for discerning Manchester residents seeking a superior blend of quality, value, and a refreshingly straightforward experience, SJB Trade Kitchens offers a compelling alternative. Based just a stone’s throw away in Oldham, with two decades of expertise, we understand the unique character of Manchester homes – from the grand Victorian terraces of Fallowfield and the charming period properties of Heaton Moor to the sleek new builds emerging in Ancoats and the executive residences of Hale Barns.
At SJB Trade Kitchens, we’ve built our reputation on providing Manchester homeowners with kitchens that don’t just look exceptional but are built to last, delivered efficiently, and priced transparently. We believe the process of acquiring your dream kitchen should be as enjoyable as cooking in it. That’s why we’re challenging the traditional showroom model, offering a service that’s perfectly tailored to the savvy, quality-conscious homeowner of Greater Manchester.
The Magnet Showroom Experience: A Familiar Frustration for Manchester Homeowners?
For many Manchester residents, the journey to a new kitchen often begins with a visit to a well-known showroom. While these spaces can inspire, the reality of the sales process can quickly become less appealing. We’ve heard countless stories from homeowners across areas like Prestwich, Sale, and Stockport who’ve felt the pressure of the Magnet showroom model. It often involves:
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: The initial warm welcome can quickly transition into a series of persuasive conversations, often designed to secure a commitment on the spot. This can feel particularly uncomfortable when you’re making such a significant investment in your home.
- Inflated ‘Was/Now’ Pricing: The classic tactic of presenting a heavily discounted price that was once significantly higher can create a false sense of urgency and value. Many Manchester homeowners are too astute to fall for this, preferring genuine, upfront pricing.
- Tied to Their Fitter Network: While Magnet offers installation services, you’re often encouraged, if not subtly pressured, to use their approved fitters. This can limit your choice and potentially add to the overall cost, especially if you already have trusted tradespeople in areas like Urmston or Bramhall.
- Frustrating Lead Times: A 6-10 week lead time for a kitchen is a significant disruption, particularly for busy families in areas like Altrincham or Cheadle Hulme. Waiting this long for essential home improvements can be incredibly inconvenient.
We believe Manchester homeowners deserve a more respectful, transparent, and efficient approach. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the process of bringing it to life should be exciting, not stressful.
SJB Trade Kitchens: Built for Manchester Homes, Designed for Your Life
At SJB Trade Kitchens, we offer a fundamentally different experience. Our focus is on providing high-quality, rigid-built kitchens that meet the exacting standards of Manchester’s diverse property landscape, from the robust requirements of a Victorian conversion in Chorlton-cum-Hardy to the sleek aesthetics of a modern apartment in Salford Quays.
Superior Construction: 18mm Solid Backs – A Foundation of Durability
One of the most significant distinctions between SJB Trade Kitchens and many other suppliers, including Magnet, lies in the fundamental construction of our units. While Magnet’s units are rigid-built, we go a step further to ensure unparalleled durability and longevity. All our kitchen units feature 18mm solid backs. This isn’t just a minor detail; it’s a cornerstone of our commitment to quality:
- Enhanced Stability: An 18mm solid back provides exceptional structural integrity, preventing racking and ensuring your units remain perfectly square over time. This is particularly important for homes in Manchester where walls might not always be perfectly plumb, such as in older terraced properties in Levenshulme.
- Greater Load Bearing: These robust backs mean our units can comfortably support heavier countertops, such as granite or quartz, without any concern for bowing or weakening.
- Easier Installation: Fitters across Manchester appreciate the ease of installation with solid-backed units. They provide a sturdy surface for mounting and securing, making the process smoother and more efficient.
- Long-Term Investment: For homeowners in areas like Wilmslow or Alderley Edge, where property values are high, investing in a kitchen built with 18mm solid backs ensures your kitchen will stand the test of time, adding genuine value to your home.
When you choose SJB, you’re choosing a kitchen built to endure the rigours of daily life, providing a solid foundation for years of culinary adventures and family gatherings.
Bespoke Sizing as Standard: Tailored to Your Manchester Space
Manchester’s homes are wonderfully varied, and a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t cut it. From the quirky alcoves of a city centre apartment to the generous proportions of a semi-detached in Gatley, every kitchen space presents its own unique challenges and opportunities. That’s why at SJB Trade Kitchens, bespoke sizing is included as standard.
- Maximise Every Inch: We can create units that perfectly fit your specific dimensions, eliminating awkward gaps and maximising storage potential. This is invaluable in compact Manchester properties, where every inch counts.
- Seamless Integration: Whether you’re working around an unusual architectural feature in a period home in Monton or integrating appliances into a contemporary new build in Castlefield, our bespoke approach ensures a seamless, integrated look.
- No Compromise on Design: You won’t have to compromise on your vision because of standard unit sizes. We can tailor units to accommodate specific appliances, create unique storage solutions, or simply ensure a perfectly balanced aesthetic.
- Perfect for Manchester’s Diverse Housing Stock: From the narrow galleys of a traditional two-up, two-down in Gorton to the expansive open-plan living spaces of a converted mill in New Islington, our ability to offer bespoke sizing ensures your kitchen is truly yours.
This level of customisation, often an expensive “extra” elsewhere, is fundamental to our offering, ensuring your kitchen truly fits your home and lifestyle.
Transparent Pricing: Honesty from Oldham to Altrincham
One of the most common complaints about the traditional kitchen buying process is the lack of transparent pricing. At SJB Trade Kitchens, we operate with complete honesty and clarity. You won’t encounter:
- Hidden Fees: The price we quote is the price you pay, with no unexpected additions or last-minute surprises.
- Inflated Starting Points: We don’t artificially inflate prices only to offer large, misleading discounts. Our pricing is fair, competitive, and reflects the true value of our high-quality kitchens.
- Sales-Driven Fluctuations: Our prices aren’t subject to the whims of sales targets or promotional periods. We offer consistent, excellent value year-round.
We believe that Manchester homeowners, whether they’re in the bustling city centre or the quieter suburbs, appreciate straightforward, honest dealings. Our transparent pricing model means you can budget with confidence and make informed decisions, without feeling pressured or misled.
Rapid Delivery: 10 Working Days – Your Kitchen, Faster
We understand that a kitchen renovation can be disruptive. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to offer an impressive 10 working day delivery for your complete kitchen. Imagine – from finalising your design to having your new, rigid-built units ready for installation in just two weeks! This swift turnaround is a stark contrast to the 6-10 week lead times often experienced with larger retailers.
- Minimised Disruption: Get your home back to normal faster. This is particularly beneficial for families in areas like Worsley or Didsbury, where daily routines are paramount.
- Efficient Project Management: Our rapid delivery allows your fitters to plan their schedules more effectively, ensuring your project progresses smoothly and on time.
- No Long Waits: No more waiting weeks on end, wondering when your kitchen will arrive. Our efficient supply chain, working directly with our manufacturer next door to our Oldham showroom, ensures prompt dispatch.
This efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of quality. It’s a testament to our dedicated processes and our close working relationship with our manufacturer, ensuring a seamless journey from order to delivery.
Direct with Steve: Personal Service, Local Expertise
When you choose SJB Trade Kitchens, you’re not just another number. You’ll be dealing directly with Steve, the owner, who brings 2
Many national suppliers offer 18mm carcasses but use thinner back panels to reduce weight and cost. At SJB, that’s not a trade-off we’re willing to make. Every cabinet features full 18mm solid backs — your fitter will notice the difference the second they lift the unit. Magnet’s showroom kitchens look impressive in the display, but the back panel thickness is rarely discussed during the design appointment. SJB’s 18mm solid backs create a fully rigid box that resists racking and maintains structural integrity for decades — the same construction standard used in premium German kitchens, at a fraction of the price.
For Manchester homeowners investing in a new kitchen, this matters more than most people realise. Under the weight of stone worktops, heavy appliances, and daily use, thin-backed units can flex, go out of square, and cause doors and drawers to misalign over time. SJB’s 18mm backs eliminate this risk entirely.
| Feature | Magnet Kitchens | SJB Trade Kitchens |
|---|---|---|
| Carcass Thickness | 18mm | 18mm |
| Back Panel | Thinner backs (typical) | 18mm Solid |
| Drawer Boxes | Standard drawer boxes | Blum Antaro as standard; Legrabox or dovetail solid oak available as premium upgrades |
| Bespoke Widths | Limited bespoke sizing | Included as standard |
| Pricing Model | Showroom-based with inflated was/now pricing | Transparent, consistent pricing all year round |
| Support | Showroom sales team | Direct with Steve — 20 years experience |
| Delivery | 6-10 weeks | From 10 working days |
Got a Magnet Quote? We’ll Beat It.
Magnet kitchens are sold through a showroom model with inflated “was/now” pricing and permanent sale figures that rarely reflect the true market price. SJB Trade Kitchens offers transparent, consistent pricing all year round — no showroom markup, no high-pressure sales appointments, no being tied to their fitter network.
Send us your Magnet quote and we’ll come back with a like-for-like price. Most customers save hundreds — sometimes thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Oldham showroom is conveniently located just a short drive from Manchester city centre, typically around 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. You can easily reach us via the A62 or M60, and we have ample free parking available on-site for a stress-free visit.
Absolutely! We encourage you to bring your Magnet Kitchens quote to us. We’re confident in the quality and value of our kitchens and will work diligently to provide a comparable, if not better, solution that fits your budget without compromising on design or durability.
Yes, all our kitchen units feature robust 18mm solid backs as standard. This superior construction provides exceptional stability and durability, which is particularly beneficial for the varied property types found across Manchester, ensuring a long-lasting and secure installation.
We certainly do! We offer reliable and efficient delivery services across all Manchester postcodes, including popular areas like Didsbury, Chorlton, Ancoats, and beyond. Our team will coordinate with you to ensure a smooth and timely delivery directly to your Manchester property.
We specialise in creating bespoke kitchen solutions that perfectly adapt to the unique characteristics of Manchester’s diverse property types, including Victorian terraces. Our custom sizing options mean we can design units to precisely fit those challenging alcoves and irregular spaces, maximising both functionality and aesthetics in your home.
From Design to Reality: See the Difference
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.

The CAD design produced by Steve before the kitchen was ordered

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. Could not 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 are 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
Request Your Free Quote or Quote Comparison Below
Already have a Magnet quote? Upload it using the form below and Steve will come back with a like-for-like price comparison — usually within 24 hours.
Made to Order & Delivered in 10 Working Days
Rigid Built Cabinets with Blum Soft Close as Standard
Nationwide Delivery Available
SJB Trade Kitchens | Unit N, Central Trading Estate, Coulton Close, Oldham, OL1 4EB
Phone: 0161 509 4221 | Email: info@sjball.uk
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.







