When moving or renovating, one of the most important issues is choosing a kitchen set. The modern market offers two main options: ready-made kitchen And custom kitchenBoth solutions have their pros and cons, and the final choice depends on many factors: the size of the room, budget, functional and aesthetic requirements.
In this article we will figure out, what is the difference between ready-made and custom kitchens, in which cases it is better to choose each of the options, and what to pay attention to when buying.
π Ready-made kitchen - what is it?
Ready-made kitchen β is a standard kitchen set, produced in series. It consists of separate modules (cabinets, countertops, cabinets), which can be purchased in a furniture store or hypermarket.
β Advantages of a ready-made kitchen:
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Availability and speed of purchase - can be picked up on the day of purchase
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Low price - mass production reduces the cost
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Wide range of models - you can find an option for different interior styles
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Easy to assemble - most often you can assemble it yourself or hire a craftsman
β Disadvantages:
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Cannot be adapted to non-standard premises
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Limited sizes and configurations
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It is impossible to select fittings, materials, colours outside the catalogue
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Less durability (especially for budget models)
π οΈ Custom kitchen - what is it?
Custom kitchen β is a kitchen set individually designed and manufactured for a specific room. The customer chooses not only the design, but also the dimensions, materials, fittings, configuration, and color scheme.
β Advantages of a custom kitchen:
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Perfect fit for kitchen size
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Maximum functionality and ergonomics
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Choice of any materials, fittings, mechanisms
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Unique design and style for the interior of the apartment
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Possibility of installing built-in appliances
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Taking into account personal cooking and storage habits
β Disadvantages:
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Long manufacturing time β from 2 to 6 weeks and more
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Higher cost
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The need to plan the project in advance
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Impossibility to change the configuration after launching into production
π Comparison table: ready-made vs. custom kitchen
| Criterion | Ready-made kitchen | Custom kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Installation time | 1-2 days | 2-8 weeks |
| Price | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Adaptation to the premises | β Limited | β Maximum |
| Choice of design and color | Limited | Almost any |
| Functionality | Basic | For your tasks |
| Quality of fittings | Budget | Choice of (budget/premium) |
| Embedding technology | Partially | Fully |
| Possibility of modification | No | Yes |
π‘ When to choose a ready-made kitchen?
A ready-made set is perfect if:
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π You rent a house and donβt want to invest a lot of money
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β³ You don't have time to wait for the kitchen to be made
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π° Budget is limited
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π Need a temporary kitchen (for example, for a summer house)
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πΌ Apartment for rent, and need inexpensive universal furnishings
π‘ Advice: Even among ready-made models there are good solutions from proven manufacturers. The main thing is to pay attention to the fittings, the thickness of the laminated chipboard, the quality of the edge and assembly.
π§° When is the best time to choose a custom kitchen?
A custom kitchen will be the best choice if:
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𧩠The premises have a non-standard layout
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π It is necessary to build in equipment, hide communications
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π¨βπ³ You are an active cook and want to organize everything for yourself
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π¨ The interior requires a unique design
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π You want high quality materials and fittings
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π’ Space must be used to the millimeter
π‘ Advice: Be sure to work with a professional designer or furniture studio to take into account everything from the height of the facades to the type of handles and hinges.
π¬ Real stories and opinions
"We bought a ready-made kitchen in a shop. It looks nice, but there is 10 cm of empty space between the wall and the cabinet. Dust accumulates, but it is impossible to use."
- Larisa, Dnepr
"We ordered a kitchen with a designer. Everything fits perfectly, even the trash can is built into the cabinet. Made to order is expensive, but convenient."
- Alexander, Kharkov
"We needed an inexpensive kitchen for a rented apartment - we bought a modular one and assembled it in a day. Simple, but it works."
β Irina, Kyiv
π¬ Frequently asked questions
β Ready kitchen - is it always cheap?
No. There are mid-range and premium models. However, in terms of functionality and customization, they are still inferior to custom ones.
β Can I change the dimensions of the finished kitchen?
In most cases, no. The modular system allows for configuration changes, but the dimensions of each module are fixed.
β How much does a custom kitchen cost?
Prices start from 8,000β12,000 UAH per linear meter (budget segment) and can reach up to 50,000+ UAH for premium with milling, natural veneer and top fittings.
π How to save money when ordering a kitchen?
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Use Chipboard instead of MDF or solid wood
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Choose simple facades without complex milling
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Install the fittings middle class (GTV, Starax)
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Get rid of unnecessary mechanisms (mechanical dryers, lifts)
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Book during low season (autumn/winter - fewer orders, lower prices)
π§Ύ Let's sum it up: what to choose?
| Situation | What to choose |
|---|---|
| Rented apartment, summer house, limited budget | Ready-made kitchen |
| Standard straight kitchen | Ready-made or modular |
| Apartment in a new building, non-standard layout | Custom kitchen |
| Individual design, built-in appliances, maximum convenience | Custom kitchen |
β Conclusion
Ready-made kitchen - it's fast, convenient and inexpensive. Custom kitchen β it is functional, beautiful and individual. There is no ideal universal solution: everything depends on your priorities.
π If you want it fast and cheap, buy a ready-made one. If comfort, style and precise fit are important, make it to order.
Or better yet, contact a furniture studio where they can help you. assemble a modular kitchen to your size or create a unique project according to individual parameters. This way you will get the perfect combination of price, quality and comfort.
