IKEA Vs Kaboodle Kitchens Quality

Hi All,

We have a Kaboodle kitchen that's in desperate need of renewing and had been planning on a redesign using the majority of the existing cupboards and mixing in some new stuff. All the doors, handles, panels and countertops will be replaced in the process.
In doing our research we have also seen a lot of people saying that IKEA kitchens are much better quality, but more expensive than the Kaboodle equivalent.

Just wanted to see if anyone can comment on quality comparison if they have done something similar?
We have a Kaboodle rep booked in to visit us and come up with a design and are now looking to go out and meet IKEA's kitchen planners.

Budget for us is under $8k for the cabinetry, we are budgeting for the appliances and fixtures seperately.
We are in Sydney, room is about 3.5x3m if that makes a difference.

EDIT Meant to say we would remove the whole kitchen if going to IKEA rather than re-using the Kaboodle stuff

Related Stores

IKEA
IKEA
kaboodle.com
kaboodle.com

Comments

  • +3

    IKEA is better, yes, but it may not be as easy as just screwing on IKEA doors to kaboodle cabinets.

    You will need to measure the door sizes and so on, as they may not fit perfectly. And you may need to measure and drill holes for the door hinges, stuff like that.

    Have a read of this article: https://mgowen.com/2010/08/13/diy-kitchens-ikea-or-bunnings-…

    It's a bit out of date now, but it'll give you an idea of some of the problems you might encounter.

    • Cheers Agro, updated the post to mention if we were to go the IKEA route we would remove all the old Kaboodle stuff and just use the IKEA cabinets.

      Good article however!

      • I mean, it can be done, sometimes. You COULD use the old cabinets with Ikea doors, if the measurements are right, and they'll be very very close at worst.

        I just haven't done it in years, and the standard sizes have changed since then.

  • +2

    Dunno about Ikea kitchens, but just going by the Google Reviews I wouldn't go anywhere near Kaboodle.

    But given you have one I expect you already know.

  • +5

    *I just read your post again. You cannot install Kaboodle and Ikea stuff together. They're 100% different sizes, even the cabinet heights are different (for e.g wall cabinet = 700 vs 720 tall)

    From my experience, some good and bad either way:

    • Ikea cabinets have basic thin ply backs on them, whereas Kaboodle have full 18mm panels. That means you can't hang the Ikea cabinets by drilling directly through the back.
    • However the ikea cabinets are hung (on the wall) via the rail system which is a SHITLOAD easier. Get the rail level correct and you're gold. I really liked working with it actually. And truth be told, the fact they're lighter cabinets made a difference too when it came to manhandling them into position
    • Doesn't seem to be any difference with the benchtops, and i can't comment on the longevity of the handle hardware (e.g does it rust, which has happened to some cheaper bathroom cabinet handles)
    • With Ikea, i like that they have (at Tempe at least) a returns/rejects section. Its a really good way to pickup cheap kitchen stuff, especially doors and handles. I managed to get an entire cabinet for $10, preassembled. It had an ugly hole in the back but i don't care for investment property + wall mounted
    • Ikea have a bigger range of sizes, in particular when it comes to wall cabinets (they sell 3x different heights) which means you can customise to make it look a bit nicer. Kaboodle only comes in 1 single height. But remember, the 2 suppliers are TOTALLY different sizes to one another

    Surely with Kaboodle you can just install new doors/handles and benchtop, and leave the carcasses in place?

    • +1

      Thank for the info!

      We can just renew the carcass, but because of the layout the previous owners decided to use they have made the kitchen into a very tight and hard to use space.
      They blocked out a corner window for light with a floor to ceiling pantry cupboard as well, so one of the designs we are playing around with reclaims a lot of light and useable space.

  • +1

    Just the thought of going to Ikea puts me off buying there.

    • +1

      not even for the hotdogs or softserve?

      • went twice… never again

  • Is the current one in need of renewing for a change of design or it’s falling apart? If it’s falling apart, there’s your answer.

    • Both in this instance.

  • +1

    I installed an IKEA kitchen 2 years ago and I've been happy with it. Can't compare against kaboodle as I've never had one but the reviews put me off.

  • +2

    I've been a self employed kitchen installer for 22 years. I've installed hundreds of kitchens in my time. Both brands have to be installed correctly, your end result from a delivery of cardboard boxes will only be as good as your installer. That being said IKEA in my opinion is far better than kaboodle. They use plumb hinges and drawer runners (best in the business) kaboodle use either in house or Hettich. High fail rate on both hinges and drawer runners. A plus for kaboodle is they have a solid back panel, and IKEA have hardboard, but installing IKEA both here and the in the UK for the last 15 years, I've never know it to be a problem once regarding breaking or damage. Also Bunnings / kaboodle have a huge delivery problem - missing and damaged stock on every kitchen bar none. Sometimes a 5 or 6 week wait to replace if its a CTM (cut to measure) panel or door colour that don't carry in stores. IKEA are more complicated to install if your not familiar with them. They sell in 27 or countries so all of their sizes, assembley procedures are unquie to them and not 'standard' to your avarege kitchen in Australia. So it's best to get an installer who is already familiar with there products, or they could be caught out. Bunnings do do some nice pull out systems. They can also do a CTM laminate benchtops which are very good, come with mason mitre joints pre cut, and cut to size, just seal and bolt them together. IKEA only sell blank benchtops at 1.8 & 2.4m long. Also note that IKEA benchtops need to be 635mm front to back where as most benchtops are 600mm deep, so you either have to use IKEA benchtops or get stone / Corian etc. I put an IKEA kitchen in my house in London with real wood benchtops, when I emigrated here I put another IKEA kitchen in with stone benchtops. If I move again I'll put another in. Zero issues for me long term. 25 year warranty too.

    • Hi Born sleepy, Can I know which Australian city are you located ? My friend is looking to install an Ikea kitchen

      Thanks

      • +1

        Hi, sorry I’ve only just seen this, I’m in Sydney.

        • oh sorry, not in the city I live

        • I am wanting to revamp an ikea kitchen for a reno, use existing cabinetry, add new cabinetry, new doors, and a new benchtop - could you assist on this kind of project?

    • Hi there,

      Would you be able to PM me as I'd like to find an installer for Ikea kitchen Cabinets.

    • Hi, reading through this old thread, i'm looking for a ikea kitchen installer.
      Could you PM me your info if avail to quote? Im in sydney, tia

    • Hi @Born sleepy, sorry, I know this post is pretty old but I'm researching IKEA kitchens and this popped up. Do you know anyone with IKEA kitchen installation experience on the Sunshine Coast? Cheers!

  • +1

    . IKEA are more complicated to install if your not familiar with them

    it's best to get an installer who is already familiar with there products, or they could be caught out.

    Very true! I hired 2 tradies ( different location) and both are not familiar with ikea products and they both screw up the exhaust installation

    IKEA installation instruction is easier to understand compared to Kaboodle. With ikea your tradies need to follow installation instructions as they sometimes have different way of construction.

    IKEA after sales is really good where else kaboodle not so much. IKEA delivery cost is very reasonable for metro areas

    I had kaboodle kitchen put in 12 years ago and they no longer stock the panel.

    I definitely would go with ikea again. Oh while you at it, make sure to install the under the cabinet lights, it makes huge difference!

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