Howdens vs Wren: Which Kitchen Company is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing a new kitchen, two names stand out in the UK market: Howdens and Wren Kitchens. Both companies have established themselves as leaders in the fitted kitchen industry. Each company has their unique business model and customer experience. But which one is better and why? Read our comparison guide, Howdens Vs Wren.
Howdens is well known as a trade-only supplier, catering mainly to builders and contractors. At the same time, Wren Kitchens operates on a direct-to-consumer model, offering homeowners a wide range of kitchen styles and financing options.
In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll dive deep into the differences between the two companies, covering everything from product quality and pricing to customer service and installation. We’ll also look at the pros and cons of each brand to help you decide which option best fits your needs.
Howdens vs Wren: Head-to-Head
1. Company Overview
Howdens
Founded in 1995, Howdens is a part of Howden Joinery Ltd. The company is now one of the UK’s largest kitchen suppliers, with over 950 showrooms across the UK and Europe. Their business model is trade-focused, meaning kitchens are sold through builders rather than directly to homeowners.
Howdens offers a wide range of products, including kitchens, bedrooms, doors, flooring, stairs, skirting boards, and joinery essentials. Their kitchens are popular for reliability, quality craftsmanship, and the reassurance of a 25-year guarantee.
Key product ranges include Allendale, Greenwich, Chelford, Clerkenwell, Chilcomb, Elmbridge, Hockley, and more. They have over 10000 designs covering everything from traditional shaker styles to modern handleless designs.
Wren
Founded in 2009, Wren Kitchens has quickly become one of the UK’s largest privately-owned kitchen retailers. Unlike Howdens, Wren sells directly to consumers, with more than 116 showrooms across the UK.
Wren positions itself as a one-stop shop for kitchen design, supply, and installation. They offer modern, traditional, shaker, and in-frame kitchens, as well as bespoke wardrobe and storage solutions. Their kitchens are made in the UK and come with up to a 25-year guarantee on cabinetry.
Their ranges include Infinity Plus (luxury), Infinity (mid-range), and Vogue (flat-pack entry-level). It gives customers flexibility depending on their budget.
2. Product Quality & Range
Howdens: Offers a broad selection of kitchens, joinery, flooring, and storage solutions. Kitchens are pre-assembled, saving time on installation. Trusted by trade professionals for durability and ease of fitting. Howdens has already sold over 6 million kitchens.
Wren: Focuses mainly on kitchens and wardrobes, offering extensive design flexibility. Customers can choose from hundreds of cabinet finishes, colours, and layouts. Flat-pack options (Vogue range) allow budget-friendly purchases.
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3. Design Options
Howdens: Provides free design consultations and measurement services to customers. Styles are versatile but limited compared to Wren’s fully customisable approach.
Wren: Known for its 3D design tools and showroom “Comparison Bay,” where customers can see price differences versus competitors. More suited for homeowners seeking a personalised design journey. Wren also offers free design and house measurement services to its prospects.
4. Pricing
Howdens: Prices are confidential and available only to builders. Customers rely on their tradesperson for quotes, which can make comparisons difficult. Kitchens generally start around £3,000 excluding appliances, Worktops, lighting, flooring and installation.
Wren: Transparent pricing with ranges starting from £959 (Vogue) up to luxury Infinity Plus at £4,470+. This price does not include the Worktop, sink, tap, appliances, or installation. Customers can access finance options and seasonal discounts directly.
5. Installation
Howdens: Does not provide installation, but they help you find one. Customers hire their builder to purchase and install. This gives flexibility but means costs vary by contractor.
Wren: Offers installation service, but customers often report it being expensive compared to hiring independent fitters. The minimum cost of installation is £3179 for an 8 cabinet (10M2) single wall kitchen. The cost of installation does not include plumbing and electrical; it’s dry dry-fit installation service.
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6. Customer Service & Reviews
Howdens: Trustpilot average 4.7 from a total of 72,908 reviews. It has 62,937 or 86% 5-star reviews as of Aug’25. Howdens has a total of 150,092+ Google reviews with an average rating of 4.6. It reflects strong trade relationships and dependable service.
Wren: Trustpilot average 4.1 from a total of 91,352 reviews. It has 67,826 or 74% 5-star reviews as of Aug’25. It has a total of 18,021+ Google reviews with an average rating of 4.0. While many praise design and showroom service, installation and aftercare reviews are more mixed.
7. Pros and Cons: Howdens
Pros
- Trusted Trade Supplier: Over 6 million kitchens delivered, widely used by builders across the UK.
- High Product Quality: Pre-assembled units and durable materials with a 25-year guarantee.
- Extensive Network: 950+ showrooms across the UK and Europe ensure wide availability.
- Quick Availability: Kitchens are often available from local depots for same-day or next-day delivery.
- Free Design & Measurement: It offers free kitchen designs and space measurement at home.
Cons
- Trade-Only Model: Homeowners cannot buy directly; must go through a builder.
- Lack of Price Transparency: Costs vary by trade discounts, making it hard for homeowners to compare.
- Installation Not Included: Customers must separately pay and manage builder installation.
8. Pros and Cons: Wren
Pros
- Direct-to-Consumer: Open pricing, no trade account required.
- Flexible Product Ranges: From budget flat-pack to luxury, catering to all price levels.
- In-House Design Tools: 3D visualisation and price comparison bay available in every showroom.
- Finance Options: Flexible monthly payment plans make kitchens more accessible.
Cons
- Expensive Installation: Fitting service is costlier than hiring independent builders.
- Mixed Customer Service Reviews: Aftercare and installation issues were reported by some customers.
Howdens Vs Wren: In a Table
| Category | Aspect | Howdens | Wren |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Information | Name | Howdens | Wren Kitchens |
| Company Name | Howden Joinery Ltd | Wren Kitchens Limited | |
| Founded Year | Howdens was established in 1995 | 22 January 2009 | |
| Headquarters | London Headquarters- 40 Portman Square, London, Ireland Headquarters- W1H 6LTSuite 3, One Earlsfort Centre, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland | The Nest, Falkland Way, Barton-upon-Humber, DN18 5RL | |
| Ownership type | Private Limited with Share Capital | Private Limited Company | |
| Years in Market | 30+ years | 15+ | |
| Company Reg. No. | 00526923 | 06799478 | |
| VAT No. | NA | 977 7696 30 | |
| Market Position | Revenue | £2.3bn 2024 | £917,728,466 in 2024 |
| Product Ranges | Allendale, Greenwich, Witney, Bridgemere, Chelford, Clerkenwell, Halesworth, Chilcomb, Elmbridge, Hockley, Frome, & Ilfracombe, | Infinity Plus Luxury Kitchen Range, Infinity Kitchens and Vogue Kitchens | |
| Partner Suppliers | AEG AppliancesLamona, Bora, Fuller & Forge, Apollo, Oake and Grey, Quick step flooring | CDA, BOSCH, AEG, NEFF & MIELE appliances | |
| Product/Service | Products | Wide range of kitchens, bedrooms, wardrobes, floors, Doors, Floors, skirting boards, Architrave, Loft Hatches and Boards, Loft Hatches and Boards, Stairs and Parts, Door Fittings, Mouldings | Modern, Shaker, Traditional, Inframe, & Accessible kitchens, Angled wardrobes, Sliding wardrobes, Overbed storage, Front frame wardrobes, Walk-in wardrobes, Dressing rooms |
| USP (Unique Selling Point) | 1. Delivered more than six million kitchens 2. Made in the UK 3. 25-year guarantee on all cabinetry 4. Trade supply only SupplierFree Kitchen Measurement and design servicesExpensive compared to Wren KitchensPrice is confidentialHave to bear builder charges and installation cost | 1. Guarantee on kitchens for up to 25 years. 2. Comparison Bay in every showroom to check competitors’ prices 3. Free Kitchen Measurement and design services 4. Cheaper than Howdens’ range of kitchens 5. Open price not confidential 6. Expensive Installation(fitting) cost | |
| Product Range | Kitchens start from as low as £3000, excluding Appliances, Worktops, and accessories. Lighting, flooring | The Infinity Plus range starts from £4470, the Infinity range starts from £1399, and Vogue flat pack units start from £576 | |
| Operations | Number of Employees | 10000+ Globally | 7000+ in England, Scotland and Wales |
| Global Reach | France, Belgium, Ireland | USA | |
| No of Showrooms | 950 showrooms across the UK and Europe | 116 Showrooms in the UK | |
| Showroom Locations | (872 UK, 62 France, 2 Belgium, 14 Republic of Ireland) | South East- 16 Showrooms East of England- 12 Greater London- 12 Yorkshire & The Humber-12 North West-11 Scotland-10 West Midlands-10 East Midlands-7 South West-7 North East-5 Wales-4 Northern Ireland- 1 | |
| Customer Experience | TrustPilot Reviews | 72908 reviews, 4.7 average | 91352 reviews, 4.1 average |
| Google Reviews | 150092 reviews, 4.6 average | 18021 reviews, 4.0 average | |
| Technology | Website | Howdens | Wren Kitchens |
| Howdens Facebook | Wren Kitchens Facebook | ||
| Howdens Instagram | Wren Kitchens Instagram | ||
| Youtube | Howdens Youtube | Wren Kitchens YouTube | |
| Howdens LinkedIn | Wren Kitchens LinkedIn | ||
| X | Howdens X | Wren Kitchens X | |
| Howdens Pinterest | Wren Kitchens Pinterest | ||
| Tiktok | Howdens Tiktok | Wren Kitchens Tiktok |
Conclusion
Both Howdens and Wren are strong contenders in the fitted kitchen market, but they serve different types of customers.
- Choose Howdens if: You’re working with a trusted builder, want a reliable trade supplier, and prefer high-quality, pre-assembled kitchens with long guarantees.
- Choose Wren if: You prefer transparent pricing, want direct involvement in the design process, or need financing options for your new kitchen.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, whether you want full control of the process, and how comfortable you are managing installation separately. Always compare quotes, read customer reviews, and visit showrooms before making your final decision.
