Buying a Second-Hand or Ex-Display Kitchen

Whether you’re upgrading your current space or furnishing a new home, buying a second-hand or ex-display kitchen could save you thousands. Not only can you snag designer units at a fraction of the cost, but it’s also a greener choice that helps reduce waste. It can be a cost effective way to transform your space without having to compromise on quality.

This is a guest post with The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) – helping you to decide whether it’s worth buying a used or ex-display kitchen. Let’s get into it!

Buying a second-hand kitchen

Reputable sites and resellers make the process simple. You can browse kitchens by style, brand, size, and even get help with fitting. Some companies even offer delivery and professional dismantling to make the process smoother. This takes a lot of stress out of the process, especially for first-time buyers.

Whether you’re going for a contemporary look or something more traditional, there’s likely a second-hand kitchen out there that fits the bill. With a bit of luck, you might even find a complete kitchen setup that fits your space perfectly.

The Used Kitchen Company has sold thousands of kitchens in the UK. They offer luxury German designs from Bulthaup and Poggenpohl to affordable options from Howdens and IKEA.

These kitchens often come from peoples homes or display showrooms, and many are barely a few years old. You might even find one that includes integrated lighting, premium appliances or custom cabinetry.

Some listings also offer video tours or virtual appointments to help you see the kitchen in more detail before you buy. This can give you added confidence in what you’re buying, particularly if you’re buying from a distance.

Have a look below and see what you can get for your budget.

Buying an ex-display kitchen

Ex-display kitchens can offer value for money and they’re usually top-quality designs. These are often showroom models that haven’t been used but may have some light wear from being on display.

Expect a significant discount compared to the original retail price, around 50% off. A smart way to get that ‘wow’ factor kitchen without the premium price tag.

You’ll often find these kitchens include soft-close drawers, clever storage solutions, and luxury finishes that might otherwise be out of budget.

Because they’ve only ever been touched by potential customers in a showroom, the wear and tear is minimal, if noticeable at all. It’s also a great way to stay on-trend, as many displays feature the latest colour palettes, layouts and technology.

Is it worth buying a second-hand kitchen?

It can be. You can often get a premium kitchen complete with appliances, high-end finishes, and all the bells and whistles for up to 70% less than new. It’s especially worthwhile if you’re renovating on a budget or looking for cheap kitchen options.

Keep in mind the extra costs like dismantling, transporting, and installing. But even with these added costs, the total is usually much lower than buying a kitchen brand-new.

How does it work?

Companies like The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) specialise in sourcing and reselling second-hand or ex-display kitchens. They work with showrooms, developers, and private homeowners. Sellers provide photos, dimensions, and full details of the kitchen, including any known damage or missing components.

Once listed, buyers can browse the available options online. If you’re interested, you can ask further questions and request more images. Once a sale is agreed, the kitchen is dismantled and either delivered to your door or made available for collection.

Make sure to double-check dimensions and layout, as these kitchens were originally designed for another space. It’s recommended to measure your kitchen at least twice before committing, to ensure an accurate fit for your kitchen design. Some companies may also offer layout design services to help you visualise how the kitchen will look in your home.

Is the quality guaranteed?

Most second-hand kitchen resellers carry out a thorough vetting process. So, every kitchen is assessed before being listed to ensure it meets certain standards. Detailed images and descriptions are provided, often highlighting any wear and tear or imperfections. Some kitchens, particularly ex-display models, have barely been used and are often in near-new condition. Some sellers also refurbish the kitchens slightly before sale to increase buyer confidence.

While these companies don’t usually offer the same guarantees as buying brand new, many buyers report being pleasantly surprised by the quality. Kitchen units are generally solid, and high-end appliances can often be included at a fraction of the original price. It’s always worth asking if any manufacturer warranties still apply, especially for appliances.

What if there’s damage?

If a kitchen has damage, it’s typically disclosed upfront. Sellers are asked to be honest and transparent, and reputable platforms will mark any flaws clearly in the listing, sometimes with close-up photos. This gives buyers the opportunity to weigh up whether a small blemish or a missing handle is a deal-breaker or simply a minor fix.

It’s also worth noting that many of these kitchens can be customised or reconfigured to fit your space. That means if a panel or cupboard door needs replacing or repainting, it’s often still cheaper than buying everything brand-new.

Top tips

The key is doing your homework: measure carefully, factor in delivery and fitting costs, and be prepared for a bit of DIY. But with a bit of planning, buying a second-hand kitchen can deliver a luxury look for a fraction of the price.

How much can you buy a used kitchen for?

Used kitchens typically start around £2,000–£3,000, including basic units and sometimes worktops or appliances.

Mid-range used or ex-display (nearly new) kitchens range from £5,000 to £9,000, often featuring branded designer layouts with integrated appliances and quality worktops. At this price point, you’re likely to find stylish options from reputable high-street or mid-range brands.

High-end brand-name designer kitchens such as Tom Howley, Poggenpohl, Siematic, Bulthaup, Hacker, and more can be priced between £10,000 and £22,000+, especially when complete with premium appliances and islands. These kitchens are often made from higher-grade materials than the budget-friendly flat-pack options on the market. These often include high-spec appliances, innovative storage features, and premium finishes.

That brings us to a fuller look at what to expect. If you’d like assistance picking the right layout, understanding measurements, or finding trusted fitters, we’re here to help. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on all things property-related!

Kitchen refurbishment

If you aren’t convinced yet, you could consider a kitchen refurbishment. This is another cost-efficient solution, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Costs can vary widely, depending on the size of your kitchen and how much you want to change, but as ballpark figures:

• Small kitchen refresh: £1,000–£3,000 (new paint, handles, lighting)
• Mid-range refurbishment: £5,000–£10,000 (worktops, new units, appliances)

These figures can fluctuate depending on your location, materials used, and who you hire for the job.

If you’re handy with tools, some of the work, like painting cabinets or installing lighting, can be done DIY to cut costs. Even swapping out just the worktops and splashbacks can give your kitchen an entirely fresh look. Some homeowners opt for vinyl wrapping doors or resurfacing instead of full replacements to keep costs even lower.

Subscribe to our newsletter

If you haven’t done so already subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates and advice direct to your inbox.

Last Updated: August 8th, 2025