Last updated: 21 August, 2025
Thinking about buying a used kitchen?
There’s no skirting around it: buying a kitchen may be one of the biggest purchases you make for your home.
With average costs for high-end kitchen refurbishments valued between £30,000 and £50,000, buying a pre-loved listing means you can control your spend without compromising on quality.
But before we get into the benefits of buying used, let’s clear up a common misconception. ‘Used’ doesn’t mean old, dirty, broken or low standard.
Many premium kitchens are removed long before their time. It could be because of circumstances like extensions, layout alterations, or when homeowners inherit a kitchen from a house purchase that no longer suits their taste.
What this means is that you can land luxe finishes (and, often, branded appliances) without the eye-watering price tag. At Rehome, we regularly see designer sets that originally retailed well beyond £50,000, finding a brilliant second life for a fraction of the cost.
(Just like Claire’s makeover, where a kitchen with a £47,000 RRP was reimagined for about £4,000!) Solid proof that ‘affordable' and ‘aspirational’ can live happily together.
Used vs ex-display: what’s the real difference?
Both used and ex-display kitchens are pre-loved, but they don’t arrive on the market in the same way. Let’s break it down:
What is a used (second-hand) kitchen?
A used kitchen has lived in someone’s home and is being removed for any number of reasons (e.g., doesn’t suit the interior any more, architectural alterations). It may come with existing appliances and worktops, but the history of those items will likely be mixed.
They could display honest, everyday wear or more noticeable cosmetic damage (which should be listed clearly). The logistics of purchasing a used kitchen assume that removal/collection often falls to the buyer.
However, some retailers (like Rehome!) arrange professional dismantle with Which? Trusted Traders as part of the sale. You’ll likely have more pieces to play around with, but expect some level of refresh.
What is an ex-display kitchen?
An ex-display kitchen comes straight from a showroom, where it’s been installed to demonstrate a range rather than to cook in. It’s that difference in origin that sets expectations about the condition.
Ex-display sets are typically newer models and see little to no real use, so they tend to look fresher. As displays often reflect current ranges, adding matching pieces later can be easier, though you should always check availability with the brand first.
Price-wise, it’s normal for ex-display listings to command higher than second-hand, but it still comes in far below the cost of buying the same kitchen new.
Showroom sets may come with integrated appliances, but the exact bundle is determined by the display and the seller, so it’s worth shopping with retailers who provide a written list of units, panels, worktops and any appliances before you commit (we do this at Rehome!)
Tips and tricks for buying a pre-loved and ex-display kitchen
- Kitchen reconfiguration is much easier than you think. In simple terms, most kitchens are boxes in a row and, therefore, can be moved around to suit a different space.
- To facilitate reconfiguration and minimise design compromises, consider purchasing a kitchen that’s slightly larger than your space needs. This will improve your design options, and may mean you could use any leftover cabinets to construct an island or a peninsular.
- Likewise, if the used kitchen you like is too small, it may be possible to add additional units. Quite often, used kitchens are still current, and additional cabinets can be sourced.
- High gloss is one of the easiest to match, especially if you know the RAL colour. If you are going for an eclectic or country look, you can make it bigger by adding additional freestanding pieces like a pine dresser or a plate rack (EBay is a great place to source items like this!)
- If you love the door fronts but dislike the door furniture, consider looking beyond this and exploring new door knobs or handles. Worktops can often really change the look of a kitchen too; for instance, you can add different textures and interest by adding a section of a coordinating laminate, granite or even wood.
- If you fancy an ultra-modern look, another top tip would be to replace self-coloured kickboards with an aluminium one: this looks great and is relatively cheap to do. We understand that when considering a used kitchen, you might have some concerns over the quality. Our advice would be to aim for cabinets that are 18-22 mm in build quality, as they are more rigid and are ideal for the removal and reinstallation process.
- If possible, view the kitchens you like the look of before you commit to buy, or use a used kitchen specialist like Rehome, as we ensure that all kitchens are surveyed prior to being advertised.
- Small scratches on wooden doors can be easily solved, but other damage, such as swollen MDF (water damage) or lifting or peeling on the door, cannot be repaired, and kitchens like this should be avoided.
- Recycled, regenerated, pre-loved, second-hand or used – however you choose to name these kitchens, they can be the best way to control spending, reduce compromise on quality and give you the ‘feel good’ that you are reusing something and preventing it from going into landfill!
Safety & compliance snapshot
When you’re rehoming a kitchen, most decisions are made according to budget – but gas and electrics must be handled according to UK law.
Gas
If it touches gas (hob, boiler, pipework or flue), it’s a job for a Gas Safe–registered engineer. When you hire an engineer, be sure to ask to see their yellow ID card and check the licence number on the official register.
When a new heat-producing appliance is fitted, your engineer must notify Building Control, and you should receive a Building Regulations certificate: keep this certificate safe.
Electrics
Any electrical work conducted in a kitchen must meet Part P of the Building Regulations and be installed to BS 7671 (the UK Wiring Regulations). Hire a registered electrician who can self-certify. Still unsure? Our experts are happy to help or point you in the right direction.
