The article explains how to choose a kitchen without overpaying, without sacrificing quality and safety. It explains what makes up the price of a set, which materials and countertops are not worth choosing to save money, and where you can really save without major losses. Special attention is given to hardware, kitchen layout and built in appliances, these details affect the cost and durability of the furniture most.

Each of us has, to one degree or another, a desire to save money. However, when choosing a new kitchen, it is worth thinking about what matters more to you – the desire to save money or the desire to preserve the health of yourself and your family members. If it is the former, then feel free to buy the cheapest kitchen. However, if you are ready to make a reasonable compromise, you can purchase a high-quality set at an affordable price.
The main factor in forming the price of any furniture, including kitchen furniture, is the material from which it is made. The cheapest kitchens are made of chipboard. You can tell such a kitchen by its smell – just open a new cabinet and you will notice a sharp toxic odor. Of course, over time the smell of the toxic chemicals used in the production of chipboard will dissipate. But that does not mean it will disappear completely. So if you decide to save on the quality of the material, you may eventually undermine your health. In addition, environmentally friendly chipboard is not produced in Russia, and European materials that meet the strictest environmental standards are not the cheapest. Therefore, when choosing a kitchen, it is best to give preference to products from domestic factories that work with natural, eco-friendly materials.
The most environmentally friendly option is, of course, furniture made of natural wood. For centuries, wood was the only material used to make furniture. Thanks to centuries of experience using various types of wood and studying their properties, people have found the most optimal ways to produce, process, and use wooden furniture. But wood is a finicky material, so it is better to order such furniture from a well-established manufacturer. It is cheaper to buy kitchens directly from the manufacturer. As a rule, companies that provide the full range of services from measurements to delivery and assembly have much lower prices than specialized stores.
Another key component of the cost of any kitchen is the countertop. Here, as in the case of facades, the price depends on the material. Right now, inexpensive countertops made of postforming are very popular (a chipboard board “wrapped” in plastic). When buying such a countertop, do not forget the saying “the miser pays twice” - postforming has very low moisture resistance and, over time, such countertops swell. Stainless steel countertops are not much more expensive than postforming products, but they are much stronger, more durable, more resistant to moisture, and more hygienic. A wooden countertop, though beautiful, is not always practical: it is not recommended to place wet dishes or heating appliances on it. A countertop made of natural stone is the true queen of the kitchen, however, it is not cheap. Artificial stone is more economical; moreover, it is environmentally friendly and hygienic, and it resists the growth of fungi and bacteria excellently.
You should not save on hardware; it is better to buy high-quality hardware from a reputable manufacturer. By choosing cheaper hinges, you knowingly reduce the lifespan of the set. The most acceptable option is standard rails on which pull-out drawers move, and hinges without unnecessary frills for cabinet doors. Intricately sliding cabinets and overly fancy-opening doors will significantly increase the cost of the kitchen.
You can save the family budget when buying a kitchen if you approach the choice of configuration wisely. Remember that the fewer elements there are and the wider each one is, the lower the price. Corner elements – countertops, cabinets - cost significantly more than ordinary ones. Choose simple modules, because any complication, additional glass or aluminum finishing, door closers, and adjustable shelves automatically increase the price of the furniture. All curved elements, for example cabinets with curved facades, cost almost twice as much as their straight counterparts.
Another item where savings are possible is built-in appliances, which make work in the kitchen more comfortable but greatly increase its cost. Think about whether you really need a dishwasher, especially if only one or two people use the kitchen, and guests come for dinner once a year.
Any kitchen should be made of an eco-friendly and functional material. And let it not be the cheapest, but the highest quality possible. After all, each of us understands that health, well-being, and the home atmosphere are not things on which one should save.