In this Neptune kitchens review, we look at what makes this brand so special and unique. Find out how Neptune compares to other kitchen brands, and whether it’s worth the considerable price tag.
Founded in the early 2000s, Neptune produces four solid timber fitted kitchen collections: Chichester, Suffolk, Henley and Limehouse. Neptune kitchens are produced in three workshops in the UK and China.
Neptune also manufactures its own kitchen accessories, such as bar stools, taps and sinks. The brand takes inspiration from iconic English designs, and all its ranges, with the exception of Limehouse, have a traditional aesthetic.
All Neptune cabinets are handmade at the production house or bespoke workshop before being custom-painted. Cabinets are manufactured using the natural hardwoods tulipwood and oak, known for their resilience and quality. Tulipwood is a versatile and reliable timber with a pale appearance and multi-grain finish that makes it easy to paint, whereas oak has warm tones and a highly durable core. The Chichester range uses tulipwood, while the more expensive Henley range features oak cabinet fronts.
Neptune’s bespoke design service lets you create a kitchen that’s completely unique. For example, you can combine cabinetry from different ranges and select interesting finishes. Neptune will repaint your cabinets according to your specific preferences.
Technical Information
Neptunes kitchens are made using solid wood: tulipwood or oak. As these timbers tend to shift, hardwood ply sheets are added to the central panels to create a strong frame to which hinges and hardware can be affixed.
Each kitchen cabinet door is constructed with two stiles, two rails and one central panel. Work surfaces include granite, Carrara marble, quartz, ceramic and pure oak. Cabinetry is made in China, but Neptune’s design and manufacturing teams are located in the UK.
- Kitchen ranges: 4
- Number of styles: 4
- Finance available: No
- Installation service: Installation is available through approved fitters.
Key Features
Highlights: Neptune’s beautiful timber cabinetry is created to exceptionally high standards and is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Warranty: Neptune offers a lifetime guarantee for its kitchens, including the cabinet structure and hardware (hinges, handles, runners and catches). To benefit from this warranty, ensure your kitchen is installed by a recommended/accredited installer from Neptune.
Key benefit: Neptune calls their kitchens “an investment in endurance”. The company produces high-quality oak and tulipwood cabinets with hardwood ply for greater durability and a beautiful, traditional aesthetic.
Pros and cons
A Neptune kitchen is a considerable investment, so carefully consider whether this brand is a good fit for you, your home and your budget.
Buying a kitchen from Neptune has the following positives:
- Design service: Kick-start the process by booking a design consultation to discuss your ideas and options.
- Attention to detail: Neptune may charge a premium, but it provides a premium service. For example, cabinets, although freshly painted before installation, are repainted by hand after they are fitted to ensure a beautiful, high-quality finish.
- Lifetime guarantee: Your Neptune kitchen will be guaranteed for life if you have it installed by a Neptune-approved tradesperson.
However, choosing Neptune as your kitchen supplier does have some drawbacks:
- High cost: Neptune kitchens are produced to very high standards using high-quality materials. As such, they are very pricey. The company states that cabinetry alone would cost €9,000. A fully fitted Neptune kitchen will cost from €28,000
Design options: Neptune only offers four standard design options. While these can be customised, there isn’t as much variation as other brands offer.
Henley kitchen cupboard in white. (Image credit: Neptune kitchens)
How Neptune kitchens work
To get started with Neptune, visit us for a free consultation. During this time, the designer will discuss your ideas and provide lots of inspiration. You’ll also be able to view the kitchen ranges up close in our showroom.
From there, you can follow up with Neptune’s full design service, which comes with a €400 fee. (This fee will be deducted from your final invoice should you go ahead with your purchase.) The designer will visit your home to take measurements and make recommendations. You’ll also be provided with 3D plans and elevations so you can visualise the space down to the last detail. The designer will also help you choose appliances, flooring, tiles and paint.
Suffolk kitchen pantry unit in light pink. (Image credit: Neptune)
How much do Neptune kitchens cost?
Neptune kitchens are not cheap. According to their Kitchen Inspiration brochure, you can expect to pay at least €10,000 for your cabinetry, but this can vary depending on your chosen range, customisation, accessories and paintwork.
How to maintain your Neptune kitchen
Neptune produces a range of aftercare products that customers can use to keep their timber kitchens in tip-top condition, including treatment oils and the IsoGuard Care Kit (for unpainted wood).
Painted Neptune kitchen units are made from tulipwood, which is relatively easy to repaint if needed. The company uses water-based eggshell paint, which can be cleaned by simply dusting or wiping the surface clean with a damp cloth. Scuffed or chipped paint can be sanded down with 320-grit sandpaper, wiped and then repainted. Deep chips will need to be filled with wood filler before sanding and repainting.
Limehouse kitchen with exposed brickwork. (Image credit: Neptune)
What the professionals say
“Choosing a new kitchen can be daunting. But help is at hand. Neptune has just launched an exciting new kitchen range called Limehouse, which is inspired by industrial style – with emphasis on both function and design, we think it will work well in a modern or period house.”
“A classic shaker kitchen from Neptune is nothing short of absolutely dreamy and they’re up there with one of the best investments you can make in a home renovation. From the timeless colours to the beautiful craftsmanship and cabinet styles that will last for generations to come, you really can’t go wrong with choosing Neptune for your future kitchen. But, it can be a tough task trying to find a guide price to weigh up whether Neptune works with your budget. Unlike companies like IKEA, Neptune doesn’t compile the end cost by adding up the sum of each individual component like the doors, drawers and pulls. Instead, their kitchen designers will work with you to figure out the best design for your kitchen and give a price from that.”
Henley kitchen cupboard in white. (Image credit: Neptune kitchens)
What customers say
“Delighted with our wonderful new Neptune kitchen. Chosen the ‘Chichester’ and it works so well in our new living space. Quality and design are excellent along with the workmanship and professionalism.”
- Joy W, Trustpilot
“Initially met with Rachael at the Edgbaston store. Great design ideas for a relatively large kitchen. We took the plunge and from start to finish the service has been excellent. James Fagan’s fitting of the kitchen was the first rate and made our entire experience of Neptune exceptional. Highly recommended.”
- James, Trustpilot
“We have a Neptune kitchen which was installed two years ago, and now we have our utility room cabinets made and installed by Neptune as well. Very good quality furniture, reasonable price, excellent service from the beginning, design, making, delivery and installation. All dates accomplished as promised.”
- Isabel, Trustpilot
Final recommendation
Neptune kitchens are truly exceptional. They are handmade from high-quality timber and backed by a very rare lifetime guarantee when an approved-installer is used.
The company is very customer-orientated and will help you throughout the process. It also sells a range of complementary furnishings and accessories, including bar stools, sinks and appliances, so that you can complete your entire kitchen with just one supplier.
The brand doesn’t offer many design choices, but timber cabinets are highly customisable and you can use their bespoke design service to mix and match to your heart’s content.
If you are looking for a timber kitchen that will last a lifetime and you have a generous budget, Neptune is the way to go.