IKEA Vs No Broker Modular Kitchen- A real review after a 1 year and 6 months of use

 A year ago, I remodeled my kitchen with IKEA. Around the same time, my mother-in-law had hers done through NoBroker. Two different brands, two different approaches, two very real Indian homes. This post isn't sponsored or sugar-coated- just an honest comparison after months of real daily use. One kitchen has stood the test of time. The other? Not so much. 

1. Planning & Purchase Experience

IKEA:

• Submitted an online form for design help—waited forever for a reply.
• Eventually visited IKEA Mumbai with my partner.
• Fell in love with the modular system and ordered in March.
• We had to demolish our old kitchen—took a week.
• Then waited over a month for delivery (no sink = nightmare).
• Installed through Urban Company; planned and executed entirely by us.

NoBroker:

• Smooth from the start.
• Blank slate kitchen in MIL’s new house.
• NoBroker handled planning, execution, and delivery—within a month.
• We only chose colors; rest was done by them.
• Seems easy… until you start using it.

2. Installation & Technical Details

IKEA:

• DIY-friendly but needed attention to detail.
• Everything modular—fits like LEGO.
• Sink, hob, waste disposal, pull-outs—customizable and intuitive.
• Urban Company installers followed IKEA’s precise instructions.

NoBroker:

• Quick, turnkey setup.
• But technical details were never explained to us.
• We didn’t know what kind of hinges or materials were being used.
• Looked great at first, but…

3. After Use – Durability & Functionality

IKEA (1 year):

• Still shining, even after rough use.
• Minor scratches, but nothing dramatic.
• Drawers glide smoothly.
• Cabinets are easy to clean and remove—amazing for pest-prone kitchens.
• The ceramic sink still looks beautiful.
• Only downside: the hob. It’s been repaired twice.

NoBroker (6 months):

• Already on the verge of needing repairs.
• Hinges are giving up.
• Drawers are misaligned and stiff.
• Cleaning is a pain.
• Design isn’t practical or ergonomic.
• And the cherry on top? An arrogant project manager who looked down on us for financing the kitchen on EMI. Classy.

4. Cost Comparison

IKEA:

• Around ₹2.28 lakh for:
  
• 4 base cabinets, 3 wall cabinets, sink, hob, waste disposal, pull-outs
• 
  
• ₹9,000 for installation via Urban Company

NoBroker:

• Around the same cost range, but way less value.
• Lack of transparency in materials and fittings.

5. Final Thoughts – What We Learned

If you care about long-term durability, smart design, pest control, and aesthetics that last, IKEA wins by a mile. Yes, it takes more effort upfront. Yes, you might have to wait. But the results are worth it.

NoBroker gave us a smoother, faster experience—but skipped the technical backbone. What looked sleek is already struggling. A kitchen is something you use every day. It deserves better than shortcuts and surface-level planning.

Closing Note

We live and learn, and now I hope you don’t have to learn it the hard way. Whether you’re doing a DIY kitchen in Pune, Mumbai, or anywhere in India—ask questions, know your materials, and invest in what lasts.