The fitted kitchen market in France is still dominated by a few mass-market brands, among which But and Ikea occupy very different positions. Both brands target moderate budgets, but their sales model, the structure of their ranges, and the guarantees offered do not overlap. Comparing these two options requires looking beyond the simple displayed price to examine what each brand includes (or does not include) in its pricing.
Warranty and lifespan: the forgotten criterion in kitchen comparisons
The purchase price alone is not enough to assess the real cost of a kitchen. The warranty period of the furniture significantly alters the long-term calculation.
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At But, the ready-to-assemble kitchens (the “Box” range) come with a 2-year warranty. The custom ranges “Signature” benefit from a 10-year warranty, but at a significantly higher price. At Ikea, the METOD system is guaranteed for 25 years on the cabinets, which is one of the longest coverages in the mass market.
When considering the warranty duration, the annual cost of an Ikea METOD kitchen becomes much more competitive than a But entry-level purchase. A piece of furniture guaranteed for 2 years that shows signs of wear after 5 years costs more than a piece guaranteed for 25 years, even if the initial price is lower. To delve deeper into this type of comparison, one can compare a But or Ikea kitchen with Miss Déco taking into account the total cost of ownership.
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Some users of But’s Signature kitchens report satisfactory experiences after several years, while buyers of Ikea kitchens report issues with hinges or finishes despite the long warranty. The warranty does not tell the whole story about the perceived quality in daily use.
Real price of an Ikea METOD kitchen in 2026
An independent test conducted in 2026 on Ikea METOD kitchens indicates that prices have slightly decreased following a drop in material costs. A small complete METOD kitchen starts around 2,665 euros, including appliances.
This downward trend contrasts with the general context of rising renovation prices. Generalist comparisons often stop at average price ranges without integrating this recent dynamic. For a buyer who is keeping an eye on their budget, the timing of a purchase at Ikea thus has a real impact on the final bill.
At But, the Box kitchens (ready to take away) start at lower prices on paper, but without integrated appliances. A direct price comparison between the two brands is misleading if one does not check what is included in the price.
Budget distribution for kitchens: fronts, cabinets, appliances
For a typical kitchen costing around 6,500 euros, the observed cost distribution breaks down as follows:
- The cabinets represent about 25% of the total budget, making this the least variable item from one brand to another
- The fronts account for about 30% of the price, and this is where the gap widens between ranges (melamine, lacquered, wood veneer)
- The appliances absorb about 20%, the countertop 15%, and delivery with assembly represents about 10%
The fronts are the primary lever for adjusting the budget. At Ikea, the modular system allows for choosing third-party fronts compatible with the METOD cabinets, which opens up customization options absent at But.
At But, the Signature range offers custom solutions with a single point of contact in-store. This integrated design service comes at a cost: design and project follow-up represent 8 to 10% of the overall budget when going through a kitchen specialist or dedicated service. Ikea offers an online design tool (the METOD planner), but the process remains largely self-directed.
Assembly and installation: the item that tips the bill
Assembly is the most underestimated item in a kitchen project. At Ikea, the flat-pack furniture is designed for customer assembly. The documentation is detailed, but the time required is still considerable, especially for a complete kitchen with countertop cuts and connections.
At But, the Signature kitchens include delivery within 2 to 3 weeks and the option to have a professional install them. The Box kitchens, on the other hand, follow the same model as Ikea: assembly by the buyer.
- If you assemble it yourself, Ikea offers pre-drilled cabinets and a standardized wall mounting system, generally considered easier to assemble than But’s entry-level kits
- If you have it installed, the labor cost is added to the displayed price, regardless of the supplier. An independent installer usually charges the same rate for either Ikea or But
- User feedback on specialized forums reports clearer assembly instructions at Ikea, but sometimes missing parts upon delivery at both brands
The trap of an incomplete quote
Before comparing two quotes, check that both include the same elements: appliances, countertop, backsplash, filler, plinth, handles. A But Signature quote often includes design, but not always installation. An Ikea quote includes neither installation nor technical connections.
But or Ikea kitchen: what buyer profile for which brand
The choice between But and Ikea is not just a matter of price. It depends on the level of autonomy the buyer is willing to assume in the design, assembly, and follow-up of the project.
Ikea is better suited for a buyer who is skilled in kitchen design, comfortable with flat-pack assembly, and looking for a long warranty on the cabinets. The online configurator remains the most advanced in the mass market.
But caters more to a buyer who wants in-store support, a single point of contact, and a short delivery time for custom solutions. The additional cost associated with this service is justified if the project is complex or if self-assembly is not feasible.
The final budget depends less on the chosen brand than on the exact scope of the project: installation included or not, integrated appliances or purchased separately, entry-level or customized fronts. To obtain a usable comparison, both quotes must list exactly the same services, item by item.