Mark Wilkinson gives his own take on the ongoing debate started by Kevin McCloud...

When kbbreview editor Andrew Davies asked me what I thought about Kevin McCloud's comments on the relative value of kitchens I couldn't help but smile as he is a long-standing friend of mine.

Kevin has been gently chided by the industry for telling the world, in his latest book, that there is no difference `between a £5,000 and a £50,000 kitchen', saying that melamine faced chipboard fitted with any type of doors and drawers is 'much of a muchness' no matter what the brand or price level.

He is, of course, quite right but only when comparing mass market components and applying mass market manufacturing values. After all, Kevin does work in the medium of TV which champions the journalistic technique of 'we show you how to build a Rolls Royce for £50' and 'how to build a £50,000 kitchen for £5,000' which is also used to sell masses of newspapers, magazines and books.

In real terms we all know this is not possible. The majority of good furniture makers apply an enormous amount of skilful design, time tested manufacturing methods and quality materials to give good value. And it doesn't stop there.

Apart from the obvious, people also buy for the feel-good factor, the reward, ease of living, investment, the quality of build, the delicacy of design and the level of sustainability. Simply put, a well made and considered £50,000 kitchen is far more sustainable than the mass market £5,000 comparison.

Consider this counter-argument - a £50,000 kitchen can cost an awful lot less than a £5,000 kitchen over the long term. A good kitchen makes a good environment to live in, making family and friends happier. The estate agent will add lumps of money on to the value of a house with a good kitchen installed and a good classical kitchen does not go out of fashion when it has been designed to suit the house. So just calculate the value in that? No one that can afford it regrets buying quality - it's usually the cheapest in the long run.

So, come on Kevin, buy one of the £5,000 kitchens and I guarantee you will be replacing the screws in drawer runners to keep them working and driving yourself to distraction using up the adjustment on the slightly tinny door hinges because they are constantly dropping out of level. And all the time it won't quite look right, and your home life will be slightly less enjoyable. Cheap stuff can end up costing a fortune.

So I guess I am coming down on the side of Johnny Grey and telling Kevin he's wrong in many ways, but I am a keen cook so I do agree with him that superb appliances are also key to the enjoyment of a good kitchen - you can have both.
Now, I do fancy a new Rolls Royce. I wonder if I can make myself one with a few bits of recycled MDF and some used cardboard packing cases. No one will ever notice the difference... will they?

P.S. Kevin, when you get back from France send me that signed book you promised me the other weekend...