No you don’t need one. Crown Imperial Kitchens have colour coded carcases so that end panels are not required. Tall end panels aren’t cheap either, so don’t bother if the colour match is good.

I think we already have one but some of them got damaged during delivery! So might save us on waiting for a replacement as well.

I think the colour match was good but I was exhausted after a 6 hour drive and have been working all weekend and not commuting home so need to double check I wasn’t crazy and delusional!

I’d just ask for a refund on the damaged ones then.

Will not using them have an impact on symmetry?

Good point.. but no. There wouldn’t be one in between the 2 tall panels and on the wall side was always going to be wider to give clearance for the oven and the wall/windowsill

So exciting! It's looking good!

I think the panels finish it off better, it's like a frame around the tall units. Are you having one at the wall end? If not, then I think it would be fine without either side.

So I'd never planned on having one in between the tall units despite the gap visible in the photo currently... and had only really planned one on the worktop end as I hadn't appreciated how well the carcass and the doors were matched!

At the wall end near the window, we're having a filler panel (which would be wider than the normal end panel) which will be vanishingly small if we have an end panel on either side.. which would then mean the oven door, I think would hit the windowsill when open... so had always wanted it a few cm away from the wall....

Tbh, I keep looking at the photo and wonder whether we'd even have room for the end panels! the gap looks so tight for the DW! But I measured it like 100 times before we ordered (inc driving over at like 10 at night once), I was so paranoid..!

End panels are ridiculously expensive. However, I am of the opinion the kitchen would look better if used. Whilst the carcase is colour matched it is probable a different finish. Also the end panel will sit flush with the front of the door so will cover the gap between the door and the carcase - if the door is only slightly ajar it will most probably annoy you.

Sometimes the end panels are used for ‘framing’ the units, depending on the style of the kitchen it can look bare without them and if they run full height then that 18mm, when removed, will leave a gap and knock things out further along from the removed panel to one side of it.

they are generally for looks but just be careful leaving out due to above :-) exciting times.

Update: not sure why I started the post.. went over yesterday and the carpenter has made everything work and fit!

So there is now and end panel anyway! The damaged bits have been cut off or hidden from view... it’s all starting to come together I think!! :-)
And you’re right Beano... I’m sooo excited.. I can’t wait to move back in!! Not least because we’ve been out longer than expected and I did not bring enough winter clothes with me!! In addition to all the normal reasons!

Good point I hadn’t thought of! Glad he managed to make it all work then! :-)

Nice colour combo, very similar to mine :-) are you having handles or are they some sort of push to open door?

Thanks. :-) Handles - simple stainless steel bow shaped ones

I love the look of the handleless kitchen.... but find the finger pulls, or the push to open mechanisms uncomfortable/annoying for every day use! So practicality wins every time!