2018 Kitchen Cabinet Rankings
Below are our kitchen cabinet rankings from 2018 for the top selling cabinet manufacturers in the United States. Cabinet brands are rated for construction quality and for value considering the price point of each cabinet line. Price point is rated from 1 to 6 with 6 being the most expensive cabinetry on the market.
If you are outside our service area, we are happy to answer any questions on this blog’s comment forum. But please do not contact us on our website’s contact page.
READ THE MOST RECENT 2024 RANKINGS HERE
Cabinet Reviews: Ratings for the top 100 cabinet brands.
All the designers that gave us input on the cabinet lines below have greater than 20 years’ experience in our industry. When possible, all construction specifics were double checked on the websites for each cabinet line.
Main Line kitchen design acknowledges that we are dealers for the following cabinet lines: Wellsford, Bishop, Brighton, Fabuwood, Legacy Presidential, and CNC. We could be prejudiced towards ranking these lines more favorably, but we have tried to be impartial. However, since the cabinet lines we carry were chosen specifically for their construction quality and value, our ranking them well should not be a surprise.
FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE OUR SERVICE AREA OF WITHIN A TWO-HOUR DRIVE OF OUR BALA CYNWYD, PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE, BELOW IS A LINK TO RECOMMENDED DEALERS IN OTHER AREAS. GOOD DEALERS CLOSE TO YOU CAN BETTER ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT’S AVAILABLE IN YOUR AREA:
Recommended Kitchen Designers and Cabinet Dealers Outside Our Service Area
OUR KITCHEN CABINET RANKINGS assume each line is upgraded to the top level of construction available. A grade of A for construction quality will not be equal across different price levels, as the more expensive price point cabinets will have far nicer finishes and construction options.
Note: The highest grade for Quality in any frameless European style cabinet line is a B. While frameless cabinetry is easier to access and is sleeker looking, it is also less durable than the best made framed cabinetry.
The value grade we give is not a rating about the quality of the cabinetry but a rating of how good an investment a cabinet line is considering its cost. For example, many of the most expensive well-made cabinet lines receive lower marks on value even though as designers we think the cabinetry is the best in its class. These lines receive lower grades on value simply because there are competitors offering the same quality at slightly lower prices.
Cabinet Lines
| Cabinet line | Price level 1-6 | Quality | Value |
| 21st Century | 1 | A | A- |
| 6 Square | 2 | B+ | B+ |
| Adelphia Kitchens | 3 | B | B |
| Adormus (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| All Wood – framed | 2 | A | A |
| All Wood – frameless | 1 | C | C |
| American Woodmark | 3 | B | B |
| Aristocraft | 2 | C | C |
| Bertch | 4 | A | A- |
| Bishop | 4 | A | A- |
| Bishop Frameless | 5 | B | B+ |
| Bremtown | 6 | A+ | B |
| Brighton | 4 | A | A+ |
| Brookhaven | closed | A | B |
| Brubaker | 5 | A | A |
| Cabico | 4 | B | B |
| Candlelight | 4 | A | A |
| Canyon Creek | 3 | B | B |
| CNC | 1 | B+ | B |
| Collier | 5 | A | B- |
| Crystal | 5 | A | A |
| Decora | 4 | A | A |
| Desginers Choice | 4 | A | A |
| Design-Craft | 4 | B | B |
| Diamond | 4 | B | B |
| Durasupreme | 5 | B+ | B |
| Durasupreme frameless | 3 | C | C |
| Dynasty by Omega (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Dynasty Pinnacle (framed) | 5 | A | B |
| Echelon Cabinetry | 2 | B- | C |
| Executive (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Fabuwood | 2 | A | A |
| Fabuwood (frameless) | 3 | B | B |
| Fieldstone | 4 | A | B+ |
| Grabill | 6 | A+ | B |
| Haas | 3 | B | B |
| Hanssem framed | 1 | B+ | B+ |
| Holiday (frameless) | 3 | C | C |
| Holiday Kitchens | 4 | A | A |
| Homecrest | 3 | B+ | B+ |
| Homestead Custom | 4 | A | A- |
| Ideal Cabinetry | 2 | B | A- |
| IKEA (frameless) | 1 | D | C |
| Innovation | 2 | C | C |
| JSI Cabinetry | 1 | B+ | B+ |
| Kabinart | 3 | C+ | D |
| Kemper | 3 | B | C |
| Kitchencraft (frameless) | 3 | C | B |
| Kith | 3 | B+ | C+ |
| Kountry Kraft (framed) | 6 | A | B |
| Kountry Kraft (frameless) | 6 | B | B |
| Kountry Wood | 2 | C | C |
| Kraftmaid | 4 | A- | A |
| Legacy | 3 | B+ | B |
| LifeArt | 1 | C+ | A |
| Marsh | 2 | B | B |
| Marsh (frameless) | 2 | B- | B |
| Medallion | 5 | B+ | B |
| Merillat | 2 | C | D |
| Merit Kitchens | 4 | B+ | B |
| Mid Continent | 2 | C | C |
| Mouser | 5 | A | A- |
| Mouser (frameless) | 5 | B | A |
| Ovation | 4 | B | C |
| Plain and Fancy | 6 | A | B+ |
| Plato Woodwork | 4 | A | A |
| Poggenpohl (frameless) | 6 | B | C |
| QuakerMaid (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| RD Henry | 4 | A | A |
| Rutt | 6 | A+ | A |
| Schrock | 3 | B | B |
| Schuler | 5 | B+ | B |
| Shenandoah | 3 | B | B |
| Shiloh | 4 | C | C |
| Showplace | 3 | B+ | B- |
| Siematic | 6 | B | C |
| Signature Custom | 5 | A+ | A+ |
| Solid Wood Cabinets | 1 | A- | A- |
| St. Martin (frameless) | 4 | B | B |
| Starmark | 4 | A | B+ |
| Stylecraft | 5 | A | A |
| Thomasville* | 4 | B | B |
| Timberlake | 3 | B | B |
| Ultracraft (frameless) | 2 | C | C |
| Village | 5 | A | A |
| Waypoint | 2 | B | B |
| Wellborn | 4 and 5 | A | A |
| Wellsford | 5 | A+ | A+ |
| Wolf | 2 | A | B+ |
| Woodharbor | 4 | B+ | C |
| Woodmode | closed | A | A- |
| Yorktowne Now an Elkay CO | 4 | B+ | B |
* Note: Home Depot can change who manufactures this line although Masterbrands has been manufacturing the line under the Thomasville name for over ten years.
Remember, that choosing the designer, the cabinet dealer, and the installer you are working with is just as important as the cabinet line.
Do you need a more general review of cabinetry from 2015 explaining types of cabinetry construction?
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/2015-popular-kitchen-cabinetry-brand-comparison/
For those interested in Cabinet Off Gassing, VOC’s, and Carb2 Compliance, here is our take on the fumes your new cabinets can emit:
Cabinet Off Gassing, Carb2 Compliance, and VOC’s.
1 Replies to “Kitchen Cabinet Rankings for 2018. Updated Reviews for the Top Selling Cabinet Brands.”
Kelly
Thanks, Paul. I believe the quote listed 3/8″ back. We have limited choices in our area, but I feel like they are pushing Centra because it is much cheaper than Signature and Fieldstone, which we are looking at with their competitor. Thanks to your site I at least knew to make sure they upgraded the shelves to plywood. Our insurance is supposed to be replacing our current custom cabinets – but they are far off from the custom cabinetry quotes we have had so this quite a process! Thanks for all your help!
Tsipora
Thanks for your response!
Paul McAlary
Mouser Centra is a less expensive version of Mouser. Unfortunately the web site does not tell how the back of the cabinet is constructed. If it is 3/8″ ply like the regular Mouser Framed version of their cabinetry I would rate the construction an B+. However it looks thinner in the photo on line and the fact that they don’t mention the back not only makes me suspicious but if the back is in fact thinner this makes me like Mouser less. Transparency is important in the cabinet industry and if you catch a company trying to essentially fool you on one thing you can bet that that philosophy pervades the entire company.
.
Another concern is that your designer should be able to instantly explain the difference between the different Mouser lines. Regular Mouser has a lifetime warranty and Centra has 10. While we don’t place a lot of importance on Warranty the difference here could be telling.
.
If a designer doesn’t know the difference between the lines they carry that’s bad. It’s worse if they do and neglect to explain a big difference this means they are not being upfront and want to sell you over help you.
Kelly
Our designer is quoting us Mouser Centra. Is that the same as the Mouser listed in the reviews? If not, how is the quality as the price seems to be on the low side? Thank you.
Pam
We are undergoing a whole house remodel and I have been doing some research on cabinets for the kitchen,3 bathrooms, and family room. I have gotten pricing from different vendors on 6 square, Fabuwood, Jarlin and a custom cabinet maker that is local here. I am between Jarlin and the local cabinet maker. Price difference is 15k. Certain Fabuwood lines and 6 square plus the local cabinet maker use Blum hinges. Are the hinges what also make such a difference in price and quality? I chose Jarlin out of Fabuwood and 6 square because the price would be less because all three are not entirely US made. Now I am really struggling to choose between Jarlin and a local cabinet maker. I would choose the local cabinet maker because then I know they really are made in the USA. Any thoughts?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Pam,
I have never heard of Jarlin and don’t know how their cabinetry is made. Their web site says nothing about their construction which is a bad sign.
People that focus on buying local or all USA produced cabinetry will overspend and get lower quality cabinetry at the less expensive price points.
It is only when you get to more expensive semi custom cabinet lines and custom cabinet lines that you will be getting a superior product. Buying custom cabinets locally will be a terrible idea if they inexpensive “custom” cabinetry. Here is a related blog on this topic.
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/custom-cabinets-handmade-or-homemade/
These type issues are why homeowners need profession kitchen design help not just creating a good kitchen but also navigating the cabinet world. Finding a great kitchen designer at a cabinet dealer can be hard but is always worth the effort.
Tsipora
Hi, thanks for your 2018 review.
Any update an Hanssem quality and value?
What is the best frameless cabinet you’d recommend if I need standard size cabinets, no custom sizes?
Would your choice of company be different for a laminate (Formica type,) wood stain or painted door?
Thanks!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
The Hanssem website does not give specifics. I have seen the upgraded framed cabinet box and it is well constructed. I believe the frameless box is not impressive as we considered only carrying their framed cabinetry when were were looking for a new line in that price point.
Yes different styles and finishes can determine what cabinet line is the best buy. For all door styles except slab styles we would always recommend framed cabinetry. For painted or stained slabs both framed or frameless construction has certain advantages. For a laminate slab door only frameless cabinetry will look right. The best construction for frameless cabinetry will be plywood or plywood core 3/4″ sides and at least 1/2″ backs. 5/8″ plywood or plywood core like the Fabuwood line we carry is acceptable but 5/8″ particleboard sides should be avoided at all costs. This might have been what Hanssem carried and why we chose to not carry consider their frameless line. I can’t remember though and the web site doesn’t help.
Lisa
Thanks for the feedback!
Lisa
Hi,
Remodeling a kitchen in MPLS . Loews has an incrdeible sale going on right now. We
are considering Diamond,Shuler or Kraftmaid painted maple. I’ve looked at so many reviews
my head hurts. The designer said more options with Shuler or Diamond . Also had another designer draw up plan with Fieldstone. Which I’m sure will be more than Loews.
What do you recommend? And would you recommend the upscale line. For example , Diamond has Prelude,Reflection or Intrigue. Thanks for your help.
Lisa
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Lisa,
Most Lowes sales that are not coming from the manufacturer are fake. No cabinet dealers sell cabinetry for list price and so these “sales” are usually not what you think. Manufacturer sales like Kraftmaid giving free upgrades or discounted upgrades are real.
It is unethical IMO to even have sales because sales breed fast decision making that is not in the customers best interest. You are not buying a toaster as much as home centers treat kitchen design and kitchen designers that way. You are buying an extremely complex kitchen renovation. This is how mistakes happen and the finger pointing begins.
.
Upgraded Kraftmaid is the best value here. Schuler must be upgraded and will look slightly nicer and be more custom and also cost 15 to 20% more. Upgraded Fieldstone is on par with Schuler.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Ro,
I would pay for Decora over Merrilat.
Ro
Posting this question again since it has not been answered.
My question really it what is a better cabinet, Merillat Masterpiece or Decora, I am looking for quality and durability, my last kitchen lasted 30 yrs and 2 boys, can I expect the same from these lines, is one better than the other?
My contractor really likes the Merillat, just like everyone else we are cost conscious but want to go with a good product.
Thank-you
kate Welch
Thanks for the response. Our contractor bid and is building our whole home, so I am assuming he is directing us to cabinet lines that our in our budget. I did meet with several cabinet designers at home stores and feel like I got some good ideas but their quotes ended up being quite a ways out of the budget that we have for cabinets. Do you think I would get a better cabinet to go with aristrocraft or one of the lines at Home Depot rather than the Crown cabinets? They do list that dovetail plywood soft close drawers are part of the specs for their crown line and I did ask for that in the kitchen cabinets. I want to end up with a good product, but I am not sure how to get it with the budget we have. Thanks again for your advice.
kate Welch
Hi,
Do you know anything about Crown cabinetry based out of Salt Lake? Our contractor is having us look at that brand along with the diamond brand and starmark (although I am not thinking starmark is in our budget). I would love a little insight from you. Thank you.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Kate,
I don’t know the line but I looked it up. The Crown line appears to be a very poorly made builder grade line that can be upgraded to a better made plywood cabinet. Still Upgraded these cabinets are not as well made as some of the US/Import brands like Fabuwood, Procraft, Wolf, J&K etc. They do not appear to use Solid wood dovetail drawers or soft close, doors and hinges, the mark of better made cabinets.
.
Why is your contractor directing you on cabinetry? I’d find a good cabinet dealer with good reviews and the most experienced kitchen designer that works there and use them to design my kitchen. Then when the kitchen was designed and the scope of the project more defined with drawings, floor plans and printouts with notes on what’s proposed I’d have several contractors bid the job.
.
Hiring a contractor before your kitchen is completely planned is doing things backwards. You will never get a competitive bid from a contractor that way. And sometimes the contractor is also be getting a kickback from the cabinet company that is being added onto the price you are paying for cabinetry.
‘
Shop for cabinets, countertops, and contractors independently and you will cut out middlemen. After you get pricing from everyone you can still hire this contractor and use his cabinet place if they seem best. NEVER use a contractor to advise you on kitchen design. They are not kitchen designers and their advice much like the advice of most architects, interior designers, and real estate agents will be terrible. People that have a little bit of experience in a complicated profession but want to give advice are dangerous. I don’t ask my son’s math teacher for advice on my taxes because he works with numbers.
.
Seek out professionals in each area you need. Kitchen designers who work at cabinet dealers, Contractors, Countertop people, Appliance people, Flooring and tile sales people, lighting professionals. Each will have expertise the other is missing. And if you find a good kitchen designer their job is to help you find these places and to process the advice you get and help you decide where to splurge and where to save.
Rose M.
Paul,
Thank you for your quick response! I will follow the footprints 🙂
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
🙂
Rose M.
Good Morning Paul,
Thank you! Thank you! I spent two days reading this blog and educating myself on what Is important when looking at cabinets! I am looking at doing a white painted shaker style cabinet. Thanks to you I now know I can go with an inexpensive company and still have a quality built cabinet! I actually have three dealers/designers that have worked on designing my new kitchen. I am knocking down a wall and they actually had very similar designs. I used a little from each of them to make my final kitchen design. My limited budget is making me really reasearch where to spend my money. Each dealer has a different line of cabinets. One has only Wolf – but all the lines – I was quoted a price for the Wolf Signature line. Another carries Wolf Classic,Waypoint, Wolf Designer, and Show Place. Waypoint is their middle line and I received a quote from them also -with the upgrade to plywood. I am trying to compare apples to apples as much as I can. (I knew to ask for the upgrade due to your blog) It was lower than the Wolf signature by around $2,600.The only thing I didn’t like was when I asked the designer what the back panel thickness upgrade would be, she didn’t know. I told her I knew the furniture board it currently came with was 1/8 inch. She said I knew more than her about the cabinets! Also, I work with someone who recently installed upgraded WayPoint cabinets and he said they were poorly constructed and advised me not to choose them over Wolf Signature and Fabuwood. The last place carries Fabuwood, Homecrest and DuroSupreme – I haven’t received quotes from them yet. (Due to expanding my kitchen and gaining much more counter top and budget constraints I had to change my mind about counter tops – started out looking at granite and quartz and now looking at Formica/Wilsonart)
Based on my research and this wonderful blog – My choices will most likely be between Wolf Signature, and Fabuwood – no longer WayPoint. I would like to know your thoughts on these and thank you again – I feel much less stressed thanks to you sharing your knowledge!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Rose,
We think that Fabuwood is by the best value for a white painted shaker door style which is why we carry it. Wolf could be close and there are new lines we just saw at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Vegas that we liked and are considering. Procraft is one of these lines. We are waiting to see how it prices out but at first look it appears extremely nice and a little less that Fabuwood. But white shaker Fabuwood is the value gorilla in our industry right now.
At KBIS and the combined builders show there were 11 miles of aisles to walk. And if you looked on the aisle floors they painted footprints showing the way to Fabuwood in all the separate buildings. If you are looking for the best value in a painted Shaker White, Gray, or Cream door just follow the footprints.
Don
Hi,
Great blog/info – typically its my kids that keep me awake at night, but last night, it was this blog. We are renovating a two family home in Englewood NJ for my family as well as for my in-laws. We need two kitchens. My wife and I would like a European Slab front style cabinet. As you has often noted, this cabinet construction for this style is frameless. Since we are on a budget we are considering CNC and Hanssem. You have CNC highly rated, does this include their frameless options? You also have Hanssem under review, is this because of your experience installing Hanssem products or b/c you need time to review their construction specs? As a side note, We wanted to consider Fabuwood based on your feedback, but they have limited Slab Front options, but we are considering them for the Inlaws kitchen since we are going with Shaker Style. You also mentioned frequently in your feedback about upgrading to obtain a higher grade of cabinet construction, is this required for CNC/Fabuwood and Hanssem? Thank you!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Don,
I think that in frameless cabinetry you need a better constructed cabinet than CNC or Hanssem. When you mention kids keeping you up at night and that you have a two family home frameless cabinetry would be something I wouldn’t consider unless you got 3/4″ plywood sides and that will be expensive. I would sacrifice the look a little and get a framed cabinet with slab doors. It will be far more durable and cost less. We sell 6Square that does slab doors inexpensively on framed cabinets but there will be others lines. You will have to do a little research to find an inexpensive well built framed line that also has a slab door style. I believe the Wolf designer line has slab doors on framed cabinets. Or Clique Studios on line which I hesitate mentioning since you will have no local expert helping you.
Rebecca Wilhelm
Thank you so much for your help! I wish all companies were so generous with their advice.
Diana
Thank you for the response, we are already intending to upgrade to all plywood. If we upgrade to all plywood does the other construction information look acceptable for the Koch cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Yes it looks OK then. But when you have to upgrade to plywood it usually costs more than selecting cabinetry that only comes that way.
Diana
We are considering 2 lines- Diamond Vibe and Marquis by Koch. We are drawn to them because so far we trust the representatives. Quotes for both seem reasonable and we would upgrade both to all plywood construction. The construction information for the not yet upgraded Koch cabinets are below. Given this information which would be the better cabinet? Thank you so much!
1. 3/4″ Hardwood stile and rail doors, mortise and tenon.
2. 3/4″ Hardwood drawer fronts.
3. 3/4″ Face frames with glued and pocket screwed joints.
4. 1/2″ Particle board back with Maple print interior, eliminating the need for hang rails.
5. 1/2″ Particle board sides, tops and bottoms, with Maple print interior and exterior.
6. 1/2″ Rabbeted plywood drawer with 1/4″ plywood floor, faced with maple print.
Drawer Upgrade Options:
1. Solid hardwood dovetail drawer with blumotion full extension under mount soft close drawer guides.
2. Solid hardwood dovetail drawer with soft close 7/8 extension under mount guide.
3. Solid hardwood dovetail drawer with soft 3/4 extension side mount guide.
7. Self-adjusting epoxy coated side mount drawer guides. Track weight rating of 75 lbs.
8. 3/4″ Particle board shelving with Maple print on both sides and one edge. All shelves are adjustable with base cabinets having ½ depth shelves, supported by shelf pegs.
9. Blum one piece adjustable concealed hinges with lifetime warranty.
Door Upgrade Options:
1. Blumotion soft close hinge.
10. Standard finish consists of hand wiped stain, a coat of self-sealing conversion varnish and a top coat of conversion varnish. Finish thickness approximately 7 MIL, wet.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
There are so many less expensive better made alternatives now that I would no longer ever consider buying cabinets with particle board sides. And never would have recommended a full particle board back. Hanging rails keep the screws that attach the cabinet to the wall in solid wood. Ply backs are fine too especially 1/2′ plywood sides because they can’t crack. Screws in particleboard don’t hold wall cabinets well to the wall, and shimming the cabinet incorrectly if there are waves in the wall can crack the particle board back of the cabinet.
Susanne
Sorry – I forgot to add that I’m in St Petersburg, FL.
Susanne
Thanks so much for this helpful blog! Takes some of the mystery out of the process.
I’m doing a small kitchen remodel and really want bamboo-finished cabinets. So far I’ve only found bamboo as an option with 1 company (Decora, I think) at showrooms locally. Are there any others that you could recommend?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Susanne,
There will be many custom lines that sell Bamboo cabinets. Decora would be one of the least expensive choices if you wanted Bamboo. Choosing unusual woods and finishes is never inexpensive in the cabinet world. And if you are going to splurge on very expensive cabinetry or appliances it becomes even more important to make sure that you are working with an experienced kitchen designer.
Rebecca L Wilhelm
Thanks for the wealth of information – I wished I was closer to use you all! Our contractor has suggested we use Kabinart cabinets in a remodel, however the ratings you gave don’t seem like that is a wise choice. Can you give me any further information on Kabinart? Our contractor indicated some negative reviews were due to some competitors who didn’t like their product and had a lawsuit about the negative press, however I don’t want to install poor cabinets and I’d be curious if you had any additional insights.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Rebbecca,
Two issues. First, I double checked Kabinart’s construction. They don’t say on the web site if upgrades beyond their normal construction are possible. But full extension soft close doors and drawers are available in better made less expensive lines. I even upgraded them slightly on our web site. I’m not sure if they changed or we were being a little too tough on them. But the hanging rail is a little thin and the tracks and hinges need to be upgraded. If the don’t offer the upgrade I wouldn’t even consider buying them. Here is a video on our discussion on cabinetry.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSLpIyrS4XE
Second, Contractors are not the best advisers on cabinetry. You should find a local cabinet dealer that has a good reputation and an experienced designer to work with. This is a big project and expense. Get good design help, The designer can explain the advantages of any cabinet line.
Chiara Scaduto
Good evening looking into redoing our kitchen and are between two brands of cabinets. One arbor mills and the other brookhaven. Can’t seem to find anyone who can really tell me the difference between these two brands
Any suggestions
Of course each place will tell you that their brand of cabinets is better
Patty M
I do understand what dovetail in the corners of the drawers are. I was referring to the finger joints on the side walls of the drawers. They are finger jointed as opposed to a solid piece of wood. The place we are dealing with said that Fabuwood changed from solid wood side walls to finger jointed a couple of years ago. It does not look good when they finger joint with many different colors of wood.
They have both lines, Fabuwood and 21st Century, at this business we are dealing with and we were trying to figure out why one might be a better choice over the other. Thanks so much for your help.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Patty,
I’m sorry I don’t know what the dealer is showing you or talking about. All the drawers we have reciever up until last week have been solid wood dovetail drawers. You did help uncover a misprint on the Fabuwood website though. They erroneously were calling drawers solid plywood construction on parts of their specbook. They are in fact solid wood and according to our Fabuwood rep will stay solid wood. He also doesn’t know what you are looking at. Talk to your dealer. I’m sure Fabuwood would like to change out whatever drawer box he is showing and correct him or her on their construction.
Patty M
What are your thoughts on Fabuwood vs. 21st Century. We like the white shaker. One thing we did not like about fabuwood was the sides of the drawers are not one solid piece of wood but pieced together. It gives the sides of the drawers a patchwork look. We have a lot of drawers in our kitchen design and did not like the cheap look of that. Is 21st Century as good a choice as Fabuwood? Thanks so much!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
The dovetail drawers that you are referring to is how ALL well made cabinet companies make their drawers. NOT having dovetail drawers is the cheap method of construction. When you haven’t had this explained to you yet it means that you are not getting the information you need to make sensible choices shopping for cabinetry. It also probably means that you need even more help with your kitchen design because even well informed consumers need that. Fabuwood is definitely a nicer line than 21st Century.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Wendy,
Upgraded all these lines are well built. They will have more options and nicer LOOKING finishes as the cabinetry gets more expensive. From least to most expensive I would think they would price out this way. Homecrest, Wellborn Forest, Kraftmaid, Medallion
Sheila
If I understand , Fabuwood and CNC and 21stcentury are US companies, putting together imported (Chinese) material. These are companies that you do recommend- are there any assurances regarding the formaldehyde and sub par materials on these? Also the Wolf Classic -is that made in USA?
Thank you – I am trying to eliminate real problems and on a very tight budget.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Sheila,
All lower priced and better constructed cabinetry is built in the US but the doors, fronts, and often other parts are imported from Chinese factories under US supervision.
This includes Wolf.
.
Even IKEA which is poorly made, I have been told now imports all of their doors and some other parts.
.
If a cabinet line is certified CARB Compliant you can be sure it will have very low off gassing. For people very sensitive to carpet, paint and other off gassing, storing unboxed cabinetry in the garage for 4 weeks before installing should eliminate any residual smells.
.
The formaldehyde problem often referred to from a few years agos was Chinese companies making flooring. Chinese companies selling drywall also had issues. And as long as we are covering big misleading kitchen scares – Granite does not give off radon. The only case reported was an extraordinarily rare stone.
.
The better made inexpensive lines that are big companies I think would be just as safe as any completely US line and because labor is so much less, usually about 25% less expensive.
.
If you are on a budget you should be using one of these import/USA lines IMO.
Wendy
Hi – follow up question adding Wellborn Forest into the mix. How would you rate Wellborn Forest price and quality when compared to Medallion, Kraftmaid and HomeCrest? I would upgrade all to plywood, recessed panel, medium to dark stain. Thanks!
Alicia
Hi, I am looking to remodel my kitchen and am being recommended St. Martin cabinets. I don’t see them on your list. Do you have any information on their quality?
Thank you,
Alicia
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Alicia,
We rate St Martin in our reviews above. They are a pennsylvania frameless cabinet manufacturer. While their frameless box is well constructed for a frameless line we don’t recommend frameless cabinetry except for contemporary slab door styles.
Kelly Feil
Due to a flood, our insurer is paying to replace an oak slab kitchen from Hagerstown Custom Kitchens; It is hard to determine if the replacement cost is correct as we are finding prices seem higher in the custom brands available in our area -Signature, Fieldstone, Mouser, Craft Maid, Schuler and Plain and Fancy. Which if any of those brands would be a fair comparison in terms of quality and price? Should I also assume that other door styles will be more or less expensive than the solid oak slabs we have now? Thank you for this wonderful site – wish we were still in Media, PA so we could use your services!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Kelly,
Solid Oak slab doors would be one of the least expensive door styles in more expensive lines. They would also be very unpopular today. I would advise against getting slab oak doors. I would also recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to update not just your door style, finish and type of wood but MOST importantly to update your floor plan and design. You don’t need expensive custom cabinetry to get well constructed cabinets and a great kitchen but you do need a great design. 90% of our customers come to us believing that the very poor designs they are considering are fine. However they choose completely different designs when working with better kitchen designers.
.
When you are replacing cabinetry due to a flood and timelines are short and the stress is high stop and take more time to consider alternative designs from very experienced kitchen designers. Less scrupulous designers will take the easy road and simply encourage you to replace everything as is. This easy sale for them is never in your best interest.
Feel free to send us the design you are considering for me to critique. And we advise people from outside our service area on Fridays between 2 and 4 pm EST.
Paul McAlary
Hi Dee,
Yes MDF is fine possibly even better on the center panel of a flat panel PAINTED door.
We have places in Manhattan or Scarlsdale area we recommend. See the bolg on Recommended Dealers outside our service area. But sorry we haven’t found a place very close to you.
Alex
Hello,
My wife and I are remodeling a 1950s kitchen and the two local cabinet stores in our area both offer Columbia Cabinets as a mid range option. Are you familiar with this manufacturer and would you recommend them?
Thanks so much!
Alex
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Alex,
Kitchen design and cabinetry is complicated. Because of this companies that are not transparent about how their cabinets are constructed we are wary of. Even more concerning are companies that stress single considerations. These cabinet lines are trying to distract consumers with shiny objects so to speak. So bragging about how many generations your family has made cabinetry, or waving American flags on your web site focusing on “MADE IN THE US of A” or in the case of Columbia how “green” your cabinetry is while saying nothing about how it is made concerns me. Usually companies that do this are terrible. We don’t know the Columbia line, but if it walks like a duck . . . .
Karen W.
Paul,
Thanks so much for the info about the Decora brand. I’m working with a professional designer who works with a private dealer of the Decora brand. I was a little leery when I found that Decora is available at Home Depot. But, it sounds like the cabinets/quality would be the same between the private dealer and Home Depot, but the service would be different. Would the price be lower at Home Depot? Also (about three years ago), we looked at Crystal Cabinet’s Current Line–how does that compare with Decora in terms of price/quality?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Karen,
I am very skeptical of “private designers” that don’t work for the dealer themselves. These are not real kitchen designers IMO. They usually do not use 20-20 or ProKitchens design software and don’t design and order kitchens 40 hours per week. The best designers will work for a dealer. Interior designers are most definitely NOT qualified to design kitchens.
Dee
Thanks for your response. Do you have anyone you’d recommend in the Summit, NJ area?
Also, when you write MDF is okay on a center panel, are you referring to the door panel?
Karen Wagner
Hi Paul,
Is the Decora brand you include in your ratings the same brand that’s available at Home Depot?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Yes it is. Contrary to what many people think Both Home Depot and Lowes sell some nice well made higher end semi custom cabinetry. The problem is that they don’t pay kitchen designers well so no one good would be likely to work their.
.
Ten years ago that wasn’t the case. Today home centers pay kitchen designers half or less than their better designers made less than ten years ago. When you don’t value the designers no one good will work for you.
Venkat
Hello,
How good are Omega Cabinets (the full-house type)? We have heard that Omega is a very good brand but there are a lot of bad review around the quality of the cabinets. Could you please advise before my wife and I make a move on our kitchen and bath remodel?
Dee
Forgot to add that the design is a “G” shape with a 4’ extra piece for a peninsula — 48” of cabinet on the bottom.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Dee,
Without seeing the design or knowing the door style and finish I couldn’t say for sure. It does seem high though.
Dee
Hi— so glad I came upon your blog. Our contractor recommended a kitchen store where we have not been happy with the customer service. We were surprised by the quote on an 11’ x 11’ kitchen with Fabuwood cabinets. The price does not include the counter or the backsplash. It does not include any special cabinet “insides” except for two lazy susan’s and one cabinet with roll out shelves. It does include two 30” x 21” pantry cabinets. Our appliances (range, fridge and dishwasher) are all within the 11’ x11’ dimension. The price was $17785. Does that seem reasonable to you? The price they did for Kemper (plywood) was $19300.
Also, we live in Summit, NJ and would love to get a recommendation for a kitchen place.
Appreciate any input you can offer!
Clint
Have you heard or seen anything on Lilly Ann Cabinets/Ava Cabinets? Their finishes look good but nothing is KCMA certified which is concerning.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry never heard of them. If you call Fridays 2-4 pm EST one of us could research them.
Clinton
Have you heard of lillyann cabinets? They are the same as AVA cabinets but I’m a little concerned of using these cabinets because they are not KCMA certified but they do meet the carbII requirements. They are however, cheaper, than most cabinets.
Outback Annie
Hello, I accidentally tripped over this site looking to arm myself with more knowledge about cabinets before choosing cabinets for my kitchen remodel. I live in a very isolated area in Washington state and my nearest dealer is over an hour drive away. They deal with De Wills cabinetry only. The other I looked at is Ziggy’s in Spokane – 2 and a half hours drive from home – who showed me Starmark cabinets. Ziggy’s said they will send people to my home to measure at a high cost (because of travel distance – over 100 miles) but they will also come to install. The more local dealer will also come to my home at no cost. I’ve read bad reviews about De Wills and good reviews about Starmark. Any advice on who to deal with? Do you know anything about using Ziggy’s to buy kitchen cabinets?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Sorry I don’t know Ziggys. And the Dewills web site is down at the moment so it’s tough to comment.
JLS
Our local retailers have been quoting lines that aren’t in your ratings – any thoughts on Countryside vs Norcraft vs KemperEcho vs Conestoga? Also, I see no mention of cabinets.com on your reviews – appears they use 1/2″ plywood construction. We’re going to remodel a bathroom, so looking for lines that have linen cabinets available. All of those lines came in ~$4-5k for a 144″ run of cabinets, including 2 linens and 2 sink bases. Kraftmaid came in at $8.5k for the same run. Obviously apples vs oranges, but is Kraftmaid worth 2x? In general, we’re looking at shaker style cabinets with white or light gray finish. Nothing too crazy. Appreciate your thoughts!
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi JLS,
Bathrooms take much less stress than kitchens and don’t have wall cabinets generally. Or if they do they are filled with light things so construction is far less important. I would guess that Conestoga is the best value here.
Wendy
Thanks so much!
Wendy
My short list for cabinet brands includes Medallion, Kraftmaid and HomeCrest. I would upgrade all to plywood construction. I’d like a solid wood/Reverse raised flat pant door with medium or dark brown stain. Are all worth considering? Anything that truly set any part from the others. Which would you be most likely to choose?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Wendy,
Each line will be successively less by about 20%. Finishes could be less attractive but not less durable and the ability to customize will also be reduces. Otherwise they are all good choices. Remember that saving 20 or 40% on cabinetry could pay for removing walls and soffits, moving doorways and windows and other things that could make your kitchen and home more attractive and functional.Keeping old floor tile or your kitchen layout as is makes no sense when you splurge on cabinetry, appliances, and countertops. The layout and design of your kitchen is what gives the project value, not the upgrades you select.
RO
My question really it what is a better cabinet, Merillat Masterpiece or Decora, I am looking for quality and durability, my last kitchen lasted 30 yrs and 2 boys, can I expect the same from these lines, is one better than the other?
RO
My contractor likes to use Merillat Masterpiece (high end), went to a design center to take a look at them, they recommended Decora and said the price difference would be well worth it and would be 10 – 15% more. What are you thoughts?
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
We don’t carry Decora but I am a big fan of their product as are our other designers. Decora is a Masterbrand line, we really like both Decora and the less expensive Homecrest from Masterbrands. I don’t love the Masterbrands websites though. They are far from transparent.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Better made inexpensive cabinetry shouldn’t last any time less than expensive cabinetry. The added money you are paying is for the ability to customize, and to make cabinetry in many more woods, colors, sizes, and other options. The warranty if less means very little. Warranty issues should all occur in the first two years. This is why spending money on expensive cabinetry in a design, door style, and finish that can be done in a less expensive line can waste money. Worst of all is buying a poorly designed kitchen in an expensive line.
Anonymous
How long will a low level cabinet last?
Anonymous
Is the wolf cheaply made? What about the wolf design line? Also what is your opinion on aspect cabinet? Looking for a decent mid level cabinet.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
When you are in an inexpensive line like Wolf I would not get anything except their top level of construction which the Designer line uses. I don’t know Aspect line well but from their web site it appears that the hanging rail they use in insufficient. Neither of these lines would be considered mid level.
Anonymous
Is wolf a cheaply made cabinet? What about the wolf design line? Or the aspect cabinet? Looking for a decent mid level cabinet.
pmcalary[ Post Author ]
Hi Venkat,
I think we answered this on another blog. The Niviya looks “homemade” and not truly what kitchen designers consider “custom cabinetry”. Stick with bigger cabinet brands.