Kitchen Cabinet Ratings for 2021. Reviews for the Top Selling Cabinet Brands.

1 Replies to “Kitchen Cabinet Ratings for 2021. Reviews for the Top Selling Cabinet Brands.”

1. 

   Taryn

   Hi there! Thanks so much for your great site. Is the “Wolf” cabinet line you mention above (and give good ratings for) Wolf Designer? Wolf has a few different lines (and you mention Wolf Signature), with Designer seemingly being the best quality but wanted to check if the Wolf Designer line is indeed what you are referring to or if it’s some other line. Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Wolf Classic or any of the higher Wolf lines are well-made but the designer line has some custom features that tend not to be great values. Like custom colors etc. Customizing less expensive brands is generally not a good idea. It’s not what the brand does well or price competitively.

2. 

   Lisa Ungar

   Hi Paul, do you have information about blind corners? There are so many options. I have a l shape kitchen with a left blind corner, Right now, I have 15 inch door opening with a drawer on top that have shelves with no hardware.

   Designer suggesting Lemans which would shrink my 3 drawers base cabinet from 18 inches to 12 inches that is next to it. On the internet I have seen hardware that can be used with 18 inch door opening and even 1 that can be used with a 15 inch door opening. Thinking that I wouldn’t want to go down to 12 inches but maybe do 15 inches as a compromise.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Lisa,
   Blind corners are a last resort in kitchen design. Experienced designers usually change the layout to eliminate blind corners. Since a Lemans is expensive, eliminating the Lemans often pays for enlarging a window or moving a gas line. Be careful too, Lemans, Magic corners and the other blind corner solutions you are looking at often don’t work due to swing restrictions. 12″ drawer bases make no sense. The interior width of the drawers are 7″, only big enough for cork screws and bottle openers. Consider calling into our help line and podcast ready to email your design. Maybe I can find a better design solution. We take call Fridays 2-4 pm EST at 610-500-4071

3. 

   Pam

   I am hoping to be able to put a GE Cafe Range Top (36 inch) on a 36 inch Fabuwood triple drawer base (DB36) with the top drawer removed and top cross bar removed. I am worried about drawer clearance around the gas line that comes down from the bottom of the range. What modifications need to happen to make this work? Do the drawers need to be modified? It seems like the drawer depth may need to be reduced. Would Fabuwood do something like this? Is there a better way to do it?

   Thank you so much for all the useful information!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Pam,
   I looked at the GE cafe Specs. Everything works as long as the contractor places the gas line towards the middle of the cabinet, away from the drawer tracks and close to the back of the cabinet so that the shut off, regulator, and lines stay close to the back of the cabinet in between the back of the drawer box and the back of the cabinet. Electric should also be located away from the tracks. The nipple of the cooktop will also need to be first attached to an elbow so that the gas line can be directed towards the middle of the cabinet immediately before getting low enough to hit the drawer. Here’s a link to the somewhat incomplete instructions GE gives. https://www.cafeappliances.com/appliance/Cafe-36-Gas-Rangetop-CGU366P2MS1

   The contractor needs to make all the cabinet modifications but these are easy compared to installing ovens, downdrafts, or farm sinks. This is also one of the many reasons that a good kitchen designer is needed to check appliance specifications and ensure that everything works together and to walk the contractor through the installation if he or she is uncertain.

   Kitchens are incredibly complicated. Making sure that moldings look right and reach the ceiling, that doors and panels align, that appliances work safely with the cabinetry, and that the design itself is the best it can be, esthetically pleasing, functional, and safe is far more complicated than non-kitchen designer realize. Appliance companies, building codes, and contractors all overlook and even encourage dangerous installations such as flush mount ovens in inset cabinetry or 30″ tall cabinets with 30″ self-cleaning ovens installed in them. Kitchens are the most dangerous room in a home, not because they are inherently that way, but because of poor and dangerous design. We have many blogs on this subject and a YOUTUBE video titled MURDER, by kitchen design.

4. 

   Kristen

   I am ordering cabinets from Fabuwood. We want to do an island with a 108 x 44 inch island with closed ends using columns cut down to 20 inches. We would like wainscot panels on the end, but are being told they only come in 24 inch wide for base cabinets so they won’t work unless the island is 48 wide. It seems like this couldn’t possible be true. Can base wainscot panels be ordered in other sizes from Fabuwood? If not, is there any other way to achieve this look?

   Thank you for all the fabulous information you provide.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Kristen,
   30″ high wall cabinet doors are used on base panels and come in 11 1/2, 14 1/2, 17 1/2, and 20 1/2 widths that can be used Plus Fabuwood makes custom doors it just takes 10 weeks.

5. 

   Lisa

   Hi Paul,

   Thanks for your responses. The reason I am going with frameless cabinets is because I want like keep the interior space that I have with the base drawers today. I have seen it mentioned at houzz that framed based drawers kitchen cabinets could vary in interior dimensions. For example, two different cabinet makers have 18in 3 drawers cabinets, but the interior space to store stuff can be different.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Lisa,
   Here is a blog on the difference in storage space between framed and frameless:
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/storage-difference-between-framed-and-frameless-cabinets-lets-do-the-math/

6. 

   SANDY SILVER

   Have you ever heard of PW Cabinetry (Pentwater Cabinetry) out of Lombard, IL. We have a possible contractor that will do any cabinets but says he uses this company often.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Sandy,
   I don’t know the brand and they don’t give enough information to rate them. Plus, I could only guess the pricing. They look like RTA cabinet assembled in the US.

   However you need a kitchen designer BEFORE you need a contractor and if you and your contractor believe you don’t need a designer then he is a bad influence, and because he is, also a poor contractor to work with. I looked at the kitchens on the PW site and they were all poorly designed so there are probably no good designers that work there.

   Every day for over twenty years I have spoken to people that say the same things:
   “My kitchen is small, there’s not much I can do differently”
   “I know the design I want, I just need cabinets”
   “it’s too expensive to move things”
   “My design now is good, I just need to replace the cabinets and countertops”
   “My contractor designed my kitchen and he has been doing this for ages”
   “I have designed several other kitchens before, so I don’t need help”
   “I’m an architect, interior designer, engineer, real estate agent, or idiot savant, and don’t need an experienced professional kitchen designer”

   The list goes on forever. I have always found that the more certain the person is that they don’t need a kitchen designers help, that the more they desperately need it.
   Here is our video that and gently tries to convince people that they are foolish to get no professional kitchen design help on the most expensive home renovation of their lives.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxJgxCeeNTo

7. 

   Mary

   Thanks for the response on Mid-continent. The other lines that they sell are Starmark, Procraft, Kabinart, Mouser and Wellborn Forest. Any of those better for rentals?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mary,
   Procraft has a very inexpensive and durable grey stained cabinet that I think is the perfect choice for a rental.

8. 

   Mary

   Do you have any views on the Mid-continent Pivot line? I’m looking at them for a rental vacation house.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mary,
   The MDF doors are great for flipping a home but a bad idea if you plan on staying or even worse – renting. They look good but damage easily.

9. 

   Lisa

   Hi Paul,

   I am looking at installing new Frameless cabinets in a kitchen renovation. The kitchen and bath store is recommending Quakermaid cabinets. I see that it is in your list. The QuakerMaid website isn’t working and haven’t seen recent reviews. Is Quakermaid considered better than Design-Craft? When the person came and measured my kitchen Friday. He suggested upgrading from 30 inch wall cabinets 36 in with molding or 42 inch wall for modern look. The ceiling height is 97 to 97.5 inches high. Is it feasible to do 42in? Going with frameless because the current kitchen was installed with frameless by the previous owner in the late 90s. Over the refrigerator, I plan to change from 12 inches deep to 24 inches deep. For that he mentioned using the pantry and the wall for support, if I want to keep the 18 wide pantry cabinet. Otherwise I need to reduce the size of pantry to add the filler next the refrigerator. I will learn more on Thursday when I see the design.

   Thanks,

   Lisa

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Lisa,
   You should ask the dealers about supply chain issues with both brands. We like QuakerMaid a little more than Design-Craft. 36″ high walls with a two piece crown molding would be better than 42″. I am confused as to why what the last kitchen was installed with should effect what you do now? You could get a better made cabinet than both these brands in a framed cabinet line for less if you were choosing anything other than a slab door style. If you are getting a slab door style they are both OK choices in frameless.

10. 

    Jeff

    Thank you for all the great information. I am looking to order Fabuwood cabinets. I have a 36 inch gas range top. I would like it to set on a cabinet with two drawers. It seems like the best way to accomplish this is to modify a 36 inch three drawer cabinet. Is there a better way to do this using Fabuwood?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Jeff,
   There are several ways to go.
   1) Have Fabuwood disable the top drawer on a 36″ 3 drawer base. Simplest
   2) Have your contractor disable, or modify the top drawer – if the drawer in fact hits the cooktop you selected – some won’t. Only put soft dishtowels and oven mitts in this drawer, you don’t want to be hitting the regulator or gas line with anything hard or sharp.
   3) Use a 2 drawer base if this works with your cooktop.
   4) Take a two drawer base and order a drawer box for a bottom 3 drawer base and switch the top drawer box if this works better.
   5) If you are really creative- Switch the two drawer base top drawer box with the shallower top or middle drawer box of a 3 drawer base. Now order a roll out and have it installed above the shallower drawer box and behind the face of the top drawer. Link to a version below. You have to scroll down to Deep Drawer Base Cabinet With Rollout – Omega
   https://visualhunt.com/deep-kitchen-drawer-organizer

   Which of these solutions work best will be determined by the model cooktop you choose and how accommodating your kitchen designer and contractor are. Lots of calculations are needed to make sure what you choose works.

   Rev-a-shelf will also offer other solutions that will work and would need to be purchased on line.

11. 

    Jill

    Do Not use Fabuwood cabinets. They are poor quality and the company is horrible to deal with. I have been trying for 1 year to get damaged cabinet doors replaced and I can’t even get someone to return my call or email.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Jill,
   If you are calling Fabuwood you are calling the wrong people to replace your doors. No cabinet company does this. You should be calling the dealer that sold you the cabinets.
   Or at least calling the closest dealer to you. Many cabinet brands don’t even have a phone number listed that a customer could find because they do not accept calls from the general public. You don’t call General Motors when your car needs a part. You call the dealer.

   I would disagree with you about the quality of Fabuwood cabinets but you seem confused about more than just this. Our customers are always happy with Fabuwood and we get no complaints.

12. 

    M P

    Can you please give me you opinion and experience with Brookhaven I vs Brookhaven II line cabinets.
    Thank you in advance

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi M P,
   No matter what I think about the quality of Woodmode and Brookhaven I would NEVER buy their cabinets right now. They have been financially unstable for years and it is too risky to buy a kitchen from them. They came out of bankruptcy where all their customers lost their money only to face a global pandemic. You’d have to be unhinged to give them a big check and hope to see cabinets in 22 weeks.

13. 

    Daniel

    Hi Paul. Interestingly, a lot of manufacturers say they won’t (or are reluctant) to do 1″ thick doors and frames with inset cabinetry because of the difficulty with hinges and making the proper adjustments for consistent reveal, etc. Others, while willing to do it, have tried to dissuade me for the same reasons. Any thoughts?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Daniel,
   The 1″ thick frames aren’t usually done which is why the doors and drawer fronts sit proud 1/4″ on inset cabinetry. It also negates the problem opening the doors because the same amount of door passes the frame. It sounds like you are driving your kitchen train which is a bad idea. Your job should be to find the dealer and the designer that you want to work with and to let them help you make sensible decisions.

14. 

    Sandy Kuhn

    Can you please give me you opinion and experience with Kemper cabinets.
    Thank you in advance

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Sandy,
   I took the opportunity to reexamine the Kemper line because so many Masterbrand lines are combining and becoming the same brand with just different names for door styles and finishes. This is the case with Kemper. It is now Diamond rebranded. Because of this I increased the ratings and pricing for Kemper to the Diamond levels. I also took the A- ratings off Diamond as during the supply chain problems these type of lines lose a little of their value because you can probably pay just a little more and wait the same amount of time to get a better made and finished cabinet. I would Upgrade to all plywood construction in these Masterbrand lines which costs more and takes away from the overall value. Both lines now receive 4 for price point and B+ B+ for construction quality and value

15. 

    Daniel

    What are your thoughts on 1” thick doors and frames for inset cabinetry?
    Can you recommend any manufacturers that do this?
    Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Daniel,
   While 1″ Thick doors are a nice upgrade in custom cabinetry it will be a big price increase. Some custom lines set doors and drawers 1/4 ” proud of the face of the cabinet to mimic the most common 1″ door look inexpensively. All the most expensive custom brands will do this and they all will be very nice AND very expensive. Certainly you should be working with a very talented and experienced kitchen designer to fist create the best deign before considering this added expense. It makes NO SENCE to do an upgrade like this without moving walls, doors and windows to create the best kitchen design.

   Unfortunately good design is often overlooked when considering the most expensive cabinetry. This is true for a number of reasons. First, because only really good designers will be able to create that design, and if you aren’t a great designer you won’t realize that better designs are possible. Second, because when customers have a really big budget they are often used to getting their way and are less likely to take advice. Third, many designers are wary of alienating customers by telling them that their ideas are bad and jeopardizing a huge sale. Finally, customers with huge budgets often start the design process with architects and so get off to a terrible start. See below:

   All kitchen designers will tell you that the worst designs we see come from architects. This is because a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. It takes many years of exclusively designing kitchens full time to get good at it, and architects have very little kitchen design experience compared to even new kitchen designers, and they know nothing about kitchen cabinetry since they don’t sell it. The best kitchen designers learn quickly to be careful and to worry about the details, while architects are usually trained in school to value their own ideas above cost and what’s sensible. Architects love to draw on paper and let others figure out how to make their sometimes senseless drawings a reality. They are trained to be bold, and on paper, getting more stuff jammed into a tight space is a success. For the people that design and sell the cabinetry the finished functionality and esthetics of the design is what we are judged by, and held accountable for.

   As a kitchen designer, it is very rare to see a good design that came from an architect. And so the kitchen designers that have to create a good kitchen for their customers are hampered by all the work that was done prior to their getting involved. Customers are upset when they hear that the design they worked on with their architect is poor and that they should possibly start from scratch. Telling this to a customer will not only upset the customer but that architect will never bring you any more business.

   Many kitchen showrooms and cabinet dealers specialize in catering to the builder, contractor, and architect trade. The kitchen designers that work at these companies risk their jobs if they correct the mistakes of the professionals that bring their clients to the showroom. This got me into hot water on a regular basis at the last showroom I worked at before starting my own company.

   Main Line Kitchen Design only works with professionals that send us their customers very early in the design process, before major design decisions are made. The builders and the few architects that we work with accept that they are not kitchen experts. The result is that the home owner gets a much better kitchen and everyone involved gets better reviews.

16. 

    Ali

    Hi Paul,
    I am remodeling my home with white shaker cabinets. I plan to be in the home for a long time. I have been working with a designer who sells ShowPlace, which seems well rated by MainLine. ShowPlace offers “paint grade” with a HDM center panel. They also offer complete HDM doors, which they say is the “most stable choice” for painted doors. On their website they state: “HDM offers significant improvements over the MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) that other brands continue to use today.” Do you know if this is true? Would it be a bad idea to use HDM? Thanks in advance!
    Extra info: We just had a humidifier placed on our HVAC, and a dehumidifer that runs in the summer. 3 soon-to-be teenagers in the house as well.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Ali,
   While HDF is denser and less likely to be damaged than MDF it isn’t strong and when damaged is usually unrepairable like real wood. I would always still choose a paint grade hardwood with an MDF recessed panel for any kitchen you want to last. For flipping a home the HDF looks better and costs less. HDF shouldn’t be effected by humidity but water sitting on a painted HDF door over time, say in front of the sink, or the garbage pull out, or steam condensing on doors around the dishwasher, will eventually be fatale to an HDF door. A hardwood door would need to be repainted but could be repaired.

17. 

    Bill Strutton

    Howdy. I don’t see Barker cabinets listed. I’ve read good things about their quality. I was wondering if you have any experience and if you can compare their quality & value vs fabuwood? Can you recommend a good peer fabuwood dealer in the Detroit metro area?

    Thanks so Much from SE Michigan.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bill,
   I’ve never heard of Barker cabinets. If you called on a Friday 2-4 pm EST for our helpline and podcast I could research them with, you and also look up dealers in the Detroit area beyond the dealer we presently list below:
   Woodmaster Kitchens Detroit MI http://www.woodmasterkitchens.com/ 586-778-4430

18. 

    Roger Full

    I dropped RD Henry and brought Shiloh in to our showrooms about 18 months ago. I have not regretted the decision on bit. Every job that we have received from Shiloh has been first class. I don’t understand how they rate a C in your grading. For the selection and customization that they offer, they have replaced two of our more expensive lines.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Roger,
   Shiloh make beautiful cabinetry. What we can’t understand is why they are making such nice cabinetry so poorly engineered. Correcting the bad engineering is easy and inexpensive, but we must rate cabinets as they are made and not by how they can be fixed in the field. There is no question that the hanging rail on Shiloh is insufficient to securely fasten the cabinetry to the wall. I have been hopeful for years that they would simply make their cabinetry like other manufactures that use a hanging rail. OR, maybe they should just make their whole cabinet back 1/2″ plywood. Our reviews must hurt their sales. I just wish they would fix the issue.

19. 

    Marian

    Dear Paul,
    Have you ever heard of a company called Avance Cabinetry?
    Thank you

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   No Never heard of them. Looked at their website and it didn’t give me enough information to form an opinion.

20. 

    JanetZ.

    Hey Paul! You are so kind to share your expertise with the masses 🙂 Quick question – what has the typical shipping time you have been seeing recently with Fabuwood (specifically the Galaxy Frost) cabinets? Thank you!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Janet,
   We tell our customers that we can deliver Fabuwood to them in 6 weeks.

21. 

    Laura

    Hi Paul, I want to thank you again for all the helpful advice and education on your blog. I’m grateful for all of it, and am amazed at how much time you devote to answering questions from most of us who live out of your service area. You answered several questions for me over the last year while I was helping my daughter navigate planning a kitchen and bath renovation. I think we read every article on your website and even followed the links to your resources, which were also very helpful, especially the appliance blog. We used your cabinet construction recommendations to choose all the cabinetry, and went with Fabuwood. My daughter is thrilled with the results! She has 8’ ceilings so we went with 36” uppers with a stacked crown moulding to the ceiling. It is really pretty and there is no gap between the uppers and the ceiling. The cabinetry is white Shaker and she loves the Blum soft close drawers and doors. All the cabinets were delivered within two weeks, and only one bath cabinet had an almost invisible hairline crack, which the dealer had replaced within a week, even though we were a few weeks out from starting the bath. The cabinets are so solidly built, no issues with the exterior or interior. It’s been 4 months since installation and no issues have arisen. In the planning stages we tried to learn everything we could about kitchens and baths and what to look for in all the various products, and it was worth the effort. Thank you again for contributing so greatly to our process!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Laura,
   Thanks for the nice post. I’m so glad that our blogs and our content was helpful. If you are ever in need of kitchen design or kitchen product information again, remember that we answer questions and review designs free of charge on our helpline and podcast Fridays 2-4 pm. Simply call 610-500-4071 or our main number and press extension 1 or 2 between those hours and leave a message. I will call back when the lines open and take your call.

22. 

    Shelly Patten

    I so appreciate all the work you put into this but I am struggling because I live in Oklahoma and many of the brands listed aren’t available here. I was looking at Omega, sold through Prosource but they don’t disclose which line. I spoke with a designer who sells Plato, which I can afford but don’t feel like I need and she sells Belmont. She said Belmont was better than Omega. If I want framless which would you recommend? And, when you show Kraftmaid, is that the brand in Lowes? Or is that a differnt line specifically for them that wouldn’t rate as well?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Shelly,
   Recommending which line is a good fit for you requires knowing the door style, finish, and the design you are planning. Kraftmaid is sold at home centers as well as at private dealers.

23. 

    Keith

    Hi Paul –

    Seems to be 2 views on Fabuwood especially on Houzz. Either people like them or they loathe them due to being an Asia import and complain about quality. Not much in between.

    Currently planning a kitchen remodel (removing 15yr old Merrilat Classic from builder) and trying to decide between Fabuwood and an American made middle ground line like Medallion Silver. Both lines accomplish the layout, look etc, but my question is the increased cost worth it for the American brand? Does home value have any role? House is worth ~$650-$700k. Plan to be here 5-10 years.

    Thanks,
    Keith

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Keith,
   Reading online cabinet reviews are seldom of value. Particularly on HOUZZ. This is because the people reviewing don’t know what they are talking about and usually blame the cabinet brad for their designer’s, contractor’s or dealers, mistakes. Or ignorance and prejudice drives their opinions. This is why Ikea gets the best reviews from consumers.
   Read this blog we just posted. It answers your questions. https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/made-in-the-usa-is-it-always-smart-to-buy-american-cabinetry/

   And we have put Fabuwood in a 2 million dollar plus home. See photos Here: https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/kitchen-design-gallery/villanova-pa-renovated-barn/

   By the way we sell 8 different cabinet brands from inexpensive brands to the most expensive custom brands. We sell over a million dollars of Fabuwood cabinetry every year and we have zero bad reviews out of hundreds over any cabinetry that we sell. This is because it is the dealer and designer that are at fault for almost all bad cabinet reviews and not the brand, and we are good designers and dealers so we only get 5 reviews, unless I or another designer annoys someone by being honest with them.

24. 

    Frances

    Thank you so much for all this information. Our builder was using Echelon and we loved their choices. Now using Century saying it is better because no center boards and soft close. However, we feel the center boards help make cabinets sturdier and more durable. Also, when comparing the Echelon and Century Shaker design, we definitely like the Echelon look better. Echelon also offers a beautiful Cafe stain, which Century does not. Is Century truly a better cabinetry than Echelon? They just call it Century, not 21st Century. Thank you.

25. 

    Bridget

    Thanks for the reply. I saw this comment on Houzz and I was confused. That’s why I was looking for a retailer who assembles the cabinets themselves. Am I reading this guy’s answer incorrectly then?

    “I am a retailer of Fabuwood kitchen cabinets. I would just like to set some things straight on the topic. These cabinets do not come from the plant in New Jersey assembled. It seems that most of the complaints I here or see is do to poor or improper assembly. I have a professional mill work shop assemble all of my cabinets before they are shipped to a home. The average kitchen costs about $175 to have professionally assembled. This year alone I have personally installed 18 Fabuwood kitchens and I have yet to have a single complaint on the quality. The Value of these cabinets is incredible compared to that of the box store lines. My advice is if you are going to purchase these cabinets make sure they are being assembled by professionals who are using the proper tools to do so.”

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bridget,
   Prior to two years ago, some dealers could buy cabinets flat packed for assembly. These companies never had qualified designers and so they hurt Fabuwood’s reputation. Fabuwood no longer does this. We have always had the cabinets assembled in the factory for the 7 years we have sold Fabuwood.

26. 

    Bridget

    Hi, apologies in advance if this question has been asked.
    If I order Fabuwood cabinets from a dealer, who does the assembly? Does it come pre-assembled from the factory or does the cabinet dealer assemble it?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bridget,
   All Fabuwood cabinetry comes assembled from the factory.

27. 

    Kevin

    Hi Paul –

    So I’m playing GC in our kitchen reno with the help of a good friend who is a custom home GC. The LF price installed was just a reference point of what the cabs plus install will cost to allow for comparison. I have an actual cabinet installer lined up. Confirmed with KD that Koch does build the David Bradley American Collection. I’ll try to call in if I can fit into schedule.

    Thanks,
    Kevin

28. 

    Kevin

    Question about 2 brands and possible better pick. I’m in Colorado.
    Considering Medallion Silver line (full overlay) and David Bradley American Collection (frameless) both in a painted white shaker.
    The David Bradley American Collection at least appears to be made by Koch? KD advises it’s a nice mid range line and the display I’ve seen looks nice. Price seems to be about the same at ~$450/LF installed.
    Aside from the full overlay versus frameless (preference on our part) any advice on which is better choice from quality/finish?
    Floorplan is fairly straightforward and not much customization of size really needed. We are running stacked cabinets to the 9ft ceiling with glass on top cabs. More drawers in base cabs versus doors, large floor to ceiling pantry. End panels, crown, trim, etc…
    Thanks!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Kevin,
   There are too many variables here and I’ve never heard of David Bradley AC. If you are planning to stack cabinets I worry about the design even more than the brand. Buying cabinets by the linear food installed is unusual. Generally a general contractor would do the cabinet installation along with all the other work. Getting the cabinets installed by the cabinet retailer sounds like an exercise in finger pointing. Particularly with stacked cabinets. I would recommend calling the Friday helpline.
   Thanks,
   Paul

29. 

    ashley

    Paul-I saw you post about MDF doors. I live in Florida where humidity is high. Is it smart to do an all MDF door or just have the panel MDF?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   If you are flipping a house MDF doors is a good idea. If you will be there for years an MDF panel makes more sense

30. 

    Lynne

    Paul –
    We are doing a DIY kitchen remodel and we are on a tight budget. Looking at your list and doing some other research, right now I am looking at either J&K or 21st Century cabinets (most likely white shaker). Any reason to go with one over another, we are fine with RTA and it is our forever home. I was also recommended a company called Blue Valley Cabinets, which seems to be new to the market and doesn’t have many reviews. Ever heard of them? I will try to call in to the podcast sometime for you to critique my kitchen layout, but I am usually working during that time.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Lynne,
   Never heard of Blue Valley. J&K and 21st Century are fine inexpensive cabinet brands. I have no idea though how they are doing with the supply chain issues. That and the design itself are far more important than which brand you choose. I would always buy cabinetry assembled from the factory. No professional would buy RTA. It saves little and asks for trouble.

31. 

    Ellen

    Hi Paul:

    Your blog has so much information, thank you! The kitchen redesign process has been overwhelming. I believe we have narrowed down our search to two lines: Schrock Trademark painted white or Medallion Silver line painted white – the difference between the two is Schrock uses Maple doors while Medallion uses MDF doors – both are box plywood construction. Do you recommend one of the other and why? We are unsure of going with MDF or Maple for the doors because there appears to be pros and cons on both sides. Thank you!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Ellen,
   For flipping a home MDF doors save money and probably look better. If you plan on living in the home for any length of time I would not recommend MDF doors. They will damage easily and if the door style is anything other than a simple shaker style it will be unlikely that that exact style will exist in just a few years. So the exact replacement doors you will almost certainly need won’t be available because the template and the router that makes that door will no longer exist. Also getting expensive cabinetry and all plywood upgrades makes little sense if you are getting an MDF door. You could have probably paid 40% less and gotten an inexpensive brand that looked the same and was just as durable.

32. 

    PEG

    Besides your concern on Durasupreme’s warranty performance, what do you think about its framed cabinets? We are considering slab solid wood full overlays. Should we go with inset instead?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Peg,
   You don’t say what color. For stained cabinetry Slab doors are usually a veneer because solid wood looks to “stripey” Also slabs are most often done with a frameless cabinet because the style is contemporary and the frameless looks better with contemporary styles. Inset is traditional and never done with a slab door.

   When you are all over the place with style, and thinking about a brand we don’t trust, it tells me you are working with the wrong designer.

33. 

    Gina

    Hi Paul,

    You seem to rate Medallion well. I know that your system rates everything based on the highest level of construction for the line, but both the Medallion Gold and Silver come with furniture board if you do not upgrade. Do you have any opinions on the Medallion line without upgrade to all plywood? What about if the exposed sides are upgraded? Thanks for your help. Your website provides very valuable information about cabinets and the process for new buyers like myself.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Gina,
   Medallion is an expensive cabinet brand. Why would you buy cabinetry that is 50% more than better made less expensive brands that come with a plywood box and Blum tracks and hinges and then to save a little have the cabinets made poorly?

   If you want to get technical all the wall cabinets in a kitchen need to be all plywood so that they are less likely to fall off the wall. All tracks and hinges should be Blum soft close, and all exposed base cabinets need to be plywood. So if you just got particleboard base cabinets on the unexposed base cabinet with the drawer and hardware upgrade that would be fine. Now how much would THAT save. The answer is almost nothing.

   Contemplating getting expensive poorly made cabinetry makes me think that you are working with a designer that isn’t very knowledgeable. When that’s the case you will have even bigger problems than this bad decision. Almost always bad kitchen designers just give customers the poor designs that they request without showing them better floor plans that they could afford if they used a less expensive cabinet brand.

   Smart people splurge of good designs first and expensive cabinetry second. You should call into our Friday helpline 2-4 pm ready to email the design you are considering. I’m sure it needs improvement and that there are probably better cabinet brand fits for you than Medallion.

34. 

    Laura Lewallen

    I believe you indicated that MDF center panels are a good idea but won’t the outside painted wood
    panels show cracks and seams?
    Also, my kitchen designer has shown me
    MDF doors but they are so light and the center panel
    is very thin. Does MDF come in different thicknesses and how thick do you recommend for the center panel to feel substantial? Thank you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Laura,
   Sorry you are confused and have a lot backwards.

   The frame of a door should not be MDF unless you don’t care about how easily damaged your cabinets would be.

   If you are flipping a home or a builder then MDF doors would make sense and save you money and look (at least for a little while, great) If you want your cabinets to last it is a terrible choice.

   Yes some cheaper cabinet lines will show seams on solid wood doors but these doors will not damage easily.

   Center panels do not take abuse so using MDF on the center panel is OK and keeps doors from warping and panels from shrinking.

   MDF is heavier than real wood so MDF panels and doors weigh more than solid doors and plywood panels.

   It is the plywood panels that you are finding so thin I would think.

   You should get the help of a knowledgeable kitchen designer to help you understand these issues.

35. 

    Patricia McCloughan-Wirth

    Hi Paul,
    We are looking at a 30″ slide-in dual-fuel gas range by Bosch. We have a smallish kitchen. Can we go with a 30″ wood-covered venting hood (by Kraftmaid Vantage) or must we go with a 36″ vent hood. Not sure whether to go with Kraftmaid or Brighton cabinets (which, as you know, are more customizeable). Kraftmaid Vantage only makes in a 30 or a 36 hood for our purposes.
    Thank you for your thoughts.
    Pattie

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Patricis,
   A 36″ hood often looks better and certainly works better. However a 30″ hood over a 30″ range is the more common and standard size. So it’s fine.

36. 

    Carla Konet

    What do you think of Woodmark Cabinets?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Carla,
   I assume you mean American Woodmark. WE rate American Woodmark pretty well on our cabinet rating blog. See the blog you are on.

37. 

    Sue

    I am working with a designer that uses Mountaineer cabinets. They seem at the top end of the price range. Do you know if they are worth it?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Sue,
   I guess you mean Mountaineer Woodcraft. They are a small custom manufacturer that I don’t know anything about. However if a designer ONLY sells MW then I have problems with that designer. If Mountianeer Woodcraft is just one of the brands that they sell and they are recommending a custom, more expensive brand, for your particular project then that might be fine.

   Dealers that only sell one line are less honorable, less transparent, and generally less experienced. You can not have all of your customers best interests at heart if you only sell one brand. You will also learn very little about the cabinet industry only selling one very small custom brand.

38. 

    Bob

    Hi, I’m working with a KD who uses Decore-ative Specialties, I don’t see them on your list so any input would be appreciated. I’m also getting quotes from a different KD who uses Showplace Cabinetry. Both designers came up with virtually the same basic layout and I would be using the same installation contractor with either.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bob,
   I can’t find anything out about Decore-ative other than the employees hate the company. I would always worry about a design the way you describe it. I’d call into our help line on Friday 2 – 4pm EST and we can look at the design and talk about what door style you are getting and if there are better less expensive brands to consider. There’s not really enough here to give advice.

39. 

    susan eddy

    i Live in Newport, RI. does anyone carry Fabuwood near here? If not what do you suggest?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Susan,
   Just go to the Fabuwood website and type your zip code into the locate a dealer. Link below
   https://www.fabuwood.com/locate-a-dealer/

   Their is a dealer 12 miles away and at least 3 within 30 miles

40. 

    Sheritta Taylor

    Hello Paul,

    We are in the process of interviewing contractors and kitchen design firms. Two of the design firms that we are most interested in either deal with DuraSupreme or Christiana Cabinetry. What are your thoughts on the two brands? They seem world’s apart. Thank you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Sheritta,
   I don’t know anything about Christiana Cabinetry but we no longer carry DuraSupreme Cabinetry because they wouldn’t honor their warranty to one of our customers. We made good on the kitchen but I wouldn’t trust the company.

41. 

    John carry

    When I order cabinets from a dealer, does the dealer inspect the cabinets first before being delivered to me? Also, who puts the hardware in the cabinets? Is it my contractor or the dealer?
    Also, I know someone provides cabinet Marietta Cabinets

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi John,
   Usually the cabinet dealer doesn’t inspect the cabinets before you get them as that would mean opening all the boxes which promotes damage. Of course if a box arrives in the dealers warehouse looking damaged then it might be open and checked. No dealers install handles and knobs unless they are installing cabinets.

   Marietta Cabinets seems to be a mom and daughter team that do it all. IE design kitchens, sell cabinets and install them. We believe that these companies rarely do a great job at everything and so it’s better to work with a cabinet dealer on design and cabinetry and the installer on the installation. It also looks like they sell one inexpensive brand of cabinet and so they can’t know much about kitchen design. Good kitchen designers sell several brands of cabinets and know when it is appropriate to use a particular brand and also design 100 kitchens a year vs just several that they are installing.

42. 

    Dan Scott

    Hi Paul,

    My wife and I are building a home in NJ and we have received quotes for both CNC and Fabuwood. The Fabuwood came in at 30% more and I have read your posts stating that Fabuwood is typically 15% more. I just want to make sure I am getting an accurate quote for the cabinets. Any advice would be appreciated.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Dan,
   Different door styles effect pricing. Most customers don’t understand what they are pricing and don’t have all the information to compare apples to apples.
   So for example Fabuwood Galaxy Frost should be around 15 or 20% more than CNC Elegant white. Fabuwood Galaxy Frost should be 30 or 40% more than CNC Luxor white because it is a smaller overlay door in MDF and not Birch. Never use Luxor white on a home you plan to keep for a long time. The blog below explains why customer comparisons are so flawed and why the more you shop the more likely you are to end up getting ripped off. Customers should shop for a dealer and designer and not cabinetry which they are unqualified to evaluate.
   Read this blog:
   https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/price-comparing-kitchen-cabinets-and-why-it-is-a-bad-idea/

43. 

    Bille

    What do you think about Forevermark?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Bille,
   We rate them on this review. They are a pretty well made inexpensive brand. Ask your dealer about out of stock and shipping delays, Forevermark has had issues in the past and I don’t know how they are doing presently.

44. 

    Mike

    Where are the Village cabinets made that are on your list with very good ratings? I see a company in CT and one in PA. Thanks.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Mike,
   It’s the PA company I don’t know the CT company. The CT Village doesn’t even have a website that appears in a Google search.

45. 

    Fred

    Paul,
    I wanted to get you opinion on soft closing systems. Blum seems to be the top of the line – but in looking at cabinet lines, some use Whisper-close, some use Cushion-Close. I know different brands have their own thing – but do you really see much of a difference between them – or is it just marketing?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Fred,
   Good question. While most of these other soft close systems are fine there isn’t much difference in price between Blum and most of the other higher quality soft close tracks and hinges. And so the better constructed cabinet brands choose the Blum systems while often the poorly built brands use alternatives. So it isn’t the hardware that is making the cabinet line a lesser cabinet but the hardware is symptomatic. Using Blum Hardware seems to be a “tell” for a better made overall cabinet.

   Another issue is that many of these really inexpensive brands are sold at sort of “cabinet dollar stores” and so there is no reliable warranty on the cabinets and no qualified designer helping customers and selling the cabinets. Kitchen renovations are so expensive that saving 20% on cabinetry at these really inexpensive levels usually guaranties poorly thought out kitchens with lots of bad decision making.

   I recommend working with an experienced kitchen designer who works at a cabinet dealership that sells several brands of cabinetry across several price points. They would be the most likely to have the design skill and cabinet knowledge that would protect you from making more serious mistakes. Or call in to our help line and I can vet any design or cabinet brand choice. We also can help find a dealer or contractor that looks good in your area. Call 610-500-4071 between 2 and 4 pm EST on any Friday.

46. 

    Cheri McManus

    Hello, We are building a studio apt. above our garage that will include a small kitchen. I looked at the door samples at LOWE’s in Portland ME and liked the Schuler- Sugar Creek Maple Dove Appaloosa style and finish. When googling it I found either folks love Schuler or the opposite. Many mentioned quality. You rate them well. Can you give me any insight?

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Cheri,
   Schuler is actually Medallion cabinetry re-branded and sold at Lowes. All home center cabinet brands get some poor reviews because the designers are less experienced and the contractors working on these jobs are often less competent. The cabinet brand unfortunately takes the brunt of the consumer complaints even though everyone else is responsible. I wouldn’t worry about the poor reviews.

   What I would worry about is Why are you buying expensive nearly custom cabinetry from a home center? A kitchen over a garage probably doesn’t rate expensive cabinetry and if you are building a studio apartment you should be getting better design advice than an architect or builder can give you. That is certainly not available at a home center. Sounds like you should be calling into our helpline and podcast Fridays.

47. 

    Jacob

    Hi Paul,
    What’s your general feeling on Medallion cabinets?
    Looking for a very solid wood color cabinets, which lines would you recommend. I have only found cheap looking ones or very expensive like Plain and fancy.
    Any help would be great!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Jacob,
   Good question.
   The finish on painted cabinetry can be done well by less expensive cabinet brands. The finish can even be indistinguishable from very high end custom cabinetry.
   This is not true with stained cabinetry. Generally the more expensive the cabinet brand the nicer the stained finish with a few exceptions. For example the less expensive cabinet brand Fabuwood that we carry does two pretty nice grey stains on birch wood as do several other less expensive brands.

   But in lighter stains on woods like maple and cherry the beauty of the stained finish usually closely coincides with the cost of the cabinetry. Medallion has a reputation for having nice finishes close to the beauty of finishes on brands like Plain and Fancy but there is still a noticeable difference. Medallion usually costs about 20% less than Plain and Fancy

   Some less expensive brands that seem to do a nice job for at least 30% less than Medallion, but still nowhere near as nice as Medallion, would be:
   American Woodmark / Shenendoah / Timberlake and Homecrest.

   We sell Bishop, which is usually about 20% less than Medallion, and they do a nice job as do major brands that cost a little more like Kraftmaid and Diamond and Decora.

   Fieldstone, Starmark, and other higher end lines also have Medallion level finishes but they will be very similar in price to Medallion.

   The simple answer is that with stained wood finishes you usually get what you pay for.

48. 

    Carol

    Hi Paul,
    I have 4 little kids and we are looking to redo our kitchen with Fabuwood cabinets. We like the price point. Will these hold up for as long as Bertch cabinets? That is the other line we are considering. Worth the upgrade? Thank you.

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Carol,
   Yes they will hold up as well as Bertch. However all painted cabinets are less durable than stained cabinetry so keep in mind the finish you are selecting if durability is particularly important. In most non rural areas paint can be easily touched up by furniture refinishers so if painted cabinetry gets nicked or scratched it can be repaired.

49. 

    ashley

    Decora lead time is only 9 weeks actually which is impressive considering the times. Thanks for all of your help!!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Ashley,
   Yes relatively normal lead time bodes well.

50. 

    ashley

    Do you know much about Decora? They are 5k more than Designer’s Choice. I have spent so much time researching these cabinets..just dont want to make the wrong choice..thanks for your help!!

1. 

   pmcalary[ Post Author ]

   Hi Ashley,
   We don’t sell Decora but all our designers like it. It is unusual times due to Covid. I don’t know Decora lead times or how well Decora is handling labor, material, and personnel shortages. The designer at the dealership should know that.