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.”
Kristy Herring
I apologize if the answer to this question should be apparent and I’m just not seeing it but…on the price levels, is 1 the high end or the low end?? Thanks.
ITSAdmin
1 is the least expensive and 6 is the most expensive. For some perspective a 6 level cabinet will be more than double the price on a 1 level.
changemaven
Please help me know what to do with my custom cabinet dilemma. Our new rift oak cabinets were delivered last week. We originally wanted ‘clear’ finish. Sample door delivered last month was “Natural tint’. After much deliberation, we told the company on the phone we want to go with Natural, a slight reddish tint. They said ok. Cabinets for entire kitchen was delivered in Clear. Some panels are so stripey, like a zebra. We don’t like that.
We did not receive new paperwork to sign approving Clear. We did not receive a sample door in Clear. We were told we got a voicemail saying too late, they’d already been sanded down. But we never got a message.
Cabinet company is coming tomorrow for a meeting. Help!
The doors are oak veneer, and might have already been sanded once. Worried the veneer would be too thin if sanded again.
Upper cabinets are white/maple doors. I’m tempted to ask them to remake them in all white.
What should I expect and offer as resolution to this giant problem! I think they should either…
1)return them to the factory and remake them, but not sand them.
2) offer a giant discount and re=make the cabinets sides that are very stripey.
3) remake all lower oak cabinets in white.
I do not expect to pay more. We still owe 50%.
Please someone help us know what is our best option here. And what we should negotiate and/or settle for.
thank you in advance…
ITSAdmin
I am confused. Natural and Clear are the same thing. The stripey you get with all solid wood cabinets. Sounds like both you and the designer were lax in helping you understand what you were buying and what it would look like. I wouldn’t expect much of a rebate if in fact clear and Natural are the same finish as they are with ALL the brands I know of.
Sorry,
Paul
Rukaiya
We are looking at Kemper vs Mid Continent cabinets in a white shaker door maple. I’m not sure which Mid Continent Line you rated but do you have a preference between the two?
ITSAdmin
You are picking from lines that we do not love. I guess we prefer Kemper.
A Smith
We’re getting ready to remodel our kitchen. What are your thoughts on Kith? Our designer says these are the way to go. But the remodel is at 40k and I just want to make the best decision. Other brands they use are kraftmaid vantage and merillat. Out of those 3 which is the best? Would you recommend another brand?
ITSAdmin
Kraftmaid Vantage would be my choice here.
John Rumm
Great blog, very helpful. But I’m confused when I try to compare ratings among different lines, which leads me or ask several questions, which may already have been asked and answered, but can you clarify the difference between a “cabinet manufacturer” and a “cabinet brand”? A given manufacturer—say, Norcraft or MasterBrand—may carry as many as a dozen or more different “brands.”That being the case, is it generally true that things like body construction tend to be standard within a given manufacturer’s brand family, but styling may vary between the different brands? And lastly, is it better to compare among different cabinet manufacturers, or within one brand family, among different brands?
Thanks for your assistance!
John Rumm
ITSAdmin
Every Brand is different. Some manufacturers like Masterbrands carry from expensive well made cabinetry to very cheap poorly made cabinetry. We rate the brands.
Gladys Vanegas
Thanks you Paul.
Paul McAlary
Hi Gladys,
We rate St Martin in this blog.
RB
I am building a new home and the builder uses Yorktowne cabinets. I want a more contemporary look, full-overly, frameless more European style kitchen. I may be able to use other brands within the ACPI family. How do Design Craft and Serenity compare? Also, should I stear clear of thermofoil?
ITSAdmin
Thermafoil is very sensitive to heat so I would not use a professional range or cook-top with a thrmafoil door style. 3/4″ plywood would be the best for a frameless cabinet line. I don’t know Serenity and I’m not sure if you can upgrade DesignCraft to that.
Gladys Vanegas
Hi Paul!
Thank you for this informative blog! We are remodeling our kitchen and are looking into St. Martin cabinets.Would you be so kind and give me your opinion/ expert advice on this cabinet brand. Thank you!
Kristy
I have seen some references to Koch Cabinets. But I don’t see where you have given your opinion on that line. Do you have an opinion on that line? Thank you.
ITSAdmin
Hi Kristy,
We researched Koch before and this was our response:
Koch is a pretty good cabinet. I think when we researched last we gave them a B+ for construction on their framed line but since we weren’t sure on pricing so we left them off our list.
Paul McAlary
I Know less about 21st Century and they give less information on their site. I’d stick with the Fabuwood if you plan on living in your home for a while.
Rashid
Thanks for your response. However you did not say anything about 21st Century. I see that one is on the top of your list as A, A and 1 for price level.
KathyC
Hi, Paul..Are you familiar with Koch kitchen cabinets? I would love your opinion on them.
ITSAdmin
Hi Kathy,
We researched Koch before and this was our response:
Koch is a pretty good cabinet. I think when we researched last we gave them a B+ for construction on their framed line but since we weren’t sure on pricing we left them off our list.
Rashid
Thanks for wonderful educational blog. We are pricing between 21st Century, Fabuwood and CNC. Which one will you rate the best value?
Thanks
ITSAdmin
Hi Rashid,
Fabuwood is the best cabinet and the best value here. CNC is about 20% less and still well constructed if you are truly on a severe budget. However since your entire kitchen is built around the cabinets I wouldn’t splurge on appliances and quartz countertops without getting at least Fabuwood quality cabinetry. If you are flipping a property then CNC might be the best value.
Tracy
Thank you so much for your valuable advice!!
Paul McAlary
Those are nice colors and not out of style. In fact far from it. Definitely Always upgrade cabinetry. It is better to get a well made inexpensive cabinet line than an expensive one not upgraded and so built poorly.
Tracy
The timberlake painted cashmere is the color that I was told is no longer available. I asked if there would be a replacement color, but they did not have that information yet. I am looking at the painted Safari in the Yorktowne. Is the standard ‘furniture board’ construction ‘quality’ or should I upgrade to all plywood?
Paul McAlary
Yorktowne recently upgraded and improved their cabinets and raised their prices. Upgraded all these lines will be good. However I do have a concern. What is the finish that was discontinued? Popular finishes are never discontinued. Usually only finishes that have gone out of style are discontinued.
.
If for example you were getting some kind of oak finish or a whitewash that would be a terrible investment as far as the value of your home was concerned. White Thermafoil would be another out of date finish.
Tracy
I had originally planned Timberlake cabinet (my builder’s line) but the color I wanted has recently been discontinued. Another option from the builder’s designer is Yorktowne. I was told Yorktowne is an upgrade from Timberlake. Are you familiar with Yorktowne and how comparable is this line to Kraftmaid? Do you offer any recommendations? Wellbourn is another option, but I understand these to be an additional upgrade.
Tracy
I had originally planned Timberlake cabinet (my builder’s line) but the color I wanted has recently been discontinued. Another option from the builder’s designer is Yorktowne. I was told Yorktowne is an upgrade from Timberlake. Are you familiar with Yorktowne and how comparable is this line to Kraftmaid? Do you offer any recommendations? Wellbourn is another option, but I understand these to be an additional upgrade.
Alisa Genovese
Hi Thank yiu so much for this information. I just bought a house and I’m putting a kitchenette in my basement for a rental. I would like to get I’m on mid range quality cabinet that will last mini years but it’s doable but not super high priced. I have been looking at the wolf classic line the Hanover which is part of their insight series. However the Hanover doesn’t come in white or light grey which I hoped for. The expression series seems a big jump in price. I like the ratings of wolf but wondered if you might recommend any alternatives in this range that are comparable to Wolf. I like a shaker style lighter cabinet but quality is important. I want framed.
Thank you
ITSAdmin
Hi Alisa,
Be careful. Wolf has different quality levels now. The lower levels are not the lines that we are giving the good reviews to. Fabuwood would be a better choice here, for quality and for colors.
Terry in FL
Would you please give me a professional comparison between Wellborn Estate and/or Premier vs Fieldstone? Does Fieldstone have different lines as well? Trying to work between two local dealers that carry different products. Want to compare apples to apples, so to speak. Thank you in advance!
Paul McAlary
We rate both lines in this blog. Aristocraft is inferior to Kraftmaid in all aspects. It is still a favorite some of the older lower priced contractors and builders as it was the good looking by poorly made cheap builder grade cabinet of choice for a couple of decades.
.
Like many of the lower quality US made lines it may have upgraded it’s construction recently in order to compete with the US owned import lines. However those lines like Wolf, Fabuwood, CNC, J&K, and many others are a much better value for a less expensive line. Contractors that understand little about cabinetry will want to stick with what they know over what better products are available.
.
This would make me leary of your builder. Kitchen renovations are complicated. And the contractors that would push for Aristocraft will make other poor decisions. Typically these type of contractors will keep outdated soffits over cabinets, recommend unpopular styles and materials and take a lazy approach to their work.
Jeff
I am looking at Kraftmaid cabinets (although the construction company is really pushing Aristocraft). The drawer bottoms appear to be only 3/16” thick. I was planning on having several large drawers which will likely fill up with heavier items. Is this going to be a problem? It looks like Kraftmaid bottoms are thinner than some of poorly rated cabinet companies. Any comments on Aristokraft?
Kathy Culler
I am looking at JSI Yarmouth or Trenton door style (white) I was carrying a sample around and it seemed like some of the paint finish was rubbing off or it was unevenly painted. I’m not seeing many reviews on this company’s cabinets. I’m wondering if you know of anyone who has ordered these cabinets and are finding the durability of the finish. We’re planning on sellling our home in 3-4 years, so I’m trying to get the reasonable selection without breaking the bank!
ITSAdmin
I do not know the cabinet line but all painted cabinets are easily damaged.
Liselotte Schroth
I have to replace my Woodmode Cabinets due to an insurance claim and the fact that Woodmode is out of business. I see that Woodmode Cabinets were rated “A and A-“, but was was the price level on those cabinets?
Much appreciate any help I can get!
Lisette S.
ITSAdmin
Hi Liselotte,
Brookhaven was a 5 and Woodmode was a 5 or a 6 depending on the doorstylle and finish.
LBoland
Who is comparable to Brookhaven now that they are no longer available? Thank you!
ITSAdmin
There are many cabinet lines that will be close in quality and price to Brookhaven. Among them Medallion, Starmark, Fieldstone, and maybe a little less expensive but still very close will be framed OMEGA Dynasty, Decora, and then possibly a little less than those Kraftmaid, Diamond and others.
LBoland
Hi there. Have you heard of Bellmont Cabinets? They have 3 lines of cabinetry and would love to see how they rate among your team? Thank you!
ITSAdmin
Belmont is a frameless line and so not one we would advise for any styles other than contemporary slab styles. I also can not find specifications on their construction.
Teresa
Any opinion on Urban Effects cabinetry? I didn’t see it on the reviews or in the comments. We are hoping for a modern slab-front look but I’m a little nervous about quality.
Thanks so much for this blog and all you do.
ITSAdmin
They would get the same rating as IKEA. So just about the worst decision you can make purchasing cabinetry unless you want very contemporary styling and are flipping your home. However Flipping a home with contemporary cabinetry would only make any sense in an Urban setting and usually in a highrise building. Contemporary cabinetry is really only popular in cities despite what many people want to believe.
Mary Beth
We met with a Lowe’s kitchen designer- planning to go with upgraded Kraftmaid cabinets for a remodel in my 27 year old kitchen. He said that he prefers Diamond cabinets over Kraftmaid as he believes they have better customer service from the manufacturer, better finish on the painted cabinets and the ability to match the paint color due to it being Sherwin Williams. I wonder your thoughts on that.
ITSAdmin
Hi Mary Beth,
Diamond has dramatically improved their cabinet construction and what they offer over the last few years. So your designer might know better than I on a close choice between the two brands. From what I know the Diamond reps have smaller territories so they can be more responsive.
Something to consider when color matching is that yes you will get the custom color you want at only a small upcharge but down the road any replacement parts you might need will need to be also color matched again and that color match could be slightly off. Also touch up kits will not be readily available for custom colors.
Paul McAlary
After a quick recheck of Designers Choice I notice many negative reviews in the last year. Not sure what this is about but it gives me pause. The Presidential is their best constructed line. All plywood construction, 1/2″ plywood sides and solid wood dovetail soft close drawers and drawers are a must.
Ask the dealer you are working with about the negative reviews and check the reviews on the dealer. The dealers reviews are the most telling.A dealer with less than 4 stars is a serious problem.
Mark
Hi- regarding the Designers Choice cabinets, is there a better line in their family over another as far as quality and construction? Also, you mentioned making sure it it “upgraded” – can you speak to exactly what upgrades you feel are important/must haves?
ITSAdmin
Hi Allie,
The designer collection would get a B for construction. The other Cardell lines would get very poor ratings. The bigger issue here is that buying a kitchen from Menards is like buying one from IKEA or Costco. Their are no qualified kitchen designers at these retail locations. Home Centers like Lowes and The Home Depot usually have staff that has some limited level of experience up to experienced and even occasionally very good kitchen designers.
Allie
Does anyone have reviews on Cardell Cabinets sold at Menards?
Terry in FL
I don’t see a Kemp Cabinet line on your rating list. They are an Amish company out of Indiana. Are you familiar with the product line and/or quality? They offer both an inset and a frameless model. My designer is recommending them over Fieldstone for value. Thanks for your ever helpful reply!
ITSAdmin
Hi Terry,
Sorry I don’t know the line. Their web site doesn’t give much information but the finishes look nice.
Emma
Thank you very much for the extremely helpful information. I recently moved and decided to change all the base cabinets and kitchen island, but keep the wall cabinets. They are Timberlake Fairfield nutmeg. After I ordered, I found out online very bad reviews for Timberlake. Fairfield is also the cheap line. I am wondering is it even worth to put on the granite countertop? Will these cabinets be able to hold the granite? I am even thinking not to pick up these Timberlake cabinets and get better ones? Maybe fabuwood? Any suggestions or comments for Timberlake Fairfield cabinet? Thank you very much
ITSAdmin
Hi Emma,
Sorry but this whole plan made no sense from the beginning. I have no idea how to advise you other than to get the help of a good local kitchen designer. I’m sure there are many more bad decisions than the tip of this iceberg reveals.
Tonya
Thank you very much for this wonderful resource, I have been studying it for months now but it is now time for me to order cabinets. My major concern is finding a quality cabinet that offers inset doors and drawers. We found a local kitchen design company (the only one in our area) and they offer inset cabinets from Dura Supreme. After scouring the internet for reviews about these cabinets, I’m a little concerned about the quality of their product and the company standing behind their product! I do plan to upgrade from the “furniture board” to the 1/2″ plywood cabinets but was wondering if you had any thoughts on this brand before we order/pay. Also if you have any additional recommendations for cabinet companies that offer inset options? Thank you so very much!
ITSAdmin
Hi Tonya,
We found DuraSupreme to be a disreputable company to work with when we briefly carried their brand. They did not honor their commitments to our customers or to us. That being said their inset cabinetry upgraded is very well made. I would make very sure that the cabinet dealer you are buying from has a sterling reputation as it will be their integrity that you will need to rely on should any problems arise.
Mark
Hello and what’ a great resource and website! We are building a custom home in Delaware and our builder is recommending Designers Choice Cabinetry for our entire home. It’s a 6 bedroom house with office, mud room, lots of cabinets. My question is the quality and craftsmanship of Designer Choice as it relates to the kitchen in particular. Do they make a solid, well-made cabinet to put in a high end custom home, or would we be better off using them elsewhere in the house and spending more for a better cabinet in
the kitchen? Thanks!
ITSAdmin
Hi Mark,
Designers Choice is a well made brand assuming it is upgraded. Paying more money for cabinetry has nothing to do necessarily with quality and durability. The door style, color, and the upgrades you choose are more important when making a cabinet selection. Since many custom home builders know and care little about kitchen design you should be getting help making these type decisions from a knowledgeable kitchen designer that works for a cabinet dealership that carries many lines. The designer can help you pick the cabinet line that gives you the best fit for the design, door style, wood species, and finish that you want.
Most importantly we know from the terrible designs we receive from people building new homes that 90% of the time the kitchens desperately need to be redesigned to make them functional and attractive. Find a good kitchen designer first and let them help you navigate all these decisions. Spending your budget wisely is a function of far more than picking cabinet brands.
Gayle B.
When Woodmode closed down, we ended up with Crestwood Cabinetry out of Salina, KS jumping in to fill the gap. They are in three Kitchen Design businesses in close proximity to each other. What do you know about them?
ITSAdmin
Crestwood looks like a small custom plant with little details available on line. They would not have been my second pick.
Tracy
Thank you for the input!!
Tracy
My builder uses Timberlake. I have seen a lot of negative reviews and this makes me apprehensive to go with this line especially since they only offer a 5 year warranty. Can you provide any insights to Timberlake cabinets. I want to go with painted cabinets. Thank you.
ITSAdmin
Hi Tracy,
Upgraded Timberlake is a well made US cabinet at the mid to low price point. There will be some less expensive US Import lines like Fabuwood, Wolf, or J&K, that might look as nice or nicer and cost a little less. And there will be more expensive lines that offer more customization and have nicer finishes. But at that price point Timberlake is a good choice if you do not want to get a US import.
Warranties do not reflect quality for example IKEA has a 20 year warranty and it is junk compared to upgraded Timberlake. And negative reviews of a cabinet line are also usually meaningless. Here is a link to a blog on the topic:
https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/hard-compare-kitchen-cabinet-brands/
The important people to check out reviews for are the cabinet dealers you are buying your cabinets from. They are the people handling damages and cabinet problems. They are also the people that honor warranty issues. You do not contact the cabinet companies directly for that. This is also why some homeowners write bad cabinet company reviews. They are mistakenly blaming their unresolved problems on the cabinet company when the issue is with the designer, the cabinet dealer or the installation.
HollyAnn
We are building a new home in Michigan. I am considering options from two different designers both in a white shake style finish. One designer is using Merillat which I see gets a poor review on your list. The other is using Pioneer which I don’t see rated. What would be the biggest concern for Merillat? Do you have any feedback on Pioneer cabinetry?
Thank you!
ITSAdmin
Hi Holly,
I don’t know Pioneer. Merillat Masterpiece is pretty good construction. I would make sure I was in the Masterpiece line if I was getting Merillat. I like Kraftmaid much better and it is another Masco line so the designer might also sell Kraftmaid.
Lauren
Any input for Omega cabinets? I do not see them ranked here. Trying to find the right cabinet for the right price between Omega, Fabuwood, and Medallion. Thanks.
ITSAdmin
Omega Dynasty is rated and Omega Pinnacle. You don’t say the style cabinet you are getting or if you want framed or frameless. In general Fabuwood should be much less than these other two lines. It will be constructed at least equal to the the other lines but offer fewer door styles and finishes.
Deb
Excellent blog and very informative. Looking in the Knoxville, Tn area. Can you give any suggestions in comparing Homecrest vs Starmark or Decora cabinets
ITSAdmin
Hi Deb,
All good cabinet choices upgraded. Homecrest is less custom and will cost less than the other two. Best suggestion would be that design trumps all else once the cabinet lines are well constructed. So find the best designer available at a respected local cabinet dealer.
John
Thank you for this website! Very informative and nothing else matches it.
Question about Ready-to-Assemble (RTA) cabinetry. It seems like RTA is highly discouraged yet when I’m researching some of the less expensive recommendations like CNC and J&K I learn that they are RTA!
Are there different categories of RTA? Perhaps you could help distinguish between RTA and non-RTA?
Thank you!!
ITSAdmin
Great question John,
Many of the less expensive cabinet lines can be ordered assembled in the factory or unassembled. We recommend and would only sell factory assembled cabinetry. Cabinet assembly is usually not very expensive ($25 per box is common) and having the factory build the cabinets assures that the people that are the most experienced building the cabinets are the ones doing it. Most reputable cabinet dealers will only sell assembled cabinetry.
In fact, when people complain about one of these lines they are most often complaining about cabinetry that is without warranty as it was assembled by the dealer or the contractor. Trying to save this small amount of money is telling. And so usually the dealers and the customers attempting to save this way are making other equally foolish decisions. As we say in the cabinet world “lighting strikes the same people over and over again and for good reason!”
ITSAdmin
Yes that’s a typo and our rating. We must have gotten a spec book to rate them. And they are frameless.
Gladys Vanegas
On the top list you have a company Adormus I’m wondering if the name is misspelled..? or is Adormus an actual company? thank you for you quick response:)
Gladys Vanegas
Hi Paul, Great blog with so much information! thank you. We are remolding our kitchen and we were looking into Fabuwood cabinets. The dealer we are working with also recommended Adornus because they have a 10 year warranty. Can you please provide your feed back on Adornus. I specifically like a door/color they have but I don’t see much information online as far as quality.
thanks
ITSAdmin
Sorry never heard of Adornus. They appear to be frameless cabinetry so we would prefer Fabuwood. The warranty don’t mean much in the cabinet world it is simply a marketing tool. Some of the worst cabinet lines like IKEA have the 20 year or lifetime ones.
LDM_newhomewoner
Hi, great blog. Looking for stock cabinetry that is made in the USA. We do not need semi custom or custom and are looking for quality, well-made, durable cabinetry. We would like to avoid the tariffs hence looking for stock made in the USA. Thanks
ITSAdmin
There are no inexpensive well made cabinets that aren’t imported. So you need to readjust your thinking. Tariffs only slightly level the playing field.
PR
I am looking for low-VOC cabinets; a kitchen store carries Forevermark and Choice cabinets. They say they are greengold certified. I don’t see these listed on your website, how would you rate these in terms of quality of cabinets and durability?
ITSAdmin
As of March 2019 all cabinetry sold in the US meets Carb2 Compliance. The federal government began enforcing almost the same Carb2 criteria under a different name. So the companies advertising low-VOC are touting the same standards that all cabinet lines are now forced to meet. I would stay away from companies advertising this way as it is misleading.