Top Kitchen Cabinet Brands of 2018: Kitchen Cabinet Ratings For 2018
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and choosing the right cabinets can significantly impact its functionality and aesthetic appeal. In 2018, several brands stood out for their quality, craftsmanship, and design, offering a wide range of options to suit diverse tastes and budgets.
Top 5 Kitchen Cabinet Brands of 2018
The top five kitchen cabinet brands in 2018 were determined based on a combination of factors, including consumer reviews, industry recognition, and overall brand reputation. These brands consistently received positive feedback for their products, services, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
- KraftMaid Cabinetry: KraftMaid, a well-established brand, offered a wide selection of styles, finishes, and cabinet configurations to suit various tastes and budgets. Their cabinets were known for their durability and quality construction, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking reliable and long-lasting solutions. KraftMaid’s price range was considered mid-range, catering to a broad audience.
- Merillat: Merillat, another reputable brand, provided a diverse range of cabinet styles, from traditional to contemporary, with options for both frameless and framed construction. Their cabinets were recognized for their quality materials, craftsmanship, and innovative features. Merillat’s price range was considered mid-range to high-end, making them an attractive choice for homeowners seeking a balance of style and functionality.
- Schuler: Schuler, a German-based brand known for its commitment to precision and craftsmanship, offered a wide array of cabinet styles, including traditional, contemporary, and transitional. Schuler’s cabinets were known for their high-quality materials, durable finishes, and attention to detail. Their price range was considered high-end, appealing to homeowners who valued premium quality and design.
- Wood-Mode: Wood-Mode, a renowned brand specializing in custom cabinetry, offered a wide range of styles, finishes, and customization options to meet the unique needs of each homeowner. Their cabinets were known for their exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and personalized designs. Wood-Mode’s price range was considered high-end, catering to discerning homeowners seeking bespoke solutions.
- Cabico: Cabico, a leading manufacturer of custom cabinetry, offered a wide range of styles, finishes, and customization options, allowing homeowners to create truly unique kitchens. Their cabinets were known for their exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and personalized designs. Cabico’s price range was considered high-end, appealing to homeowners who valued craftsmanship, quality, and design.
Key Features and Considerations for Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing the right kitchen cabinets is a crucial decision, as they are a significant investment and a defining element of your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Beyond style, the longevity and overall value of your kitchen cabinets depend on a variety of factors, including construction materials, door styles, and finishes.
Cabinet Construction Materials
The material used to construct your kitchen cabinets plays a crucial role in their durability, cost, and environmental impact.
- Wood: Solid wood, such as maple, cherry, oak, and walnut, is known for its natural beauty, durability, and resistance to moisture. However, solid wood can be expensive and susceptible to warping or cracking over time, especially in humid climates.
- Plywood: Plywood is an engineered wood product consisting of thin layers of wood veneer glued together with alternating grain directions. This construction method provides stability and resistance to warping. Plywood is a more affordable alternative to solid wood and is often used for cabinet boxes, while solid wood veneer is used for doors and drawer fronts.
- Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF): MDF is made from wood fibers that are compressed and bound together with resin. It is a dense and uniform material, making it ideal for creating intricate designs and smooth surfaces. MDF is the most affordable option, but it is less durable than solid wood or plywood and can be susceptible to moisture damage.
Cabinet Door Styles, Kitchen cabinet ratings for 2018
Cabinet door styles are a significant factor in determining the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
- Shaker: Shaker doors are characterized by a simple, rectangular frame with a recessed center panel. They offer a timeless and classic look that complements a variety of kitchen styles.
- Raised Panel: Raised panel doors feature a center panel that is raised above the frame, creating a more traditional and elegant appearance.
- Flat Panel: Flat panel doors have a simple, sleek design with a flat surface. They are often used in contemporary or minimalist kitchens, offering a clean and modern aesthetic.
Cabinet Finishes
The finish you choose for your kitchen cabinets can significantly impact their look, feel, and durability.
- Paint: Paint is a versatile and affordable finish option, offering a wide range of colors and finishes. Painted cabinets are easy to clean and maintain, but they can be prone to scratches and chips.
- Stain: Staining allows the natural beauty of wood to shine through, enhancing its grain pattern and color. Stained cabinets are more durable than painted cabinets and can be refinished over time. However, they require more maintenance to preserve their finish.
- Veneer: Veneer is a thin layer of wood applied to a substrate, such as plywood or MDF. It offers the look of solid wood at a lower cost. Veneer is a good option for achieving a specific wood species or pattern without the expense of solid wood.
Factors Influencing Kitchen Cabinet Ratings
The evaluation of kitchen cabinets involves a comprehensive assessment of various factors that determine their overall quality and suitability for specific needs. This process considers a combination of objective criteria, subjective preferences, and practical considerations, leading to a final rating that reflects the cabinet’s overall value proposition.
Durability
The longevity and resistance to wear and tear of kitchen cabinets are crucial factors influencing their ratings. This assessment considers the materials used in construction, the quality of craftsmanship, and the overall structural integrity of the cabinet.
- Materials: The choice of materials significantly impacts durability. Solid wood, plywood, and engineered wood products like MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and particleboard offer varying levels of strength, moisture resistance, and scratch resistance.
- Construction: Cabinet construction techniques, such as dovetail joints, mortise and tenon joints, and dado joints, contribute to structural stability and longevity.
- Finish: The finish applied to the cabinet surface plays a role in protecting it from scratches, stains, and moisture damage. High-quality finishes, such as polyurethane and lacquer, provide greater durability than simple paint.
Functionality
Functionality refers to how well kitchen cabinets serve their purpose of storage and organization. This assessment considers factors like accessibility, storage capacity, and ease of use.
- Accessibility: The design of cabinets should facilitate easy access to stored items. Features like pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and adjustable shelves enhance accessibility.
- Storage Capacity: The amount of space available for storage is a crucial consideration. Cabinet dimensions, drawer configurations, and specialized storage solutions, such as spice racks and utensil organizers, influence storage capacity.
- Ease of Use: The functionality of cabinet doors, drawers, and hardware, such as hinges and drawer slides, influences ease of use. Smooth operation and ease of access are key factors.
Aesthetics
The visual appeal of kitchen cabinets is a significant factor influencing their ratings. This assessment considers factors like style, color, and overall design.
- Style: Kitchen cabinet styles range from traditional to contemporary, and the choice of style depends on personal preferences and the overall design aesthetic of the kitchen.
- Color: The color of cabinets plays a significant role in setting the tone and ambiance of the kitchen. Popular color choices include white, gray, black, and various wood tones.
- Design: The overall design of cabinets, including details like door and drawer styles, hardware, and molding, contributes to their visual appeal.
Price
Price is a crucial factor influencing kitchen cabinet ratings. This assessment considers the cost of materials, labor, and installation, as well as the overall value proposition offered by the cabinet.
- Materials: The cost of materials varies significantly depending on the type of wood, engineered wood products, or other materials used in construction.
- Labor: The cost of labor for cabinet installation is a significant expense. Factors like the complexity of the installation and the availability of skilled labor influence the overall cost.
- Value Proposition: The overall value proposition considers the price of the cabinet relative to its quality, durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Cabinets offering a good balance between price and value are generally highly rated.
Customer Reviews and Independent Testing
Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the real-world performance and satisfaction levels associated with kitchen cabinets. These reviews offer firsthand experiences and opinions from homeowners who have purchased and used the cabinets.
- Authenticity: It’s essential to consider the authenticity and reliability of customer reviews. Look for reviews from reputable sources and consider the number of reviews and the overall rating.
- Objectivity: Try to identify reviews that are objective and unbiased, providing both positive and negative aspects of the cabinet.
- Specificity: Reviews that provide specific details about the cabinet’s performance, functionality, and aesthetics are more informative than general statements.
Warranty and Customer Service
A comprehensive warranty and excellent customer service are crucial factors influencing kitchen cabinet ratings. These factors provide assurance and peace of mind to homeowners.
- Warranty Coverage: A robust warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, providing protection against potential issues. Look for warranties that cover a reasonable period and include comprehensive coverage.
- Customer Service Responsiveness: Excellent customer service ensures prompt and efficient resolution of any issues or concerns that may arise. Look for companies with a reputation for responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
- Accessibility: Easy access to customer service channels, such as phone lines, email, and online chat, is essential for quick and convenient communication.
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