The Consumer’s Ultimate Kitchen Cabinets Buyers Guide

Our founder and CEO, May Zhu , is a life-long kitchen cabinet maker. Glean from her experience and save yourself some headaches. She wrote this for you!

Choosing the right kitchen cabinet is one of the most exciting, albeit challenging task of completing your kitchen. Your kitchen cabinet is a huge investment and you will want to choose one that will last long. There are many factors that you need to consider when purchasing kitchen cabinets. Your kitchen cabinetry is an important element of your kitchen design. It also contributes a lot to the value of your home. More often, kitchen cabinets help affects how fast you can resell your home should you decide to.

Many homeowners have a dream kitchen in mind and they want to be able to afford it. Some homeowners know what they want and have the financial capability make it happen. There are also homeowners who fall somewhere in between.  All homeowners have one thing in common. They want to find kitchen cabinets that will blend and enhance the style of their kitchen. They also want their kitchen cabinets to be functional. All these they want to achieve at an affordable price.  This guide will help you choose the right kitchen cabinets and how you can avoid purchasing mistakes. You designed your kitchen to fit into the lifestyle of your family. Your kitchen cabinets should, therefore, be a reflection your unique personality.

I do not intend to persuade you on what the perfect kitchen cabinet us. Instead, I would like to provide you with all the information you need to help you find the perfect kitchen cabinet while avoiding unforeseen mistakes.

You will have to live with your kitchen cabinets for quite some time. This means, it is either you will love them more as you see them every day or regret your decision every day, too, unless you want to purchase new kitchen cabinets again.  This guide was created to help you make the right decision the right time backed with the right knowledge. I would like you to have a good relationship with your kitchen cabinets. This guide will help that happen.

If you want to give your kitchen a fresh new look, having new kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to redo your kitchen.

Cabinet Construction

Homeowners who had to settle with inferior-made components and poorly constructed kitchen cabinets have a lot of horror stories to tell about having an undesirable cabinet in the heart of their kitchen.

Kitchen cabinets that stand the test of time are those made with durable materials and superior construction.

Framed or frameless construction

Kitchen cabinets can have a framed or frameless construction. They are alike in many ways with the main difference being the how much of the interior of the cabinet you can access.

Framed and frameless kitchen cabinets provide limitless design options. Here is some information to help you decide which type of kitchen cabinet to choose:

Framed Kitchen Cabinets

Frame kitchen cabinets, often referred to as the America-style cabinet is a more common option. These cabinets come with a frame on the exterior edge of the cabinet box.

Framed kitchen cabinets are common in kitchens with a traditional design. They come with many advantages:

• The frame provides an ideal door overlay for more design possibilities especially for customized kitchen cabinets.
• The frame gives the cabinet more stability.
• The cabinet is strong and durable because the doors are secured to the frame.
• The hinges are attached to the shelves and frame face making often (but not always) adjustable.

Pros

• Offers more design options
• Less Expensive
• Easy to hung on uneven walls

Cons

• Takes longer to install
• less accessible spaces
• ideal only for lighter materials

Frameless Kitchen Cabinets

Frameless kitchen cabinets are often referred to as European-style cabinets. This type of cabinet is commonly used in contemporary kitchens. A frameless kitchen offers more accessibility when compared to its framed counterpart.

Pros

• Cabinets comes with a full overlay.
• Drawers have more room for items because they are wider.
• Easier to remove big items because there is no frame that blocks the opening of the cabinet.
• Comes with a modern and sleeker look.
• Faster to install
• Can accommodate thicker materials

Cons

• Comes in fewer styles
• May warp when installed in uneven surfaces
• Has fewer choices of materials.

The choice between a frame and frameless cabinet depends on your preference.

Types of Overlays

Overlay is the manner in which the cabinet sits on its frame. There are 3 types of cabinet overlays.

• Full Overlay

Full overlay is when the drawers and doors are cover in full the face of the frame. The front of the drawers and doors are one surface creating a uniform look to the cabinets.

• Partial Overlays

The drawers and doors of a partial or half overlay covers only a portion of the frame. A portion of the face of the cabinet frame shows but it has a completely covered opening.

• Full-Inset

This is when the drawers and doors are built to fit into the face frame opening. This type pf cabinet does not have a frame. The drawers and doors simply slide into the cabinet. It is ideal for contemporary or modern cabinet designs

Kitchen Cabinetry Types and Styles

• Base Cabinets

Base cabinets provide storage space for bulk items. They come with shelves for pots, pans, cookware, or cleaning supplies. They may include roll trays or pull-out racks to easily access the items, as well as laundry hampers, wastebaskets, and recycle bins.

• Base Easy-Access Base Cabinets. Come with small racks on the inside door and a middle shelf.
• Base Pull-out Cabinets. Come with open shelves with racks to prevent items form falling over when the shelf is pulled out.

You will need to bend to access contents of the base cabinet.

• Walls Cabinets

Wall cabinets, as the word implies, are wall-mounted. These type of kitchen cabinets is the most common. Wall cabinets are installed above the base cabinets. They provide the much-needed storage space. They are easy to access because you can do so while standing.

• Tall Cabinets

Tall cabinets are referred to as utility cabinets or pantry cabinets. They are vertical in form and are usually from 84 inches to 96 inches ahigh/

• Kitchen Cabinets Storage Basics

Your kitchen needs to have storage space for small appliances, cookware, bakeware, dinnerware, glassware, serving pieces, flatware, food preparation tools, cooking tools, pot and pans, cookbooks, food, and cleaning supplies.

You need storage for what you presently have and what you intend to have in the future.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) says that the ’shelf/drawer frontage is the storage space standard measure. The standard measure is calculated by multiplying the width, depth, and number of drawers and shelves of the storage space.

The standard measure is typically:

• 2000 inches for kitchens that are over 350 square meters
• 1700 inches for kitchens that are between 151 – 350 square meters
• 1400 inches for kitchens that are less than 150 square meters.

These measurements are just an estimate. The most important thing is they provide enough storage space in relation to the size of the kitchen and your family.

Kitchen Cabinetry Styles ：6 Kitchen Cabinet Styles You Need to Know

Back in the day, there were specific kitchen cabinets for traditional and contemporary style kitchens, Today, there are 6 kitchen cabinet styles to choose from based on your personal taste and personality.

1. Shaker-Style Cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets are the most common style of cabinets. They are popular because of their classic and simple look. A shaker-style cabinet comes with 5 flat panels: 4 pieces for the frame and1 single flat center panel. They are ideal for traditional or contemporary kitchen designs.

Pros:

• It comes with a versatile design that blends with any kitchen design.
• Widely available because of their popularity.
• Reasonably priced.

Cons:

• The inset area needs regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dust.

2. Glass Front Cabinets

Glass front cabinets are often used in alongside solid cabinets. This cabinet type is often used for storage of good china, cobalt glass collections, vintage glassware, and other decorative glassware and dishware.

You do not need to have glass fronts for all your kitchen cabinets especially for base cabinets (below-counter cabinets). It is ideal to mix and match glass front cabinets with other cabinet types.

Pros:

• Protects glassware and ceramics from dust and grease in the kitchen better than open shelves.
• They create a good reflection that’s help brighter a dark kitchen.
• They are perfect to display glassware and dinnerware you are proud of.
• Allows you decorate the inside of the cabinets with some decorative pieces.

Cons:

• Glass needs to be of high-quality for safety.
• The inside of the cabinet and its contents need to be always tidy and neat.
• A cabinet made of wood and glass takes more time to clean.
• This type of cabinet is costlier than wood.

3. Beadboard Cabinets

This type of cabinet comes with vertical slots. This cabinet consists of vertical planks arranged in rows with ridges or indentation (beads) between blanks. It offers a dynamic, sleek, textured, and detailed look. This cabinet style is ideal for cottage or farmhouse-style kitchens.

Pros:

• Creates a cottage-style look with a relaxed atmosphere
• Adds more warmth to your kitchen.
• Available with various widths or heights of boards.
• Beadboard can also be used inside cabinets or for added detail.

Cons:

• Prices vary depend on the type of construction and wood
• Frequent cleaning is required because the grooves can collect grease and dirt.

4. Flat-Front Cabinets

Flat front cabinets are referred to as slab doors. These cabinets have a solid construction with not frames and panels. It offers a minimalist and simple look that matches any contemporary or modern kitchen.

Flat-front cabinets are typically made from a single piece of MDF or plywood. They can be covered with wood veneer or painted.

Pros:

• This type of cabinet can best show off your chosen hardware.
• Easiest type of cabinet to clean.
• Easiest type of cabinet to refinish.
• Easy to paint
• Least expensive all cabinet types (depending on wood, hardware, finish, and add-ons)

Cons:

• They can look a boring and bland unless painted or stained.

5. Plywood Cabinets

Plywood cabinets are now appreciated for the type of wood aside from its beauty and functionality. Plywood offers a warmth making your kitchen look inviting and cozy.

 Pros:

• Plywood does not shrink, expand, or warp.
• Strong and durable.
• The natural grains of plywood are beautiful and unique.

6. Rustic Country-Style

Rustic country-style cabinets focus on the taw features of wood emphasizing on wood grain. These cabinets come with a distress look and does not have elaborate details.

5 Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors

The easiest way to update or refinish your kitchen cabinets is to give them a fresh coat of paint. Instead of replacing or refacing your cabinets, it is cheaper to invest in a good-quality paint.

Choose a shade you will love for many years and make sure that it matches the decors of the entire kitchen.

1. All-White Cabinetry Colors

An all-white kitchen cabinet is remains to be a popular option. While it can be challenging to clean and maintain, all-white cabinets offer kitchens a pristine look. With an all-white kitchen cabinet, you can choose any color for your appliances and kitchen decors.

2. Maintenance-free, wood grain cabinets

Maintenance-free, wood grain cabinets provide your kitchen with a warm ambiance. Wood-grain cabinets mimics real wood while offering the convenience of being easy to clean and maintain.

3. Gray cabinets add interest to kitchen design

If you want to gear away from white kitchen cabinets but still want to go with neutral colors, gray is the color you are looking for. Gray is an inviting and warm hue that is easy to pair with backsplashes and countertops of any color.

4. Classic cabinet styles in navy blue colors

Navy blue is a classic color for kitchen cabinets. This color never goes out of style. This color also goes well with brass and copper hardware as well as any hardware finish.

5. , Beige Kitchen cabinets

Beige is a perfect choice if you want a neutral color that can be matched with most other colors. Modern beige kitchen cabinets are practical. They can match any type and flooring colors, walls, countertops, and furnishing. Beige is a more practical color than white because requires less cleaning.

FINISHES

A mediocre kitchen cabinet finish will not only be embarrassing and frustrating, it can also greatly reduce the resale value of your home. Finishes can fall under one of these categories:

1. Lacquer

A lacquer finish will produce a durable and hard surface that will last ling without discoloring or flaking. Kitchen cabinet lacquers are similar to the paint used for cars; thus, it is not only durable, but provides consistent color, too.

2. Waterborne Finish

A waterborne Finish is an eco-friendly finish found in most stock and RTA kitchen cabinets. This finish has a low volatile organic compound (VOCs) content. It is also scratch-resistant and dries quickly. It creates a finish similar to painted, stained, or varnish kitchen cabinets.

3. Conversion Varnish

Conversion varnish is a high-end paint finish that is ideal for kitchen cabinets. It is a durable, long-lasting, elastic, and easy to clean making it look great for many years.

Conversion varnish costs almost similar to house lacquer but it is easier to clean and more durable. This finish as offers a clear coat look.

4. Urethane

Urethane is an extremely tough varnish. Its microscopic chains of resin molecules tightly bond with each other upon drying creating a finish that is more resistant to impact, abrasion, solvents, and water than other traditional varnishes.

5. Solvent Based Lacquer

Woodworkers often use solvent based lacquer because it is cheap, has a long pot life, easier to apply, and air cures.

6. Water Based Lacquer

Using water-based lacquer in kitchen cabinets represents having an eco-friendly home. With proper application, a water-based lacquer finish is twice as durable as a solvent-based lacquer finish. This finish should be allowed to cure.

The Best Environment Friendly Options

What is more important to you, the durability of your kitchen cabinets or the environment. It you are concerned about the environment, the best environment-friendly option is a water-based finish such as waterborne, urethane, and conversion varnish. Lacquer finishes are not good for the environment.

Urethane and varnish produce a more durable and thicker finish, yet they are softer than solvent or chemical-based finishes.

The Best, Most Durable Finishes

In the U.S., experienced cabinet makers believe that conversion varnish is the best. In Europe, urethane wins.  Urethan is an automobile-grade finish. As you know automobile finishes can withstand moisture, handle hot and cold seasons, and last long. The same is true with kitchen cabinets with urethane finish.  Conversion varnish is the industry standard for kitchen cabinets; however, it is not the best.  Kitchen cabinets with urethane finish are more expensive than cabinets with conversion varnish finishes.

Urethane is the best and most durable varnish. A superior quality Conversion Varnish comes in as a close second. Lacquer is softer and more prone to moisture and scratching. Lacquer should therefore not be used for kitchen cabinets.

Materials

All kitchen cabinets are made of wood and there are various kinds of wood used for kitchen cabinets.

1. Solid wood

Solid wood is wood all the way. Dark rich hues of solid wood can enhance the sophisticated look of your kitchen. Solid wood cabinets also provide kitchens with a welcoming and warm feel. The feeling of quality is also felt.

Solid wood kitchen cabinets come in many styles, finishes, and colors. It is easy to customized and personalized solid wood cabinets. Solid wood kitchen cabinets easily blend with other pieces in your kitchen made of other materials.

A solid wood kitchen cabinet can be sanded and re-varnished to give it a fresh new look. You do not need to replace the entire section of the kitchen cabinet.

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Lends a lot of versatility
• Luxurious and beautiful
• Cheap to resurface

Cons

• Expensive
• Contracts and expands with climate change
• Prone to warping

Solid wood kitchen cabinets are high in maintenance. They need to be cleaned with special cleaning materials. It is, however, easy to repair solid wood cabinets. Scratched areas can be patched with wood filler wax sticks.

2. Medium density fiberboard (MDF)

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is an engineered wood (man-made). It consists of compressed fine wood fibers glued under high-pressure by and made into panels and boards.

MDF consists of small and fine wood fibers, thus, there is no visible grains, knots, or rings. MDF is typically made of soft wood fibers of softwood or hardwood.

MDF is heavy, dense fine-textured. It is commonly used for shelves, cabinet boxes, and some parts of cabinet doors. A veneer sealant is used to protect MDF from water damage. MDF can also made to be fire-retardant and moisture-resistant (comes in color blue).

Pros

• Easy to cut
• Easy to paint
• No visible wood grain because it consists if small wood fibers

Cons

• Softer than plywood
• Prone to damage
• Cannot be stained
• Heavy and dense

MDF is made up of fine particles, thus, it does not hold screws very well. Screw holes are also prone to stripping over time.

3. Particle board

Particle board is engineered wood (man-made). It is made from wood chips, wood fibers, wood shavings, saw dust, wood particles, resin, and chemicals combined with adhesive and bonded together into panels and boards. Dyes, wax, as well as release and wetting agent chemicals are combined to make the end product fireproof, water-resistant, and / or insect-resistant.

After combining the wood scraps, resin, and chemicals, the liquid mixture is formed into sheets. The weight of the wood chips is evenly distributed to ensure the particle board is not top-heavy.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Ideal for ready-made cabinets and furniture
• Low in cost

Cons

• Discolors and expands due to moisture
• Low in strength, thus, cannot support heavy loads
• Can be brittle, soft, and could fall apart due to screws and nails

Multiple tight compression is applied to the sheet of particle board to ensure the tightest bond possible between the wood bits and the resin.

4. Plywood

Plywood is engineered wood (man-made). It consists of pressed wood veneer sheets bonded together to create a single piece. The grains of wood veneer are laminated in different angles to allow it to be stable and rigid.

Plywood is produced through cross-graining (a manufacturing process). Cross-graining makes plywood have consistent strength without shrinking and expanding.

Plywood is available in different grades to suit different purposes. Plywood grades are based on the type of wood ply, adhesiveness, thickness, and compaction or manufacturing process.

Low-grade plywood is ideal for subflooring in homes and buildings. High-grade plywood is ideal for shelves and cabinets/

Pros

Extremely strong

• Does not shrink or expand
• Great for structure rigidity
• High in strength
• Holds screws and nails very well
• Available in various wood species and thickness
• Can be painted and stained
• Less prone to water damage
• Available in No or Low VCOs

Cons

• More expensive than other materials except solid wood
• Susceptible to splinting
• Difficult to cut
• Layers of the sheet can be visible; thus, edges need to be finished

Plywood is ideal for use in cabinet doors and boxes, as well as shelves.

4 Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Countertop

The kitchen cabinet countertop is one of the most important elements of a kitchen design. It is an investment that will last for many years; thus, utmost care needs to be done when choosing the right kitchen cabinet countertop.

There are many materials available for kitchen cabinet countertops, but 4 materials are used in majority of residential kitchens. Each kitchen cabinet countertop material has its own list features, pros, and cons. You need to be meticulous in scrutinizing their durability, hardness, stain-resistance, and heat-resistance.

1. Quartz

Quartz is an engineered stone. Quartz kitchen cabinet countertops are made from a combination of 93% natural quartz particles, other minerals, and a resin binder. The resulting engineered stone is incredibly strong, non-porous, and does not require re-sealing.

If you want to invest in an all-around kitchen cabinet countertop that is long-lasting, quartz countertops could be your best choice. Since it is man-made, quartz kitchen countertops cam be made to look like natural stones such as granite or marble with its unique durability.

Quartz is a better alternative to granite or marble because it performs better, it has a non-porous surface, and resists staining and scratching. It is also available in various colors.

Pros:

• Customizable to any shape and size
• Slabs are uniform without any imperfections
• Stain-resistant
• Impervious to acid and heat
• Does not require sealing
• Easy to maintain

Cons:

• Heavy material
• Expensive

Quartz kitchen countertops are ideal for families who do a lot of cooking. This countertop material is tough and can withstand harsh daily torture.

2. Granite

Granite is a natural stone. Granite has been for many years the kitchen countertop material most preferred by homeowners. It used to be an expensive material but with the increase in supply and the availability of engineered stones, its cost has gone down.

Granite gives any kitchen a lot of elegance. Even modest kitchens can look luxurious when installed with a granite kitchen countertop. Granite is a durable material and is available in a wide range of light and dark colors in various variations.

Pros: 

• Extremely strong and durable
• Available in close to 3000 types and colors
• Heat-resistant
• Maintenance-free when sealed
• Enhances resale value of homes

Cons:

• Slabs may be prone to imperfections
• Porous and needs to be sealed to prevent staining
• Can dull knives quickly when cutting directly on granite
• Expensive material
• Prone to cracking when improperly installed and stressed

Granite can also be cut in squares, ogee(S-shape), beveled, and half and full bullnose, too.

3. Marble

Marble is the gold standard in kitchen cabinet countertops. This natural stone can make your kitchen have a contemporary and clean look. Marble offers a bright white finish, but this material is also available in gray, taupe, brown, and green.

Marble is softer than most natural stones, thus, you should not cut directly on it to avoid scratches. Marble, by nature, maintains a low temperature. It is also a good surface to roll out and shape dough.

Marble can be an expensive material, yet it is one of the best choices for kitchen cabinet countertops because of the value it adds to the kitchen.

Pros: 

• An exceptionally beautiful stone
• Offers a luxurious look to the kitchen
• Heatproof and waterproof
• Enhances the resale value of homes

Cons:

• Very expensive
• A porous surface that needs to be sealed
• Easily stains unless sealed
• Prone to scratches
• Difficult to repair

There are no two marble kitchen cabinet countertops that are the same because each marble slab is unique.

4. Wood or Butcher Block

Butcher Block is an affordable and great alternative to other kitchen cabinet countertops. Butcher block consists of pieces of wood glued together to form a large slab.

Butcher block is the only kitchen cabinet countertop where you can directly slice and cut food because it functions like a giant cutting board. If you intend to use this countertop as a cutting board, keep it unsealed and apply oil at least twice a year.

Pros: 

• The only countertop that allows direct cutting and chopping
• Will not dull knives.
• Plates and glassware will not shatter once dropped on the surface
• Offers a quitter kitchen because of its soft surface
• Comes with natural anti-bacterial properties
• Easy to restore through sanding
• Available in a variety of styles and colors

Cons:

• Prone to stains, dings, and scratches.
• Develops scratches and dents over time
• Needs to be properly sealed
• Requires regular maintenance

Butcher block kitchen cabinet countertops are typically made from any type of wood such as oak, maple, cherry, or teak. It is also available in various finishes.

Kitchen Cabinetry Hardware Types and Brands

Most homeowners are overly engrossed with the design, style, and materials of their kitchen cabinets that they often overlook the hardware. Truth is your choice of hardware will may make or destroy the final outcome of your kitchen cabinets.

Kitchen cabinet hardware is about only 1% of the cost of your kitchen, yet it is an important element that will showcase your unique taste and personality.

Kitchen Cabinetry Hardware Types:

Hinge

Hinges are hardware that attach the cabinet door to the frame of the cabinet.

There are two kinds of hinge applications:

• Decorative Hinge (Nonmortise). Fastened with screws to the cabinet.
• Concealed Hinge (Mortise). These hinges are permanently attached to the interior of the cabinet door and frame.

The number of hinges needed depends on the weight and height of the kitchen cabinet.

• 2 Hinges – Less than 11 pounds and a height of less than 40 inches.
• 3 Hinges – Weight of 13 to 20 pounds and height of 40 to 60 inches
• 4 Hinges – Weight of 29 to 33 pounds and height of 60 to 80 inches
• 5 Hinges – Weight of 40 to 48 pounds and height of 80 to 85 pounds.

Bearing slide

Slide bearings generate only one sliding friction. The sliding surface supports the shaft. Air and oil allow the sliding movement. They are lightweight and last long. They create minimal noise and vibration.

Drawer

Kitchen cabinet drawers open and close through slides / sliders / runners. There are three common types of drawer slides:

Roller Slides

Roller slides come with two epoxy-coated metal profiles where one is attached to the drawer and the other is attached to the cabinet frame. The nylon wheels make both profiles slide quietly and smoothly along each other. Roller slides are used for lightweight drawers.

Wooden Slides

Wooden slides were used before the creation of metal and plastic sliders. Wooden slides are made of wood strips and function as horizontal rails where the drawer rests and slides.

Ball Bearing Slides

Consists of ball beating components that allow the mated steel components to quietly and smoothly move along each other.

Box system

The box system allows the cabinet to open and close with perfection, precision and style.

Bracket invisible

Bracket invisible or concealed cabinet hinges are mounted inside the cabinet door. No portion of the hinge protrudes outside the door of the cabinet. Since they are not seen from the outside so they do not contribute to the decorative touches or finish of the kitchen cabinet.

Knobs and Handles

Knobs are smaller than handles. They can be used on the cabinet doors and cabinet drawers. They are easier to install than cabinet pulls because they only come with a single screw to secure the knob to the cabinet door or drawer.

Cabinet pulls are larger than knobs. They are easier to grip, too. Pulls provide more aesthetics. They are ideal for large cabinet doors and drawers.

Kitchen Cabinetry Hardware Brands

HETTICH/BLUM HINGES

Hettich hinges are reliable, innovative, and long lasting. They are of superior quality. They are easy to mound an adjust. Hettich kitchen door hinges are ideal for new kitchen cabinet door installations. They are also great for replacing worn existing hinges.

Blum cabinet hinges can be installed in new or existing kitchen cabinets. They allow the smooth opening and closing of each cabinet. Blum cabinet hinges come with features that allow the seamless opening and closing of cabinet doors. They ate also available in various styles.

BLUM DRAWER BOX SYSTEM

A Blum drawer box system does not sacrifice style while creating more space. Its metal box systems allow the customization of your kitchen’s look while providing a lot of storage space. You can mix or match cabinet box materials such as a stainless-steel box with wood fronts.

SUSPENSION BRACKET INVISIBLE

Suspension brackets invisible are hidden brackets that hang cabinet systems off the floor.

HETTICH BALL-BEARING SLIDE

Hettich ball-bearing slides are precision ball bearings that ensure high lateral stability and smooth actions.

BLUM DRAWER MOTION

Blum drawer motion allows a smooth, as well as self and silent closing of the cabinet drawer. It has a load bearing capacity of up to 6o kilograms.

NuoMi Kitchen hardware

Nuomu is a specializes the design and manufacture of high-end kitchen hardware such as drawer slides, hinges, etc…

Higold Kitchen hardware

Higold is a high-end hardware brand in China. The company is the biggest and leading manufacturer of kitchen hardware in China. Their functional kitchen hardware allows homeowners to fully maximize their kitchen space.

DTC Kitchen hardware

DTC Kitchen hardware provides eco-friendly hardware solutions. It offers a full range of customized hardware such as cabinet door hinges, drawer slides, drawer systems, lifting systems, sliding door systems, and connecting fittings.

Kitchen Appliance Types and Brands

Kitchen Appliance Types

1. Microwave Oven

Food in a microwave oven is cooked by a form of energy – microwaves. Microwaves are electromagnetic waves fall between the radio waves with longer wavelengths and infrared waves with shorter wavelengths. A microwave oven is commonly used to cook and re-heat food.

2. Hood

A kitchen hood (rangehood, extractor hood or exhaust hood) consists of either a mechanical fan or a filtration system installed above a cooktop or stove. Its function is to remove heat, smoke, fumes, steam, combustion products, and airborne grease from the kitchen.

3. Stove

A kitchen stove (stove or cooker) is a kitchen appliance used for cooking food. This appliance works by applying direct heat to cook food. Modern kitchen stoves often come with a cooktop or a stovetop (hob) and an oven.

4. Dish Washer

Dishwashers allow dishes, glassware, kitchen utensils, as well as pots and pans to be washed the automated way. Washing through a dishwasher takes away the tedious task of washing by hand.

5. Refrigerator

A refrigerator stores foo at a temperature that slows down the growth of harmful bacteria to prevent spoilage. A refrigerator works through the process of evaporation and condensation.

This appliance includes a compressor, condenser, evaporator, thermostat, and an expansion device

6. Electric cooker

An electric cooker is an all-in-one appliance consisting of a hob and an oven. It is freestanding and in most kitchens is installed in a slot between the counter and units.

Electric cookers are popular in modern kitchens because they have fast cooking times, cooks evenly, and are easy to clean. They, however, are costlier to run than gas hobs.

7. Coffee machine

There is a coffee machine for each type of coffee – bean-to-cup, pod, or ground coffee. Your choice of coffee machine depends on how much control you want to have over the coffee-making process and what type of coffee you want.

Kitchen Appliance Brands

1. MIDEA

Midea was founded in 1968 in Foshan, China. its products include dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, as well as residential and commercial air conditioners.

2. SIEMENS

Siemens is a global brand of kitchen appliances. The company has been in the telecommunications industry since 1847. It started to manufacture kitchen appliances in the mid1900s specializing in cooker hoods, hobs, ovens, freezers, and fridges.

Siemens is headquartered in Munich, Germany but has offices in over 200 countries around the world.

3. FOTILE

FOTILE (Ningbo FOTILE Kitchen Ware Co., Ltd.,), established in 1996, is a Chinese company that specializes in the manufacture of high-end kitchen appliances including hobs, range hoods, steam ovens, electric ovens, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. For five consecutive years, FOTILE is ranked as one of the Top 500 Asian Brands.

4. SUPOR

SUPOR was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Hangzhou, China. it is the largest manufacturer of cookware in China and the second largest in the world. The company is also a leading manufacturer of small kitchen appliances in China.

The company ranks second in market share in China for rice cookers, induction cookers, pressure cookers, and electric kettles.

5. Galanz

Galanz was founded in 1978 as a factory for township down products. In1992, the company started manufacturing home appliances and ushered in the entry of microwave ovens into Chinese homes.

In 2006, Galanz was awarded the double launch laurels in the microwave industry of China for having the largest market share of microwave ovens for 12 consecutive years.

Custom, Semi-Custom and Stock Cabinets

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Custom Cabinets are built based on the exact specifications of the customer. This kind of kitchen cabinets takes longer to build and thus comes with a higher price tag.

Custom Kitchen Cabinets – Wood Species

There is a wide choice of wood species that can be used for custom kitchen cabinets including oak, maple, cherry, birch, hickory, alder, pecan, or walnut.

Wood cabinets are classic elements in any kitchen. Whether natural or stained, wood kitchen cabinets can match all decorating styles making them a popular choice of most homeowners.

• Red Oak Wood Cabinets

Red oak is a durable, strong, and inexpensive material for kitchen cabinets. It is available in various styles and finishes. Its noticeable grain patterns make it a popular choice for traditional-styled cabinets.

• White Oak Wood Cabinets

White oak is as durable as red oak, but a bit stronger. White oak has more golden tones and a subtler grain. White oak is quarter-sawn for custom cabinets. It is also only used for custom kitchen cabinets.

• Hard Maple Wood Cabinets

Hard maple wood is characterized by its fine grains and light color. It is a bit more expensive than oak. This wood material is a popular choice for custom and semi-custom kitchen cabinets. Maple often comes with a natural or clear finish for a contemporary and light look. It can also be stained.

• Hickory Wood Cabinets

Hickory has the same strength and grain pattern as oak but a bit lighter. This pale yellow, wood is looks best with a natural or clear finish but can also be stained. Hickory is a good choice for custom kitchen cabinet to complement a rustic farmhouse-styled kitchen.

• Cherry Wood Cabinets

Cherry Wood kitchen cabinets are hard and durable enough to withstand marring and knocks. They exude a formal and elegant look. This fine-grain and smooth wood comes with a red to red-brown tone that darkens over time. It is often stained to achieve a uniform color. This wood specie comes with a versatile design ideal for your contemporary kitchen.

• Birch Wood Cabinets

Birch is a fine-grain wood that is a bit darker than maple. It is durable and can be stained to look like a more expensive wood species such as maple or cherry. Birch is an inexpensive material for semi-stock and stock kitchen cabinets.

• Ash Wood Cabinets

Ash wood has the same durability and strength as oak but with a more noticeable figure and lighter color. With a natural or clear finish, Ash wood achieves a contemporary character. It is a popular custom kitchen cabinet option.

• Pine Wood Cabinets

Pine is the only softwood used for cabinets because it dents more easily when compared to hardwood. Pine comes in a pale-yellow color and can be stained. This wood lends its charm to country-style kitchens.

• Paint Grade Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets doors can be painted in various colors. It is, however, important to consider the wood specie used for the cabinet doors become some wood species look great when painted while some are awesome when left with their natural or clear state.

• Soft Maple. Soft maple is easy to sand creating a smooth finish that is easy to paint.
• Hard Maple. Hard maple is the best hardwood for painting. When painted it produces a rich, smooth, and refined finish.
• Birch is highly durable because it is high in density. It takes less primer and sealer to prepare it for a painting job.
• Poplar is one of the best paint-grade woods. This hardwood looks great when painted.
• Alder comes with a natural light tone but will not show even when painted with light colors. This wood specie easily soaks up paint to create a long-lasting and rich finish.
• Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). It takes lesser primer and sealer to prepare MDF for painting.
• Custom Kitchen Cabinets – Wood Finish

Custom Kitchen Cabinets – Box Construction “The Carcass”

• Cabinet Materials

Drawer fronts and cabinet doors are attached to the carcass. In short, it is the internal framework of your kitchen cabinet. Carcasses provide the storage space for cabinets. They are visible only when you open the cabinet doors.

Carcasses are often overlooked but its quality impacts the performance and longevity of your kitchen cabinet.

• Particle board

Particleboard is the substrate covered with a layer of melamine. This material is ideal for drawer boxes, cabinet boxes, and shelves. Particleboards re available in different grades, the best the one that is referred to as furniture board.

Particleboards are strong and fine. They are denser than plywood and, therefore, hold screws better.

• Plywood

Plywood is available in 4 feet by 8 feet sheets and is made of cross-laminated thin veneer or strips of wood. It is a strong panel ideal for the construction of drawer boxes, cabinet boxes, and shelves.

• MDF / Combi Core

MDF is the most common material for kitchen cabinets. MDF is typically used in interior panels and cabinet doors.

When to Use Custom Kitchen Cabinets

You will need custom kitchen cabinets when you have a unique cabinet design. You will also need custom cabinets when you want to tailor-make your cabinets to suit your lifestyle and needs.

Why Use Custom Kitchen Cabinets?

Custom kitchen cabinets allow your kitchen to be out of the ordinary. Custom kitchen cabinets also allow you to achieve the kitchen of your dreams.

• Specialty storage. You get the exact storage space you need for your stuff plus extra spaces for future purchases. You will also achieve the design, style, and functionality you need and want.

• Quality and Value. Custom kitchen cabinets are typically made if “real” and the best quality materials. Custom kitchen cabinets assure the wood grain you choose will match the interiors of your kitchen, the colors are true, and the finishes will be even.

• Unlimited Options. Custom kitchen cabinets can make use of all available space in your kitchen reserved for cabinets. There will be no limitations in dimensions, designs, and styles.

• Good Craftsmanship

Custom kitchen cabinets are made as you order. They are not mass produced and thus each cabinet is a seal of excellence.

• Semi-Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are ready-made cabinets that can be subjected to some modifications to suit your preference and needs. They are available in popular colors and styles. They are well-built and have high-quality.

• Quality Control. Some of the features are standard. Most semi-custom cabinets are made of MDF.
• They have almost the same quality as stock cabinets but with more design options.
• The cost is based on the materials and the customization requirement. It should not cost so much because of its limited customization options.

When You Should Choose Semi-Custom Cabinets?

Semi-custom kitchen cabinets are your best option when you intend to reface your existing cabinets and do not need to alter the layout of your kitchen. And of course, if you are on a limited budget.

• Stock Kitchen Cabinets

Stock kitchen cabinets or ready-made cabinets are the cheapest of all kinds of kitchen cabinets. What you see if what you get.

• Cost and Installation

Stock kitchen cabinets are prefabricated and sold by home improvement and design stores as-is. They are readily available and can be brought home within a few days or on the same day. They are available in standard and fixed sizes and designs.

The cost per cabinet is based on the total linear feet of the cabinets. Installation costs are also charged accordingly.

The Drawbacks of Stock Cabinets

• Stock cabinets come in standard heights and widths

Since they are pre-manufactured, they are available in standard sizes that are typically divisible by three. The width of stock cabinets begins at 9-inches with 3-inch increments to the largest size which is often 48-inches wide.

The height of stock cabinets 33-inches or 33-iinches. There are some stock cabinets that are taller for larger and upscale kitchens.

• Unable to maximize space

The tallest stock kitchen cabinet is 36-inches. If you have a high-ceiling kitchen, you will not be able to maximize the space,

• Limited finish and color options

Most stock kitchen cabinets are made from natural wood painted in white or stained cherry and maple.

• Limited warranties

The industry standard for warranties for stock kitchen cabinets is 5 years and limited only to product failure.

Ready to Assemble (RTA) Kitchen Cabinets

What Are RTA cabinets?

RTA or ready-to-assemble kitchen cabinets come with all parts cut to size, holes drilled, and finish applied (if requested). all components are neatly stacked, wrapped, and packed ready to be brought home or shipped. Assembly instructions, mostly drawings, diagrams, and illustrations are included in the packaged. Some manufacturers include a video web link. You can do the assembly as a DIY project or have a professional do the job.

Price range

The price range of RTA kitchen cabinets are much lower than semi-custom and custom cabinets. The final cost depends on the materials, design complexity, and finish. RTA kitchen cabinets are also priced per linear foot (horizontal distance that will be filled with kitchen cabinets).  The lower price range can also be attributed to lower shipping rates and there are no installation fees.

About (RTA) kitchen cabinets

RTA kitchen cabinets are what you buy from your local home depot or home improvement store. You get to bring home or accept a delivery of a neatly flat-packed kitchen cabinet components and hardware ready for assembly. RTA kitchen cabinets are designed for easy assembly so you do not need to be a woodworker to complete the task. They often only need a screwdriver to assemble.

Most RTA kitchen cabinets include an invisible bracket and cam-lock assembly systems that do not require any hammering, gluing, stapling, or cutting. Some, however, requires the building of the cabinet almost from scratch. In this case, you will be needing all the required tools. Assembling RTA kitchen cabinets can seem like an easy DIY project. But, if you are talking of installing about ten cabinets for a 10-foot by 10-foot kitchen, it can take you about a day or two to complete the task. On the first day, you can assemble the cabinets and install them on the second day.

Some RTA companies provide an added service of assembling your RTA kitchen cabinets before delivery. In this case all you need to do is unbox the cabinets and install them in your kitchen.

Standard Dimensions of Kitchen Cabinets You Should Know

Dimensions of kitchen cabinets include exterior and interior dimensions.

Exterior dimensions include:

• Base cabinets come with a standard depth of 24-inches (61 cm).
• Stock base cabinets for smaller spaces come with a depth of 12-inches.

Widths, on the other hand, vary between manufacturers. Common width dimensions for base cabinets are 12, 15, 18, 25, 30, or 35-inches.

When you speak of the interiors of base kitchen cabinets, this includes the thickness of the shelves as well as the number of shelves and drawers you want to include inside.

Kitchen Cabinet Weight Capacities

Dishes have become heavier these days compared to the small, finem and lightweight dishes of the past decades. Many homeowners also have the habit of collecting sturdier dishes.  Kitchen cabinets can give way with too heavy loads. An average kitchen cabinet has a 600-pound weight limit.  The weight limit of kitchen cabinets does not only refer to what you intend to placed on the cabinets. Cabinet material, studs, joists, fastener, and other components are part of the weight limits,

High-quality kitchen cabinets can hold heavier and more dishes but you need to evenly distribute the weight as much as possible.

Kitchen Cabinets Manufacturing Process:

1. Cutting

Precision cutting is done by the state-of-the-art HOMAG cutting machine from Germany.

2. Grooving

Precise and accurate equipment is used to create the exact grooves to ensure they fit drawer bottoms, panel construction, and panels in the frame.

3. Edge banding

With the use of 3-edge-bonding machines, (1 Nanxing and 2 KFT) 100 pieces of boards are finished on all 4 sides every hour translating to 1 board every 36 second.

4. Drilling

Drilling is done by 3 drilling machines. The drilling machine automatically shuts off when its sensor detects panels that are incorrectly cut. The drilling machines can work on 1200 pieces per hour.

One of the drilling machines features a dual-drilling position and is therefore more efficient. It can drill about 1800 pieces per hour.

5. Lacquered

The lacquer finish is applied only after final inspection of the measurement and color of the kitchen cabinets. A tracker bar code is attached to every panel. The base coat is applied and allowed to dry for 3 to 4 hours. Sanding immediately follows. Three layers of base coat and sanding are applied to achieve the perfect finish. Flat surfaces are sanded using a machine. Shaped doors are sanded manually (by hand).

6. PVC vacuum

After shaping the door, every panel is cleaned. The panels are then prepared for gluing and for the PVC finish application.

7. Quality Inspect

Quality inspection is done at every stage of the production process. This makes sure that the quantities, size, color, and accessories are correct based on the specifications. Quality inspection based on the highest standards further ensures the products are free of any defective materials or workmanship flaws.

As one of the top kitchen cabinet manufacturers in China, the company has earned its reputation of manufacturing high-quality products.

8. Packing

Every piece or component of the kitchen cabinet has an attached QR code. Each QR code is scanned and uploaded to make sure all items are complete. The product is then prepared for shipment. Packing is meticulously done to ensure you receive your kitchen cabinets arrive in good order and condition.

The company uses on the strongest and most durable protective packaging materials. All corners of the product are also well-protected to ensure the safety of your order while in transit.