BASIC

Best for those who are less picky about style options or don’t need perfect fits. Often called stock, these off-the-shelf units include inexpensive, ready-to-assemble units.

But you still get fewer style and trim options, sizes, and features overall. Boxes are often thin veneered particleboard, rather than plywood. Many models use frameless construction, where the doors hide the frame.

Price range $250 to $350 for a typical 21-inch-wide base and 30-inch-tall wall duo.

MIDlevel

Best for most kitchens. Includes lower-priced semicustom models that offer many made-to-order choices in size, door style, materials, finish, trim, and accessories. Many use face-frame construction, where part of the solid-wood frame shows between doors and drawers.

But their features and quality varied most in our tests. Boxes still tend to be thin or thicker veneered particleboard, rather than higher-quality plywood.

Price range $400 to $900 for a typical 21-inch-wide base and 30-inch-tall wall duo.

premium

Best for those who want the most style and storage options short of made-to-order custom cabinets. Includes higher-priced semicustom models with plywood boxes and other premium materials and hardware. Widths can come in 1/4-inch increments, rather than the typical 3 inches.

But prices for premium cabinets, while lower than for made-to-order custom units, tend to be highest for lines that offer the most features and quality.

Price range $600 to $1,000-plus for a 21-inch-wide base and 30-inch-tall wall duo.