I sell Kemper Echo, which is the same thing as Vibe. The big difference between Echo and "regular" Kemper or Diamond is that there aren't nearly as many possibilities within the lower priced line. Fewer doorstyle. Fewer colors. Fewer combinations. Soft close on doors and drawers isn't standard, it's got to be added. You can't do an integrated door panel on the end, you have to add a 3/4" door panel separately if you want that look, and that interferes with the overall length measurements of the space. There aren't nearly as many modifications, so doing things in it is more difficult, and sometimes, impossible. And the specs are 3/8" vs. 1/2" for the sides. I have done several kitchens in the line that turned out beautifully. One is currently being installed as a matter of fact. But it does involve more creativity in some cases than a more full featured line. Also, once you start adding in the upgrades, the price starts to rise to the same price as the full featured lines. So, you've got to trim your want list if you're going to fit into the line comfortably. Or else up the budget for the full featured line that has the features you want in the first place. .

I am not an expert by any means, but I did look at both of these lines. I got to know Kemper because it's part of the MasterBrand company which sells Omega / Dynasty. I originally went in to look at Omega and Dynasty and ended up pricing out Kemper since it fell closer to my price point. When I compared these two lines - they seemed very similar in quality and cost. It seems you have found the same. The only difference I noted, was it seemed the Kemper line had a slightly better finish quality than Medallion. However, that could have been the particular stains I was comparing. Kemper has been high on my list and if you can get it with plywood construction for the same price, I would say go for that one. The only caution I would give you is to make sure you are pricing out a similar door style in each brand. I made that mistake initially. Both Kemper and Medallion offer multiple types of shaker doors and they vary in price due to the size of the rail around the door and whether you have a veneer center panel or solid wood. Another thing to consider - Thomasville, which is sold at Home Depot is the same as Kemper. It's branded specifically for Home Depot, but has the same door styles (with different names), finishes, etc. and I have read they may even be manufactured in the same building (not 100% sure of that, though). Thomasville offers full extension, soft close drawers and soft close doors as a standard - not an upgrade. Plus, with the HD pricing right now and other Thomasville incentives, the price beat Kemper when I was comparing quotes just last week. I wasn't keen on working with HD, but it would be a negotiating point for the Kemper KD to consider. FWIW - We haven't finalized our decision yet, but it looks like we may go custom and get all plywood construction and lots of extras for less than what we had seen in other lines with comparable features. If you haven't looked at local custom shops, that might be something else to consider.

@ maiat - after looking at many, many different brands, I think it is the best value. Not the least expensive, but I think you get the most for your $. Finding dealers is not easy. It seems they spend more time building cabinets than making their website helpful. Even when I requested KD's, via their website, they did not send me the closest. I found KD's by googling "shiloh+cabinets+chicago"

I am a K&B Designer, and I also carry and sell Medallion Cabinetry. It is a great line that has tons of finish options and customization. Their customer service is phenomenal. Here is the clip out of the Silverline Spec book explaining MDF. MDF is becoming more widely accepted, especially in states with all 4 seasons (or high temps vs low temps and changing humidity). MDF does not expand and contract like solid wood does, so it accepts a painted finish very cleanly. Sometimes you end up seeing some small lines and splits in your painted finish when using solid wood, but with MDF there is a much better chance that it won't happen. Not that I condone lying... but... if your K&B Designer didn't tell you it was going to be MDF and you got them installed, I can guarantee you wouldn't be able to tell the difference and you would be just as happy with them. Don't let the idea of not having solid wood scare you! MDF is engineered for this purpose.