Cabinetry

American-made cabinets, although more expensive, are generally considered a better option than Chinese cabinets due to their significant long-term advantages and regulations American manufacturers must follow.

1. Customization: American cabinet shops can easily build a cabinet down to a fraction of an inch to fit the exact space in your home, whereas imported cabinets, being made and shipped across thousands of miles, sports more of a "one-size-fits-all" mentality due to their mass production methods.

2. Quality: Because American builders tend to use regional hardwoods, these woods are kiln-dried to specific regional humidity levels, decreasing the chances of the wood warping, cracking, or shrinking. Imported wood travels across oceans and fluctuating humidity, so the stability of the wood down the line is not guaranteed.

3.  Chemical & Safety Regulations: American manufacturers must strictly comply with domestic environmental safety standards, so you don't need to worry about large amounts of formaldehyde in American-made cabinetry. In addition, the top-coats, paints, and stains used on domestic cabinetry also face tight regulations, those of which cannot be guaranteed with imported cabinetry.

Over-the-Range (OTR): This option combines a microwave with a cooktop light and exhaust fan. OTR's are good for a strict budget, a compact kitchen layout, and lots of counter and cabinet space. The con for this option is definitely the aesthetics, sometimes it can feel a little apartment-y.

Built-In in an Upper Cabinet: This option clears up your countertops, blending into the cabinets and creating a sleek look at a comfortable handling height. Want to keep cooking separate from food prep? This microwave is the one for you. The con here is losing one part of an upper cabinet.

Base Cabinet Drawer Microwave: This option eliminates visual clutter from the waist up and opens up like a drawer. This microwave is a perfect addition for a kitchen island, prioritizing accessibility and modern safety. Although, this option makes it harder to visually see what's cooking in the microwave. 

Countertop Microwave: This option is great for low-use kitchens, temporary living spaces, or simple convenience. This is also a great option if you have a lot of extra countertop space, but are lacking cabinet space. Taking up counterspace is its biggest downside, as well as not getting that built-in look. Countertop microwaves don't require any installation, so if it ever breaks down, this one is the easiest to replace.