If you are a local to Ohio or even the surrounding States, you may have heard about the Kraftmaid Outlet in Warren, Ohio. It is the spot to go if you are looking for quality cabinets at amazing prices. My cousin recently bought her children’s bathroom cabinet and granite counter top (yes, I said granite) for $95.
Years ago, Dan and I headed to the outlet (in it’s old location) but walked away confused, disappointed and empty-handed. We had no idea how to shop it and didn’t realize that there was a system in place for shoppers at the Kraftmaid Outlet. So when we decided to try our hand again (and save some money if only on one room), we did some homework beforehand.
Thanks to a friend who spent 30 minutes on the phone with me before our trip, we learned how to shop the outlet. I’m sure if not for him, we would have walked away empty-handed once again.
Most people do try to go several times in a row and watch for what they want. But for us, this was a one-deal trip. If we didn’t find anything, we were going to pay regular prices at a place near home.
What to Bring With You:
- Your dimensions for your space or cabinets.
- Mailing labels with your last name pre-written on them.
- A Marker
- Measuring Tape
- I also brought my budget info and other prices to compare on the spot.
Arriving at the KraftMaid Outlet:
First, you should know that the building does not say “KraftMaid.” Rely on a GPS, the string of traffic and police officer directing cars at the entrance.
You will want to arrive between 6:15am-7:00am when they hand out wristbands. The wristbands are numbered in order of arrival. We arrived at 6:30am and Dan was #106 and I was #107.
If you don’t arrive during the wristband distribution time, you will have to wait to enter until everyone with wristbands has been allowed in. To get your pick of the selection, it is worth getting up early and hitting the road.
At 7:15am, everyone gathers at the door and they announce how many people are in attendance and they draw a starting number. They then admit the next 150 people from the starting number. On the Saturday we were there, there were only 225 (I’ve heard there can be over 400 at times). The man drew number 79 and started admitting 79, 80, 81…. We were so fortunate to be early in the group. At 106 & 107, we only had a short wait. *If you happened to have been 78 or anything less, you wouldn’t have been very happy.
Every 20 minutes, they admit another 150 people. My friend suggested if you have several people that know what they are doing, to stagger your check-in for wristbands. This way you may have a better opportunity to cover the first group of admittance if there is a large crowd.
Once Inside the Kraftmaid Outlet:
When you go into the Kraftmaid Outlet, you will notice cabinets are grouped by color on your left. If you walk beyond all the rows of kitchen cabinets, you will reach the bathroom vanities, followed by crown molding and other accessories. Granite is along the right wall after you enter.
We went straight to bathroom vanities. I knew I needed 84″ of cabinets and was looking for two base sink cabinets and a set of drawers for the middle.
At the outlet, if you see something you like, you put a pre-written mailing label (tape works too, but labels are fast and easy) on the cabinet with your NAME and #1 if you’re the first person to label, #2 if you’re the second one in line or #3 if you’re third in line…and so on. I don’t think I ever saw more than three labels on a piece, though.
My friend encouraged me to move fast, measuring quick and throwing labels on things if I was remotely interested. I put my last name with #1 on several things and #2 on a couple things. Dan was ready with the tape measure and I was ready with my labels.
We found the 3 pieces for our master bathroom (and were first ones to label!) and two for the kids’ bathrooms (2nd in line, but we didn’t get these).
Checking Out at the KraftMaid Outlet:
Assuming you’re #1 in line for the cabinets you want, you then find someone who works there. The employees were wearing orange or yellow and walking around with clipboards. Find one of the employees and they will take a crayon to your #1 label which means an item is being checked out. (If you see a piece while shopping that has crayon across the #1 label, move on. It is already spoken for.)
They will write you up and send you to the front counter to pay. From there, you go to the “pole” and wait to be assigned to another employee who will go get your cabinets and take them to the sidewalk. The person moving your cabinets (you are not allowed to move them for safety purposes) is not required to help you load your car. We loaded our own. A’hem, Dan loaded our car. I have heard sometimes they will help you, but just don’t rely on it and tip if they do.
What Happens if You’re #2 in Line for an Item:
If there is a cabinet that you are very interested in but you’re not first in line, you’ll have to keep watching for the first person to remove their label. If at 9:30am, the item hasn’t been taken, you can then have the person paged. If within 10 minutes they don’t show up at the desk, the outlet will let you buy the piece.
Are the Savings Worth It?
Mostly . . . yes! Bathroom cabinets vary by price. For the three bathroom cabinets I bought, I paid $250. They had soft close on the drawers and were a glazed finish. The local stock cabinets that were my backup (with no soft close and no glaze), cost $650. I saved $400 and bought better quality.
For kitchens, each cabinet is either $90 or $95 depending on whether it is a base or wall piece. If the piece has no doors, it is $5. Yes, really $5. If I didn’t have a storage issue, I could have started thinking all crafty on these things! Well, I’ll just wait until the house is built. 😉
If you are comparison shopping, it is a good idea to know what you’d be spending elsewhere. The kids’ bathroom cabinets that we were watching were only $50 cheaper (although taller) and not exactly the color I had been hoping for . . . But in the end, the first person took them anyway. Granite counters with pre-cut sink holes were $20 per piece. Un-cut prices varied.
Info to Know:
Kraftmaid Outlet Address: 3418 Elm Rd in Warren, Ohio
Kraftmaid Outlet Phone Number: 440-632-2106 (Masco Cabinetry Sale Warehouse)
When They are Open: A couple Saturdays a month, 7:15am-1:30pm. You can find out which Saturdays by calling the above number.
Payments: MC, Visa and Cash. Sales are final.
You can also email KraftMaid and request outlet information at kmcares@Kraftmaid.com.
Celebrating Savings!
~Kristen
My name is Kristen. I'm a former Wedding & Event Planner blogging about fun ways to celebrate each and every day and the special occasions of life. Here you'll find inspiration for family fun, children's activities, party planning and a faith-filled life. 
The above description on how you must shop by number and placing labels, at this warehouse, sounds like too much work just to purchase cabinets. I need about 30 cabinets. Can`t imagine doing all of the above.
Angie, it is a lot of work and would be challenging for a long list of cabinets. They do sell “full” kitchens, but you have to be flexible as to which cabinets. But if you only need a few, it is easier and the savings can be great. I had a lot of fun…an adventure for my husband and I one an early Saturday morning. 😉
Went to one of these a long time ago held at fairgrounds bought 23 cabinets base and upper, lazysusan and specialty for 2/3 less than retail. Learned a lot during day…watch wood types. I matched doors and color, ended up with mix of plywood and particle board sides and backs. Glad to learn of actual warehouse and how it works.
Thanks for the advice, LA G. It is amazing how much you can save. We found Kraftmaid’s quality to be great. The bathroom set of cabinets we bought at the outlet is far better quality than the stock builder’s grade cabinets we were looking at in a local store. But always good to be sure. Hope you can get to the outlet and find some great stuff!
Just wondering (we plan to go this Saturday), do they have any unfinished kitchen base cabinets? We are planning to add a couple to our kitchen when we paint the existing cabinets. Is there somewhere they have a ‘floor plan’ so we know where we are going when entering?
And the granite, is it priced by the slab (for those uncut), and you have to haul those away that day as well?
Thank you for your post….. this is extremely helpful in navigating this new adventure.
Hi Gail, My husband and I were trying to remember and we don’t think there were unfinished, but we’re just not sure. It will be easy to tell though when there because cabinets are grouped by color of finish. I have never seen a floor plan. But with this new warehouse, it is easy to get the lay of the land on where things are. It is one giant room. When you walk in and walk straight forward, on the left you will see: wardrobe/shelving type units, followed by rows and rows of kitchen cabinets, then bathroom vanities and trim along the wall. On the right, misc and countertops. For the uncut granite, prices are as marked and yes, you have to take everything that day. Make sure you go prepared with everything I mentioned to take. And have fun! I am excited for you! Let me know if you find anything good. I know others would appreciate any followup comments about your experience. Take care, Kristen
Where do they place the full sets of cabinets. Looking to overhaul my really outdate kitchen. Are they large lots or do they have some small lots as well?
Krista,
When you walk through the doors to enter, turn left and go all the way to the back. That’s where the ‘full kitchens’ are….. and they are marked with square footage and price. You do not mark these like you do individual cabinets…. you must go to the person sitting at the end of all the groupings… marked off with orange cones near the rest rooms…. and check in with them. We seen these after we had found our two cabinets and were just looking around. The two I actually looked at were $2900 and $3200 (can’t remember the square footage). Excellent prices for the amount of cabinets. I am guessing you want to be flexible on the type of cabinets (drawers, cabinets, etc.) I think there were 6 or 8 selections of full kitchens. Hope this helps.
Where do they place the full sets of cabinets. Looking to overhaul my really outdate kitchen. Are they large lots or do they have some small lots as well?
Thank you, for the information. My kitchen is small open to different colors/styles wasn’t sure if buying in a group or individuals would be better. From everything that I’ve heard is that you have to be open about styles and colors in order for this to be a option. Prices are certainly worth it.
and on a side note, these are QUALITY built cabinets. dovetail drawers that won’t fall apart ! Well worth the price.
Good luck, Krista! Let us know how it goes.
Gail, thanks so much for sharing this. I didn’t know how the full kitchens worked. This info will help lots of people. 🙂
Follow-up…. We arrived by 6:15, lucky to be in the first group to enter, picked out 2 base cabinets. We were not particular about the color because we are going to paint them. Just wanted the size and drawers inside. VERY PLEASED with our purchase and price. To compare….. local home improvement store wanted $1393. for the two particular unfinished cabinets we wanted (and that was with a 10% discount). Bought them today for $190. ( $95 each). We do have to paint and replace the doors with our own doors (which we will make to match our existing cabinets), but for a $1200 savings…. I’ll do it. It was a pleasant experience which we will do again when we are ready to put wall cabinets above the two we bought today. As you can see by the price comparison, it is well worth the trip.
Gail, that is an awesome savings. Wow! Thanks so much for the update. 🙂
Thank you, Kristen! Your information was a HUGE help! My husband & I went for the first time in search of a bathroom vanity, but no luck. We will be returning. We would have not had a clue as to what to do there without your amazing information. ☺️
Hi Mary!
I am so glad the info was helpful to you and your husband. I hope your next is successful and you find the vanity. Isn’t that place cool? 😉
Thank you, Kritsen for all this valuable information. My husband and I are in the early stages of building a house and our builder happens to use kraftmaid cabinets. We are only getting $8000 allowance for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Our kitchen is approximately 12′ x 12 and we have 2 1/2 baths also. I was wondering how am I going to stay under budget to get good quality cabinets for only $8000. My husband and I will definitely be making a trip there! Thank you!
Ah, I think you’ll love the Kraftmaid Outlet then! Let us know how it goes. Good luck with the build. We are in the middle of it ourselves. 🙂
In the process of buying a home and want to remodel the kitchen before moving in. One question. I’m looking at the sets of cabinets to make it easy. If the set is almost complete to my needs but it may be missing one or two cabinets, can I order them from Kraftmade at full retail?
Hi Ron, For the cabinets I bought at the outlet, I did need a piece of toe kick and filler that I was able to buy from Kraftmaid at retail price. (The outlet did not have my color of toe kick and I didn’t realize I needed one piece of filler when I was at the outlet.) I ordered my extras from a local lumber company (at retail).
You could definitely order a cabinet or two to finish the set. The only thing I would be careful with is if it is a discontinued color or style. Maybe take your tablet/phone with you to the outlet and check their site before you make the final purchase.
Let us know how it goes!
Thanks for great info. About 14 years ago husband and I went to the warehouse (the set-up was different, no numbers then) we were able to outfit our kitchen beautifully. It took 2 trips for us but as far as quality goes … I still have a awesome kitchen (22 cabinets)and no problems w/anything. We are now remodeling 2 baths and looking forward to the kraftmaid adventure once again. In our experience with open mind about finish, color and style you can be successful and save a great amount of $.
Hi DJS – you are so right about if you keep an open mind of styles and colors, you can save a great deal. Enjoy your trip and let us know how it goes!
Before we went I went to local stores and got a Kraftmaid “book” to become familiar w/styles, woods, colors, finishes. I listed my “likes” in order so we could go to those areas first and move along if nothing was there. Relatives, friends have done this over the years- and yes if not discontinued you can order from local store to match. My brother-in-law has done this and worked out for him.
That is a great idea!! Thanks for sharing.
Kristen,
Thanks for sharing your experience. If you want to save money it’s worth the time and energy.
Kristen,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for all the helpful tips!!
You rock sista!
Hope you get some great deals!!
Kristen,
Your information was fabulous, but this whole Warren KM operation seems shaky. Starting admission at some random number is loony enough. I think “KM Cares” is geared to people who live close to Warren, Ohio. We live in Gettysburg, PA, with an “85% done” KM kitchen in an 1850 house. I’m a patient at the Cleveland Clinic, so we’re in Ohio about twice a year. I had a follow-up scheduled at CC for Jan, but after I called KM to get next dates, I rescheduled CC to one of KM’s future Feb. dates. (This is no small feat when the Doctor is a world class cardiologist!) Today I called KM to hear the other details, only to find out they shifted the dates out a week! Too late to make another change at Cleveland Clinic, so for early 2016 this is a bust. At least it’ll cost us one less hotel night in Ohio! I’m going back to Home Depot (or better yet, one of those Amish cabinet makers!) But if you’re nearby, follow Kristin’s advice. I can’t imagine how nutty this would be if you just showed up on your own.
Oh no, Jeff! That stinks that the dates changed. I can see how you say the whole process is a bit loony and it kind of is. We had so much fun doing it though and would go again with a new project. I hope your doctor’s appt goes well this month. Cleveland Clinic cardiology is the best!
You are open tomorrow aren’t you?
Wondered if Niles Ohio is s good place to stay since we’ll be traveling.
Hi Holly, I don’t know much about Niles…except that there is a Hobby Lobby there (which I love) and many restaurants. I have been there a couple times and if I found a hotel that I was familiar with, I would do it. Not a huge area, but seems nice from what I know. Good luck!
Kristen,
In your experience, what type of pandemonium ensues once inside? I need to get up very early and drive about an hour and a half and I really don’t feel like fighting people for cabinets.
Any insight you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan
Hi Dan. My experience was not one of chaos. Because they do space people out, there are not the large, crazy crowds. The main thing is to be prepared (knowing what you want, have tape measure and other things above). That way if you find the size you want, mark it and then make a decision. If you can bring someone with you, I would highly suggest it.
We had a wonderful experience. Came home with a full kitchen for under 4000. We went and priced it out at lowes it was just under 20,000. We were very pleased.
Holly, That is awesome! I am so excited to hear it. Thanks so much for coming back and sharing.
Holly can you please tell me what was included in your full kitchen? Did that include counter tops, sink, faucet, appliances, etc or just the cabinets? Thanks much!!
Too bad this isn’t closer to Washington DC. I need just a couple of cabinets and buy nothing but Kraftmaid.. I’m betting your prices and having them shipped would still be less than going to one of the big box stores.
Hi Kisten,
My son and I went to Kraftmaid with some friends about a year ago to purchase cabinets for his kitchen. We were able to furnish his entire kitchen, which was totally bare, for under $400. What a blessing! We purchased some of the cabinets without doors because they were just $5.00 then we purchased the cabinet doors separately, which we also found at Kraftmaid for $3.00 along with the hardware. This place is awesome and worth getting up early to travel. It was such an exciting adventure. We made a whole morning of the trip, stopped for lunch (enjoying the fellowship of the friends who travelled with us) and then went home to work on the project the next few days. Well worth it.
By the way, the friends that travelled with us had been to Kraftmaid before and told us about it. Everything that you listed about what to bring with you and how to mark the pieces is exactly correct. Makes it very easy to shop for what you want.
I love hearing those stories, Vinoa! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. Blessings to you and your family!
So I know this is an old post, but I am trying to figure out how you know how much each cabinet costs? Looking at your pictures of the cabinets, I don’t see prices.
Hi Laura,
The bathroom cabinets are marked with prices. See the photo with a blue sticker on the cabinet? That is the price. For kitchens, each cabinet is either $90 or $95 depending on whether it is a base or wall piece. Those cabinets are not marked. It is just a flat price.
LET ME JUST SAY THIS, I BOUGHT A HOUSE IN JANUARY 3, 2009 AND I WORKED AT LOWES IN THE CLEVELAND AREA. I LOOKED AT SOME CABNETS IN OUR STORE WITH A 10% OVER COST STILL FOR SPECIAL ORDERS PUT ME AT $6000.00. I NEED 10 CABNETS FOR MY KITCHEN. I FOUND ONE OF THEIR COMPLETE SETS WITH 12 CABNETS AND I PUT MY NAME ON IT. THE PRICE WAS $1100.00. I DIDN’T CARE ABOUT THE COLOR BUT THEY WERE A CREAM COLOR. I ALSO NEEDED A CORNER CABNET THE SAME COLOR AND GOT IT FOR $35.00. I MADE OUT LIKE A BANDIT! I ALSO BOUGHT 3O TEN FOOT STRIPS OF THICK BEAUTIFUL CROWN MOLDING FOR $1.00 EACH. I SAVED SO MUCH MONEY. I HAD TO ORDER 1 TEN FOOT STRIP OF CROWN MOLDING FROM LOWES AND WITH MY 10% OVER COST I PAYED $95.00. WAS NOT MAD BECAUSE OF ALL THE MONEY I SAVED. I’M FLIPPING A HOUSE AND I JUST HOPE TO GRAB BIG SAVINGS AGAIN. FULL KITCHEN AND 2 1/2 BATHS AND LAUNDRY ROOM. I PLAN ON BUYING EVERYTHING FOR THIS HOUSE. JUST HOPE THE SAVINGS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. KRISTEN IS TELLING YOU THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH! PLEASE JUST DON’T COME ON THE SATURDAY IM THERE…..LOL!
OH AND KRISTEN I TOOK A BEAUTIFUL POT AND PAN DOUBLE (DEEP) DRAWER WITH ANOTHER BOTTOM CABNET AND PAINTED BOTH BLACK CONNECTED THEM AND PUT A PIECE OF BLACK GRANITE ON TOP AND MADE A BAR……TALK ABOUT CRAFTY! LOL
Lol! You are awesome!!
Wow!! Timothy, that is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us.
That email address doesn’t work. Haven’t tried the phone number. When is the next sale?
Hi Kim, I’m not sure about the email address. I wonder if they changed something. Try the phone number – they leave a recording of upcoming sales. Good luck!
Hi Kristen,
I am moving into a new home and remodeling the entire kitchen. I saw some Kraftmaid cabinets at Home Depot that I am interested in. Is there any way to speak with someone there to find out if they have the style of cabinets that I am looking for? Thank you.
Hi Alpha, there is no way to know what they have on hand. We happened to find something that would work in one trip. I know others have gone a couple times in a row and put together all their needs. Good luck!