I have done a bit of a search and no where am I finding these are made in China I would never order all wood cabinets if I wanted a painted finish so that would end right now. Wood expands and contracts constantly so over time you will have cracks in seams for sure . MDF a much better choice for painted cabinets IMO. There seem to be many cabinet companies in the US thta have better reviews so why not shop those with less risk. I am Ikea fan so can't help with names of those companies but your designer should be able to steer you in the right direction but IMO your contractor and his friend do not equal a good KD who is independant .

Thank you. I’ve seen the info that they are made in China and assembled in Pennsylvania on Houzz, I think. If I can find the source of that info, I’ll try to link it. If I go with a painted finish, I will definitely want an MDF center to the door. I’m now leaning toward Shiloh again, and may go with a stain, rather than painted. I’ve consulted with several kitchen designers, and have had mixed experiences (one measured my kitchen then stopped responding to phone calls and e-mails. With another, I just didn’t like his cabinet lines. I think I’ve found another one who’s going to be good — fingers crossed!)

IMO find an indepenant KD that is how you get good design no cabinets salesperson can offer that thye only can design what is in the software they use . I design Ikea kitchens but I do not use Ikea software to do so it is limiting .

Decide on your cabinet independantly of a sales person, designer, or contractor. Do the research and see what works best for you. How would your contractor paint said cabinets? There is a process with particular kinds of paints for cabinets that hardens and cures them to a factory finish for durability. I'd be skeptical of anyone who wants to slap on paint from a can. It sounds like a finish not destined to last.

What is your budget and have you priced cabinets from a local cabinet maker independent of your contractor?

I too have a galley kitchen in an older home and have inset cabinets. I love them. Galleys are so efficient to cook in.

I’ve been looking at this list but no idea how accurate it is.

https://www.mainlinekitchendesign.com/general/cabinet-reviews-ratings-for-the-top-100-cabinet-brands/

maybe some pros can comment

it has st marten as a 3.5 in expense and a B in quality which isnt great in my book cosidering things that are 1.5 on pricing have As 🤷‍♀️