Cheaper quality cabinets are made with materials such as particle board or MDF. They have thin veneers sealed to the exterior. These cabinets cause a variety of problems over time. They can collect moisture that will make the finish blister, sag and chip and possibly pose a health hazard if overhead cabinets lose their integrity.
While metal cabinets are always an option, they seem to have faded out and now are being used for a retro look. Wooden cabinets are quiet in comparison to metal cabinets. Moving plates or utensils inside steel cabinets can make a lot of noise. Fingerprints may be much more pronounced on a metal surface.
If your old cabinets are still structurally sound, you always have the option of refacing their kitchen cabinetry to provide a new look and increase the value of their property. There are drawbacks to refacing as opposed to replacing the cabinets. Refacing is not an option in every situation. It is only recommended when you are satisfied with your current cabinets' build and layout. You should only reface structurally sound cabinets.