Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Wood grain filler

Regarding the oak cabinets that I am staining an espresso color, I was wondering if using wood grain filler would be useful?

Again, I want to reduce the appearance of the wood grain on the finished product. I see that Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore make oil based wood grain fillers that can be used before staining. I was planning to use "natural color" and then proceed with finishing. For starters I am going to try an undercoat of oil based stain followed by tinted poly to deepen the color, followed by clear poly.

Is this something worthwhile, or are there any issues when using the wood grain filler that I should be aware of?

How well does it accept stain?

Will it really reduce the grain appearance or will it highlight it?

Thanks in advance.

The wood fillers I have used neither reduce or enhance the grain - they simply allow for a smooth surface.

The color you're after (espresso) will do more to reduce the grain dominance, although without the filler, the texture of the surface will indicate the type of wood.

Thanks George. I started working on some sample pieces and it looks like you are correct. I am using the BM version of the filler. Very easy to use, and it will make a VERY smooth surface that I think will be great. Grain is still visible, maybe a little less so. It is that oak texture that was bothering me more, as I like a nice smooth cabinet surface.