I have only built two kitchens with pocket screws, but seem to have good luck. All my cabinets have been red oak. I can suggest the following which works for me, and much has already been mentioned.
I have used an original Kreg jig for the first kitchen, and a Kreg electric foreman for the second. Only Kreg 1 1/4" fine thread, washer head screws.
1: Plane and sand all members to the same thickness.
2: Light glue, and clamp down to a table. I only do one joint at a time, and clamp it tight.
3: Be careful with drill depth (especially with the Foreman, as it's easy to set it too deep). The hole should not go through the end of the drilled members, and when you drive the screw through the end, it should end up pretty much in the middle.
4: Do not drive it too deep, an impact driver can easily drive it too deep, especially if you are using the regular head screws. I always use washer head for that reason. Of course you never use flat head screws which will guarantee splits. I drive mine in till it seats well, then finish it by hand with a t/handle screwdriver. This way I can feel when it is over tightened. Remember, the deeper you drill the further into the mating piece it goes, and the lower the entry point into the mating piece is.
I have been meaning to make a Kreg table, but so far I am using a sheet of melamine with two strips at a right angle screwed on to square things up. I just lay it on the workbench when needed.
Hope this helps.
Rick Potter
DIY journeyman,
FWW wannabe.
AKA Village Idiot.