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Practical way to get extra storage and maximize space in your kitchen
Sarah Morris is an avid writer of home decor and product reviews. She covers furniture products and more for ChosenFurniture.
The answer is NO! There is a fine line between a kitchen cart and a kitchen island. Unlike kitchen islands, kitchen carts are generally mobile, and you can buy them at a fraction of the cost. They can be used for storage or may also be your new favorite place to chop up meat and veggies. Or they could be a table with wheels used mainly to serve food [source: Merriam-Webster dictionary].
Kitchen carts are commonly made of wood or metal; some might have marble, granite, stainless steel, or a solid butcher block as a countertop. They can range from basic with just a few shelves to more sophisticated with features like towel bars, drawers, cabinets, and more.
Depending on your needs, you will always find the right kitchen cart to help organize your kitchen or whatever space. We have prepared this comprehensive guide to getting you started with choosing the best kitchen cart for your kitchen.
Consumer Reports – Kitchen Carts Pros and Cons
Sometimes, kitchen carts are unnecessary but can have many advantages. The most beneficial aspect is the extra working space. Yet, people find that kitchen carts provide a variety of utilities other than just cooking. So, are kitchen carts the heart of your home or just a mess magnet?
- Plenty of finishes and styles
- Adds functionality
- Better for small kitchens
- It can be moved easily
- Fairly simple to install
- A wide range of prices
- Great for a remodeling project
- It might limit kitchen access and flow
- Should match the kitchen decor
- Creates dead space in the corners
Best Kitchen Carts Reviews
People may need additional space and functionality in the kitchen. More space in the kitchen is always welcome for storage or work surfaces. Kitchen carts are excellent for those needing more cabinet and work surface space. Which of them is ideal for you, though? Here is our list of the best kitchen carts for your home.
Homestyles Kitchen Cart with Stainless Steel Metal Top
Add elegance and extra storage to your home with Homestyles Kitchen Cart with Stainless Steel Metal Top. This space-saving kitchen island cart is designed with functionality in mind and will make your life easier. The stylish and durable materials include hardwood solids and engineered wood with a stainless steel top for a sophisticated and practical look. Three drawers and adjustable shelves can store pantries or silverware, dishes, pots, pans, and more.
A spice and towel rack offers even more functionality. The countertop, which is made of stainless steel, has fantastic lines carved into it, creating a texture that prevents items from sliding off. Four rolling wheels provide smooth movement when you’re taking it from the kitchen to another room. Whether you want an additional work surface, to get better organized, or to maximize your existing space, this solid cart covers you.
Size: 53.5 x 18 x 36 inches | Material: Wood / MDF | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- Elegant style
- Sturdy as a tank
- Take little time to put together
- Deep drawers, great for storage
- The cart gives off a strong and irritating odor for a while
Ashwaubenon 42″ Kitchen Carts
Not too big, not too small, the Ashwaubenon 42″ Kitchen Carts can do it all. It’s the perfect place to prep a hefty meal, but it also offers room for friends to gather around appetizers at a cocktail party. Plus, it includes two storage shelves for all your chef-worthy essentials. The open metal slatted shelving can store your favorite wine for the next party. The drawers are a little short, and some more extended cooking tools like tongs and wooden spoons have to lay slanted in the drawers to fit.
Exemplary in industrial style, it pairs a rustic pine wood frame with black-finished metal elements for factory-chic contrast that works well in converted lofts and modern farmhouses. The hardware finish is in brass and features locking wheels. The added caster wheels can bring the party to any room in your home. Relatively simple to assemble or buy the already-built model.
Size: 36.5 x 42 x 18 inches | Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- It adds a nice rustic look
- Well made, very sturdy
- Variety of storage
- Large wheels work smoothly
- Drawers don’t fully open
Winsome Wood Drop-Leaf Kitchen Carts
This kitchen cart surprised you in the best way. Perfect for small kitchens that need more workspace, Winsome Wood Drop-Leaf Kitchen Cart packs a lot into its compact dimensions. The top counter offers a roomy food prep area with two foldout sides that add almost 10 more inches in length. The storage space is excellent. With the sides extended, you could use this as a bistro table. The natural finish is lovely, and the quality of the materials is fine.
Underneath are a deep drawer for utensils and tools, an open shelf, and two cabinet drawers with storage space for tall and oversized items. Crafted of solid beechwood with brushed nickel hardware, this handy cart moves on lockable casters wherever needed, then slides out of the way when not in use. The wheels are sturdy and lock, and it rolls very easily. Assembly is required.
Size: 43.25 x 20.1 x 33 inches | Material: Solid / composite wood | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
- Solid, functional cart
- Quality wheels and handles
- Easy to assemble
- Smoothly move the cart around
- A little confusing to assemble
Winston Porter Selborne Solid Wood Kitchen Carts
Blending traditional style with contemporary clean-lined silhouettes, Winston Porter Selborne Solid Wood Kitchen Cart gives your home the best of both worlds. Classic design and yellow birch color add familiar comfort and warmth, while simple geometric lines add a refreshing pop of chic style. This is truly a top-of-the-line work center! Made of solid domestic hardwood, this will command attention and provide years of function even in the most distinguished kitchens.
It’s solid like a rock, the finish on the wood is like satin, and the hardware is pristine and tightly fits. Moreover, it also presents a fantastic polish against the earthy butcher block. Pull out the leaf, and everyone circles up with a glass of wine and enjoys this centerpiece. With plenty of storage space and easy mobility, the Selborne cart will meet the needs of even the most critical kitchen connoisseur. The bottom storage rack is firm; this cart is beautiful, functional, movable, and solid.
Size: 35.5 x 36 x 34 inches | Material: Solid wood | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Beautiful piece of furniture
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Solid piece, quite heavy
- Good deal for the price
- Does require lots of oiling
Serving 3-Tier Kitchen Cart on Wheels with Storage
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by this piece of furniture. This Serving 3-Tier Kitchen Cart on Wheels with Storage looks very sturdy and charming. It gives you an extra work surface as well as a prep space. Seamlessly connecting a solid industrial aesthetic design to practical daily use opens up more possibilities for your home. Provide more solutions for your room layout, storage, and furniture mix and match. It uses a smooth, wear-resistant board with a solid metal frame.
It comes with the option of using wheels, or stationary feet, which are easy to attach. It is easy to assemble within 15 minutes. Installation drawings and tools are provided. It isn’t overly heavy but is sturdy and holds a microwave, as well as having space for storing a larger-size crockpot and other items on the shelves. It has a nice industrial-type look, and the quality is exemplary.
Size: 15.7 x 23.6 x 30.6 inches | Material: Alloy steel frame | Weight Capacity: 176 pounds
- Perfect for a small kitchen
- Well-built and solid
- Huge shelf space
- Easily stored if you do not need
- Light-weight particle board materials
- Casters are flimsy but will work efficiently
Yaheetech Kitchen Carts on Wheels
This portable kitchen cart gives you plenty of extra workspaces and is packed with storage space to keep essentials organized and close at hand. Yaheetech Kitchen Carts on Wheels is made to be durable, while its elegant minimalist finish accentuates the kitchen with traditional quality. Construction consists of painted solid wood for the frame and CARB Phase II compliant MDF for the rest. The countertop is made of solid rubberwood in a natural wood grain finish.
One large easy-glide drawer and two shelves provide a lot of space for even more kitchenware. The four industrial casters are the highlight of this kitchen island. When combined with the easy-to-grip long pull on the side, you can quickly push this kitchen cart anywhere you want – it has two casters with brakes to lock the cart safely. It comes carefully packaged with all items labeled with coordinating, easy-to-follow assembly directions.
Size: 14.37 x 15.75 x 7.87 inches | Material: Solid wood / MDF | Weight Capacity: 44 pounds
- Looks great and is very sturdy
- The drawer is huge, and there’s lots of storage
- Heavy-duty wheels roll very smoothly
- The assembly process is challenging, with poor instructions
Enos Kitchen Carts with Wood Top
Do you need a handy organization, extra prep space, and flexible mobility? At 1.5 inches thick, Enos Kitchen Cart with Wood Top is built to withstand all your cutting needs. Crafted from stainless steel with a bamboo work surface, this piece combines form and function with a streamlined modern feel. And this portable cart is here to help you with cookware storage needs. The EcoStorage finish rest assured that no toxic chemicals are released into the environment during the production of this cart.
Underneath the board sits an additional shelf for extra storage space. Both shelves and baskets are adjustable in 1-inch increments, allowing you to configure your kitchen cart depending on your preference. The sidebar with four fixed hooks is perfect for hanging cooking tools and utensils. This is well-built, strong, sturdy, and very easy to assemble. Very reasonably priced and super functional.
Size: 36.5 x 28.6 x 19.8 inches | Material: Stainless steel | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds
- Handy to have in a smaller kitchen
- Solid wood top and frame
- Plenty of storage underneath
- Cart rolls easily
- Wheels don’t lock super well
Hodedah Kitchen Carts with Spice Rack, Towel Rack and Drawer
This multi-purpose kitchen cart is an excellent addition to your kitchen or dining room. The Hodedah Kitchen Carts with Spice Racks, Towel Racks, and Drawers are constructed of high-quality compressed wood. The kitchen island cart is solid enough to serve you for a long time, and the countertop saves you from the trouble of deformation or mold. With its simple and classic design, it can be perfectly combined with most home decor styles. Suitable for apartments or anywhere you need more extra storage.
Featuring two shelves and a generous drawer, this rolling kitchen cart will meet your needs for storing and making good use of space. A convenient handle makes pushing more effortless, or you can use it as a towel rack. Four universal wheels ensure you can move it smoothly and silently; two have brakes for safe use. Keep in mind that this is made of pressed wood. Water cannot remain on it for an extended period. If you need this cart for storage, it will probably last a long time.
Size: 35 x 46.65 x 15.5 inches | Material: Compressed wood | Weight Capacity: Not listed
- Quite sturdy when assembled
- Storage underneath is great
- Use wood glue to give some extra support on connecting pieces
- Instructions are often contradictory or flat wrong
Kuhnhenn Kitchen Cart with Solid Wood Top
Optimize and expand your prep space with Kuhnhenn Kitchen Cart with Solid Wood Top. Its clean lines and wood top pair together to give this design a traditional look that blends effortlessly into any kitchen. Hardwood and engineered wood offer incredible structural strength and durability. This portable cart is available in two stunning finishes – White and Black. Use its drop-leaf function to craft a breakfast bar in your kitchen or to maximize your prep space.
Drop leaf extends when more surface is needed and folds down to save space. Three storage drawers and two adjustable shelves accommodate a variety of kitchen items. Four casters with two lockings roll easily when unlocked and keep the unit in place when locked. To minimize shipping costs, this item does require moderate assembly.
Size: 36 x 53.5 x 18 inches | Material: Solid and manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
- Looks very nice and fills the space well
- Solid and stable
- Drop-down leaf for additional eating space
- Easy to assemble
- It has some material quality or construction issues
Courtright Solid Wood Kitchen Cart with Stainless Steel Top
A stylish and functional piece, the portable kitchen cart offers additional countertop and storage space in your kitchen. Courtright Solid Wood Kitchen Cart with Stainless Steel Top fuses rustic detailing and industrial inspiration with modern silhouettes. Keeping your go-to cookware, serveware, and barware close by and organized is optimal. Stylish, functional, and affordable. This cart works perfectly in a small apartment where you need more space but can’t add any permanent additions.
Crafted from solid rubberwood in a distressed wood grain finish, its base features two drawers and shelves that provide a place for all the essentials. The cart has two utility drawers and a towel rack. The space between the levels is large enough to store oversized kitchen items. The stainless steel countertop gives you extra elbow room as you prepare meals while locking caster wheels below offer must-have mobility. Assembly is required to put things together.
Size: 35 x 44 x 20.5 inches | Material: Wood or rubberwood | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds
- Stylish with a modern-rustic look
- Sturdy and holds plenty
- Locking wheels are a great touch
- Easy to put together
- A skinny sheet of stainless steel on top that scratches easily
What To Consider When Buying a Portable Cart?
- Size of the cart: they aren’t one-size-fits. The length, width, and height all have to be just right. There should be space for a mobile cart and chairs in your kitchen. The distance between the countertop and the walking area must be at least 40 inches. It’s a safe bet that you can walk around the entire island at this distance. Work surface height is also critical.
- Construction materials: the choice of materials for the frame and body is massive, each providing unique characteristics. You can match or contrast your cart with the rest of your kitchen or even combine contrasting materials. Solid wood is still popular, and the countertop selection offers a bit more. Many prefer hardwood or the rich look of natural stone like granite or quartz. Others want a hassle-free stainless steel countertop.
- Organizational components: one of the kitchen cart’s most significant advantages is its additional storage space. You have a choice of cabinets, open shelves, sliding baskets, wine racks, knife blocks, towel holders, and utility hooks, to name just a few.
- Functional aspects: one option is to have a butcher blocks countertop. A quality butcher block is at least two inches thick and made from end grain or edge grain to protect your knives from dulling. A drop-leaf is a tabletop or counter section that unfolds to extend the existing work area. Drop-leafs can be helpful as a serving buffet or breakfast bar. Another choice is to have an electric outlet strip on the cart that will allow you to plug in small kitchen appliances.
- Weight capacity: Overloading a portable cart can lead to nasty accidents. So it is paramount to know the maximum weight capacity a cart or shelf can support. Think about what you want to place on it (electric appliances, serving pieces, dish rack, or full stockpot), and then choose an appropriate cart model.
- Mobility: when you need to entertain guests, transport food from the kitchen to the dining room, or surprise someone with a birthday cake, well, a portable cart is a great option. A pair of solid casters convert a stationary kitchen island or cart into a mobile workstation. Locking casters allow you to position your portable cart wherever needed and then secure it. Neoprene rubber castors are designed not to damage the floor and are the best option.
- Assembly: are you ready and have the knowledge to put the cart together yourself? Do you have the right tools to help you do so? If not, the best choice is to buy a ready-assembled kitchen cart.
FAQ
What is a kitchen cart?
A kitchen cart is a mobile cart for cooking, storing, and serving meals. It typically has wheels for easy movement and may include features like shelves, drawers, and a countertop.
Are kitchen islands worth it?
Kitchen islands can be worth it, depending on the needs and preferences of the homeowner. They provide additional storage, a workspace, and a gathering place for family and friends. However, they can be expensive and require additional space and construction work.
Does a kitchen island have to be attached to the floor?
A kitchen island does not have to be attached to the floor but should be anchored or secured to prevent tipping or movement. Some islands may have a freestanding design or be attached to a wall or countertop instead of the floor.
Conclusions
Our top 10 kitchen carts show you the best products for cooking surfaces, preparation, and storage. You can move them around quickly, and it features pull-out drawers, cabinets with two or more shelves, spice racks, and even towel holders. They do not occupy that much space in your kitchen and return, give you a place where you can prepare so many delightful recipes.
We recommend the Homestyles Kitchen Cart with Stainless Steel Metal Top as the best buying option for this category. Its simple and classic design, storage space, and materials won’t disappoint you. And the price for this kitchen cart is irresistible. Go for it!
Sarah Morris is a passionate home decor expert, a how-to reviewer of furniture products, and a fact checker for ChosenFurniture. She is passionate about all types of design and prefers traditional, rustic, and modern. She has over ten years of writing and editing experience, covering the kitchen, living room, outdoor decor choices, and more.
