Top 10 Best Kitchen Islands and Carts – Reviews and Buyers Guide (2023)

Transform your cooking space with kitchen islands and carts

Article by Dan S. Morris

Dan S. Morris

    

Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of ChosenFurniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.

Learn more about our Editorial Process

| Updated on May 14, 2023

We spent 75+ hours researching dozens of moderately and high-end priced kitchen islands, balancing the pros and cons of various models so that you can choose the best option. While we’ve written about the best bean bag chairs, porch swing chairs, and sleeper sofas, now it’s time to go deep and review the best kitchen islands and carts you can find on the market.

For many of us, the kitchen is the centerpiece and heart of our home – it plays a crucial role in anyone’s life. And the best kitchen islands and carts are those “luxury” pieces of furniture that create a functional space where you can gather with family and friends to cook, eat, and share memories. Every kitchen has the potential to provide storage and additional counter space and offers excellent functionality. Many homes include a mobile kitchen island. However, not all have enough of these. A kitchen island has to solve any or all of these problems.

If you are fortunate to have a kitchen island already, you’re in for a treat. We review the best kitchen island carts for those searching to buy one. Regarding kitchen islands, never assume your kitchen space is too small for an island – you’d be surprised by the options below. From storage to additional seating and ample space for cooking and entertaining, any den, apartment, or house will benefit from the versatility of a kitchen island.

Our Top Picks

1. Editor’s Choice: Home Styles Americana Kitchen Island Wood Top
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2. Best with Drawers: Three Posts Diamondback Kitchen Island
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3. Best Value: Raabe Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart
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4. Best Hardwood Top: Casual Home Kitchen Island Solid American Hardwood
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5. Best Prep Table: Delesha Wide Prep Table Multifunction Kitchen Islands
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6. Best Storage Cart: Winsome Wood Single Drawer Kitchen Storage Cart
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7. Best Wide Countertop: Birch Lane Oak Park Wide Kitchen Island
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8. Best Rustic: Home Styles Americana Antique Kitchen Island
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9. Best Splurge: Hardiman Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart
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10. Best for Small Spaces: Winsome Wood Drop-Leaf Kitchen Island Cart
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Editor’s Choice – Best of the Best

Homestyles Americana Kitchen Island Wood Top

Homestyles Americana Kitchen Island with Wood Top is constructed from solid rubberwood, making it one of the market’s strongest and most long-lasting options. All three of its vintage-styled finishes are sure to elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen. The kitchen island is loaded with valuable features. Include a practical drop leaf that rises to provide additional dining and serving space.

It also features antique nickel hardware, an easy glide storage drawer, raised detail cabinet doors with adjustable shelves inside, and open storage on each end with an adjustable shelf. The clear-cut finish of the wood material prevents it from wear and tear and makes it last longer than expected. You might feel overwhelmed when the three large boxes arrive, believing installation would be a nightmare. It is effortless, straightforward, and quick.

Size: 26.5 x 49.8 x 36.5 inches | Base Material: Rubberwood | Countertop: Solid wood | Colors: Black, white, full distressed oak | Weight: 75 pounds

Best with Cabinet Storage

Three Posts Diamondback Kitchen Island

A striking centerpiece, the Three Posts Diamondback Kitchen Island With Drop Leaf takes center stage and adds a fresh style to your traditional home. Crafted from solid and engineered wood, this island is safe for food prep and serving. This sleek kitchen island makes meal preparation a breeze. It is an excellent piece of furniture you’ll enjoy using for many years.

The drawers and one cabinet with shelves will help you to keep any clutter out of sight. There’s a drop-leaf for extra space and plenty of storage for cooking essentials. When dinner prep is done, store dinnerware on the island’s shelves. Each end of the countertop has sculpted edges, while open shelves on the sides are ideal for storing spices and dressings.

Size: 36 x 47.75 x 25 inches | Base Material: Solid + manufactured wood | Countertop: Solid wood / MDF | Colors: Black, white | Weight: 132 pounds

Best Value

Raabe Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart

Create additional kitchen storage space with the slime and attractive Raabe Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart. This kitchen island cart is constructed from solid wood and boasts a painted white finish with a protective lacquer to minimize wear from normal use. It is a fantastic addition to your home because of its style, functionality, and quality. The simplicity of this cart is sure to impress your guests.

You can’t go wrong with this kitchen island cart. It has a clean and minimalist style, and its white color would go well with almost any decor. And due to its size and movability, this kitchen cart may be used as a casual beverage center. The butcher block surface can be used for food preparation since it is resistant to heat, impact, and normal kitchen use. Includes a metal towel rack and two spacious shelves for storing everyday items.

Size: 35 x 32 x 18 inches | Base Material: Solid Wood | Countertop: Solid Wood | Colors: White | Weight: 40 pounds

Best Hardwood Top

Casual Home Kitchen Island Solid American Hardwood Top

With the acquisition of a Casual Home Kitchen Island with a Solid American Hardwood Top, you can increase the capacity and beauty of your kitchen. This beautiful island cart can be used in different ways and has plenty of space for your goods. This piece is easily recognizable by its unique two-tone color. The countertop is made of solid wood in a natural or beech finish, and the doors and drawers are painted gorgeous white or black.

The warm countertop provides the perfect prep space for cooking meals. Include one sizeable sliding drawer and two large shelves. The drawer pulls with a stainless steel handle to provide an enclosed area to keep your kitchen essentials. Spacious lower shelves offer ample storage space for your kitchen essentials. It is also equipped with a stainless steel towel rack. For the price you pay, it is a good-quality affordable piece and not too heavy to move since it has no casters.

Size: 20 x 40 x 36.5 inches | Base Material: Solid wood | Countertop: Hardwood | Colors: White | Weight: 45.8 pounds

Best Prep Table

Delesha Wide Prep Table Multifunction Kitchen Island

Are you looking for a safe, durable, and heavy-duty worktable? Made of metal and wood with an open concept design, Delesha Wide Prep Table Multifunction Kitchen Islands adds flair and functionality to any decor. This three-tiered multipurpose island features two open shelves to ensure storage, and the large tabletop serves as the perfect prep or workplace. As a side note, the middle shelf is wood veneer, while the bottom is constructed of round metal slats.

The shelf’s attractive rustic oak finish and the black metal frame finish refine this prep table. Due to its multi-use design and factory-chic flare, the Delesha Cart is most comfortable in the kitchen but also in a home office, basement, or foyer. And it offers a design that is ideal for tiny rooms. Add this beautiful kitchen island and table to your house or apartment.

Size: 36.25 x 48 x 20 inches | Base Material: Steel | Countertop: Manufactured wood | Colors: Black / Antique oak | Weight: 61.71 pounds

Best Storage Cart

Winsome Wood Single Drawer Kitchen Cabinet Storage Cart

The Winsome Wood Single Drawer Kitchen Cabinet Storage Cart is a compact option for small kitchens. Made of solid beechwood, it provides a food preparation surface and a storage area. A natural look is due to its finish with a clear lacquer that seals solid beechwood. Cart’s back is made using the same sturdy material as its front and sides. Despite its small size and lack of storage space, this storage cart is efficient.

A towel bar is installed on the right-hand side. You could drill your holes on the left and switch the bar on the other side. There is a cabinet behind the front doors with two removable slatted shelves. Doors and drawers are equipped with wooden handlebars for easy opening and closing. You can shift the cabinet to different corners of the kitchen or any room – four black lockable casters make it easy to pull and push.

Size: 26.9 x 18.2 x 34.3 inches | Base Material: Solid beechwood | Countertop: Solid beechwood | Colors: Natural finish | Weight: 54 pounds

Best Wide Countertop

Birch Lane Oak Park Wide Kitchen Island

Jam-packed with a wide array of practical features, Birch Lane Oak Park Wide Kitchen Island is a fantastic addition to any traditional or farming-style kitchen. It is one of the perfect examples of a combination of form and function. As for the base frame and counter, this kitchen island uses solid rubberwood for sturdiness and has a neutral finish that lets it blend well with all colors.

This prep table includes a solid wood butcher block top to prepare your food safely. It features two drawers and two open lower shelves for organizing your cooking necessities. The countertop above has an oak finish for a pleasant and natural look. The island is just beautiful, functional, and solid. And very easy to piece together. As a downside, the shelves (and drawer bottoms) are surprisingly thin, almost like a paneling sort of wall cover material.

Size: 35.43 x 51.97 x 27.95 inches | Base Material: Solid wood | Countertop: Solid wood | Colors: Antique white, black, gray; Oak | Weight: 80.3 pounds

Best Rustic

Home Styles Americana Antique Kitchen Island

Hand-crafted from hardwood solids and engineered wood, the Home Styles Americana Antique Kitchen Island is the focal point of your kitchen and a convenient storage hub. The raised panel doors have a hand-applied, rustic style. It comes sanded and distressed in antique white or black paint. The countertop and the knobs have been given a distressed wood finish to match.

The drawer is easy to glide in and out. The storage shelves are open, so you can see all the items you have stored on the sides of the island. Because its accessible from the left and right, this island is stylish and functional on both sides. Great for cooking as well as eating on it. Gather your family and guests around it for the next dinner you are organizing, and surprise them by showing them this beautiful piece, which is one of the best wood kitchen islands.

Size: 24 x 42 x 36 inches | Base Material: Engineered wood | Countertop: Hardwood | Colors: White, black | Weight: 138.9 pounds

Best Splurge

Hardiman Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart

Do you need a place ideal for cooking, preparing, and serving? The Hardiman Wide Rolling Kitchen Island Cart can be used differently in many areas of your home. Made of manufactured wood, it features three drawers for keeping plates, cutlery, and other essentials, as well as one cabinet for storing small kitchenware and other requirements.

Its hardwood top can be used as a butcher block, and the handy drop-down leaf provides additional surface space to create a breakfast bar or a more extensive food prep area. The rack is ideal for keeping common spices close to you and is conveniently positioned on one end, with the built-in towel rack on the other. Buyers love this portable kitchen island cart because it is easy to put together, and four detachable casters (two are lockable) allow them to move it wherever they want.

Size: 35.75 x 53.75 x 29 inches | Base Material: Manufactured wood / MDF | Countertop: Solid wood | Colors: Black, white, indigo, charcoal, cherry, gray, red | Weight: 105 pounds

Best for Small Spaces

Winsome Wood Drop-Leaf Kitchen Island Cart

Multi-functional, mobile cabinet ideal for small kitchens or those needing additional storage and workspace. You can use it in your kitchen for extra workspace without taking up too much floor space. Also ideal to be placed next to a dining room table with its easy-to-access storage space. Winsome Wood Drop-Leaf Kitchen Island Cart is made using solid wood, ensuring durability, and finished in a clear lacquer to highlight the natural beechwood grain.

This kitchen cart’s main feature is the two drop leaves that enhance the top workspace. The entire counter offers a roomy food prep area, and the two foldout sides add almost ten more inches in length. A drawer provides maximum space for knives, forks, spoons, and other kitchen utensils. The open shelf under the drawer can be used to store bowls and plates. The two-door compartment opens up ample storage space to keep additional kitchen essentials. All are standing on four rolling casters, two of which lock to stay in place.

Size: 45 x 20 x 33 inches | Base Material: Solid wood | Countertop: Solid wood | Colors: Natural beechwood grain | Weight: 63 pounds

Tips for Buying a Kitchen Island Cart

The Right Size

Large kitchen islands are gorgeous – yet, you need a lot of space to make room for one. Choose your kitchen island to suit the space in your kitchen and leave space to cook/work efficiently. Optimally, the gap between an island and some other furniture or apparel in your kitchen should not be less than 36-48 inches. Or, you can choose a model with wheels and move it around the kitchen. Unlike kitchen islands, kitchen carts are generally mobile.

Storage and Organization

Think about everything you need to store on your kitchen island. Many types of storage are available on the kitchen island, from drawers and shelves to cupboards, a spice rack, and cabinets. Look for a kitchen island with drawers and slots for all your spoons, knives, and forks. If you have small appliances, look for kitchen islands with plenty of sturdy shelves and a drop leaf.

Pick the Best Surface

If you primarily use a kitchen island for food preparation, buy an island with a butcher block. In some cases, kitchen islands with butcher blocks offer the best cutting surface, and cleaning is simple. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty island, a stainless steel top is heat-resistant and more durable. For smaller kitchens where the island will be a prep station and later a dining surface, go with a varnished wood top.

FAQ

Are kitchen islands out of style?

Kitchen islands will never go out of style. They have become necessary in today’s kitchen and are more than a passing trend. Islands give much-needed work and storage space to the kitchen. And you can add a nice Sputnik chandelier to create a modern atmosphere!

How much should I pay for a kitchen island?

A normal island cart on the market may cost from $200 to $1,000, depending on the size and materials used. Islands with electrical power but no plumbing or cooking equipment often cost more than $2,000. Custom islands with power and water start at about $3,000 but usually cost a bit more. When eating space, cooking appliances, ventilation, and cabinetry are included, a full kitchen island set is above $20,000.

Are kitchen islands a good idea?

A very well-made and beautifully designed kitchen island may dramatically shift the flow of a room by establishing a distinct center point and creating a gathering place for working, cooking, dining, and relaxing. Your decision will be influenced mostly by your needs, preferences, budget, and available space.

Does my island have to match cabinets and countertops?

Matching an island to kitchen cabinets and countertops creates a kind of symmetry and aesthetics within a kitchen. Using different cabinet or countertop colors, you can turn an island into a beautiful focal point inside your kitchen. Different island and cabinet colors add variety to the kitchen, while similar countertops tie everything together.

Dan S. Morris

Dan S. Morris is a longtime furniture and design enthusiast with a passion for beautiful and functional arrangements and a human-centered approach to home decor that integrates the needs of people. He is the founder of Chosen Furniture. Dan and his team are faithful to serving you with savvy client-focused information and furniture reviews, with uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of their service.