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By Bryce Gruber and Madi Koetting plastic bathroom cabinet with mirror
These handy kitchen island carts add extra storage and prep space to any kitchen.
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When it comes to the best kitchen storage ideas, a kitchen island cart is a tried-and-true favorite. They offer ample storage space without having to invest in a lofty renovation. Plus, they create a spot to prep food, and can even double as a dining area. Just because your kitchen didn’t come with an island doesn’t mean you can’t have one. Grab one of these portable carts for everything that doesn’t fit in your cabinets. We found the best picks for every budget and style.
Start with the size of the kitchen island cart you’ll need. Wide-rolling versions are ideal for oversized kitchens with lots of room, whereas compact carts are best for extending counter space in small homes or apartments.
The second most important part of picking out your cart: storage. Does it have drawers, shelves or a cabinet? What about a towel rack or spice rack? Decide what items you need to store and choose accordingly.
Next, choose the countertop material—do you prefer wood or stainless steel? It’s also a good idea to match the cart with the color and overall aesthetic of your kitchen. If it’s going to be used as a statement piece (like a bar cart), a pop of color never hurt anyone.
Topping our best kitchen island cart list: This wide rolling version, which offers plenty of storage space with a spice rack, towel rack, three drawers and three shelves. But the real star is its drop-leaf counter extender. It’s ideal when you need a bit more workspace or, with a couple of bar stools, it doubles as a coffee bar and dining area when guests are in town. There’s practically nothing this chic cart can’t do.
This butcher block kitchen island cart is wallet-friendly and compact, and ideal for anyone looking for more storage solutions without breaking the bank. The 32-inch wide cart squeezes into tight spots between appliances or a spare corner, but is still big enough to hold large kitchen gear like pots and pans, a slow cooker and pressure cooker. Bonus: It has a towel rack.
This adorable light green Diaz kitchen cart fits perfectly with any farmhouse-style kitchen. What really sets it apart is the ample storage space. It boasts a wine rack holder for four bottles and three shelves for oil, vinegar or spice storage. Plus, there’s two cabinet-like levels for extra cooking gadgets or appliances. The unique design makes it a fun conversation piece. People will be asking where you found such a smart and small kitchen island cart!
With its sleek stainless steel top, this portable kitchen island is a restaurant-worthy option. The steel top and spice rack are terrific for quick prep work, while the adjustable shelving and three drawers provide additional storage real estate to stock kitchen gadgets. If your looking for a classic and traditional piece, this rolling kitchen island cart is for you.
Wondering if it’s worth it to get your kitchen cabinets redone? Before you dish out big bucks on a renovation, consider adding this Winston Porter cart. The editor-approved Mineville kitchen cart is a favorite for a few reasons: It has plenty of storage for cookbooks and canisters, it’s made from engineered wood and it’s affordable. The drawer doubles as a home for kitchen gadgets or cutlery. Just add a utensil organizer to get the most out of the drawer space!
Just one look and it’s easy to see why this beauty is totally worth the investment. The Boraam Sonoma cart acts as a portable island, entertaining center and beautiful kitchen centerpiece all in one. With a weight capacity of 200 pounds total, it holds anything from display-worthy China to heavy gear like pressure cookers. Combine that with the solid wood construction and stainless steel top and you’ll wonder why you haven’t snagged this cart sooner!
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Depending on the weight capacity and storage features, you can put almost anything in (or on) a kitchen island cart. Drawer storage is ideal for kitchen linens, cutlery or random kitchen gadgets. Carts with cabinet-like storage are good for keeping cookware or appliances like air fryers that don’t otherwise fit in kitchen cabinets. If it has open shelving, add display elements like cookbooks or candles.
The standard height is 36 inches, which is typically the same as built-in kitchen islands. If you’re dining at the portable island, you may want to go up to 42 inches to account for bar stools.
With all your pretty cookbooks and houseplants, of course! If the kitchen island cart has exposed features like a towel rack, spruce it up with a trendy tea towel. Otherwise, keep decorative gear on display, too, like colorful containers and canisters. Throw a fruit bowl on the top to really brighten it up.
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