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. It offers 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.
Sienna Blake, a designer at Cabinet Now, says that kitchen island carts are a functional and stylish accessory for any kitchen. She explains that they can offer extra prep space, serve as a bar or coffee station or provide more storage and organization.
Ahead, you can 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.
VIA MERCHANT
Solid Wood Top Kitchen Island Cart
Pros:
- Ample storage storage
- Extending drop leaf
- Solid wood top
- Four color options
Cons:
- Requires some time to set up, but reviewers note it’s easy to assemble
Topping our best kitchen island cart list: This wide rolling version from Lark Manor, 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, if you add 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.
Dimensions: 36.25″H x 53.5″W | Available Colors: 4 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
Leteuke Rolling Kitchen Cart
After long-term use in a real home, our tester Emily Way says this Leteuke rolling kitchen cart proved to be a practical pick for extra storage. Its compact footprint fits neatly into smaller kitchens, while the three-tier design gives you plenty of room for countertop appliances, pantry staples or serving essentials. During testing, Emily found it especially well suited as a dedicated coffee station, where it comfortably holds an espresso machine, ice maker and accessories without taking up valuable counter space.
Just note that the wood top isn’t the most rigid surface, so it’s better suited for light prep work than as a full-time rolling kitchen island. “It’s what I use for my ice maker and espresso machine,” says Way. “The top isn’t super secure, so I wouldn’t recommend it for everyday use as a kitchen island, but it works really well as a coffee cart or for extra storage.”
Dimensions: 34.75″D x 17.5″W x 32.5″H | Available Colors: 4 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Carbon steel frame with wood top | Weight Capacity: 100 pounds
Seville Classics Acacia Top Kitchen Cart
Open shelving makes it easy to grab your everyday essentials, and this Seville Classics kitchen cart pairs that convenience with plenty of thoughtful storage. Two slatted shelves give you space for bulky countertop appliances, while two smooth-gliding drawers, a towel bar and side hooks help keep the rest of your kitchen organized. The solid acacia wood top also provides extra prep space without sacrificing style.
Taste of Home Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski has used this cart in her kitchen for more than a year, and it has become one of her favorite organizational upgrades. “I don’t know how my kitchen functioned without it,” she says. “Not only does it hold some of my bulkiest (yet most essential) appliances, but it’s also a stylish spot to stock cookbooks, a tea kettle and other odds and ends.” She also appreciates the smaller details, like the hooks for storing reusable paper grocery bags and the towel bar, which doubles as the perfect place to display a colorful kitchen linen.
Dimensions: 38.4″W x 18.5″D x 35.75″H | Available Colors: 1 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Wood frame with wood top | Weight Capacity: 210 pounds
IKEA TORNVIKEN Kitchen Island
Bring classic farmhouse style to your kitchen with the IKEA TORNVIKEN kitchen island. The spacious oak-veneer worktop provides plenty of room for meal prep, while the open lower shelves keep cookware, baskets or frequently used ingredients within easy reach. Designed to coordinate with the rest of IKEA’s TORNVIKEN collection, this island offers a warm, rustic look along with extra storage and workspace, making it a smart addition to kitchens that could use a little more breathing room. Add a couple of kitchen stools and you have an additional place to eat a quick bite.
Dimensions: 50″W x 30.5″D x 35.5″H | Available Colors: 1 | Number of Wheels: 0 | Materials: Birch veneer, solid wood and particle board | Weight Capacity: Not stated
Ivy Bronx Kitchen Island
For a modern look without the maintenance of real stone, this Ivy Bronx kitchen island features an elegant imitation marble top that instantly elevates your space. Beyond its eye-catching design, it offers practical features like adjustable shelving, built-in power outlets for small appliances and customizable LED strip lighting to create the perfect ambiance while cooking or entertaining. The contrasting marble and walnut finishes give it a contemporary feel that’s as stylish as it is functional.
Dimensions: 35.4” H X 61” W X 31.5” D | Available Colors: 2 | Number of Wheels: 0 | Materials: Manufactured wood base with faux marble top | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
Red Barrel Solid Wood Top Kitchen Cart
Pros:
- Ample storage space
- Solid wood top
- Lockable wheels
- Two color options
Cons:
- Holds up to 40 pounds, so be wary of how much you load on it
This adorable light green 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 are 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 on wheels!
Dimensions: 35″ x 19″ x 29.5″ | Available Colors: 2 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 40 pounds
Home Styles Mobile Kitchen Cart
Pros:
- Stainless steel top
- Ideal for spacious kitchens lacking an island
- Versatile storage options
- Available in several colors
Cons:
- At 53.5 inches wide, this cart is on the larger side
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 for kitchen gadgets. If you’re looking for a classic and traditional piece, this rolling kitchen island cart is for you.
Dimensions: 18″D x 53.5″W x 36″H | Available Colors: 4 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Wood | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
Winston Porter Mineville Kitchen Cart
Pros:
- Versatile storage space
- Drawer storage
- Ideal for small or large kitchens
- Affordable price point
- Optional towel bar
Cons:
- Assembly may be tricky for some
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!
Dimensions: 34.02″ x 27.76″ x 19.37″ | Available Colors: 1 | Number of Wheels: 4 | Materials: Solid and manufactured wood | Weight Capacity: 50 pounds
What To Look for When Buying a Kitchen Island Cart
When looking at trends for the best kitchen carts, we chatted with Sienna Blake, a designer at Cabinet Now. She outlined a few popular features:
- Multifunctional designs: “Carts that have charging stations, hidden storage or pull-out cutting boards.”
- Natural and eco-friendly materials: “Reclaimed wood and eco-friendly finishes are on the upsurge.”
- Bold hues and eye-catching pieces: “Dark blues, greens and black-coated carts are in style, acting as a design centerpiece.”
To determine the best kitchen cart for your home, start with the size of the kitchen island cart you 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 kitchen cart is 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.
“Think storage in the form of drawers, shelves, towel bars and wine storage for complete functionality,” says Blake.
Next, choose the countertop material. For example, 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. Blake recommends stainless steel or solid wood for durability and low maintenance.
She also suggests looking at mobility and locking casters. “Having a heavy cast set offers ease of movement but locks in for immobility as needed,” she explains.
How We Chose the Best Kitchen Island Carts
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What should I put on a kitchen island cart?
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.
How tall should a kitchen island cart be?
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.
How do you decorate a kitchen island cart?
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 items on display, such as colorful containers and canisters. Throw a fruit bowl on the top to really brighten it up.
What is the rule of thumb for a kitchen island?
Some interior designers think that a kitchen island shouldn’t take up more than 10% of your total kitchen area, but it’s totally up to you how you want to furnish your kitchen.
What not to put on a kitchen island?
You should find a different place for fragile glassware and ceramics, as well as big kitchen appliances. The glassware and ceramics could be knocked off and break, while large appliances could take up the majority of the storage space. Smaller items like a coffee maker or air fryer could be good to place there, though.
Why You Should Trust Us
To find the best kitchen carts, we scoured the web and checked out our favorite retailers. We considered a few key factors (price, quality and functionality) and read through customer ratings and reviews to make sure everything was up to standard. We also spoke to Sienna Blake, a designer at Cabinet Now, to find out what we should look for when shopping for kitchen carts.
The authors of this piece, Bryce Gruber and Madi Koetting, have both written hundreds of product roundups and brand reviews on home and furniture.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is also a product tester and writer at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
