If you need more counter space in your kitchen or are looking to add a stylish focal point, a cart is the way to go. These rolling workstations are a great alternative to traditional islands and can be customized with drawers, shelves, and even hanging hooks, perfect for everything from silverware to cooking pots and pans. They’re also a convenient way to bring a little extra flair into your home and can double as an eating or bar area when entertaining guests. To help you find the best kitchen island cart for your needs, we’ve rounded up our favorite options.
This sturdy, versatile cart comes with a removable wooden top and is on wheels to roll wherever you need it. Jessie Sheehan, author of Snackable Bakes, loves that it’s minimalist and functional: “I store my cookbooks on one side, a mixer on the other, and a stack of cutting boards in the middle,” she says. “And the butcher block surface is really durable, making it easy to chop on.”
Another kitchen-island-on-wheels option with plenty of storage, this model has a built-in paper towel holder and towel rack as well as two cabinet doors, a utensil drawer, and three adjustable shelves. It’s available in a variety of wood hues and can even be paired with a drop-leaf extension when you need more workspace.
Professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal explains that the key to finding a good kitchen island cart is to survey the size of your room and figure out what you want your new addition to do for you. If you plan to use it as your kitchen epicenter, opt for a larger model with ample counter space and lots of easy-to-access cabinets or drawers. On the other hand, if you just need to stash your microwave and some dishes, consider a smaller option with fewer cabinet doors or drawers.
For those who can’t quite afford a full-on remodel, this high-end cart is the next best thing. It has a marble counter, plenty of drawer and shelf space, and sleek styling that’s sure to elevate your space. The bottom tier has bins that hold everything from citrus juicers to funnels, and the top tier can hold an assortment of utensils and cookware.
The metal-and-wood design of this cart fuses rustic and modern styles for an attractive, practical addition to your home. Alexandra Shytsman, founder of the blog New Baguette, has used this spacious cart to store her toaster, coffeemaker, and food processor—her most-used appliances—in her galley kitchen. It’s big enough to serve as a dining table when paired with stools, too.