Buzz
Credit: MytourLiving in a compact studio, I struggled with limited countertop space for storing kitchen tools, small appliances, and dishes within easy access. Instead of overcrowding my surfaces, I opted for a kitchen cart featuring drawers, shelves, and a food-safe top for meal prep and essential storage. The added convenience of wheels made it effortless to relocate as needed.
Whether you're dealing with a similar situation or are a passionate cook seeking additional workspace, a kitchen cart is an excellent solution to declutter and expand the functionality of a small kitchen. It eliminates the need for an expensive kitchen island or sacrificing valuable floor space. We’ve curated the top kitchen carts for various budgets, styles, and requirements, considering factors like dimensions, storage capacity, build quality, and mobility to present the 20 best options on this list.
Top Choice for Open Storage
Available at The Home DepotOpen storage kitchen carts are ideal for those who need quick access to utensils, dishes, or ingredients without the hassle of searching through cabinets or drawers.
The Glenville Rolling Kitchen Cart boasts a sturdy butcher block top, ideal for prepping fruits and vegetables, and comes in a stylish endive green finish. Meanwhile, the Aresha Wood Kitchen Island offers two spacious shelves, perfect for organizing and storing compact kitchen appliances.
The Haysi Solid Wood Top Kitchen Cart features open storage accessible from all four sides, while the Birch Lane Dobbs Kitchen Cart offers a modern, luxurious design with a stainless steel countertop.
Top Pick for Closed Storage
WayfairIf you’re looking to declutter or prevent kids and pets from accessing open shelves, the ModernLuxe Kitchen Island with Drop Leaf and LED Light offers stylish fluted glass doors, a flip cabinet, and two drawers to keep kitchen items neatly hidden.
The Birch Lane Wood Kitchen Island features drop leaf sides for additional workspace, three cabinets, three interior shelves, and two drawers. Meanwhile, the Gracie Oaks Rolling Kitchen Island Table with Drop Leaf complements farmhouse or coastal decor with its large drawer and lockable 360-degree wheels. The Yamiled Wide Kitchen Island on Wheels with Storage includes two double-door cabinets for ample storage.
Top Pick for Drawer Storage
WayfairKitchen carts with drawers provide efficient storage for utensils, spices, and small gadgets like garlic presses or graters. The Homfa Portable Kitchen Island Cart includes two drawers perfect for silverware or coffee pods, while the Costway Rolling Kitchen Island features a large drawer ideal for plates.
The Brianny Rolling Kitchen Cart Island offers two roomy drawers and a built-in power outlet for easy access to appliances like blenders or toasters. For a budget-friendly option, the Vevor Kitchen Island Cart Top includes a wide drawer suitable for most small kitchen essentials.
Top Compact Pick
TargetStruggling with limited kitchen space? These compact kitchen carts are designed to fit even the tiniest kitchens. The Ikea Förhöja Kitchen Cart features a slim design with open storage, ideal for small appliances and ingredients, freeing up counter space. Meanwhile, the Amarieon Wood Kitchen Island is small enough to fit anywhere, yet offers three spacious drawers for utensils and more.
The West Elm’s Yamazaki 3-Tier Kitchen Cart includes a handy handle for easy movement and a sleek, functional design. For a budget-friendly choice, the Best Choice Products’ Rolling Kitchen Island Cart is compact but packed with storage solutions like hooks, a sliding tray, and an outlet.
Most Stylish Pick
Williams SonomaA chic kitchen cart such as West Elm’s Kaden Rolling Kitchen Cart can transform your kitchen with its sleek, practical design. It also includes a towel bar and three open shelves for convenient access.
The Crate & Barrel’s Belmont White Kitchen Island is perfect for home chefs, featuring a food-safe rubberwood top, spacious drawers, and a sliding door cabinet. Meanwhile, the Williams Sonoma John Boos End-Grain Butcher Block Classic Kitchen Cart boasts a professional-grade butcher block made from northern maple.
The Glenwillow Home’s Kitchen Cart with Locking Casters is another elegant option, available in over a dozen sophisticated colors, including combinations like a cherry base with a black granite top or a white base with a stainless steel top.
Expert Tips for Shopping for Kitchen Carts
Size
When selecting a kitchen cart and planning how to organize your kitchen, carefully assess your unique requirements and the limitations of your available space.
“A kitchen cart should blend effortlessly into your kitchen’s workflow while enhancing functionality,” Palmer advises. “Assess the available floor space and measure doorways or pathways the cart may need to pass through. This is particularly important in compact kitchens where space is at a premium.”
Storage
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering a kitchen cart to provide additional storage for cooking, food prep, and maintaining a well-organized, clutter-free kitchen.
Create a list of items you intend to store to determine the storage features your kitchen cart should have. Shelves are ideal for dinnerware, cups, or spices, while drawers are perfect for organizing ingredients.
Carts with towel bars keep hand and oven towels accessible, and those with larger cabinets can house small appliances like food processors or blenders. Opt for carts with hooks to hang utensils or drop-leaf sides to expand storage or prep space as needed.
Material
The material of your kitchen cart significantly affects its functionality and durability, with each type offering unique advantages and disadvantages.
“Solid wood carts bring a classic charm and can be refinished if scratched, but they need regular upkeep and are prone to water damage,” Palmer notes. “Stainless steel offers industrial strength, heat resistance, and moisture protection, making it perfect for avid cooks, though it may show fingerprints and scratches more easily.”
Similarly, Palmer mentions that metal carts with powder-coated finishes strike a balance between durability and style at a lower cost, though they may lack the elegance of solid wood or stainless steel. The ideal material for your kitchen cart depends on your budget, storage needs, prep surface requirements, and how well it complements your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Also, consider the countertop surface, particularly if you intend to use the cart as a temporary kitchen island for chopping produce, meal prep, and mixing dishes.
“Butcher block tops offer a warm, natural look for countertops,” Palmer explains, though they need regular oiling and care. “Stainless steel tops are nearly indestructible and great for hot pots, but they can scratch and show signs of wear over time.”
Additionally, kitchen carts with food-grade granite or marble countertops provide excellent durability and heat resistance, but these premium materials can increase the cart’s cost and make it heavier or harder to move.
Portability
When it comes to portability, Palmer emphasizes the importance of heavy-duty locking casters. “Opt for wheels at least three inches in diameter,” she advises. “Larger wheels glide more easily over transitions and thresholds. Ensure all four wheels lock securely to prevent movement during food prep.”
For a more stationary option, a kitchen cart with adjustable feet ensures stability and keeps the cart level. Some high-end carts, Palmer notes, offer hybrid solutions with both fixed legs and wheels.
Trust Our Expertise
This article was authored by Ashley Zlatopolsky, a home, bedding, and bath expert for Mytour. To identify the top kitchen carts, we assessed criteria like size, storage capacity, material quality, and mobility. For professional insights, Ashley consulted Cara Palmer, founder of Organize Every Room, and shared her firsthand experience using a kitchen cart for additional prep space and storage in a compact studio apartment.
