Mobile island cart

8 Best Kitchen Carts and Portable Kitchen Islands 2022

8 Best Kitchen Carts and Portable Kitchen Islands 2022 | The Strategist

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Photo: Marcus McDonald

There’s really no such thing as the “perfect” kitchen — there’s always too little countertop space, not enough cabinets, or a combination of the two. This is where having a host of storage solutions comes in handy, like an over-the-sink dish rack or stackable containers for a prepper-like pantry. Though, no solution is probably as functional as a cart — not only can it hold everything you don’t have room for, it can double as an island to cook off of. Plus, you can roll it to wherever you like while you’re shuffling around making dinner. To find the best of the best, we consulted experts — including professional organizers, recipe developers, and a prop stylist — for the kitchen carts they rely on.

Material: Since these are kitchen carts we’re talking about — destined to be covered in tomato sauce and pancake mix — they should be relatively cleanable. Interior designer Liz Lipkin sums it up best: “Take inspiration from kitchen surfaces. Stainless steel, powder-coated steel, butcher-block, and quartz are all easy to care for.” Durable stainless steel can handle high temperatures, explains Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living. “You can’t beat steel when it comes to strength,” seconds Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers. “That’s why so many professional kitchens and gourmet shops use steel shelving.” Or you could go with heavy-duty woods such as maple or oak, says David Mason, owner of cabinet hardware business the Knobs Company. And plastic is always an option — this is what tiered trolleys are usually made from. You’ll also want to think about the aesthetics of it all. “Matching your cart color to your cabinets will create a more cohesive look,” Lipkin suggests.

Design: Speaking of aesthetics, we considered the interplay between form and function with every cart. Several of our experts mentioned getting a cart that features cabinets or shelves to free up precious drawer space. Deciding between the two comes down to “whether you want to go for a more minimalist open-shelf concept or if you want closed doors to avoid visual clutter,” Elbert says. Wheels are another factor to think about — Zaslow recommends looking for those that can lock so your cart only rolls when you need it to (especially for uneven floorboards). Really, the right design is about, as prop stylist Cait Gury puts it, “what your existing space is lacking. Do you find yourself getting frustrated with a lack of meal prep space? Are you desperate for a little more storage?”

Size: The dimensions of a cart will determine whether it’ll actually fit into your kitchen. If you have a particular spot in mind, Elbert recommends marking those measurements with painter’s tape on the floor beforehand. Or you could follow one of Lipkin’s tips: Many countertops are around 36 inches tall, and you should find a cart that matches that height so it “looks more at home in your kitchen, better than a short one would.”

Ikea Råskog Utility Cart

$40

Steel, polyester powder-coated | Three tiers, movable middle shelf, four adjustable castor wheels | 13.75” x 17.75” x 30.75”

The Raskog takes the “best overall” blue ribbon as the most-mentioned cart by far. Its utilitarian Scandinavian frame has endeared it to our experts, all of whom praise its versatility. “It’s the Ikea cart that’s doing the most in small-space kitchens across New York City,” explains Brittany Nims, associate director of e-commerce partnerships and business development at Vox Media. The “junk drawer on wheels,” as she describes it, has served her as a dumping ground for kitchen linens and cleaning supplies. Similarly, when Gury lived in a tiny Brooklyn apartment, the Raskog gave her much-needed (and cheap) storage space. Jammed with spice jars and rolling pins, she would “roll it up to the stove then tuck it away in a corner, post-cooking.” Mason recommends keeping it in a central location for easy access, organizing the shelves according to category, like serving supplies. Or use it as a martini-making station, as Vanessa Dina, author of The Art of the Bar Cart, does. In our guide to the best bar carts, this won the title of “best bargain” with Dina applauding its durability.

$40 at Ikea

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AmazonBasics Kitchen Rolling Microwave Cart

$69

Chrome-plated steel, wood | Adjustable shelves, chrome hooks, smooth-rolling wheels | 15” x 36. 7” x 21”

With a “kitchen that’s better described as a 22-square-foot closet,” Hannah Starke, a former member of the Strategist’s social team, uses this Amazon Basics storage cart. Originally she intended to use the butcher-block top as an extra counter for food prep, placing her microwave on top of her fridge — until her mother nixed that idea as a potential safety hazard. Her microwave now sits on the top shelf with a blender, toaster, cast-iron skillet, colander, and portable dishwasher (phew) packed into the bottom racks. These racks can also be lowered or raised depending on how much storage you need.

$69 at Amazon

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mDesign Portable Metal Rolling Laundry Cart

$40

Steel | Four tiers, mesh-like shelf design, caster wheels | 17.3” x 6.7” x 38.3”

Billed as a laundry cart, this metal mDesign cart is a favorite of Nicole Abramovici, owner of Genius Organizing. It has one additional tier compared to our best overall pick. “The more the better, especially when maximizing vertical space,” Abramovici says. You could even stock it with small appliances that aren’t used often but you don’t want to lose track of. It’s especially useful for those little items that you sometimes don’t know where to put, like bottles of supplements, she suggests.

$40 at Amazon

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$40 at Target

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Yamazaki Tower Rolling Utility Cart

$144

Steel, synthetic rubber | Three shelves, handles, swivel caster wheels | 19.29” x 14.9” x 32.09”

Yamazaki has made appearances all over our archives — unsurprisingly, we heard about the brand for this story too. This cart’s elegance is what initially attracted Jessie Sheehan, recipe developer and author of Snackable Bakes, to it. Not only does it feature clean lines, it comes with practical additions like hooks (for pot holders, tongs, or a fish spatula, she says) and handles that are equally as streamlined. Sheehan also likes how the modest cart disappears once filled, organized with smaller items up front and anything taller in the back. The cart also ended up being the best choice for her galley-style kitchen since it helps her easily roll equipment (especially her frequently used stand mixer) from one end to the other.

The Twillery Co. Miriam Rolling Kitchen Cart

$230

Stainless steel, chrome finish | Metal basket-style shelves, removable wheels, side hooks | 36” x 38.62”’ x 20’”

If you don’t mind something more industrial, consider the Miriam cart. It’s one that Gury frequently recommends to her own clients — her tip is to add touches like fresh flowers, fruit, or stacks of cookbooks to make the stainless steel feel more domestic. The cart includes three shelves (if you count the top), two of which mimic metal storage bins, with several hooks “for easy-to-grab items, like wooden spoons and dish towels, while cooking,” Gury says. And the Miriam comes with removable wheels, unlike others on our list — take them off to give the cart more of a kitchen-island look.

$230 at Wayfair

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Hodedah Kitchen Island with Spice Rack

$90 now 18% off

From $74

Compressed wood | Spice rack, towel holder, one drawer, cabinet with two shelves | 15.5” x 44.9” x 35.2”

Aysegul Sanford, the food blogger behind Foolproof Living, directed us to this rolling island that has a specially designed shelf just for spices. It’s a space-saving solution to cluttering your countertop with seasonings — Sanford likes that she can add even more spices to the additional drawer space, which is “another essential that many other carts lack. ” Along with this shelf and drawer, the cart comes with a dual-door cabinet. “The doors hide everything away,” she says, adding that the cupboard is where she keeps her air fryer. And when there are a number of cooks in the kitchen during dinner parties or family get-togethers, the cart’s top is sturdy (unlike others that rattle over time), making chopping on it much easier, Sanford explains.

From $74 at Amazon

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$140 at Target

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Red Barrel Studio Kuhnhenn Wide Rolling Kitchen Cart

$490

Mix of solid and manufactured wood | Three drawers, cabinet with three shelves, removable wheels, drop-leaf top, spice rack, towel rack | 36” x 53.5” x 18”

Though this Abramovici-approved Red Barrel Studio cart is similar to the Hodedah above, it offers a lot more storage. The Kuhnhenn acts as “basically another row of cabinetry,” Abramovici says. It’s tricked out with three drawers on one side and a two-door cabinet with three interior shelves that block the “visual noise” of mismatched plate stacks or countless food-storage containers with missing lids you don’t want out. Her clients often like this cart for that very reason. Along with the top that doubles as a countertop space, the cart can be used as a table — there’s a drop-leaf hinge you can pull out.

$490 at Wayfair

Buy

Costway Kitchen Island 2-Door Storage Cabinet

$270

4.5 stars, 21 reviews

$270

Stainless steel, MDF | Three drawers, cabinet with three shelves, towel and bottle rack, smooth-rolling wheels | 53” x 18” x 36”

And as a more affordable alternative, Elbert recommends this Costway cart. Like the one from Red Barrel Studio, this pick includes a combination of doors and drawers to configure in just about any way you’d like. The cabinet’s interior shelves are spacious enough for small appliances, while the drawers can hold silverware and other utensils, according to Elbert. All that room means you’ll have “easy access to the items you use all the time.” Although it’s on the larger side, Elbert assures us that it moves around without a problem.

$270 at Walmart

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$500 at Target

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A kitchen cart that comes with hooks for hanging utensils

$54

$65 now 17% off

4. 3 stars 198 reviews

Buy at Amazon

A big rolling shelving unit that doubles as a kitchen cart

A wire rolling cart readers have bought 946 times

$63

$66 now 5% off

4.7 stars 10,638 reviews

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• Nicole Abramovici, owner of Genius Organizing
• Vanessa Dina, author of The Art of the Bar Cart
• Elsa Elbert, founder of Composed Living
• Cait Gury, prop stylist
• Liz Lipkin, interior designer
• David Mason, owner of cabinet hardware business the Knobs Company
• Brittany Nims, associate director of e-commerce partnerships and business development at Vox Media
• Aysegul Sanford, food blogger behind Foolproof Living
• Jessie Sheehan, recipe developer and author of Snackable Bakes
• Hannah Starke, former member of the Strategist’s social team
• Lisa Zaslow, owner of Gotham Organizers

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The 8 Very Best Kitchen Carts

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Kitchen Islands & Carts - Rolling, Metal, Butcher Block

Kitchen carts and islands are your best kitchen friends

No man is an island, said English poet John Donne. Sure, that probably had nothing to do with stand-alone kitchen units. But when it comes to kitchen islands, that’s exactly what you want to be: stand-alone. Preferably in an open space. With lots of room to move around and do your thing. Just you, yourself, and your butcher’s block; ready to tackle your next tasty masterpiece.

Your very own (kitchen) island paradise!

In a small space or an open-plan design, the perfect kitchen island will do wonders for any home chef. It offers a vast area of use and will act as your new multifunctional best friend. Prepping, cutting, cooking, storing, and even dining has never been easier.

We have a variety of options to make sure you can find whatever suits your needs. Maybe you’re looking to add some extra workspace or storage? Or you want a nice unit for family and friends to gather around? No problem, there’s something here for everyone.

No folly with a kitchen trolley

If you’re operating your way around a smaller kitchen, you might need some extra workspace or storage. Why not create a mini island using a utility cart? It’ll serve as a practical, space efficient feature in your kitchen, especially since you can move it around as you please.

Get a cart with just the shelves if storage is your primary focus. It’s a great place to keep everything from spices to steak knives. On the other hand, if you’re looking to add some workspace, you should get one with a tabletop as well. What about treating yourself to a cart with a butcher’s block countertop to bring some pro-chef quality to your kitchen? Bonus tip: kitchen carts with curved ends will create a better flow around your unit. That way, you can move around more freely without risking bumping into sharp edges.

Kitchen island units – love at first sight

A kitchen island is a great way to combine everything you need in your kitchen. Since it’s usually a larger unit, it can offer both storage and prep space, as well as an integrated dining area. With shelves beneath the tabletop, you’ll be able to hide much of your storage: from plates and cutlery to pots and pans. Add baskets to the shelves for a neater look with a better overview.

And since you can play around with bar stools, why not go all-in? Dare to make a statement with your stools, and your kitchen island will be the social center of attention. Make sure to pick the right size stools so that they can be tucked under the island top. That’ll give the unit a clean look and the chairs will take up less space.

Bang away at a butcher’s block countertop

Butcher blocks have been used by butchers for centuries. It’s a robust piece of wood, made for heavy-duty chopping. They’re also made to last, so they’ll endure most hardships that a home chef might put them through. Make sure to keep the block well-oiled, and it will serve as a loyal friend in your kitchen.

Now that you know how it works, it’s just a matter of choosing between a butcher’s block cart or a traditional kitchen island. They both have all the advantages we’ve already mentioned above, plus the durable surface. So, if you’re looking to impress with your prepping and chopping skills, you’re all set.

Once you have your workspace in order, make sure to also get all the kitchen utensils you need.

Medical trolley on wheels: multifunctional, service

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510204050

0003

Art. 899

Height: 920 mm Width: 800 mm Depth: 410 mm

Art. 984

Width 400 mm. Depth 400 mm. Height 830 mm. ...

Stand with basins DM-6-014-06

Art. 981

Width 600 mm. Depth 600 mm. Height 800 mm. ...

Stands with basins DM-6-014-05

Art. 980

Width 600 mm. Depth 600 mm. Height 800 mm. ...

Bix rack (collapsible) ССК-01

Art. 2350

Width 1256 mm. Depth 440 mm. Height 1240 mm.

RUB 17,490

Manipulation table with 1 drawer

Art. 880

Height: 960 mm Width: 580 mm Depth: 450 mm

Art. 893

Height: 960 mm Width: 580 mm Depth: 450 mm

Art. 894

Height: 960 mm Width: 580 mm Depth: 450 mm

32 403 rub

Medical table 2 shelves

Art. 895

Height: 860 mm Width: 610 mm Depth: 460 mm

Art. 896

Height: 860 mm Width: 610 mm Depth: 460 mm

Art. 897

Height: 860 mm Width: 610 mm Depth: 460 mm

Art. 898

Height: 860 mm Width: 610 mm Depth: 460 mm

Art. 900

Height: 940 mm Width: 680 mm Depth: 407 mm

Art. 901

Height: 940 mm Width: 680 mm Depth: 407 mm

Art. 135

RUB 2,820

Tool table М138/1

Art. 136

RUB 3,720

Mobile tool table SH-T015

Art. 133

RUB 9 890

Tool table with drawer SH-T011

Art. 131

9 890 rub

Medical instrument table SH-T012

Art. 132

RUB 16,890

Perforated table М138-03

Art. 137

RUB 2,950

Treatment table SH-T172

Art. 134

RUB 7 140

Mobile treatment table SH-T007

Art. 129

RUB 10,440

Mobile treatment table SH-T009

Art. 130

RUB 7,140

In-hull trolley

Art. 902

Height: 920 mm Width: 1000 mm Depth: 550 mm

Art. 903

Height: 920 mm Width: 1000 mm Depth: 550 mm

Art. 2338

Width: 1130 mm Depth: 600 mm Height: 935 mm

RUB 12,405

Ultrasound trolley

Art. 2345

Width: 500 mm Depth: 500 mm Height: 1070 mm

Art. 975

Width 430 mm. Depth 400 mm. Height 830 mm. ...

Trolley for transporting linen DM-6-014-01

Art. 974

Width 900 mm. Depth 600 mm. Height 1100 mm. ...

Trolley for transporting linen TPB-02

Art. 2337

Width: 750 mm Depth: 500 mm Height: 855 mm

Art. 2340

Width: 1040 mm Depth: 500 mm Height: 860 mm

RUB 8 896

Trolley for transporting linen TPB-04

Art. 2341

Width: 600 mm Depth: 500 mm Height: 850 mm

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Width: 1105 mm Depth: 630 mm Height: 875 mm

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Width: 1120 mm Depth: 600 mm Height: 900 mm

Art. 2346

Width: 1120 mm Depth: 600 mm Height: 900 mm

Art. 2344

Width: 905 mm Depth: 625 mm Height: 880 mm

RUB 9,013

Walker with elbow support

Art. 2339

Width: 650 mm Depth: 550 mm Height: 1300 mm

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Depth: 790 mm Width: 665 mm Height: 1540 mm0003

Art. 8459

Depth 790 mm Width 665 mm Height is 1540 mm

Art. 8460

Depth: 790 mm Width: 655 mm Height: 890 mm

RUB 82,324

Baskets and trolleys - shop equipment from Standes

Thoughtfully designed interior of the store - the key to always high sales

Counters, racks, refrigeration units… All these are the first things an entrepreneur who opens a store will purchase. But, alas, the exact and correct selection of commercial equipment is far from being limited to these interior items. And note that the success of the business you start depends on the competent detailed selection of equipment. After all, it forms both the appearance of the trading floor and the ability to efficiently, rationally and, if possible, compactly place the right amount of goods.

Place goods on the right equipment!

High-quality, comfortable, ergonomic equipment for the sales area will always be able to attract a customer, ensure a high percentage of sales, get more profit. If the issue with large equipment has already been resolved, it's time to think about the little things, inattention to which is fraught with the destruction of even an ideal image. When overall showcases and stationary racks for the main assortment of goods are purchased, do not forget about more mobile and lighter, but no less important store "equipment".

Mesh trade equipment (baskets, containers, arenas, racks) is an indispensable assistant during sales, a convenient option for displaying goods in the checkout area, a great way to demonstrate certain types of goods in trading floors.

Lightweight collapsible containers, baskets, storage racks are convenient not only for sales in stores, but also in street trade. The range of designs allows you to choose the right equipment for stores of any orientation, for all types of goods.

In our store you will find only well-designed, made of the best quality materials, mesh playpens, baskets, trolleys of various capacities. The abundance of species, versatility, excellent demonstration qualities of mesh storage allow you to equip stores with different profiles with their help, it is convenient to place goods on any, even the smallest, areas.

Beautifully presented - successfully sold

If you want to maximize the rational use of retail space without reducing the range of your products, mesh retail equipment - baskets, racks, containers, trolleys - this is what you need! Mesh equipment from "Standes" has a number of advantages:

universal;
thoughtful design, ergonomics;
excellent functional characteristics;
compliance with all quality standards;
long service life.

If, however, you did not find in our catalog devices that meet all your wishes, we are ready to produce any furniture for shops according to individual projects.

Mobile island cart

8 Best Kitchen Carts and Portable Kitchen Islands 2022

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Related Stories

Kitchen Islands & Carts - Rolling, Metal, Butcher Block

Your very own (kitchen) island paradise!

Medical trolley on wheels: multifunctional, service

Baskets and trolleys - shop equipment from Standes

Thoughtfully designed interior of the store - the key to always high sales

Place goods on the right equipment!

Beautifully presented - successfully sold

Learn more