The deep bottom shelf fits everything from produce to baskets. You can easily and inexpensively transform your kitchen with the Three Posts Hardiman Kitchen Cart, a budget-friendly kitchen island mounted on locking caster wheels. They frequently have more premium features, such as specialized storage compartments or a drop leaf. Length is what varies the most among them. If you’re willing to invest in a kitchen island that doubles as a premier beverage station, you’ll be impressed with the options out there. These materials are durable and withstand the test of time, but they also cost a pretty penny. ", "The granite top adds a sophisticated look to this island, which includes three interior shelves and two pull-out drawers. Here, the best kitchen islands to make meal prep a breeze: You can easily and inexpensively transform your kitchen with the Three Posts Hardiman Kitchen Cart, a budget-friendly kitchen island mounted on locking caster wheels. The Americana Kitchen Island is crafted from solid hardwood and engineered wood with antique pewter hardware, and it features a distressed oak top for an aged look. The Hedon Cambridge Kitchen island is 36 x 51.5 x 18 inches and made from solid wood for durability. Not always. For the home cook, that precious extra space can make food prep easier and more enjoyable.

A good-looking and high-quality option that also doubles as a table. Not only does this make them versatile enough to fit most kitchens, it also helps them blend in aesthetically. Many have modular storage options that allow you to adjust shelf height or location. The top can be difficult to install correctly. However, they have also made their way into residential kitchens. One of the largest kitchen islands available today is the stunning Crate & Barrel Large French Kitchen Island, which measures 72 inches long—that’s an impressive 6 feet! It can accommodate up to three counter stools along its length, and it features an overhang with a footrest that makes it the perfect spot for eating.

The best kitchen carts and islands on Amazon include the best microwave carts, breakfast bars, drop-leaf kitchen carts, and rolling kitchen islands … We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Invest in a kitchen island with seating and your guests will have a comfortable place to sit as they help chop up veggies for their supper. This high-end island is 36 x 60 x 36 inches, but it reaches a maximum length of 102 inches when its pull-out table is extended, allowing it to double as an eating area.

Design Element Medley Kitchen Island, Best With Rack: This island has a beautiful gray granite on top, and you can choose from a variety of popular finishes for the base. You can cut food directly on these materials, but bear in mind that softer woods are susceptible to nicks. A top-quality choice for those looking to either save money or accent a smaller kitchen. MDF: Some kitchen island bases are made of medium-density fiberboard, or MDF. They’ll be easy to reach when you prepare baked goods on the island. Diagram-only instructions not the best help for assembly. The island has a 35.6 x 54 x 28-inch footprint, and it features a hidden 48-inch wide table that nearly doubles your dining or prep space. A well planned island can help you to be more organized and efficient in your kitchen. This unique island has a black base with a wooden top, and it features two open shelves on one side and an opening for stools on the other. A cart island is one with wheels. Can I install caster wheels on a traditional kitchen island? These products typically come with swivel caster wheels that lock. Do kitchen islands come assembled? Utility and satisfaction meet across its varied surfaces as the preparation of food and the enjoyment of the subsequent meal often merge and become blurred together.

You’ll need at least a 31-inch doorway and a fair bit of muscle to get this into your house. Oak, pine, and cherry are among the most popular options. If the base of your kitchen island is open, you might be able to secure a small wine rack to it. You can keep pots, pans, utensils, and more within arms reach with the Vadholma Kitchen Island, which features a unique built-in overhead pot rack. Contact a carpenter or artisan woodcrafter to inquire about a custom piece.

It’s an incredibly low-maintenance counter material; simply wipe it clean. ", Three Posts Hardiman Kitchen Cart at Wayfair, Pottery Barn Elworth Kitchen Island at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel Large French Kitchen Island at Crate & Barrel, Three Posts Hedon Cambridge Kitchen Island at Wayfair, Gracie Oaks Delesha Multifunction Prep Table at Wayfair, Homestyles Americana Kitchen Island at Home Depot, Design Element Medley Kitchen Island at Home Depot, Best Budget: Kitchen islands can be a godsend or a regret; if they’re placed and appointed well, they offer us invaluable workspace. These materials are durable and withstand the test of time, but they also cost a pretty penny. Inexpensive: Smaller kitchen islands with modest storage capacities cost $60 to $250. Add matching hanging lights to illuminate your island and give the ambiance you desire. You can cut food directly on these materials, but bear in mind that softer woods are susceptible to nicks. Larger islands often require assembly, too, as the assembled version is simply too large to fit through a door or up a staircase. Keep in mind that the leaf may not have the same weight capacity as the center of the kitchen island, so it’s best to place only lighter items on it.

This simple island has black metal legs and a manufactured wood top, and its open shelves are ideal for storing pots, pans, small appliances, cookbooks, and more. Kitchen islands also expand your storage space. A kitchen island can take many forms, but has at its core the concept of a central location in the home where faces are turned together and magical memories are formed. These products typically come with swivel caster wheels that lock.

", "Its industrial, multi-use design is great for storing and displaying homewares, and it also works well in offices, entryways, and more. Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. Store pantry staples like sugar, flour, and breadcrumbs in your kitchen island.

Remember that your decisions don’t need to be based on what others have done – but instead on what your needs and desires are. When you have an island in the center of your kitchen that is right for you and your lifestyle you will wonder how you ever functioned without it! We love the cherry top, which doubles as a table. Some buyers report that this option arrives with missing or damaged parts. Many carts in this category have metal detail and stone or tile counters. Choosing simplicity of design may be just the thing to help you discover what your real needs are in a kitchen island. These keep knives in place so they don’t shift when you open and close the drawer. A cart island is one with wheels. Many islands have an integrated, If you’re willing to invest in a kitchen island that doubles as a premier beverage station, you’ll be impressed with the options out there. A drop-leaf kitchen island is incredibly versatile because it can give you additional prep space and also serve as an expandable eating area. It’s an incredibly low-maintenance counter material; simply wipe it clean.

While kitchen islands often come built-in with many modern houses, you can also buy them separately from many online retailers—handy if you live in an older home or apartment. outdoor use. A 1-2 hour installation that is not overly complicated. Kitchen islands made with better-quality materials cost $300 to $1,000. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. They fit well into kitchens with rustic, country, and industrial-inspired decor. High-end models have specialized compartments designed to accommodate the installation of wine coolers, beverage chillers, and even ice chests. Clean your kitchen island on a daily basis with the right products. It may not be feasible for larger islands, but smaller islands can often be converted into carts. Suitable for those looking for a solid, reasonably priced island to fill a smaller space. Depending on the design, the towel rack may be removable so you can customize it as you like. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board.

Metal: Metal counters are often seen in commercial kitchen settings. It sports slender legs with subtle ornamental details, and the island offers plenty of storage in its three drawers, six open shelves, and towel rack. Gracie Oaks Delesha Multifunction Prep Table, The Best 7 Kitchen Cabinet Organizers of 2020, Best With Drop Leaf: Please take our 3-minute survey, A. Granite counters stay cool, making them ideal for meat and pastry preparation. The unit is 35 x 49 x 31 inches, but the rack extends up to a height of 76 inches—so make sure you have room in your kitchen before you buy! The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. Plus, on one end, there’s a towel rack, and on the other, you’ll find a little caddy where you can store spices, oil, and more.

Keep in mind that the leaf may not have the same weight capacity as the center of the kitchen island, so it’s best to place only lighter items on it. Because a cart can easily be moved, it’s easy to clean the floor beneath it. These islands have the design and quality of top-notch cabinetry. The rack may be made of wood or metal, and it may have double dowels to hold several towels at once. Granite counters stay cool, making them ideal for meat and pastry preparation. Outdoor carts with darker metal detail also match wrought-iron baker’s racks and wine racks.

", "This traditional-looking island's drop leaf provides extra dining and prepping space, and it can be collapsed to save space. If the kitchen is the heart of the home then the island in your kitchen is your home’s heart of hearts. Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from BestReviews delivered to your inbox. Wood: Counters made of wood typically use high-quality oak, maple, walnut, or cherry. No matter what your budget is, there’s a kitchen island that fits it. It’s recommended to use cutting boards on granite counters, as granite can. The Design Element Medley Kitchen Island would look stunning in a farmhouse-style kitchen, thanks to its gray finish and hardwood countertop, and with a convenient slide-out table, it’s an unbeatable space-saving solution. Note that some kitchen islands have a genuine wood exterior with inner shelving made of MDF. Not really mobile. Q. These drawers are often lined with a scratch-free material like felt to protect the blades. It even comes with optional caster wheels, making it conveniently mobile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These are mostly cart styles, but you’ll also find some traditional islands with fixed bases in this category. Some kitchen island bases are made of medium-density fiberboard, or MDF. Well-made designs are gap-free, and each piece of wood is properly aligned.

Some basic kitchen islands require assembly, which tends to take an hour or so.

Homestyles Americana Kitchen Island With Drop Leaf, Best With Slide-Out Table: Granite: Granite is known for its aesthetic appeal and durability. Stands out for its solid construction. For a minimalistic kitchen addition, consider the top-rated Gracie Oaks Delesha Multifunction Prep Table, which has a narrow 20-inch profile. It may require permanent fixation to the floor. To prevent damage, check the recommendations made by the manufacturer.

Unlike wood and granite, you can cut food directly on a metal counter. The biggest kitchen islands tend to be anywhere from 32 to 48 inches long. Three Posts Hardiman Kitchen Cart, Best Splurge: