10Best.Guide

Kitchen Storage Islands & Carts

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Quality and strength of the unit
  • Versatile with wheels
  • Sufficient size for storage and food prep
  • Easy to assemble with pre-installed drawer rails and flip-lock mechanisms
  • Material snaps together better than IKEA furniture
Cons
  • Doors are too thin and not drilled evenly
  • Drop leaf eating bar does not hold up to extended use
Bottom Line
This kitchen island is a great addition to any kitchen with its quality, versatility, and ample storage space. However, buyers should be aware of the thin doors, drop leaf eating bar, and confusing instructions.
Pros
  • Sturdy and well-built
  • Easy to assemble
  • Lots of storage space
  • Beautiful and stylish
  • Good customer service
Cons
  • Top may crack easily
  • Some parts may arrive damaged
Bottom Line
This kitchen island is a great choice for those looking for a sturdy and stylish addition to their kitchen. While there may be some issues with the top and assembly, the overall quality and customer service make it a worthwhile purchase.
Pros
  • Great value for the money
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Beautiful and practical
  • Heavy and sturdy
  • Finished back
Cons
  • Takes a few hours to assemble
  • Instructions could be improved
Bottom Line
This island is a great value for the money, providing plenty of storage space and a beautiful, practical addition to any kitchen. The assembly process can be time-consuming, and the instructions could be improved. The locking wheels can be difficult to use, but overall, this is a heavy and sturdy piece that glides around easily and looks great.
Pros
  • Sturdy and well-made.
  • Comes with chairs.
  • Provides extra storage and work area.
  • Beautiful appearance.
  • Great value for the price.
Cons
  • Difficult to assemble.
  • Some parts were misaligned or defective.
Bottom Line
The Homestyles Monarch Kitchen Island Set is a great option for those looking for an attractive and functional kitchen island set that won't break the bank. However, be prepared for a challenging assembly process and potential issues with misaligned or defective parts.
Pros
  • Provides ample counter space
  • Sturdy and heavy with beautiful finish
  • Easy to install and looks great
  • Top is beautiful and can be replaced
  • Excellent customer service
Cons
  • Consists of 5 very large, very heavy boxes
  • Instructions are difficult to follow
Bottom Line
This kitchen island provides ample counter space, is sturdy and has a beautiful finish. It is easy to install and looks great. However, it consists of 5 very large, very heavy boxes and the instructions are difficult to follow. The hardware is cheap and the wood screws used to attach the leaf to the bar are easy to strip. Overall, it is a beautiful design and provides a mini kitchen make-over.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Kitchen Storage Islands & Carts

Overview

Kitchen storage islands and carts are versatile and practical solutions for optimizing your kitchen space. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, making it easy to find one that fits your unique needs and preferences. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of kitchen storage islands and carts, key considerations when choosing one, important features to look for, prices, and expert tips to help you make the best purchase for your kitchen.

Types

1. Kitchen Islands: These are large stationary units that provide ample storage space and countertop area. They often feature cabinets, drawers, and shelves for storing cookware, utensils, and pantry items. Some kitchen islands also come with built-in sinks and stovetops, making them a perfect addition for larger kitchens.

2. Rolling Carts: These are smaller, portable units that can be moved around the kitchen as needed. They typically feature shelves, drawers, and sometimes cabinets for storage. Rolling carts are perfect for small kitchens or for adding extra storage and counter space to larger kitchens.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Consider the size of your kitchen and the amount of storage and counter space you need. Choose a kitchen storage island or cart that fits comfortably in your kitchen without taking up too much space.

2. Material: Kitchen storage islands and carts come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, stainless steel, granite, and marble. Choose a material that matches your kitchen decor and is durable enough to withstand daily use.

3. Mobility: If you plan to move your kitchen storage island or cart around your kitchen, choose one with wheels that lock securely in place.

Features

1. Storage: Look for kitchen storage islands and carts that offer ample storage space, including cabinets, drawers, and shelves.

2. Countertop Space: Choose a kitchen storage island or cart with enough countertop space for your needs, whether you need room for food prep or additional serving space.

3. Multi-Functionality: Some kitchen storage islands and carts also come with built-in features such as sinks, stovetops, or wine racks. Consider your needs and choose a unit with features that will be useful to you.

Prices

Kitchen storage islands and carts can range in price from under $100 to over $1000, depending on the size, material, and features. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a high-quality unit.

Tips

1. Measure your kitchen space carefully before purchasing a kitchen storage island or cart to ensure it fits comfortably.

2. Consider your storage and counter space needs when choosing a unit.

3. Look for kitchen storage islands and carts with wheels that lock securely in place for easy mobility.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a kitchen island and a rolling cart?

A: A kitchen island is a large, stationary unit that provides ample storage and countertop space. A rolling cart is a smaller, portable unit that can be moved around the kitchen as needed.

Q: Can I use a kitchen storage island or cart as a mobile bar?

A: Yes, many kitchen storage islands and carts come with built-in wine racks or other features that make them perfect for use as a mobile bar.

Q: How do I clean my kitchen storage island or cart?

A: Clean your kitchen storage island or cart with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can damage the surface.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Sturdy and well-made
  • Easy to assemble
  • Good storage space
  • Beautiful design
  • Comes fully assembled
Cons
  • Wheels do not swivel
  • Some customers received damaged products
Bottom Line
This is a beautiful and sturdy piece of furniture that provides good storage space. However, the wheels do not swivel and some customers have received damaged products.
Pros
  • Perfect size for eating at the island on stools
  • Solid wood top
  • Great packaging
  • Easy to assemble
  • Best price for the quality
Cons
  • Heavy and comes in three boxes
  • Cheaply made materials
Bottom Line
This kitchen island is a great addition to any kitchen with its perfect size, solid wood top, and easy assembly. However, it is heavy and comes in three boxes, has cheaply made materials, cam locks are a problem, and there have been reports of warping in the middle of the island.
Pros
  • Provides extra counter space and doubles as a dining table.
  • Nice finish and looks pretty.
  • Sturdy and heavy wood island.
  • Easy to assemble with clear instructions.
  • Packed and shipped nicely.
Cons
  • Poor workmanship and quality control.
  • Drawer slides are cheap and flimsy.
Bottom Line
This kitchen island is a good value for the price and provides extra counter space and a dining table. However, the quality control and workmanship are poor, and some parts may arrive damaged or missing. The drawer slides are cheap and flimsy, and the island is smaller than expected. Overall, it is a decent option for those on a budget who are willing to put in some effort to assemble it properly.
Pros
  • Elegant design
  • Extra storage space
  • Good customer service
  • Well-made and sturdy
  • Easy to assemble with two people
Cons
  • Doors get stuck and don't line up well
  • Shelves fall inside the cabinet
Bottom Line
This kitchen island has an elegant design and provides extra storage space, but it may have some issues with assembly and durability. It is recommended to assemble with two people and be careful with the wooden dowels and locking points.
Pros
  • Easy to put together with clear labeling
  • Great value for the price
  • Beautiful colors and wheels make it moveable
  • Exceeded expectations
  • Cute design
Cons
  • Flimsy drawer bottom
  • Difficult assembly with vague instructions
Bottom Line
This product is a great value for the price and has a cute design, but it is difficult to assemble with vague instructions and is cheaply made with some missing hardware and flimsy parts.
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