The 10 Best Kitchen Carts of 2023
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Add portable cabinet and counter space to your kitchen with the help of our favorite kitchen carts.
Real Simple/Maria DeAngelis
Whether you’re in need of more storage, more counter space, or more organization, odds are a kitchen cart can solve your problem. The best kitchen carts blend style and functionality, offering quality, food-safe prep tops and an abundance of shelves or cabinets to store your beloved kitchen essentials. Plus, they should be able to be rolled in and out of the kitchen as needed.
To determine the best kitchen carts on the market, we looked at materials, type of storage, size, and price point. We also sought out the advice of Catherine McCord, founder of family-driven recipe sites Weelicious and One Potato and author of Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking.
“Whether you will be using it to chop or to hold small appliances, plates, or other kitchenware, make sure the cart is sturdy,” McCord says. “Kitchen carts can transform your kitchen, add a bit of flare, and add the most to those with small kitchens.”
We found the best kitchen cards no matter your space, style, or budget.
Homestyles Dolly Madison Kitchen Cart
Best Overall Kitchen Cart
Who it’s for: People looking for a functional and spacious storage cart that looks like a real kitchen island.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a cart with open storage.
Ideal for small and large kitchens alike, our pick for the best overall kitchen cart is the Homestyles Dolly Madison Kitchen Cart. Not only is this cart chic and easy to maneuver, but it’s also incredibly functional. The cart features two cabinets, three drawers, a paper towel bar, a spice rack, and an extra, lift-up work surface. Essentially, this cart has everything you need to prepare a five-star meal right in front of you.
The cart is fairly heavy (134 pounds), but that adds to its sturdiness and durability. It’s also relatively easy to assemble, and the locking wheels glide smoothly over the floor. The fold-up counter is easy to position, but keep it mind it’s not made to hold heavy objects.
The drawers open smoothly, and the cabinets open to reveal two adjustable shelves for added storage. We especially love the added spice rack on the side for everyday essentials. The rubberwood surface is food-safe for prep work, but it’s also a great place to keep a coffee maker or other small appliances.
Price at time of publish: $450
Product Details:
Materials: Hardwood and engineered wood with metal hardware
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 53.5 x 18 inches
Oceanstar Bamboo Kitchen Trolley
Best Budget Kitchen Cart
Who it’s for: People who want an affordable kitchen cart that can slide into narrow spaces.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a cart with more prep surface or closed storage.
Small but mighty, the OceanStar Bamboo Kitchen Trolley is among our favorites for its petite frame and wallet-friendly price. The wheels are optional, but if you do need them, note that two of the caster wheels have locking brakes to keep the cart securely in place. Plus, assembly is easy to accomplish alone.
Made entirely of bamboo, the cart is food-safe and durable. It features two open shelves, a drawer, and a bottle rack (sized for standard wine bottles), making it ideal for those with small kitchens who need more storage. The work surface is good for prep space, but it’s too small to fit a standard size microwave—although you may have success fitting a small toaster oven or blender on it. And given the price, it’s a great option for those looking for temporary storage solutions.
Price at time of publish: $130
Product Details:
Materials: Bamboo
Dimensions (H x W x D): 32.8 x 15.8 x 14.5 inches
John Boos Cucina Culinarte Cart
Best Splurge Kitchen Cart
Who it’s for: People willing to spend more for a professional-grade cart with a removable butcher block.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a cart primarily for storage rather than prep space.
Known for its restaurant-quality butcher blocks and prep surfaces, John Boos makes a professional-grade kitchen cart that’s worth splurging on. At just over $1,000, it’s much more expensive than other carts on this list, but because of its reversible, edge-grain butcher block, it’s worth the money if you’re looking for more prep space. The solid wood cutting board can be removed to reveal another stainless steel surface. This also means that the cutting board can be transferred directly to the sink to clean and sanitize after every use.
We especially love the food service-grade stainless steel construction. Small holes in the open shelves ensure that liquid from produce or freshly washed dishes won’t pool. Note that this cart is for indoor use only, and it’s important to oil the cutting board to maximize its longevity.
Price at time of publish: $1,002
Product Details:
Materials: Stainless steel with maple wood removable cutting board
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36.3 x 30 x 18.1 inches
Wade Logan Annily Rolling Kitchen Cart
Best Small Kitchen Cart
Who it’s for: People who want to add storage and prep space to a compact kitchen.
Who it isn’t for: People who’d prefer a cart with a butcher block surface.
Encompassing nearly every element of a full-sized kitchen cart in its bite-sized frame, our pick for the best small kitchen cart is Wade Logan Annily Rolling Kitchen Cart. Featuring a drawer, cabinet, shelf, and towel bar, the cart has everything you need to stay organized no matter how small your kitchen. Crafted of stainless steel and wood with metal castors, the cart is exceptionally durable and easy to clean.
The metal surface is a great size for extra food prep space, and it can fit a standard stand mixer or microwave. And the wheels lock to keep the cart securely in place. Assembly is required, but the cart comes together in just 11 steps. Plus, it’s available in four different colors: green, gray, navy, and white.
Price at time of publish: $185
Product Details:
Materials: Solid and manufactured wood base, stainless steel counter
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 25.5 x 18 inches
The Twillery Co. Miriam Rolling Kitchen Cart
Best Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart
Who it’s for: People who want a durable cart that’s easy to sanitize between prep work.
Who it isn’t for: People who are looking for closed storage and people who prefer the look of a wood cart.
The Miriam Rolling Kitchen Cart features two open shelves, four hooks, and a towel bar/handle. We love that the stainless steel worktop can be sanitized with chemical cleaners, making it ideal for preparing meat or fish.
The side hooks can be used for shopping bags, utensils, or dish towels, and the handle on the side allows for maximum control if you choose to move the cart around. Plus, the wheels maneuver smoothly and lock in place. For those who’d rather keep their cart in the same place at all times, the wheels can be removed. We especially love that the top shelf has a rim to prevent produce or dishware from falling over the edge.
Price at time of publish: $233
Product Details:
Materials: Stainless Steel
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 38.6 x 20 inches
Chris & Chris Pro Stadium Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart
Best Kitchen Cart With Butcher Block
Who it’s for: People who want to extend the prep space in their kitchen.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a kitchen cart that will blend in with their cabinetry and people who don’t want the upkeep that a butcher block requires.
Designed by professional chefs, this cart is the ultimate kitchen workstation. The thick, end-grain butcher block is ideal for those who don’t want to pull out a cutting board for every meal. The block features a unique, “Chop and Drop” design with a pig snout cut out, so you can easily scrape prepared foods into the stainless steel chef pan underneath. When it’s time to dispose of food scraps and waste, switch out the chef pan for the trash ring, which can accommodate a plastic grocery bag or various size kitchen trash bags. Once you’ve finished, simply remove the trash bag and toss it in the trash can. The butcher block also features a juice groove that flows directly into the pig snout to collect juices, oils, and other liquids as you cut.
Beyond the butcher block, this cart also comes with a removable wire basket shelf, a storage drawer, a knife holder, a side rack for condiments and seasonings, and an oversized towel bar with attached S-hooks. Plus, the commercial-grade casters lock into place, so the entire cart stays secure as you chop, slice, and dice. Not to mention, the two open, stainless steel shelves are large enough to house Dutch ovens, larger pans, or small appliances without hassle. Do note that the manufacturer recommends sealing the butcher block with a food-grade mineral oil after each use.
Price at time of publish: $700
Product Details:
Materials: Stainless steel with wood butcher block
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 20 x 20 inches
Stylewell Bainport Rolling Kitchen Cart
Best Kitchen Cart With Trash Bin Compartment
Who it’s for: People who want a kitchen cart with a mix of open and closed storage.
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t like farmhouse design.
This farmhouse-style cart features a trash compartment that opens at an angle for easy access (as opposed to a pullout drawer). The trash compartment also opens in line with the wooden countertop, so scraping vegetables off-cuts into the bin is seamless. While a trash bin is not included, the space fits any standard, 13-gallon kitchen bin (without a lid). And the bin compartment can be used to store more than trash—use it to store anything you’d prefer to keep out of sight, such as pet food.
The cart also features a towel bar, one large drawer, and two open shelves for extra storage.The solid wood butcher block provides a durable work area for prep work, too. It also glides smoothly over the floor, even when full.
Price at time of publish: $284
Product Details:
Materials: Wood
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 44.3 x 18 inches
The Container Store Elfa Mesh Kitchen Cart
Best Kitchen Cart With Drawers
Who it’s for: People who want to store and organize a lot of small items and ingredients.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a kitchen cart that looks more like a traditional kitchen island.
Super portable and filled to the brim with storage opportunities, The Container Store’s Elfa Mesh Kitchen Cart is our pick for the best kitchen cart with drawers. While the assembly may be a process (calling in a friend to help you will make things better), the finished result is worth it. The cart features five drawers at various depths to keep everything from baking supplies to extra napkins within an arms’ reach.
The cart can hold a surprising amount while still wheeling around smoothly. Its metal construction is sturdy, while the oak butcher block counter offers a food-safe worktop that is easy to maintain. The cart comes in three colors: white, black, and graphite.
Price at time of publish: $323
Product Details:
Materials: Steel, wood butcher block
Dimensions (H x W x D): 37.5 x 18 x 23 inches
Crosley Tristan Rolling Kitchen Cart
Best Kitchen Cart With Closed Storage
Who it’s for: People who want a large kitchen cart that will blend in with their cabinetry.
Who it isn’t for: People with compact kitchens.
For those who want a functional kitchen cart that doesn’t sacrifice on style, the Crosley Tristan Kitchen Island/Cart blends in with existing cabinets while offering plenty of storage and prep space. We love that the interior of the two cabinets are separated with adjustable shelves for storing extra linens, dishware, or appliances. Plus, the drawers can hold any standard utensil organizer.
Available in four colors (mint green, navy, white, and gray), the cart coordinates with nearly any existing kitchen decor. The door hardware includes magnetic closures and brushed nickel handles. Plus, the metal and plastic castors can lock in place for added stability.
Price at time of publish: $390
Product Details:
Materials: MDF, particle board, birch veneer, melamine, metal hardware
Dimensions (H x W x D): 36 x 40 x 18 inches
Winsome Wood Mario Utility Kitchen Cart Natural Finish
Best Kitchen Cart With Open Storage
Who it’s for: People who want a kitchen cart with open storage shelves and a natural wood finish.
Who it isn’t for: People who want a kitchen cart with more compartments for storing small items.
Simple and sturdy, this fan-favorite storage cart is easy to assemble and has a large weight capacity and smooth-gliding wheels. We love this cart’s solid beechwood construction. Ideal for small and large kitchens alike, it offers two open shelves, a worktop, and built-in knife block on the side—a unique feature you don’t often find in many kitchen carts. There is also a pull-out cutting board and a towel bar for added utility.
Two of the four wheels have locking mechanisms to keep the cart securely in place. The surface is great for food prep, but it is not large enough to fit a large microwave. And given its low price, this cart is great for a temporary solution during short-term leases or renovations.
Price at time of publish: $209
Product Details:
Materials: Solid/composite wood
Dimensions (H x W x D): 31.9 x 33.2 x 20.5 inches
Final Verdict
The Homestyles Dolly Madison Kitchen Cart is our choice for the best overall kitchen cart thanks to its chic design and versatile storage. We love that it has a mix of drawers and cabinets. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Oceanstar Bamboo Kitchen Trolley. This pick has a bamboo prep surface and two open shelves for easily accessible storage.
How to Shop for Kitchen Carts Like a Pro
Materials
When choosing materials for your kitchen cart, it’s important to think about its intended use. If you’re simply planning on using it as a coffee station or a home bar cart, it doesn’t matter as much what the countertop surface is. However, if you plan on using the cart for food prep, the most common surfaces are wood butcher blocks or stainless steel. Stainless steel is best for those working a lot with meat, as it’s easier to sanitize and durable against chemical cleaners. If you’re vegetarian or working a lot with pastry dough or other foods, butcher block is perfectly suitable, and cleans up nicely with a wood-safe cleaner. For storage, metal shelves will collect less dust and will be more resilient against staining and spills.
Size
For those in smaller kitchens or city apartments, a small or cabinet-sized kitchen cart can provide you with extra counter space as well as extra storage. But for those in larger spaces, an island-sized kitchen cart will not only provide your kitchen with a focal point and central zone but additional counter space and storage, too. What size kitchen cart you choose is largely based on the size of your kitchen. Focus on your priorities when buying: Do you need extra shelves or drawers, prep space, or appliance stands? From there, you can determine what size kitchen cart to purchase.
Extra Features
For Catherine McCord, founder of family-driven recipe sites Weelicious and One Potato, and the author of Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking, added bells and whistles can easily upgrade a good kitchen cart to a great one. “Hooks for mugs, a bar to hold tea towels, drawers or cabinet doors, or a cutting board/wooden top can elevate the utility of a kitchen cart,” she explains.
Ensuring that the cart can be a one-stop station for anything you might need not only increases its functionality, but it also will increase your organization. No more running back and forth to grab utensils or a tea towel to dry your hands—you can simply focus on perfecting your recipe. And for rolling storage carts, look for those with locking wheels, so you can ensure the cart won’t roll off while you’re using it for prep work.
Questions You Might Ask
What can you use a kitchen cart for?
The short answer to what you can use a kitchen cart for is, anything. McCord loves carts as extra space to hold small appliances or as a food prep station. “Use your kitchen cart to hold cleaning supplies, kitchen linens, or even vitamins and supplements,” she says. “But it can also function as a place to display spices, a stack of your favorite cookbooks or even a vase of flowers to brighten your space.”
How much should you expect to spend on a kitchen cart?
The cost of a kitchen cart varies greatly, our own list ranges from around $100 to upwards of $1,000. While the wide price range may seem daunting, it in fact means that there is a quality kitchen cart for every single budget. While the more expensive kitchen carts usually feature higher quality materials like easy-rolling wheels and solid wood surfaces, the less expensive options function just as well. If you’re focused on storage, quality hardware and metal hinges are important, but if you are looking for a prep surface, the type of metal or wood is what you’re buying.
Take Our Word for It
Kate McGregor is a design and market editor who has written about the best in home goods and furniture for publications such as ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, The Expert, and Domino. To write this article, she researched a wide range of kitchen carts, keeping in mind materials, size, type of storage, and price point. She also consulted Catherine McCord, founder of family-driven recipe sites Weelicious and One Potato, and the author of Meal Prep Magic: Time-Saving Tricks for Stress-Free Cooking.
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