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Installing a kitchen island or cart is a smart and relatively inexpensive way to increase your counter and storage areas. Whether you want an extra food preparation surface, a handy dining area or a place to store utensils and appliances, a kitchen island can vastly improve your kitchen's functionality.
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Before you get down to choosing your specific model, it's important to decide which type best suits your needs and available space.
Let's take a look at the differences between kitchen islands and kitchen carts, as well as their main benefits and inconveniences.
Kitchen islands
Kitchen islands tend to be a more practical, permanent solution for larger kitchens.
As they are heavier and permanently fixed, they are very stable and suitable for dining, as well as storing large and heavy appliances. They are also great for prepping food as they won't move. This makes them great for using appliances such as blenders or chopping up tough vegetables, as they won't cause any rocking.
On the downside, kitchen islands are not designed to be moved around. So, you need to carefully plan and measure out your installation.
If you later decide you would have preferred it in another location, then it can be a lot of hassle to get it moved. Also, as they tend to be bigger and provide cabinets, they are less suitable for smaller kitchens where they can impede access to and around your kitchen.
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Kitchen carts
Kitchen carts are generally a better option for smaller kitchens.
They have wheels so you can move them around. This makes them more forgiving, as you can always alter their location. If you are renting or moving house, you can move your kitchen cart with you.
They also make a good choice if you tend to do a lot of outdoor seasonal cooking, you can wheel your kitchen cart out to your veranda and set it up there for summer.
Mobile, providing additional extra storage, and cheaper to purchase and install than kitchen islands, kitchen carts are a great option. However, they're not without their downsides.
Stability can be an issue, especially if you have young children or pets. Their appearance can also be slightly less appealing than fixed units if you are looking for a really high standard of finish.
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You'll need to choose the correct shape and size of your kitchen island to best integrate it into your kitchen.
First of all, consider your kitchen layout. It can be helpful to draw a plan of your kitchen on a piece of paper to see exactly where to best place your new kitchen island.
Measure your available space and don't forget to allow for walking around your kitchen, accessing the oven, hob and fridge, as well as being able to open all of your existing cupboards and drawers.
With the remaining space, you have a maximum size for your island or cart. However, don't forget this is the maximum size, you will also need to allow for any drawer to fully open, as well as any island cupboards.
For small kitchens:
Consider a kitchen island or cart with a depth less than 40 inches. If you opt for a cart, you can always move it against the wall and wheel it into place as required.
Square kitchen islands and carts can be a choice allowing you the space you need to get around your kitchen.
For medium-sized kitchens:
Look for islands and carts that are under 60 inches wide.
If you are opting for a fixed island, make sure that you will be able to comfortably use your existing appliances and storage facilities without hindrance.
Worried about space? Make a paper cut out of your new island, allowing for any cabinets and stick it in position. Then spend a day using your kitchen and see if it gives you the space you need.
For large kitchens:
You can probably accommodate islands greater than 60 inches - however, make sure that you will have enough free space surrounding your large kitchen island.
Large kitchen islands can also accommodate stools for in-kitchen dining or entertainment areas. If you are thinking of purchasing a kitchen island set specifically for dining, make sure you allow for extra space for sitting down and moving back your stools, as well as elbow space for your guests. You will also need to have enough space to get past on at least one side, so consider your seating configuration before committing to purchase.
Now you know what size and type of kitchen island you need, it's time to focus on which type of storage is best adapted to your needs.
Open shelves
Open shelves are extremely practical for your frequent use and display items. They are also a great option for smaller kitchens as they don't impede foot traffic, unlike cupboard doors.
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Drawers
A great option if you don't have enough space in your regular kitchen drawers. Use them to store silverware, utensils, and clean towels.
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Cabinets
While they may cost a little more, kitchen islands with cabinets make a great choice provided you have enough space to accommodate their doors opening and closing.
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Cabinets with shelves
You can also find kitchen carts and islands with cabinets that have internal shelving. While they are unsuitable for housing large items, they can be useful for organizing small items and preventing clutter.
Open cabinets
If you want to show off a prized appliance or piece of china, then an open cabinet makes a good choice. They can also be useful for a frequent bulky item, such as a juicer or blender that you don't want to keep out on your countertop.
