In this article, we’ll take a look at the seven best kitchen cart options that are suitable for small kitchens.
What’s the hardest part about cooking in a small kitchen? In our experience, it’s the constant struggle to balance counter space with storage space. Thankfully, you can find an elegant solution to this dilemma by looking for the best kitchen carts for small kitchens.
We’ve been cooking out of tiny apartment kitchens for nearly two decades, and are happy to share our experience with you in this comprehensive guide to the small kitchen carts available on the market today.
Follow along with this helpful guide, and you’ll learn:
- Our absolute favorite pick for the best kitchen carts for small kitchens
- What you specifically need to look for when buying a kitchen cart for your small kitchen
- The best small kitchen cart brands and distributors
Are you ready to take on your small kitchen challenges with us? Then let’s get started!
Quick Take
No time to read through this entire buyer’s guide? No problem. Here’s a fast look at our favorite small kitchen carts in four main categories:
- Best Overall: Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Workstation Cart
- Also Great: Nova Rolling Wood Kitchen Island Cart
- Budget Pick: AmazonBasics Kitchen Rolling Cart
- The Upgrade: Dorel Living Kitchen Island
If any of these caught your attention, go ahead and continue reading; we’ll discuss them in more detail below.
Before we get into that, though — why exactly should you invest in a kitchen cart for your small kitchen? Is it really worth it?
A Brief Overview of Kitchen Carts for Small Kitchens
Adding a small kitchen cart on wheels to your cramped-for-space kitchen can be a real game changer. Instead of relying on the built-in counter space and cabinetry, you can easily double or triple your available space with a well-made kitchen cart.
The trick is to find the right design of cart for your specific needs. While there are plenty of small kitchen carts available, their features can vary widely. In the next section, we’ll cover the top three qualities to take into consideration as you decide on which kitchen cart is best for you.
What to Look for When Buying Kitchen Carts for Small Kitchens
To really dial in the perfect kitchen cart for your small space, ideally you would be able to test out quite a few of them yourself. Since that’s not an option for most people, we’ve summarized the results of our comparisons and reviews into three crucial categories:
Consideration #1: The Size
Of course, the most important thing in choosing a kitchen cart for small spaces is to be absolutely sure that it will fit in your kitchen! We strongly encourage you to take measurements of where your kitchen cart might fit, and compare these dimensions to any product that you’re looking at.
Consideration #2: The Storage Space
Once you’ve confirmed that a cart will fit in your small kitchen, it’s important to ask yourself just how much storage space you’re looking to add. Is a single extra shelf enough? Maybe two? Or, if you’re looking for maximum storage, you may want to go for a rolling kitchen island instead.
Consideration #3: The Counter Space
Equally as important as storage space is how much added countertop workspace your new kitchen cart will provide for you. Do you already have enough counter space in your kitchen? If not, how much are you looking to add? This will help you determine what style of kitchen cart will work best for you.
Top 7 Best Kitchen Carts for Small Kitchens Right Now
In our opinion, you can’t go wrong with any of the following kitchen carts. We’re impressed by their quality, craftsmanship, and affordability in each category, and can highly recommend them for use in your home.
1. Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Workstation Cart
Mounted on stable metal footing and made from steel and hardwood, the Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Workstation is a comprehensive solution to storage and counter space needs in your small kitchen. While it may lack the versatility of rolling wheels, its incredible amount of storage and workspace more than makes up for being slightly difficult to reposition.
Truly, the Soges offers enough shelving, hooks, and countertop space that it can hold a full kitchen’s worth of appliances and dry goods. Add to this an affordable price and easy assembly, and it’s clear to see why we’ve chosen it as our number one pick.
Do you think the Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Workstation Cart might be perfect for your small kitchen? Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Offers huge amounts of countertop and storage space
- Durable steel and wood construction
- Easy to assemble
CONS
- Not mounted on wheels
- Heavy
Here’s the bottom line: The Soges 3-Tier Kitchen Workstation Cart is an all-in-one solution to your countertop and storage space needs in a small kitchen, and affordable enough for any home.
2. Nova Rolling Wood Kitchen Island Cart
Strikingly similar to our top pick but offered in all wood with rolling wheels, the Nova Kitchen Island Cart also features two drawers that are perfect for storing utensils. It’s attractive enough to use as a center island in an open kitchen plan, or to display in your living room when not in use in the kitchen.
Lightweight and composed of three tiers, the Nova is available in a variety of colors to fit any kitchen decor scheme. And at a price as affordable as this, that sort of versatility is a welcome addition.
If you’re considering the Nova Rolling Wood Kitchen Island Cart for your home, here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Attractive all wood design is available in multiple colors
- Affordable yet durable
CONS
- Assembly instructions are difficult to follow
- Short tabletop height isn’t great for taller people
Here’s the bottom line: The Nova Rolling Wood Kitchen Island Cart is a compact and affordable all-wood cart that can easily double as an attractive kitchen island.
3. AmazonBasics Kitchen Rolling Cart
Simplicity and minimalism are the name of the game with all of the products in the AmazonBasics line, and their Kitchen Rolling Cart is no exception. Two adjustable wire mesh shelves are accompanied by four hooks and a solid wooden tabletop to create a functional, durable storage unit.
While it’s not much for looks, this AmazonBasics cart is well-made and durable. If you’re looking for a cart that’s easy to put together and entirely utilitarian, it’s a great option at a surprisingly low price.
Wondering whether the AmazonBasics Kitchen Rolling Cart is the kitchen cart for you? Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Durable steel and hardwood construction
- Adjustable shelving for a customized fit
- Super easy assembly with no tools required
CONS
- Not much to look at
- Does not offer as much storage space as comparable carts
Here’s the bottom line: The AmazonBasics Kitchen Rolling Cart is a minimalist solution to kitchen storage that’s easy to assemble and available for a low price.
4. Dorel Living Kitchen Island
A gorgeously constructed piece of kitchen equipment, the Dorel Living Kitchen Island is a multi-function kitchen cart with generous storage space and thoughtfully designed features. If you’re looking for a single product that can act as storage and workstation, all while looking great, the Dorel Living is the kitchen cart for you!
Though it may be the priciest cart in our reviews, the Dorel Living Kitchen Island is far from being overpriced. The hardwood construction and polished wood block top set it far ahead of the competition, making it the premier choice for anyone looking to invest a little more in a kitchen cart.
Will the Dorel Living Kitchen Island fit well in your home? Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- The most heavy-duty, durable construction of any cart we’ve seen
- Provides plenty of storage and countertop space
- Attractive design will look great in any room
CONS
- Lots of assembly required
- Quite pricey
Here’s the bottom line: The Dorel Living Kitchen Island is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone that wants a heavy-duty piece of kitchen equipment that will provide years of faithful service.
5. Linon Granite Top Kitchen Island
One of the most compact kitchen carts to grace our list, Linon’s Granite Top Kitchen Island should be the go-to choice for anyone who loves baking. Its cool stone countertop will make it easy to roll out dough for pizza and pastries without worrying about making a mess all over your kitchen.
Though somewhat short on storage space, the Linon is an excellent choice for especially small kitchens. With a countertop that measures just under two feet wide, it can fit in even the smallest of spaces.
Do you think the Linon Granite Top Kitchen Island is the right cart for you? Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Granite countertop is perfect for bakers
- Especially compact size will fit in any kitchen
- Durable wood and granite construction
CONS
- Not very much storage space
- Assembly instructions are hard to follow
Here’s the bottom line: The Linon Granite Top Kitchen Island should be the first choice for dedicated bakers, as well as anyone who is working in an extra-small kitchen.
6. NSdirect Kitchen Island Cart
A combination bar and kitchen storage cart, the NSdirect Kitchen Island Cart is an aesthetically pleasing option for anyone with a small kitchen who loves to entertain. Offering storage space for wine bottles and glasses as well as drawers for accessories or kitchen supplies, it’s a versatile solution to increasing your storage space in a small home.
Don’t want to let your small kitchen keep you from throwing parties? The NSdirect Kitchen Island Cart may be the right choice for you. Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Combination food and beverage storage
- Durable hardwood countertop
- Compact and easy to move
CONS
- Difficult to assemble
- Somewhat expensive
Here’s the bottom line: The NSdirect Kitchen Island Cart offers a unique combination of kitchen and bar storage that will appeal to people who love throwing dinner parties.
7. CAXXA 3-Tier Rolling Metal Storage Organizer
The ultimate in simplicity and ease of use, the CAXXA 3-Tier Rolling Metal Storage Organizer is designed explicitly for storage rather than increased work space. If you have plenty of countertop space but are short on cabinets, it’s a minimalist and utilitarian solution that’s available at a very low price.
Choose from three colors to match your kitchen decor, and you’ll find it easy to assemble this unit even without tools.
Is the CAXXA 3-Tier Rolling Metal Storage Organizer best for your kitchen? Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Exceptionally affordable
- Streamlined design offers lots of storage space
- Easy to assemble and move
CONS
- Does not offer countertop space
- Rather plain looking
Here’s the bottom line: The CAXXA 3-Tier Rolling Metal Storage Organizer is a simple and effective storage solution that will be great for anyone who doesn’t need added countertop space.
Your Turn
With all of the options and information presented above now at your fingertips, you’ll be able to decide on the perfect kitchen cart for your small kitchen. No matter the size of your space, there’s definitely a small kitchen utility cart that will open up a whole new world of storage and organization options for you.
