If you require additional storage or workspace in the kitchen, the best kitchen carts offer a convenient and portable solution for storing supplies or expanding your cooking area. And since they’re mounted on wheels, these carts can easily be rolled out when needed and tucked away when not in use. Our top recommendation is the West Elm Kaden Rolling Kitchen Cart, a well-made, stylish design with ample storage.
The best kitchen carts offer a convenient and portable solution for storing supplies or expanding ... [+] your cooking area.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / IMAGE: RETAILERS
The main benefit of kitchen carts over other storage options lies in their portability. “Whether it serves as extra chopping space, counter space or storage space, a kitchen cart can be moved into whatever position is most helpful at the moment,” explains Amanda Wiss, founder of home organizing company Urban Clarity. Plus, they come in various sizes and typically offer some type of storage for kitchen supplies, whether it’s open shelving, drawers or an enclosed cabinet. Regardless of which style you prefer, we've rounded up the best kitchen carts that will come handy while you cook.
Dimensions: 34.5 x 18 x 36 inches | Frame material: Solid wood | Top material: Solid wood | Shelves: 3
What you’ll love:
Durable solid wood construction
Two-wheel design prevents shifting
Shelf supports prevent items from slipping off
Keep in mind:
Only one finish option
The Kaden Kitchen Cart is both well-crafted and stylish, making it a great addition to any kitchen. It's built from sturdy solid wood, ensuring durability, and unlike many carts, it's designed with just two wheels, reducing the chance of it shifting while in use. Nonetheless, it’s still easy to move—simply lift it using the built-in handle, which also serves as a towel rack.
This cart features a gray exterior with a natural wood top and three shelves below. The bottom shelf is equipped with supportive edges to keep items secure, while the upper two shelves are enclosed on one side, offering concealed storage if needed.
Best Budget Kitchen Cart
An Inexpensive Option With Adjustable Shelves
Amazon
Amazon Basics Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 24 x 15.5 x 36.8 inches | Frame material: Chrome-plated steel | Top material: Wood | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Affordable price point
Height-adjustable lower shelves
No tools needed for assembly
Keep in mind:
Wheels don’t always roll smoothly
The Amazon Basics Kitchen Cart is a simple, inexpensive option for adding extra storage to your kitchen. It has a utilitarian design with a stainless steel frame, and you can customize the height of the two wire shelves to accommodate your requirements. Each shelf can hold up to 50 pounds, and the wooden top is removable, allowing you to use it as a serving board, if needed. Additionally, assembly is a breeze, requiring no special tools.
Best Heavy-Duty Kitchen Cart
A Durable Cart To Hold Your Heaviest Appliances
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Hold Everything Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 36 inches | Frame material: Forged steel | Top material: Solid ash wood | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Heavy-duty forged steel construction
Higher-than-average weight capacity
Built-in drawer for utensil storage
Keep in mind:
Wooden top shouldn’t be used as a cutting board
If you’re looking for a unit that you can load up with appliances, dinnerware and other kitchen essentials, the Hold Everything Kitchen Cart is a contract-grade option with a high weight capacity. It’s made from durable forged steel and features a solid wood top. Each shelf is able to hold up to 122 pounds, so you don’t have to worry about it sagging under the weight of your supplies. It’s mounted on caster wheels, two of which lock to keep the cart in place, and there’s a spacious drawer at the top where you can stash items like utensils and linens.
Best Drop-Leaf Kitchen Cart
Extendable Workspace And Ample Storage
Amazon
Winsome Drop-Leaf Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 20 x 25.25 x 33.25 inches | Frame material: Wood | Top material: Wood composite | Shelves: 1
What you’ll love:
Two drop-leafs for added workspace
Open shield, cabinet and drawer for storage
Keep in mind:
Assembly is required
The Winsome Drop-Leaf Kitchen Cart is a great choice for those with limited space. Crafted from wood, it features two fold-down leafs—one on each side of the main tabletop—that extend to double your workspace as required. When not in use, the flaps conveniently fold back down for compact storage, allowing you to easily stow the cart in tight areas. Additionally, this cart provides ample storage options, including a drawer, enclosed cabinet and an open shelf with a support rod across the back.
Best Kitchen Cart With Stainless Steel Top
A Rustic Design With A Metal Work Surface
Walmart
Boraam Sonoma Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 44 x 20.5 x 36 inches | Frame material: Rubberwood | Top material: Stainless steel | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Durable metal tabletop
Built-in drawers for storage
Three finish options
Keep in mind:
Wider than many other carts
You don’t have to worry about damaging the top of the Boraam Sonoma Kitchen Cart, as it’s covered in a layer of durable stainless steel. The spacious surface also doubles as additional prep space in your kitchen, and the metal construction is easy to wipe down after use. Moreover, this sizable kitchen cart also provides a considerable amount of storage with two open shelves, as well as two drawers for smaller items. Choose from three finish options, all with a slightly distressed appearance that’s an ideal fit in farmhouse-style kitchens.
Best Kitchen Cart With Butcher Block Top
A Splurge-Worthy Portable Chopping Station
Williams Sonoma
John Boos Cucina Elegante Cart
Dimensions: 30.75 x 20 x 35 inches | Frame material: Stainless steel | Top material: Maple or walnut butcher block | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Hardwood surface serves as cutting board
Built-in drawer for extra storage
Commercial-grade base and wheels
Keep in mind:
Much more expensive than other carts
If you want a cart that can double as a prep station, it’s worth investing in a model like the John Boos Cucina Elegante Cart. Made by the well-known cutting board brand, this kitchen cart has a solid wood cutting board as its top, allowing you to chop ingredients right on its surface.
You have the option to choose between a maple or walnut surface, both of which are mounted on a commercial-grade stainless steel base equipped with locking caster wheels. Additionally, the design includes two lower shelves and a towel bar. While it may be pricier than other options, with proper care, it is built to last for years.
Best Kitchen Cart With Cabinet Storage
Dual Cabinets To Tuck Away Clutter
Wayfair
Lark Manor Kitchen Island
Dimensions: 35.4 x 48.1 x 18.5 inches | Frame material: Manufactured wood | Top material: Rubberwood | Shelves: N/A
What you’ll love:
Two enclosed cabinets and two drawers for storage
Adjustable inner shelves
Keep in mind:
Time-consuming assembly
With the Lark Manor Kitchen Island, you can discreetly store small kitchen appliances and supplies, thanks to its two cabinets. Unlike carts featuring open shelves, this design offers enclosed storage, keeping clutter neatly hidden. Each cabinet features two doors and adjustable inner shelves, accompanied by two drawers on top. Additionally, the cart includes towel bars on each side, and its overall weight capacity is 300 pounds. Just note that assembly is required, typically taking a few hours to complete.
Best Kitchen Cart With Wine Rack
A Compact Option With Slots For Wine Bottles
Wayfair
Winston Porter Macy Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 33.9 x 22.9 x 15.75 inches | Frame material: Solid/manufactured wood | Top material: Granite | Shelves: 1
What you’ll love:
Several colors available
Includes wine rack and produce basket
Durable granite tabletop
Keep in mind:
Complicated assembly
The Winston Porter Macy Cart is a cute, compact option for neatly storing wine bottles and bar essentials. This simple cart has a special shelf that can hold four bottles of your favorite varietals, and it also has a drawer, wire produce basket and open lower shelf. The top of the cart is a durable piece of granite, and the design comes in five different colors, including both natural wood tones and brighter paint options to add a pop of color to your kitchen.
Best Kitchen Cart With Trash Bin
A Cute Way To Keep Trash Out Of Sight
Wayfair
Winston Porter Toro Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 28.75 x 17.75 x 34.38 inches | Frame material: Manufactured wood | Top material: Rubberwood | Shelves: N/A
What you’ll love:
Pull-out trash compartment
Integrated three-tier spice rack
Keep in mind:
Trash can not included
If you need a discreet spot for your trash can, consider the Winston Porter Toro Cart, which features a dedicated compartment for just that purpose. Its pull-down handle allows convenient access to the bin inside, designed to fit an 8-gallon trash can (sold separately). It also offers several additional storage features like a three-tier spice rack with slots for bottles of oil or other condiments, a storage drawer, as well as a towel rack. Choose from four colors, but keep in mind that there's a fair bit of assembly required.
Best Kitchen Cart With Stools
A Drop-Leaf Cart With Two Matching Seats
Lowe's
Casual Home Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 30 x 28 x 33 inches | Frame material: Solid wood | Top material: Solid wood | Shelves: N/A
What you’ll love:
Large drop-leaf serves as eating surface
Includes two matching stools
Keep in mind:
Limited storage space
Increase seating in your kitchen effortlessly with the Casual Home Rolling Kitchen Cart. Made using solid wood, it includes two matching stools that conveniently store inside it. Plus, it features a large semi-circle drop leaf that you can raise to transform into a table for dining. The cart features a white base with a natural wood top and includes two drawers for utensils or table linens. While it doesn’t offer as much storage as some other carts due to the stools occupying most of the base, it serves as a practical space-saving solution in kitchens with limited seating area.
Best Kitchen Cart For Microwaves
A Convenient Solution For Storing Kitchen Appliances
Wayfair
Andover Mills Lewisburg Kitchen Pantry
Dimensions: 47.51 x 24.8 x 15.55 inches | Frame material: Manufactured wood | Top material: Manufactured wood | Shelves: N/A
What you’ll love:
Storage area for a microwave or other appliance
Drawer and cabinet for additional storage
Several finish options
Keep in mind:
Not the most durable materials
The Andover Mills Lewisburg Kitchen Pantry offers a convenient spot to store your larger appliances like a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer. The design also includes a convenient cord management hole where you can set up an appliance. Below, there is a wide drawer and enclosed cabinet for additional storage. Available in various finishes to complement your decor, though it's worth noting that most of the construction is particleboard, so it's best to avoid getting it wet, as this can cause warping over time.
Best Kitchen Cart For Apartments
A Slim Cart You Can Tuck Beside The Fridge
Williams Sonoma
Yamazaki Slim Rolling Storage Cart
Dimensions: 18.75 x 5 x 31.75 inches | Frame material: Powder-coated steel | Top material: Wood | Shelves: 3
What you’ll love:
Slim design fits in tight areas
Supports keep objects on shelves
Keep in mind:
Each shelf can only support a few pounds
The Yamazaki Slim Rolling Storage Cart is just 5 inches wide and can easily tuck into small areas, such as the space beside the fridge. The slim cart has three shelves with side supports to keep contents from falling off, and features a handle that lets you pull it around the kitchen. The size is ideal for storing pantry supplies and spices, but make sure you double-check the weight capacity of each shelf, as they can only support a few pounds.
Best Wooden Kitchen Cart
A Well-Priced Option Made From Solid Wood
Wayfair
Winston Porter Richand Kitchen Cart
Dimensions: 33.75 x 28.75 x 18.75 inches | Frame material: Solid wood | Top material: Solid wood | Shelves: N/A
What you’ll love:
Solid wood construction
Cabinet and drawer for enclosed storage
Keep in mind:
Shallow drawer
If you like the appearance (and durability) of natural wood, the Winston Porter Richand Kitchen Cart is a sturdy option. It has all the features you’d expect from a kitchen cart, including a storage drawer, towel rack and spacious enclosed cabinet. It has a natural wood finish with silver hardware, but you could easily paint it if you prefer a more colorful design.
Best Metal Kitchen Cart
A Durable Utilitarian Pick
Amazon
Seville Classics Utility Cart
Dimensions: 20 x 24 x 36 inches | Frame material: Stainless steel | Top material: Stainless steel | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Commercial-grade metal construction
Height-adjustable shelving
Slide-out storage basket
Keep in mind:
Simple, utilitarian design
The Seville Classics Utility Cart is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel and built to last. It features a wire basket and lower shelf, as well as a thick, easy-to-clean work surface. Plus, the basket pulls out for easy access to its contents. You can easily adjust the height of the shelf and basket as needed, and the cart is mounted on 3-inch rubber caster wheels that roll smoothly around your work area.
Most Stylish Kitchen Cart
A Cute Trolley That Will Brighten Up Your Kitchen
Design Within Reach
Hay Arcs Trolley
Dimensions: 24.75 x 17.25 x 34.25 inches | Frame material: Stainless steel | Top material: Stainless steel | Shelves: 2
What you’ll love:
Two size options
Available in several pretty colors
Attractive scalloped shelf edges
Keep in mind:
More expensive than other options
The Arcs Trolley is a more decorative option that will add personality to your kitchen. Available in two sizes, you can opt for a lower version with two wide shelves or a taller, more narrow design with three shelves. Both sizes are made fully from stainless steel and feature decorative scalloping around the edges of the shelf. The trolley comes in a variety of bright colors, and it’s ideal for mobile storage or even doubles as a serving cart during parties.
The Forbes Vetted team has years of experience testing and writing about kitchen accessories and storage solutions, and we’re here to help you find the best products for your home.
We scoured the market to find the very best kitchen carts from top brands like West Elm, Design Within Reach and more.
Camryn Rabideau, the author of this article, is a regular contributor to Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen section, and has several years of experience reporting on lifestyle stories.
While researching this article, we spoke with two experts: Amanda Wiss, founder of NYC-based home organizing company Urban Clarity, and chef Ashley Jonique. They explained the benefits of kitchen carts and how they can be used in homes. They also offered tips on selecting the best kitchen cart for your needs.
How We Chose The Best Kitchen Carts
To find the best kitchen carts for each category, we spent hours researching top-rated products, comparing their features and overall design.
We focused on highly rated models from trusted brands, selecting products that have a minimum rating of at least 4 stars from reviewers, but preferably 4.5 stars or higher.
Based on guidance from our experts, we prioritized carts made from durable materials, such as metal or solid wood, which will hold up better under regular use.
Recognizing that everyone’s needs are a little different, we aimed to provide a wide variety of products, including options of different sizes, shapes and price points. We also looked for carts with different types of storage to meet a variety of needs.
What To Look For In The Best Kitchen Carts
Size
Kitchen carts come in various sizes, ranging from super slim options like the Yamazaki Slim Rolling Storage Cart that can be tucked besides your fridge, to oversized models like the Boraam Sonoma Kitchen Cart that doubles up as a kitchen island. The ideal size for your needs will depend on the dimensions of your kitchen and how you intend to use the cart. Just be sure to choose one that you can maneuver easily. As Wiss advises, “I would prioritize a cart that is easily navigable in your kitchen and through your doorways, and a cart that you can maneuver all on your own.”
For smaller kitchens, finding the right balance between size and features is crucial. Chef Ashley Jonique explains, “Size and features are important because you want something to make up for the lack of drawers and space in your home's kitchen, but you don't want a cart that will take up too much space if the kitchen is already compact.”
Materials
Because kitchen carts get moved around frequently, you’ll want something that’s stable and made from quality materials. Solid wood and metal frames tend to be the most durable, and if you don’t mind a utilitarian design, a basic option like the Seville Classics Utility Cart can hold up to regular use.
If you plan to use your cart as a prep space, you’ll also want to consider what the tabletop is made of: “A butcher block or stainless steel top will be most durable and also food-safe,” says Wiss. While it is pricey, the John Boos Cucina Elegante Cart actually has a hardwood butcher block surface, perfect for chopping ingredients while cooking.
Storage
Many people use kitchen carts for additional storage, and while open shelves are the most common storage option, there are also carts with enclosed cabinets, drawers and even built-in produce baskets. There are even models such as the Andover Mills Lewisburg Kitchen Pantry that are specially designed to hold large kitchen appliances like a microwave or air fryer.
