Kitchen Too Small? Get More Elbow Room With A Narrow Prep Table

Having a tiny kitchen with limited counter space can make cooking feel like an obstacle course. From food prep to cleanup, every task becomes more difficult and time consuming when you're squeezed into a cramped galley kitchen.

Luckily, there's an easy and affordable way to carve out some extra elbow room without a full kitchen remodel - a narrow kitchen cart. Adding a slim rolling prep table or compact kitchen island opens up a world of possibilities for small kitchens. With just a couple feet of added workspace, you can stage ingredients, store gadgets and appliances, and finally have room to chop, mix, and cook in comfort.

What Exactly is a Narrow Prep Table?

Narrow kitchen carts are designed specifically to fit into tight spaces that standard islands and worktables simply won't squeeze into. Typically ranging from 18-24 inches wide, these slimline prep stations are ideal for small kitchens, galley kitchens, apartments, and other cramped cooking spaces.

Though compact, a quality rolling cart will still stand at a comfortable 36 inch standard counter height. Many feature stainless steel or hardwood butcher block tops that make an excellent surface for food prep. The small footprint means you can roll the cart right up to your existing counter or appliances.

Materials and Storage Options

Narrow prep tables come in a range of materials including wood, laminate, metal, and popular butcher block. Storage choices like drawers, shelves, and cabinets maximize functionality allowing you to organize essentials and reduce clutter.

Carts with an open shelf design keep items visible and in reach. Enclosed storage with doors hide small appliances when not in use. Combination carts offer both open shelving up top and enclosed cabinet storage on the bottom.

Mobility and Folding Designs

Locking casters let you easily move the prep table around your kitchen as needed. Position it anywhere there's free space to expand your workspace. Some narrow carts even fold up accordion-style so you can stow it out of the way but still access items stored inside.

Why Add a Narrow Prep Table?

What can just an extra 18 to 24 inches of width do for your kitchen? More than you might think! Even a little bit of added counter space can make meal prep safer and more streamlined. Here are some of the biggest benefits of bringing a slim rolling cart into a cramped kitchen.

Extra Workspace

The main appeal of a narrow cart lies in the added surface area it provides. Make room for food processor, stand mixer, pots and pans that you previously had to store. Keep frequently used items like olive oil, salt and pepper, and utensil crock within reach.

Additional prep area lets you comfortably chop multiple ingredients at once. No more anxiously eyeing items perilously close to the edge. Room for staging means mess stays contained instead of spreading across limited counters.

Storage Solutions

All that storage means you can finally organize dishware, cooking tools, and pantry essentials instead of letting them pile up. Baskets, bins and organizers corral items neatly to end the chaos of overstuffed drawers.

Storage also gets non-essentials up and out of the way. Tuck small appliances out of sight and free up precious base cabinet space. Keep less commonly used items stored on the cart instead of your main counter.

Mobility Where You Need It

Carts on wheels provide workspace exactly where you need it. Roll it up to the stove while cooking, then park it by the sink for cleanup. Easily move it out of the way if counters are needed for other tasks.

Position the cart to take advantage of available light or electrical outlets. For open floor plans, you can even roll it into dining or living areas when extra serving space is needed.

Key Features to Look For

With an understanding of how beneficial even a slim rolling cart can be, now let's look at key features to focus on when choosing your prep table.

Size and Dimensions

First and foremost, measure the space you have available and look for a table that fits. Standard widths range from 18-24 inches. Counter height is typically 36 inches high. Make sure it will slide into the ideal spot with a few inches to spare.

Consider the kitchen's workflow and where the addition of a cart makes most sense. Positioning it near appliances and the sink maximize usefulness.

Materials and Maintenance

Laminate and wooden tops should be water resistant and easy to clean. Butcher block requires regular oiling but looks beautiful and serves as a natural cutting board. Metal finishes add a modern look that wipes clean easily.

Carts meant for food prep should have smooth, non-porous surfaces. Textured butcher block needs thorough scrubbing to prevent bacteria.

Storage Types

Think about the primary items you want stored and choose shelves, drawers, and cabinets accordingly. Drawers efficiently corral smaller items. Open shelves provide grab and go access to frequently used gadgets and ingredients.

Maximize storage space by looking at interior dimensions - deep drawers and cabinets hold more. Combination carts with an open shelf top and enclosed bottom provide the best of both worlds.

Bonus Features

Look for features tailored to prep tasks like knife blocks, paper towel holders, and built-in cutting boards. Spice racks, stemware storage, and utility hooks add specialized functionality.

Consider tables with seating space for quick breakfasts and snacks. Those with an attached butcher block leaflet down increase workspace even more when needed.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Cart

Beyond the right size and features, keep these tips in mind when selecting your small prep table:

• Set a budget and stick to it
• Precisely measure available space - every inch counts
• Mind doorways, corners, and halls when moving the cart
• List must-have features based on your storage needs
• Compare quality of materials and hardware
• Test mobility and ease of adjusting height

DIY Prep Table Ideas

For the budget-conscious, there are also lots of great ways to create your own DIY narrow kitchen cart. Repurposing old furniture is an environmentally-friendly approach. Consider these ideas:

• Upcycle a small side table or nightstand
• Sand and seal inexpensive lumber for a simple wheeled table
• Use reclaimed boards from old pallets to build a charming rustic cart
• Add casters and new hardware to a vintage dresser or cabinet

Even the tiniest of kitchens can function more smoothly with a slim rolling prep table tucked into an unused corner or tight space. The extra surface area alleviates stress and makes food preparation more enjoyable.

A narrow kitchen cart adds storage that keeps essentials organized and accessible. Caster wheels provide flexibility to reposition the workspace anywhere it's needed. For small kitchens, it's a smart, affordable way to carve out some much needed elbow room.