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Roll with the Perks of a Movable Kitchen Cart

Adding extra storage and prep space to a small kitchen often requires a costly remodel. But kitchen carts offer an affordable and versatile alternative to permanently built-in islands. Movable bar height kitchen carts provide all the benefits of extra counter area and storage without remodeling. Keep reading to learn why a wheeled kitchen cart can be the perfect addition to maximize work space in a tiny kitchen.

Kitchen carts on casters give homeowners flexibility compared to permanent islands. They can roll where you need them and then be stowed out of the way. Their mobility lets you reconfigure your workspace on a whim. Feel like baking? Roll the cart by the ovens. Prepping a meal? Spin it into place near the fridge. Kitchen carts lend your space a customizable, restaurant kitchen vibe.

bar height kitchen cart

Benefits of a Movable Bar Height Kitchen Cart

Convenient Additional Storage

Even the tiniest kitchens can benefit from well-designed storage solutions. A kitchen cart provides both open and enclosed storage options. The cabinets and drawers offer concealed spaces to tuck away baking sheets, electric appliances and kitchen tools. While open shelves or racks are perfect for cookbooks, spices and stemware. The storage boost keeps countertops clear and makes your cooking zone more organized.

Some models even include handy towel bars, paper towel holders and built-in cutting boards. With all your essentials stored in one movable spot, you'll save steps during meal prep and have less clutter.

Bonus Food Prep Area

The expansive countertop surface gives you extra room for all your culinary pursuits. Many carts come with butcher block tops that make an ideal chopping station. Others have stainless steel or wooden cutting boards that pull up or fold out to expand the working area even more. Underneath, you'll often find racks to hang utensils right within reach.

For avid cooks and bakers, the extra prep space is a game changer. You can easily chop vegetables, knead dough and prep several ingredients at once with a kitchen cart nearby. The bonus counter area brings a taste of commercial-grade functionality to home kitchens.

Flexible Placement

One major perk of movable kitchen carts is that you can roll them anywhere you want. In a studio apartment, the cart can turn an empty corner into a fully functioning workspace. Spin the cart into the living room to use as a stylish bar for entertaining. Or tuck it into an unseen nook when not in use.

Got an unfinished basement or garage cooking zone? A kitchen cart adds storage and countertop without the need for complicated installation. Just roll it in and transform the space. With locking wheels, they stay secure once parked in position.

Style to Match Your Decor

Today's kitchen carts blend form and function with designs to fit a range of decors. Choose from warm wood tones, sleek stainless steel, industrial metal piping or shiny chrome. Many carts include two or three tiered shelves for displaying pretty cookware. The right kitchen cart matches your style while adding purpose to your cooking zone.

Affordable Kitchen Upgrade

A quality kitchen cart provides superb utility without the investment of permanently installed cabinetry or islands. The average movable cart costs just a fraction of built-in remodeling projects. Assembly is quick and straightforward with no need for professional installation.

Because they are not fixed in place, it's easy to take your kitchen cart along to a new home. While walk-in pantry additions run $5,000 and up, you can get a kitchen cart for a few hundred dollars. It's an affordable way to upgrade your meal prep experience.

What to Consider When Buying a Kitchen Cart

Measure Your Space

First, assess the footprint of your current kitchen to find the right fit. Standard kitchen cart dimensions range between 30-40 inches wide and 20-35 inches deep. Be sure to measure doorways as well to ensure your new cart can navigate any tight turns or narrow openings. Even if you plan to keep it in one spot, you'll want to account for maneuverability.

Think about traffic flow and make sure the cart placement won't make the space feel crowded. Leave enough clearance around the cart to fully open drawers and cabinets without obstruction.

Pick a Height

Kitchen carts come in standard counter height as well as bar height styles. The typical kitchen counter stands 36 inches tall. For more of a bar feel, consider a slightly taller cart between 40-42 inches high. The extra elevation makes the cart surface better suited for eating and drink preparation.

If multiple family members will use the cart, think about their heights and needs. You may opt for an adjustable model. And remember to factor in the height of existing counters when determining the ideal cart level.

Material and Durability

Stainless steel, chrome wire, wood and metal piping are all popular kitchen cart materials. Chrome and stainless steel withstand daily wear and tear and are easy to disinfect. However, metal styles show fingerprints. Most wood or wood veneer carts feature a protective sealant but will show knicks over time.

Consider your own habits when choosing materials. Busy cooks and families may favor durable stainless steel. If you envision using your cart more as a bar for wine and serving, wood gives a handsome appearance.

Storage Needs

Maximize the functionality of your kitchen cart by selecting storage options tailored for your needs. Closed storage like drawers and cabinets keep items concealed and dust-free. Opt for large drawers to accommodate bulky pots and pans.

For smaller gear, include compartments and organization-minded drawer inserts. Open shelving gives easy access to appliances, cookware and ingredients. Look for wine rack storage, towel bars and paper towel holders to make your cart a culinary command station.

Locking Wheels

Quality wheels let you smoothly roll the cart wherever required. Then, lock wheels hold it securely in place while in use. Locking casters prevent wobbly mishaps. Look for rubber wheels over plastic to protect floors from scratches.

Some wheeled carts also allow you to remove the wheels entirely once positioned. Others include foot levers to keep the cart grounded when necessary.

Style and Design Options

Rustic Wood Kitchen Carts

Wood carts infuse cozy warmth into contemporary kitchens. Opt for oak or pine with varying wood grain, knots and distressing for a rustic aesthetic. Bleached oak has rustic appeal but feels fresh and bright. Soft-close drawers prevent slamming.

Play up the farmhouse vibe with chicken wire paneling or fruit crate accents. Shelves displaying potted herbs or cookbooks enhance the homespun look. Wrought iron hardware and fixtures add artisanal appeal.

Stainless Steel or Metal Carts

A stainless steel cart provides an industrial, commercial edge. Brushed stainless finishes hide fingerprints well and are easy to wipe clean. Some metal designs resemble commercial baker's racks on wheels.

Prefer sleek minimalism? Opt for a metal cart in matte black, brass or bronze. The understated elegance works in modern or contemporary kitchens. Go for a gold finish for glam appeal.

Kitchen Island Carts

For maximum functionality, choose a kitchen island cart style. The substantial tabletop surface allows plenty of meal prep space. Cabinets and shelves provide enclosed storage while a towel bar or spice rack adds convenience.

Many kitchen island carts mimic the appearance of built-in islands. Select a size and height that fits with your existing counters and cabinets for a cohesive look. Add plush bar stools for casual dining.

Kitchen carts deliver stylish and convenient storage with a smaller footprint than permanent islands. Choose a movable bar height cart tailored to your family's needs and kitchen style. Roll with the perks of maximizing your meal prep zone with an affordable and versatile kitchen cart upgrade.