A kitchen island provides home cooks with much needed storage and workspace. Here’s how to decide which one is right for you.
Between pots and pans, slow cookers and air fryers, cherry pitters, apple corers, whisks, turners, serveware, bakeware, and everything in between, kitchen space tends to run out quickly. You can use the back burners on your stovetop for some storage (hello there, tea kettle and dutch oven!), while the top of your fridge can typically squeeze in one or two appliances (what’s up, toaster?). But at some point, you have to rethink those stopgap solutions.
Enter kitchen islands. They provide extra workspace, storage, and can even be used as a bonus dining area. They can help divide your kitchen from your dining area or living room and have the potential to be a beautiful piece of stand-alone furniture. If you’re looking for your kitchen to do more, it’s time you consider buying your own island.
Here’s how to pick one that’s right for you:
Consider the Size of Your Space
Whatever the size of your kitchen, you can find an island that works for you. The most important number to keep in mind is 36—the minimum number of inches you should allocate in order to navigate around on all sides. Keep in mind, you may need more space to be sure you can open all of your cabinets, drawers, and the dishwasher easily. For seriously small spaces, consider getting a kitchen island on wheels. It’s convenient to have something that rolls away when you’re having people over, or to store when not in use.
Use Case Scenario
For the most part, free-standing kitchen islands and carts will serve as space for extra prep, storage, and dining. While you can use most carts to assist with all three, there are carts that are ideal for each. For storage, we love this No Tools model, especially since it comes with space to add bar stools if you choose to. If you don’t need as much storage but want a great prep spot, this John Boos Culinarte Kitchen Cart boasts a top that doubles as a cutting board that can be removed for cleaning. You can use the bottom shelves for a few big (or several small) items. If you’re after something super stylish that does a bit of everything, we love this smart Bee and Willow™cart.
Location, Location, Location
Where you position your island is important. When cooking, it’s important to be able to access the sink, stove, prep space, and ideally your trash can with ease. Place the island so that it creates a triangle with the sink and stove. If you can’t, do your best to keep it convenient—it will make your life much easier when it’s actually time to prepare dinner.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, there’s an island for you! Check out all of our kitchen islands and carts here.