A Kitchen Island is a freestanding countertop table with integrated storage drawers or cabinets that can be used to keep cooking tools and appliances. In fact, a kitchen-island may have stools around it for extra seating while the tabletop section can be used to accomplish various tasks while in the kitchen.
In fact, any standard island will provide counter and storage space in your kitchen. All in all, this is a countertop in the middle of a modern kitchen that is used to prepare food or as an alternative to a dining-table.
So, Our we reviewed different Kitchen Islands on the market today and came to agree that Aspen Rustic Cherry Kitchen Island and Hardware Resources Kitchen Island are the Best Kitchen Carts in 2022.
Review of 5 Best Kitchen Islands and Carts to Buy In 2022:
#1-CHOICE: Aspen Rustic Cherry Kitchen Island by Home Styles:
DESCRIPTION:
The Aspen Rustic Cherry Kitchen Island was designed to create ambiance with a perfect balance of warmth and style within any kitchen setting. In fact, its mahogany solid and cherry veneer are warmed with a rustic cherry finish and recessed door panels coupled with a profiled edge top and bold molding detail. This unit also features 4 storage drawers and a storage cabinet with one adjustable shelf for maximum storage while the hidden sliding mechanism connected to the back two posts helps to add more table space. This mechanism actually provides easy mobility and independent movement of the two posts for expansion of the breakfast bar. Lastly, with the breakfast bar extended, the top surface depth expands from 26-3/4-inch to 39-inch.
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#2-CHOICE: Hardware Resources Kitchen Island with 3-Drawers:
DESCRIPTION:
This is a brilliant red furniture style kitchen island with ample cabinet storage coupled with an opening shelf on the reverse.. All in all, this is a simple and multi-purpose kitchen-island that you will need in your modern kitchen today. Note: The butcher block top is sold separately or you can actually make your own customized top.
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#3-CHOICE: Americana Black and Distressed Oak Kitchen Island by Home Styles:
DESCRIPTION:
This Home Styles Kitchen Island is constructed of solid hardwoods and engineered wood with a rich Black finish with a distressed Oak finished top for an aged look. It also features a convenient drop leaf that rises to provide dining or serving space, antique pewter hardware, easy glide storage drawers, raised detail cabinet doors with adjustable shelves inside and open storage on each end with an adjustable shelf. All in all, if your looking for simple yet elegant kitchen-island for all your kitchen and dinning needs, then go for this product.
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#4-CHOICE: Winsome Gregory Cart & Kitchen-Island:
DESCRIPTION:
The Winsome Gregory Cart & Kitchen-Island is designed to offer exceptional versatility for food preparation and equipment storage with any kitchen environment. This unit features 2 drop-leaves that open to extend the workspace up to 43″ wide for preparing a meal or snack while still keeping bowls, plates or utensils within easy reach. Likewise, there is also a cabinet and open shelf below that provide convenient access to a food processor and other cooking or serving tools. It also has 2 side storage racks each with a protective bar in-order to hold canisters, spices, or bottles of vinegar and oil while a drawer for utensils keeps everything at your fingertips. On the other hand, this kitchen-cart rolls easily on professional-grade casters with two locking wheels to keep the unit stable while in use. Lastly, its made of solid and composite wood in a handsome Walnut finish.
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#5-CHOICE: Civet Home 2-Toned Kitchen Cart with Wooden Top. :
DESCRIPTION:
In need of a multi functional cart? Here is a Portable Kitchen Island and Cocktail Cart with Wood-Topping. It will save you both time and effort with its 4 locking metal casters that can smoothly glide on multiple floor surfaces. The sides can be used to store hand and dish towels while the drawers will keep your essential kitchen utensils. Finally, the durability of this kitchen card is guaranteed by its high quality hardwood table top that slays along other kitchen cabinets.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
What is a kitchen island used for?
A kitchen island is a freestanding cabinet that provides extra seating space coupled with integrated storage drawers that can be used to keep kitchen utensils, tools, and appliances. It also features a wide countertop that provides extra work-area that helps you complete various tasks while cooking in the kitchen
Are kitchen islands outdated?
Kitchen islands will never go out of style. In fact, islands have become a necessity in most modern kitchens. Additionally, islands are very functional since they provide extra storage space and additional work-area within any kitchen. They are not a temporary trend and are here to stay.
What is the difference between a kitchen-island and a kitchen-peninsula?
A kitchen-island is a free-standing table with storage space around it while a Kitchen-peninsula is an extension of existing kitchen cabinets and counters. However, they are all designed to provide additional counter and storage space in your kitchen.
Is it better to have a kitchen island or table?
A kitchen-table tends to have more seating capacity than a standard kitchen-island. However, a kitchen-island also has an added advantage of extra storage compared to table.
What is the average cost of a kitchen island?
A simple, standard kitchen-island costs around $250 to $1000 while a modern, high-end custom island will cost between $1500 to $5000. However, you should know that there are also extra installation costs involved.
When should you not have a kitchen island?
In case your kitchen is less than 13 feet wide, its recommended not to add an island at all. In fact, the general rule is that you need at least 42 to 48 inches (106.68-cm to 121.92-cm) of open space around your island for best results.
Is it fine to have a kitchen island without seats?
This actually depends on the space available and your eating habits. In fact, its you who decides whether to incorporate seats onto a kitchen island for quick meals or not.
Do kitchen islands get attached to the floor?
Yes, Kitchen-islands are connected to the floor and this is done to prevent them from moving or toppling over while in use. In fact, islands are secured to the floor using 2″ x 4″ nails.
Why are custom kitchen islands so expensive?
Custom-built islands actually cost more than stock islands because they require extra work and attention to detail. In fact, the average cost for a custom-built island is between $2,500 and $5,500. However, larger and more complex islands with extra features and high-end materials may cost you over $10,000.
How much is a slab of granite for a kitchen-island?
Granite costs between $30 and $250 per square foot while engineered-quartz costs around $50 to $200 per square foot. However, you will also need to pay an extra-price for installation.
Should a kitchen-island be lighter or darker than cabinets?
Its recommended to choose an island with a wood tone that contrasts with the lighter tone of your cabinetry. For example, a dark mahogany finish will stand in sharp contrast against the white cabinets.
Should a kitchen-island have a sink?
Yes, a large kitchen island is a perfect place for installing a small secondary or prep sink if your primary sink is located among the wall cabinets.
What is the standard size of a kitchen island?
The average kitchen-island size is approximately 80″ x 40″ (inches) but you should keep in mind that this is not a must. This is just a guide to help you with the layout of any kitchen and if your kitchen is smaller, then don’t think about installing a kitchen island.
What are the different types of kitchen islands?
- L-shaped Island.
- U-shaped Island.
- Rolling Cart Island.
- Double Kitchen Island.
- Portable Kitchen Island.
- Circular Kitchen Island.
- Rectangular Kitchen Island.
- Contrasting Kitchen Island.
- Counter-Height Work Table Island.
- Base Cabinet Island With Countertop.
- Fully Functional Island with Electricity & Plumbing.
What can I use instead of a kitchen island?
- Bar Carts.
- Pub Tables.
- Rolling Islands.
- Eat-In Kitchens.
- Chef’s Prep Table.
- Butcher Block Tables.
Advantages of a kitchen island:
+ Provides you with ample working space.
+ Increases on the value of your home kitchen.
+ Offers extra storage for cooking utensils & tools.
+ A movable/rolling kitchen island is very versatile.
+ Provides designated workspace for professional chefs.
+ Its actually the heart of the kitchen for most people.
+ Increases on counter space for small appliances & tools.
+ It adds style and class to an open concept kitchen or home.
+ Any home will love the versatility a kitchen-island offers.
+ Adds a great seating option with bar-stools or dining-chairs.
+ Provides casual seating for family gatherings & entertainment.
+ It can act as an informal dining area or as an additional seating space during entertainment.
+ A kitchen-island is a great place for kids to feel part of the action and be in close eye view during cooking projects.
+ You can install extra kitchen amenities into the island like; sinks, refrigerator drawers, and cooktops so as to make your kitchen more functional and useful.
Disadvantages of a kitchen island:
– Space limitations in tight kitchens.
– Custom-made islands are expensive to install.
– It will not be a perfect fit in every type of kitchen.
– Hard to vent and requires special skills for wiring & plumbing.
– Creates disruption in room flow by interrupting the work triangle.
CONCLUSION:
All the featured Kitchen islands and kitchen carts will provide you with extra counter-space in 2022. In fact, there is a wide selection of wooden or metal kitchen islands and carts in different styles and sizes to enhance your kitchen storage.
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