Kitchen Islands on Wheels

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Sometimes it's easier to clean a space, if there is nothing in it. But your kitchen island is heavy and hard to move. With kitchen islands on casters, simply roll away the island, clean underneath, then roll it back. This is also a great addition to a kitchen where more space in certain areas is needed. Just move the island to compensate. And lockable casters keep it in place.

Emily Hilton Interior Design Expert

Emily is a young, talented designer, whose professional interests gravitate towards kitchen and dining spaces. She prides herself on her attention to detail, obsession with functionality, and appreciation for craftsmanship.

13 Recommendations and 163 Ideas

Updated 01/03/2023

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Kitchen Islands on Wheels

Buying Guide

In the past few decades kitchens have transformed from drab and boring, to stylish, ergonomic and warm spaces that club functionality with aesthetics. Be it fixtures, appliances, cabinets or accessories, everything is about maximizing space utilization without compromising on design.

Yet, some choices continue to be stuck in the past, dominated more by tradition than by practicality and creativity. An in-built kitchen island is one such addition.

Don’t get us wrong. If you have a spacious open kitchen, there’s no better choice than an in-built island. But if you live in an apartment or have limited space in your kitchen, a kitchen island on casters is a much better choice.

It’s versatile and cost effective. It gives you an extra work surface, more room for storage and can even serve as a cart when you entertain. If you are shopping for one, then here are some of the basic things to keep in mind.

How to measure for kitchen islands on casters?

The idea is to pick a kitchen island on casters that fits into your kitchen. Anything oversized will severely limit movement. Not to mention that it will be more of an eyesore than a focal point.

Measure your kitchen and base your selection around it. The standard size of premade kitchen carts is 36” (L) and 20” (W). You always have the option to create a bespoke one tailored to your preferences.

While storage spaces like drawers and shelves seem appealing, you need to factor in the extra room needed to open them and move around.

How to select the kitchen island top?

The surface of your kitchen island on casters should be in sync with its intended use.

If it’s going to be used primarily as a workspace for preparing food, then a heavy duty, thick surface like a butcher’s block might be a good option. However, these require timely maintenance and frequent sealing to prevent warping.
A wood top is elegant and can double up as a dining surface. The only caveat is that you cannot use it directly to chop meat or food.
If you have a modern kitchen, then stainless steel is an excellent choice. It is heat, rust and stain resistant. You’d still need to use a chopping board for cutting food though.

What storage options do you have with kitchen islands?

Open-tiered shelves are one of the easiest ways to store your knick-knacks and get easy access to them from all directions. But they can be a magnet for dust. And if you are not that great an organizer, another excuse for ungainly clutter.
Cupboards keep the clutter out of sight and prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
If you love entertaining, you can look for kitchen islands that have an integrated caddy to keep your bottles safe.

What kitchen island design should you choose?

There’s no dearth of mobile kitchen island designs and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Your eventual choice is a personalized decision. But if you are stuck for ideas, then go with one that blends in with the rest of the décor in terms of color and finish.

You can go traditional, with wood work and detailing or go contemporary with industrial design elements infused into them.

A drop leaf design can be particularly useful for serving and tasks like rolling dough.

Kitchen islands on casters are a snazzy addition that can liven up your kitchen space in no time. Consider these factors to narrow down on one that fits your requirements.