Kitchen Carts Buying Guide
Every kitchen could use a place to store things like gadgets, small appliances and seldom-used items. You know, the stuff spilling out of your cabinets and cluttering your counters? Combining storage, utility and food serving needs, kitchen carts are an elegant solution that can hide discreetly in a corner or be displayed as the focal point of a room.
The five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Feeling handy?
Most kitchen carts will require some assembly. Make sure you understand the tools and level of skill required to put a particular model together.
Counter intelligence
Kitchen cart counter tops come in a range of materials. Butcher block surfaces add warmth and a traditional feel. Stainless tops are sleek and easy to clean. Granite countertops offer elegance and heat resistance.
How much cart?
Take a tape measure and determine how much real estate you can devote to a kitchen cart. Once you've settled on a size, you can consider other features like style, storage capacity and accessories.
Assessing your storage needs
Are you looking to store dishes or appliances? Gadgets or cases of wine? Thinking about how you'll use a kitchen cart will inform your choice of storage options. You'll also need to decide whether you want open storage or cabinets.
Roller Derby
Kitchen carts get their mobility from rollers. Look for sturdy wheels that are constructed of non-streaking material. Locking wheels will give you peace of mind as you entertain.
Shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Type
Mobile kitchen storage comes in two basic types: carts and islands. Carts are generally smaller, while islands can evolve into substantial pieces of furniture.
Materials
Many kitchen carts are constructed from wood, but there are other options. Metal carts can give your room the feel of a restaurant kitchen. Bamboo or other exotic woods can create a unique look as well.
Storage options
Open shelves, closed cabinets or both? Shelves provide easy access, but are revealing. Cabinets will conceal, but it can be hard to match them to your existing cabinet doors.
Counter material
Butcher block tops have a warm feel, but are usually not appropriate for cutting. Stainless steel is easy to clean, but can scratched by metal or abrasive cleaners. Granite is tough and heat resistant, but can be pricey.
Accessories
From towel racks to wine racks, kitchen cart manufacturers provide a wealth of optional accessories to customize your cart.
Kitchen Carts: An Island Of Your Own
Let's face it: No kitchen is big enough. Whether it's small appliances, serving ware or those bottles of merlot that you got on sale, there's always something cluttering up your counters or clogging your cabinets. Tucked away when not in use, front and center when required—a kitchen cart can be the perfect solution to your storage needs.
Determining Your Need
Before you run out to kick the tires on a few kitchen carts, take a minute to inventory your needs. Start with the amount of room you can devote to a kitchen cart: take a tape measure and generate some hard numbers.
Once your understand your space limits, think about how you'll use your kitchen cart. Storage? Entertainment serving? Food preparation? Knowing the primary function of your kitchen cart will help you to prioritize the features available.
Cart Construction
Kitchen carts are made of many materials, and each has its benefits. You'll probably choose a specific material to complement the existing décor of your kitchen. Wood lends a traditional feel to a kitchen cart. Metal construction (Stainless steel and aluminum are popular) recalls the sleek industrial feel of a professional kitchen. Bamboo and other green materials can be used to create an eco-friendly kitchen cart.
When it comes to storage, kitchen carts feature open shelves, closed cabinets or (on larger models) a combination of both. Choosing a storage method is a matter of personal taste. Shelves make for easy access, while cabinets can create a clutter-free look.
Kitchen carts feature a miniature countertop that can be made of materials similar to those used in traditional kitchen construction. Wood tops can come in a number of designs, including the popular butcher block style. Make sure a wooden top has been treated with a food-safe finish if you intend to use to for food preparation. Stainless steel surfaces create a sleek, modern look that is long lasting and heat resistant. Granite countertops are extremely durable and lend an elegant look to a kitchen cart.
Pimp My Cart
There are hundreds of models of kitchen carts available, making it easy to pick and choose features and options. Drop leaf surfaces can give you extra counter space that hinges away when not in use. Wine racks can keep those extra bottles handy and organized. Pullout drawers are perfect for storing extra silverware and kitchen gadgets. Hooks to hang pots and pans and towel racks are always welcome conveniences.
Need to know more?
- Top 10 Kitchen Countertops
http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitchencounters/tp/tp_countertops.htm - Best Ways to Organize Your Kitchen
http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/kitchen/organize-your-kitchen-00000000007732/index.html - Kitchen Carts and Islands
http://www.prontohome.com/kitchen-carts-and-islands
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