Center of Attention: Kitchen Island vs Kitchen Cart

If you've got the ample space, it's safe to say that just about any modern kitchen remodeling project isn't complete without a central kitchen island or kitchen cart. Both the cart and island provide a free standing counter space with 360 degree access, but whereas the cart is usually on wheels and completely mobile, the kitchen island is a typically larger, permanent installment. Choosing between the two, then, comes down to a matter of convenience, value, and flexibility.

Kitchen Island Kitchen Cart

Kitchen Island

First and foremost, a well designed kitchen island can transform your kitchen into a far more socially inviting room, allowing you to look people eye to eye while you wash dishes or prepare food. It also adds a major dash of elegance and resale value to your home. Of course, in the short term, it'll cost you a whole lot more than a transportable kitchen cart, but a kitchen island has a lot of potential functions that a cart can't come close to offering. That's because, as a permanent part of your kitchen, an island can be equipped with electrical wiring and plumbing, allowing for the installation sinks, stove-tops, and special lighting. Once these elements are included, your kitchen island can go from a convenient, aesthetic addition to an essential part of your daily activities.

Kitchen Cart

Kitchen carts, while often made from the same fine wood or stainless steel as an island, certainly have their limitations. However, as smaller, simpler alternatives to islands, carts can prove ideal for homeowners looking to maintain some flexibility while saving space, time, and money. Since they're typically on wheels, kitchen carts can be wheeled in for special occasions, such as the preparation of a Thanksgiving dinner, and then returned to another location to clear space afterwards. Sure, a cart isn't going to add any resale value to your home, but the nice thing is, you can take it with you to your next house!

And the winner is. . .

If you're serious about a first class kitchen remodeling job, a permanent kitchen island is the way to go. The convenience, beauty, and multi-functionality is just hard to beat. However, whether you're an island fan or a cart fan, I welcome you to share your thoughts and comment below. There are no wrong opinions in the Home Improvement Showdown!