Preparing meals can be tricky, especially if you’re tight on space. A butcher block kitchen island provides an additional work surface, along with more storage options in many cases. Working outdoors? Check out our best outdoor kitchen islands.
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1. Kuhnhenn Kitchen Cart with Solid Wood Top
Price: $359.99Pros:- Durable solid and engineered wood construction
- Locking and removable wheels
- Removable spice and towel racks
Cons:- Only comes with a 30-day warranty
- Requires full assembly
- Stools aren't included
Improve your kitchen aesthetics and while gaining valuable food preparation and storage space with the Kuhnhenn Kitchen Cart. Sturdy solid and engineered wood makes this island a long-lasting addition to your home, which makes it our favorite butcher block kitchen island.
Chop vegetables and prepare meals on top of the solid wood counter, which is 0.8 inches thick. You can even keep meat, veggies and other food at a safe temperature until it’s time to start cooking by using a small fridge freezer. A drop-leaf design allows you to set up a handy breakfast bar or gain over 10 inches of additional working space. The recommended stool height is 24 to 27 inches. You can also lock the wheels in place or remove them for a more permanent solution.
Some carts are more practical than stylish, but this island manages to offer both qualities in one convenient package. Equipped with three interior shelves, three drawers and one cabinet, you can store spices, kitchen knives and other essentials inside this rectangular cart. Brushed nickel hardware adds an elegant and timeless appearance.
The entire island has a 100-pound weight capacity, while the shelves hold 30 pounds. Removable spice and towel racks allow you to customize the cart as needed. Easily wipe up spills using a damp cloth.
Find more Kuhnhenn Kitchen Cart with Solid Wood Top information and reviews here.
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2. Home Styles Orleans Kitchen Island
Pros:- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Fixed feet add stability
- Two spacious storage shelves
Cons:- Shelves aren't removable
- Not recommended for cutting
- Attaching wheels or casters can be tough
Add an elegant touch to your home with the Orleans Kitchen Island. Available with a hardwood or quartz top, this butcher block offers an attractive vintage caramel finish and durable steel construction. The quartz model is slightly pricier, but it’s generally easy to maintain and resists stains for longevity. However, you’ll need a cutting board for full meal prep on either surface.
Both versions feature the same durable powder-coated steel. In addition to lasting longer, it also provides a timeless look. Instead of drawers, you’ll find two fixed shelves to store cookbooks and even a mixing stand.
Some carts roll around, but this one has fixed feet with levelers for stability. Assembly is quick and easy, which makes last-minute entertaining a breeze.
Find more Home Styles Orleans Kitchen Island information and reviews here.
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3. John Boos Maple Top Work Table
Pros:- Corrosion-resistant legs and lower shelf
- Available in several variations
- Lower shelf can be adjusted to various heights
Cons:- Lacks holders for utensils and smaller pans
- Several say mineral oil should be used periodically to maintain the block surface
- Assembly can be tricky
John Boos Maple Top Work Table is part of the JNS Series Tables, which are designed for use in commercial and residential settings. If you’re looking for a butcher block kitchen island with an emphasis on functionality, this John Boos table is a practical choice. According to its website, John Boos & Co. is one of the country’s oldest manufacturers of premium butcher blocks. The company, which has been in business for more than 125 years, now manufacturers metal products in addition to wood.
For starters, the maple top surface has a penetrating oil finish for enhanced resistance to spills, and for added durability. The top is 1.5 inches thick. Both the lower legs and shelf are made with corrosion-resistant galvanized steel. Adjustable feet allow you to use the table on uneven surfaces without worrying about stability.
If food prep safety is a top concern, you’ll appreciate knowing that the table is National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) compliant. According to NSF International, products with an NSF certification undergo rigorous and continued testing to ensure their standards are high enough to maintain certification.
Find more John Boos Maple Top Work Table information and reviews here.
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4. Americana White & Distressed Oak Kitchen Island
Pros:- Fits counter stools up to 24 inches
- Drop leaf extends table surface
- Distressed oak finish offers a timeless appearance
Cons:- May wobble on uneven surfaces
- Some complaints about misplaced holes
- Assembly requires at least two people
Raised detail cabinet doors instantly improve your kitchen aesthetics and make the Americana White & Distressed Oak Kitchen Island appear much pricier than it actually is. Available in three colors and a classic style, this cart is a timeless investment for your home.
If white isn’t what you had in mind, you can find the table in black and distressed oak. Each island features durable Asian hardwood and will comfortably fit counter stools up to 24 inches.
Components such as a gliding storage drawer, adjustable interior shelves and open storage on both ends allow you to stash all the essentials in one handy place. If you need more work or storage space, the included drop leaf extends the island surface by roughly 10 inches.
Find more Americana White & Distressed Oak Kitchen Island information and reviews here.
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5. Hodedah Kitchen Island
Pros:- Includes a spice rack and towel holder
- Available in a wide range of colors
- Assembly is quick and easy
Cons:- Spice shelf is quite small
- Interior shelf can be hard to adjust
- Frustrating assembly instructions
Easily prepare meals in your small kitchen with the space-saving Hodedah Kitchen Island. Its durable compressed wood makes this butcher block a durable investment for your apartment.
Some kitchen islands are limited in terms of style and colors, but you’ll find this kitchen island in a wide range of colors, from cherry to black beech to beech and more. Each version comes with a handy spice rack, which is spacious enough for several small spices bottles or a few larger ones.
The top works just as well for food prep as it does for serving and storing food. In fact, it’s also sturdy enough to hold small appliances, including a small microwave. Measurements are 35.2 inches high and 35.5 to 44.9 inches wide.
A convenient storage drawer is large enough to hold utensils and other smaller items. The attached wheels let you move the island around as needed.
Find more Hodedah Kitchen Island information and reviews here.
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6. Aprilann Kitchen Cart by Red Barrel Studio
Price: $459.99Pros:- Extendable table expands meal prep surface
- Clean lines look elegant
- Three drawers and two cabinets for storage
Cons:- Full assembly required
- Small table is only available on one side
- Doesn't have an open space for stools
Add valuable meal prep and storage space to smaller kitchens with the Aprilann Kitchen Cart by Red Barrel Studio. Crafted from solid and manufactured wood, this island offers understated elegance to enhance your living space. Brushed nickel hardware adds a classy touch.
Chop and prepare food on the thick butcher block, which features solid pine construction. You can easily clean it using a damp cloth. This island is made with ethically sourced hardwood from plantation-grown trees. It’s highly durable and supports up to 275 pounds.
This island has two exterior shelves, including one that pulls out to store spices, towels and accessories. The shelves support up to 30 pounds. You’ll also find three drawers with cup pulls for quick access.
You’ll need to assemble this cart when it arrives. The manufacturer suggests having at least two people for this task. You’ll also want to have a Phillips and/or slot head screwdriver on hand.
Find more Aprilann Kitchen Cart by Red Barrel Studio information and reviews here.
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7. Boraam Sonoma Wire-Brush Kitchen Cart
Pros:- Locking casters make the table easier to transport
- Adjustable storage shelf in the middle
- Comes ready for a quick assembly
Cons:- Only comes in one color and size
- Stainless steel surface is prone to scratches
- Towel holder can be tricky to install
Meal prep just got easier with the Sonoma Wire-Brush Kitchen Cart, which has a durable and versatile stainless steel top. Create gourmet dinners quickly with this no-nonsense island.
The cart also comes with dual storage drawers to stash utensils, cutlery and other smaller kitchen essentials. There’s also an adjustable storage shelf in the middle.
Whether you need to move the table or secure it in place, the locking casters make transporting and securing the table much easier. The shelves have a weight capacity of 50 pounds, while the entire cart can hold up to 200 pounds.
Find more Boraam Sonoma Wire-Brush Kitchen Cart information and reviews here.
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8. Clevr Rolling Bamboo Wood Kitchen Island
Pros:- Comes with four casters for moving the table
- Pull-out drawers provide extra storage space
- Includes a towel rack
Cons:- Wheels aren't very sturdy, and only two lock
- Relatively short
- Average build quality
Maximize smaller spaces with the compact Clevr Rolling Bamboo Wood Kitchen Island. Measuring just 29 inches long, 21.5 inches wide and 35 inches high, this is an ideal solution for apartments and tight kitchens.
Two integrated drawers offer storage space for towels, utensils and accessories. There’s also a space-saving rack on the side for your favorite hand towels and aprons. Additional shelf space provides extra room for pots and pans.
Constructed with durable varnish and kiln-dried bamboo, this island cart is built to last. It’s surprisingly sturdy for its size and supports up to 110 pounds.
Wheel the cart around on its durable casters, which won’t mar your floors. Two of the wheels lock in place for stability.
Find more Clevr Rolling Bamboo Wood Kitchen Island information and reviews here.
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9. Baxton Studio Denver Kitchen Island
Pros:- Made with a combination of rubber wood and engineered wood
- Plenty of storage space
- Lower shelf is removable
Cons:- Some say the white paint scuffs easily
- Assembly can take awhile
- Butcher block is a bit thin
This butcher block kitchen island from Baxton Studio is manufactured in Malaysia using a mix of rubber wood and engineered wood. If you need a bit of extra meal prep space, you’ll appreciate knowing that the top is made with a solid wood butcher block. Simply wipe the table clean if any spills arise. With a towel bar and two open shelves, finding enough storage space shouldn’t be an issue. There’s another shelf inside the cabinet if you require more storage space.
A wine rack shelf is also included if you need a place to stash your favorite beverages. The table comes with four wheels that lock when necessary so you don’t have to worry about the table unexpectedly sliding away.
Whether you prefer to cook, bake, or a bit of both, it's not unusual to find yourself wishing you had just a bit more room for meal prep. A butcher block can be a practical investment, especially when it sits on top of a kitchen island, if you could use the extra storage space as well.
From industrial to modern to a blend of styles, you'll find kitchen island butcher blocks in various sizes, styles and finishes. Some are made with manufactured or engineered wood, while others are constructed of sustainably sourced wood. If you need more room for meal prep, consider a kitchen island with a larger butcher block.
The more compact islands are a sensible choice if you could use a bit more space in general. If portability is a concern (not to mention keeping the table in place when it's in use), consider a table with locking wheels. Some models come with non-marring wheels, so you won't damage your floors when you go to move the table.
As with any cutting board, you'll want to keep the surface of your butcher block island as sanitary as possible. While putting salt on the butcher block is no longer standard practice, a quaternary ammonium sanitizer is your best bet. Not only should you sanitize the cutting block surface, it's a good idea to also sanitize the sponge you used in order to avoid future contamination.