“The most important factor to consider when purchasing a freestanding kitchen island is that its size is dimensionally appropriate for the space,” says Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects. “Ideally, you would wish to maintain 42 inches between the perimeter of the kitchen and the island.” Our top pick for a kitchen island is the Crate & Barrel Belmont Kitchen Island because it has ample storage space, a food-safe counter finish, and a drop-leaf for extra seating. Here are the best kitchen islands to make meal prep a breeze. What do buyers say? 160+ Crate & Barrel reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. The Belmont Kitchen Island is a top choice for any home, as it has a classic design that will suit any space and thoughtful features that make it versatile. This island comes in three colors—black, white, and a fun mint green—and it’s topped with a piece of solid rubberwood butcher block that’s been treated with a food-safe oil finish. If those aren’t reason enough to love it, there’s even a drop leaf on one side that can be folded up to accommodate two bar stools for eating, so you can sit and enjoy watching your partner prep a meal. Hang a seasonal tea towel on the side and use the large storage space for pots and pans or extra food storage. The interior shelf is adjustable, so you can customize it to your preferences. The base of this island is made from engineered wood with a rubberwood veneer, and it has two drawers and two enclosed cabinets. The island is supported by tapered wooden legs. It can be mounted on caster wheels for improved portability, but they’re sold separately. Price at time of publish: $599 While certainly chic and affordable, this product does have a few caveats worth noting. First, its top is made from manufactured wood, so you’ll likely want to avoid placing hot or wet objects onto the surface. Additionally, each of the shelves can only support up to 30 pounds, so it’s not the best storage spot for heavy appliances. Price at time of publish: $316 In addition to all its drawers, the island also has a low-slatted shelf for additional storage as well as towel bars on both ends. There are levelers on the bottom of all the legs for stability on uneven flooring, and the piece will be delivered into your home via White Glove delivery. Price at time of publish: $4,595 This prep table has a solid wood butcher block top where you can prep your meals, and there are two metal towel racks on either side. However, the assembly is fairly complex and time-consuming, and it’s important to note that each of the shelves only has a weight capacity of 10 pounds. Price at time of publish: $380 This island is supported by stately columns on each end, and four open shelves offer additional storage. Each side has a towel bar, as well, and the wide cabinet features an adjustable shelf inside. The only downside of this elegant island is that marble can stain if exposed to acidic foods like wine or coffee, so you’ll need to clean it properly. Price at time of publish: $5,995 This portable kitchen island has two drawers, as well as two enclosed cabinets, and there are three adjustable shelves inside for storage. On the exterior, you’ll find a spice rack, towel bar, and even a paper towel holder, allowing you to effortlessly keep essentials at hand. The only downside is that this island is just 18 inches deep, giving you somewhat limited space to work on—however, the flip side of the coin is that the unit is slim enough to push up against a wall as needed. Plus, since it’s so portable, it’s renter-friendly. Price at time of publish: $548 Plus, the brand offers a wide range of matching furniture—including outdoor cabinets—if you want to create a cohesive outdoor kitchen. Price at time of publish: $2,499 On one side, the island has two open, slatted shelves for storage, while the other side is left open for you to tuck stools underneath. It comes with 10 hooks for hanging items off the rack, and the product is backed by a 25-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $694 This kitchen island has a two-door cabinet, one wide drawer, and three open shelves on each end, giving you plenty of space to display decor and kitchen essentials. As for its chairs, they feature a simple, classic design, sporting a full back for support and black vinyl upholstery. Price at time of publish: $1,462 Price at time of publish: $1,399
Functionality
Think about what you most want out of an island. Is it storage? Then shop for one with drawers and cabinets. Are you most excited about the idea of extra workspace? Perhaps one with a butcher block top would be a good fit for you. Imagining how you’ll use the island will help narrow down different features, such as closed cabinets versus open shelves, bar stools, and countertop material.
Plumbing and Wiring
While some islands function as portable workspaces, others are permanent fixtures to a kitchen. If you’re leaning towards the latter, consider the cost and benefits of building in plumbing and wiring. You’d be surprised at how helpful an island sink or electrical plugs can be. Bonus: a fully wired island increases the resale value of your home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written and researched by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. While putting together a list of kitchen islands to include, she interviewed Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects for insights on how to select the best option for your space. She looked at factors such as the materials, size, and features of each island when selecting products to include. “If there are open shelves below the countertop, fill them with matching or coordinating baskets filled with produce or matching canisters filled with goods such as beautiful pastas or dog treats,” recommends Cherry. “For décor items on the surface, purchase an appropriately sized element so as to not overwhelm the work area.” Additional research was done by Megan McCarty, a writer for The Spruce and MyDomaine with over 13 years of experience in both print and digital media. She regularly contributes to design-focused outlets such as Architectural Digest, Domino, House & Home, and Hunker.
