No need to keep ducking in and out of the house — an outdoor kitchen cart makes entertaining outside super convenient. This tiny unit on wheels is the perfect complement to the outdoor kitchen. It ensures that all your drinks and snacks are within arm's reach, and ferrying food, drinks, and cutlery between indoors and outdoors isn't an Herculean task. Plus, these double as the perfect storage units, and can be placed anywhere around the home.
Sometimes known as bar carts or utility carts, these portable units on wheels can conveniently be part of an outdoor setup, and in smaller spaces, even double as a kitchen countertop. In fact, these are perfect for when you do not want to commit to a permanent outdoor countertop or storage unit. They are lightweight, easy to dismantle and transport, and can be used in any new home you move to. Plus, they're less expensive alternatives for permanent grill stations. Outdoor carts are available in several designs to match the outdoor aesthetic and colors, and many brands actually sell full, portable kitchen islands or modular kits so you get that extra space for storage and use.
Keeping all these qualities in mind, I too decided to look for the perfect cart for my outdoor kitchen.
I sought the help of industry experts who guided me on the best designs and even brands to look out for, and I did scout several online retailers too, to find ones that suited every need. 'Along with finding the best designs, do also take a moment to assess the available space in your outdoors to ensure the cart fits effectively and serves its purpose efficiently,' says Kashi Shikunova, director at Yam Studios.
Here are my top 9 cart suggestions. Each one represents high quality, modern design, and ease of use. Get ready to add this cart...to your cart!
Best Outdoor Kitchen Carts
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Price: $115.04
Was: $149.99
33" H X 39.5" W X 25.6" D
Compact, three-tiered, and in a black finish — what's not to like? The best way to choose the right cart style is to go for one that will easily blend with any style of the outdoors. That, and to ensure it is long-lasting. 'Durability is key in choosing carts,' says Erin Hannon-Watkinson, founder of STUDIO HA/WA. 'Consider the materials and make sure they are rated for the outdoors. We recommend stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum.' The two front wheels allow flexibility of movement, and the two back legs ensure stability. The piece can be used even in the courtyard, work studio, or garden. I like how the material's sturdiness ensures that you can place a portable griddle or pizza oven on top without the fear of breakage.
Price: $79.99
Was: $89.99
25"(L) X 19.5" (W) X 33" (H)
A kitchen cart is the perfect accompaniment to an outdoor seating area. I particularly like this one made of acacia wood, which ensures durability, weather resistance, and timeless style. The material also guarantees stability so the unit doesn't easily shake and can be used to ferry glasses, bowls, and hot food. The 2-tier shelves with slat design are great for keeping spirits and cutlery. And, you can move and carry the unit effortlessly thanks to the wheels and handle. During winter, this unit can be used indoors at the home bar. 'Wheels add flexibility to any outdoor kitchen bar cart,' says Erin. 'Not only can it be moved around, but it also transitions from a kitchen cart for preparing meals by the grill to a bar cart for cocktail hour.'
Price: $795
33.75"W x 19.75"D x 37"H
Go for a sculptural piece for your outdoor dining and seating, because not only will it add an aesthetic touch to the porch but also to your living room bar, or kitchen where it can have a secondary use. This piece with a rattan frame and brass accent brings Art Deco charm to organic, modern design. The hand-bent rattan pole, cane weave and brass bindings add a stylish touch and make the piece truly stand out. A pretty unit like this can also double as a decorative feature, to hold art or your choicest memorabilia. Its rattan make ensures that the piece is weather-proof, and just needs to be cleaned with a dry cloth. Its natural colors make it the perfect complement to the outdoors.
Price: $899
31"W x 79"H x 22"D
This is a great way to add color and style to the outdoors! This green-toned trolley can be wheeled past guests as a mobile bar, used as a potting table in the garden, or as a trusty, strong counter to keep sauces next to the outdoor BBQ. Its aluminum body along with an outdoor coating ensures it never rusts, breaks or catches mold. What's more, it is equipped with a removable tray and the unit is installed with a dimmable LED lamp (with a 12-hour battery time) to add functionality and ambiance to wherever it is placed. It is splash-proof and dust-proof and can be cleaned using a simple cloth. Plus, it's available in three colors.
Price: $889
Was: $949
37"W X 25"D X 36"H
'We particularly love the The Hudson Charcoal Bar Cart that combines sleek aluminum and faux-teak accents for an elegant look,' says Erin. The cart has a modern shape shape and features two tiers and a convenient handle. Plus, there's ample storage available to keep food, pots, bowls and more. A design like this works very well in an outdoor bar setting as well, to showcase your favorite bar accessories and spirits Plus, in the sunny afternoons, it can be used as a tea or coffee cart. The powder-coated aluminum construction makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor occasions.
Price: $215
36"H x 41.5"W x 17.75"D
If you're looking for a sturdy, well-equipped fixture for your outdoor kitchen or even your outdoor living room, then this cart is bang for the buck. Made with rubberwood and MDF, this piece with a natural top finish offers plenty of countertop and storage space, with cabinets and drawers. Its wheel lock allows it to stay in place, but also to move easily when needed. 'Since mobility is key, durable castors are essential to ensure smooth operation, otherwise, it could complicate tasks significantly,' says Kashi. 'Opting for high-quality materials is vital to withstand outdoor conditions, and size is very important.' This piece is available in two colors and can fit any interior and exterior scheme.
Price: $39
Was: $79.99
13.78"D x 29.53"W x 33.07"H
If yours is a covered outdoor kitchen, consider a design that looks high-end but with a budget price tag. I like this white marble rolling cart because it is eye-catching but also extremely useful. It is made of a high-quality scratch-resistant metal frame, with a smooth surface and stable frame. The three levels of storage allow you to keep fruits, snacks, cutlery, bottles, and more on it. The bottom tray is equipped with a wine rack, allowing three bottles to be placed easily. Plus, its wheels can rotate 360°to ensure flexibility for daily use. 'I like antique bar carts as they add character and personality to a space, setting the mood for entertaining, and there are so many in the market that will suit any style of home,' says Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove.
Price: $99.99
Was: $109.99
43"D x 32.5"W x 23.5"H
A big outdoor kitchen trend is to use this space as the secondary kitchen, with its own fixtures, furniture, and specialized gadgets. If you've invested in a high-end grill, give it the pride of place with this grill cart made of durable steel with an anti-rust coating. You can also place a pizza oven and accessories on top and convert it into a fully functioning outdoor cooktop. 'The beauty of al fresco cooking is that without the limitations of your indoor kitchen, your outdoor culinary space can be far more flexible,' says our color and trends editor Lilith Hudson. 'Grilling up a feast needn't be restricted to your patio alone. If you want to follow the sun down to the end of your lawn to catch the last of the evening's rays or move your barbecue away from the fresh clothes on the washing line, transportable grills allow just that, and this cart is the perfect accompaniment.'
Price: $173
Was: $202.29
51.2L x 19.7"W x 35.4"H
This outdoor cart offers ample storage space options, including 56-gallon open storage, 70-gallon cabinet storage, and hooks on both sides so you can hang kitchen gloves, fruits, bags, and more. The cart has multi-directional casters, so you can move it freely to any place you need. Plus its wicker body makes it not only weather-resistant but also timelessly stylish. ‘Woven in a clean and seamless manner, this serving station comes with various storage units and the best thing is that it’s portable!,' says our advice and gardens editor, Faiza Saqib. 'So once the summer season comes to an end, you can easily store it away — which is ideal for smaller backyards. If you’re also looking for the best color for outdoor furniture then this beige cart will elevate your backyard in the best way.’
What are the benefits of outdoor kitchen carts?
Outdoor kitchen carts offer flexibility, ease of use, convenience, and also a dollop of style to the outdoors. These create a connection between the indoors and outdoors and allow products, gadgets, food, utensils, bags, cutlery, and more to be moved from one place to the other. Plus, these, when not in use can be placed in the garden area to store plant pots or other garden amenities. Or, used indoors to store china, glassware, and more.
What are the ideal materials for outdoor kitchen carts?
By choosing weather-resistant materials, you can ensure your cart does not rust, fade, or crack. Consider stainless steel (though keep it away from the sun, as it may turn too hot), aluminium, resin, sealed wood, or wicker. These finishes also look smart and are timeless. That said, it's always a good idea to cover your outdoor furniture when not in use. This will ensure their longevity and pristine look. While you could get a polyester cover for your cart, if not, consider wheeling it inside when the BBQ is not in use.
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