The Best Butcher Block Carts for Ambitious Home Cooks

Butcher block carts are growing in popularity among home cooks looking to upgrade their kitchen functionality. Unlike standard kitchen carts, butcher block carts feature a thick, durable wooden cutting surface reminiscent of a traditional butcher's chopping block. Paired with ample storage options like drawers and shelves, as well as mobility via wheels, these carts make an excellent addition for cooks wanting more prep space, organization, and flexibility in their kitchen.

From chopping vegetables to kneading dough, a quality butcher block cart can handle the demands of an enthusiastic home chef.

What is a Butcher Block Kitchen Cart

A butcher block kitchen cart is a wheeled cabinet featuring a wooden chopping block surface, often made of hardwoods like maple or cherry. The thick block can resist deep knife cuts, won't easily stain or warp, and provides a spacious, stable area for food preparation tasks.

In addition to the cutting board top, most butcher block carts offer storage solutions like:

• Drawers
• Cabinets
• Spice racks
• Stemware hangers
• Towel bars
• Knife blocks

Locking caster wheels enable smoothly rolling the unit around the kitchen to where extra prep space is needed. Various sizes and custom options allow tailoring to home chefs' needs.

Benefits of Adding a Butcher Block Cart

Extra Food Prep Area

The thick wooden surface stands up to heavy use, allowing intensive ingredient preparation. Generous size provides ample room for tasks like rolling dough, batter mixing, and chopping vegetables. Models with pull-out extensions increase the workspace even more.

Durability: Butcher's block kitchen carts are known for their durability due to the thick, dense end grain wood used for the cutting surface. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty food preparation tasks, such as cutting meat, poultry, and vegetables. However, proper care and maintenance, such as regular oiling and avoiding the use of harsh chemicals, are necessary to ensure the longevity of the butcher's block.

Storage & Organization

Keep appliances, cookware, utensils tidy but easily accessible via the butcher block cart's storage options. Multiple drawers conveniently sort tools, while cabinets neatly store stand mixers, sheet pans, and serving platters. The cart contains kitchen clutter in one organized moveable unit.

Mobility & Flexibility

Caster wheels allow smoothly rolling the cart anywhere in the kitchen for prepping ingredients or serving buffet-style. Locking the wheels in place keeps the unit stationary and steady while chopping and slicing. Easily shift the cart's location depending on cooking needs.

Quality & Durability

Constructed from thick planks of wood, the cutting surface resists stains, doesn't easily gouge or scrape, and lasts for many years with proper care. The rugged build quality also supports heavyweight tasks. It's a smart alternative to flimsier plastic or bamboo boards.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Model

Types of Wood

Common wood species used for the butcher block top include:

• Maple: Very hard and dense. Excellent stain and water resistance. Easy to maintain. Pale color shows knife marks.
• Cherry: Dense, tight grain. Ages to dark reddish hue. Prone to staining.
• Walnut: Hardness varies between trees. Rich dark shade. Requires more oiling.
• Rubberwood: Affordable hardwood alternative. Durability nearly matches maple. Finishes well.

Consider appearance, upkeep requirements, and durability when choosing wood type.

Size Options

Standard butcher block cart dimensions range from 2 to 4 feet long. Bar cart style units suit smaller kitchens. Larger families may prefer 4 foot carts. Measure your existing space to find sizes that fit.

For extra long prep area, some companies offer carts with extension leaves that pull out an additional 10+ inches. These expandable carts allow tailoring the workspace to current needs.

Storage Design

Closed door cabinets neatly hide small appliances, pots and pans, while open shelves provide easy access to cooking tools. Consider your organizational needs. Models with a mix of closed and open storage provide the most versatility.

Spice drawers, knife blocks, and stemware racks are popular built-in features. Look for butcher block carts with storage options suited to how you cook and entertain.

Mobility Features

Wheels determine how easily the cart maneuvers:

• Locking casters allow rolling then locking in place for safe chopping.
• Non-locking wheels roll smoothly but slide around during food prep.
• Ball bearing casters spin effortlessly. Best for frequent cart movement.

Handles integrated into the sides simplify pushing the cart to relocate it. Flip-down brakes keep the unit stationary when needed.

5 Best Butcher Block Kitchen Carts

These highest rated butcher block carts suit a range of budgets and kitchen setups:

1. Southern Enterprises Gavin Butcher Block Cart

Rustic two-tone finish. Slatted lower shelf. Pull-out cutting extension. 4 caster wheels with locks. Customize drawer configuration.

2. Hodedah Kitchen Island

Spacious 4 foot size. Natural wood top. Towel rack and spice storage. Open lower shelf. Budget-friendly option.

3. Catskill Craftsmen Hybrid Butcher Block Cart

Durable rubberwood surface. Stainless steel hardware. 2 drawers and 2 cabinet doors. Industrial metal base with wheels.

4. Origami Foldable Kitchen Cart

Folds completely flat for storage. Chopping board and utility rack shelves. Easy mobility with carrying handle.

5. Custom Craft Butcher Block Carts

Premium solid wood build. Customize size, wood type, features like stemware holders. Match existing kitchen decor.

Styling Your Butcher Block Cart

Custom options like wood finishes or a painted base let your butcher block cart coordinate with current kitchen aesthetics. Walnut stain or a coat of paint complements some color schemes.

Accessorize using matching bins, racks, or containers to organize interior storage. Line lower shelves with decorative paper or tile to suit your tastes. Display favorite cookbooks or accent pieces on the upper surface around the cutting board area.

For home chefs ready to elevate their culinary skills, a quality butcher block cart makes an excellent and stylish addition to any kitchen. The thick durable cutting surface can handle intense food prep workloads. Integrated storage keeps tools and ingredients organized yet easily accessible. Caster wheels empower flexibility to move the cart where extra space is needed.

Butcher block carts allow ambitious cooks to comfortably tackle more complex recipes involving lengthy prep work or large batches. Models with custom sizing ensure even the smallest kitchens can benefit. With their rugged builds and smooth mobility, these carts are designed to be long-lasting kitchen partners for serious cooking enthusiasts.