Kitchen islands are among the most in-demand features for new or remodeled kitchens, as they can make the space considerably more functional and enjoyable. But choosing the right island can be complicated since your options can range from simple, portable units to very complex permanent structures that incorporate built-in appliances, and plumbing or wiring service. Your most important choice will be between a portable/mobile type of island, and some form of fixed, permanent island that is served by utilities. No matter what kind of island you get, make sure the placement is functional. In increasing order of complexity and investment, you’ll find five options to consider when choosing which kitchen island is best for you and your space. Rolling carts can also be locked in a central location on a semi-permanent basis in a small galley, U- or L-shape kitchen layout, but moved when more open space is required. There are even small portable dishwashers with butcher block tops that provide a moveable work surface around the kitchen.
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Mobile kitchen island/carts work well in any small kitchen or for homeowners who move frequently. Even if your kitchen has a larger, full-service island, adding a mobile cart gives you more flexibility and options for storage. To avoid triggering the electrical code’s requirement for the installation of receptacles, do not affix this type of island to the floor. In this way, they technically are considered portable units. You may also be surprised at the smallness of these islands: Since they are sold flat-packed and are often freighted or mailed to you, they need to be rather compact, and four feet long tends to be the maximum length.
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This kitchen island is ideal for small but heavily used kitchens. It works well in apartments, condos, or in galley- or corridor-style kitchens. This type of island can be good for smaller kitchens, since it has a lighter visual footprint. It can also be a good choice if you prefer to sit at a stool with your knees beneath the counter while doing food preparation.
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This type of kitchen island is best for adding affordable working space with a light visual imprint. Work tables can be tucked away when not needed. Plus, they give you a chance to try out the kitchen island experience before making the costlier decision to install a permanent kitchen island. But because this type of island is a fixed-in-place unit, building codes consider it to be a built-in that will require electrical service if the countertop is larger than 12 x 24 inches.
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This type of kitchen island can be installed in a wide variety of kitchens, and it’s a good starting point even if you think you may eventually want more services. In this case, one option is to run wires down from the ceiling through one or two pillars that serve both as structural support for suspended upper cabinets and chases through which electrical cables can be hidden.
The installation costs for this kind of island can skyrocket due to the addition of plumbing. The sink’s supply and drainage do not conveniently tap into the main plumbing lines hidden inside walls. Thus, your island’s lines will have to run into and under the floor to connect to the main water supply and drain lines. Providing proper drain venting adds a further complication to this installation. This is often done through a special high-loop inside the cabinet that then routes down below the floor to link up with a traditional wall vent stack running up through the roof. Another option, if allowed by code, is a special air-admittance valve (AAV) that fits inside the cabinet to allow fresh air into the system to prevent siphoning which can occur as water drains.
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Large, open-concept kitchens are best suited for this type of full-function kitchen island. Adding all of these services to the island isn’t cheap, so you’ll need to have a good reason for adding them. Unless you’re a cook who needs an auxiliary cooking and prep area, it’s often best to stick with a more basic type of island. This type of island is ergonomically correct: the optimal counter height for a standing cook is 36 inches, and the best height for a bar top is 42 inches. But the ledge from the cooking surface to the eating surface cuts back on total preparation space.
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A double-tier kitchen island is best for large family kitchens, entertainment kitchens, or for residents who do a lot of in-kitchen dining. The right choice depends on your available space, your budget, and whether or not you will need electrical and plumbing service on your island. Although the investment in a full-featured island may seem prohibitive, its impact on home value may make it the best choice in the long run. Space considerations include more than just square footage. For example, although you may technically have the space for a large kitchen island, it may not make sense for the way the appliances are placed. For example, if the refrigerator is across the room from the oven, you don’t want to have to walk around a large obstacle every time you need an ingredient. In such cases, a smaller island—or even a portable unit—might make the most sense.
