How to Turn a Kitchen Cart Into a Comprehensive Prep Station

If you’ve ever been on Pinterest or browsed organization Instagram accounts, you know that there's no shortage of kitchen cart ideas. And by "no shortage" I mean that there are about eighty billion things you can do with a basic cart. You can turn it into a bar cart, a coffee cart, a craft cart, a cart for towels and linens. But we're Epicurious, so we, of course, want to trick a cart out into a kitchen cart.

We quickly surmised that the best function a cart could have in a kitchen would be as an all-encompassing prep station, where you can get all of your chopping, mincing, and other prep work done—all in one place, with all of the tools you need right on hand. But how to make this idea a reality? We talked to Faith Robertson, an organization expert, for help.

How to shop for a cart

When looking for a cart to build out as a prep station, there are three important things to keep in mind.

1. Make sure there are shelves

Obvious but important! Shelves are key, because you don't just want additional counter space—you want a cart where you can store tools and supplies. "Most people just think of a cart as additional counter space, but it has potential to be so much more than that," Robertson says. "It has potential to be another cabinet space as opposed to just additional work space."

2. Make sure it's a comfortable height for a work surface

It's also important that your cart is the right height to function comfortably as a work station, where you'll chop your produce. (The right height depends on your own height; find a countertop that feels good to you and measure it!)

3. Buy one with wheels

This way you can move your work station around and it'll be where you need it, always. "It allows you to have mobile counter space," Robertson says. "Maybe you’re at your sink washing vegetables, and then you turn around so you can immediately hit that chop block. You can cut right there. You can move it around to be where you need it."

Got those basic requirements met? Cool. Now buy a cart that you like the looks of, and that will fit nicely in your space, and you're good to go. We like this stainless steel cart that has three tiers. It's a tad too short to work for most people, but you can place a thick piece of butcher block on top to add height.

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How to set up your prep station

1. Set the top of the cart up as a chopping surface

On the top of your cart, put a piece of butcher block. If you're using the cart we recommend, you'll likely want a thick slab, like a Boos block, which will be sturdy like a countertop and will add some height to the cart. Robertson recommends thinking of the thick chop block as your counter space, and keeping smaller plastic cutting boards also on the cart. "Keep the chop block out and put plastic or silicone chopping surfaces that you can easily wash off on top of it, just to keep everything sanitary and easy to wash. You don’t want your chopping block to look messy or have a lot of dings on it. It’s part of your kitchen!"

On that chop block, keep a small knife block (you don't need a huge one with tons of unnecessary knives; this three-slot block won't take up too much space). Stock that block with the essential knives: chef's, paring, and serrated. That way, you can pull a knife right out and immediately get to work prepping ingredients.

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2. On the second tier, place your frequently used prep tools, mixing bowls, and shelf-stable ingredients

Robertson recommends putting mixing bowls on the second shelf of your cart, because they're something you always need. Most important, though, is to identify the tools that you use most for prep work, and place them on the second shelf so they're right on hand. "I talk a lot about zoning in kitchens—that’s really important. The most common mistake people make is that they try to create all of these multitude of zones within the cart. If you’re dedicating that cart to prep, keep it prep." So, identify what you need and use frequently. Maybe that's your colander, maybe it's your citrus reamer and ramekins. Maybe it's small glass bowls for laying out all of your ingredients.

And, Robertson notes, don't rule out storing the actual food you're prepping on your cart. "I have my onions in the mixing bowl on my prep cart. That way I don’t have to go and grab them out of the cupboard. I’m always going to be using my onions at my prep station, and this way I can grab them and immediately put them on my chop block to start cutting."

Robertson also recommends putting your frequently used spices and salt and pepper on that second shelf. Maybe your garlic, too. "It’s about eliminating having to find or reach for ingredients you use all the time. Any produce or frequently used foods that don’t need to be refrigerated can go on the cart."

3. On the bottom tier, put often-used appliances

If you use your food processor and stand mixer semi-regularly, the bottom shelf of your cart is a great place for them. It's a good way to keep all of their many parts contained, and you won't have to haul everything out of the cabinet every time you want to bake or shred up ingredients.

But, if you don't use your any appliances very often, don't give them that prime real estate on the cart. Instead, store more supplies you use in prep work, or use the bottom tier to store more pantry ingredients. Again, always keep in mind that the goal is to create a zone, and one that works for your habits and needs.

Other uses for a kitchen cart

Maybe your kitchen isn't lacking for prep space. Maybe you've already got a big Boos block set up on your countertop. Of course, a prep station isn't the only thing you can do with a cart. My boss David places all of his appliances—stand mixer, food processor, blender, etc.—on his wheeled kitchen cart, and then stows it away in a closet. Every time he needs to use them, he wheels it out. Robertson also notes that if you're a frequent baker, putting all of your baking supplies on the cart is a good idea. "You can put all of your flours, chocolate chips, and marshmallows right on the cart with the baking appliances. Have your mixer on the bottom, with your spatulas and whisks, and even your sheet pans can go on the cart," she says. Another great idea from Robertson? Put all of your dishes on your cart—stacks of plates, a cup full of utensils, and bowls. This is great because you can wheel the dishes tableside for dinner parties, and if you have kids, it makes it extra easy for them to grab their own plates and cutlery.

When in doubt, identify the area of your kitchen life that needs designated space and prime, mobile real estate. That's what you should put on your cart—maybe it's all of your coffee and tea supplies, or maybe it's your fermentation station for your kimchi and your sourdough and your pickling. Do what works for you! It's your cart—not Pinterest's.