Looking to free up some counter space? Let me give it to you straight. It's a lifelong fight that you'll probably never win. That being said, there are some impactful ways you can get ahead of the game.
The most prominent being a microwave cart.
While these convenient rollers have been around for quite some time, companies have made some serious improvements to make better use of their space. To make your search easier, we've laid out the best microwave carts to date.
Enjoy!
Related Article: Best Over the Sink Dish Racks
Our #1 Pick
The microwave cart that uses every inch of space for optimal storage, the Kealive portable baker's rack has astounding reviews alongside shelves, racks, and hooks to store all kinds of kitchen equipment.
Top 3 Compared
Consider Before You Buy
Size?
Yup, It's time to take the tape measure out. Measure the width, height and depth of the space you have to work with, Especially if you have serious space constraints.
We've included each product's dimensions (as well as weight) at the bottom of the product summaries.
Here are a couple jump links to put you on the right path...
Rollers or Feet?
When first conducting our research, we found that a lot of buyers were unhappy with the wheel function of their unit. Many took the wheels off an opted for a stationary microwave stand.
After a lot of reading, here is our take...
Rollers are convenient for obvious mobility reasons. With that said, adding wheels to a design is just one more variable that can fail over time.
So...
If mobility is a must, we recommend going with units that include both rollers and feet. That way, if the rollers fail over time, you've gotta fresh set of adjustable feet to replace them.
This includes units 1-3 below
If mobility is not a must, we recommend a stationary unit.
This includes units 8-10 below
Storage or Just a Microwave Stand?
While we're on the subject, would more storage be a better option for you? A new desk for the microwave will definitely create some much needed space on your countertops...
but is there anything else you'd like to get off the counter.
Or maybe you'd like to get some of your kitchen appliances out of the cupboards and in a more accessible location?
Either way, we've included both simple 3 level designs, and larger multi-purpose storage rollers. Think about what it is you actually need (and may need in the future) and go from there.
1) Kealive Kitchen Baker’s Rack, Mobile Microwave Cart 35.5" Utility Storage Shelf, 4+3-Tier Shelf for Spice Rack
The most versatile cart on our list, the Kealive Kitchen baker's rack is perfect for those who just need some extra counter space. It has shelves, racks, hooks and counter space to accommodate those extra appliances that you've had trouble storing.
We initially thought this microwave stand had too much going on to be of high quality. It's been our experience that too many features usually results in an inferior product.
We were pleasantly surprised when the vast majority of reviewers commented on the sturdiness of this unit. Kealive made this possible by implementing an "X" reinforced design on the backside. Simple as this tactic may appear, the X keeps the vertical bars from flexing away from each other, allowing this unit to handle up to 66 Lbs.
This cart also has adjustable feet (or wheels) that can accommodate unique (or uneven) flooring. Just spin the wheels left to prop them up, and right to go down. Made of medium density fiberboard (MDF), the microwave stand offers a nice look without the weight or expensive traditional wood.
With over 250 Amazon ratings, this unit has sustained a 4.7 / 5 star review (as of 12/13/2020). Customers repeatedly spoke on the ease of assembly and the sturdiness of this model. There were a few complaints about the instructions being hard to understand. Despite this, many customer said assembly was pretty straightforward.
Dimensions: 35.5 x 15.8 x 53.2 inches
Weight: 39.2 Pounds
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
2) Bestier Kitchen Baker's Rack Utility Storage Shelf Microwave Stand Cart on Wheels with Side Hooks
For those of you with space constraints, this may be the perfect fit for you. With a width of just under 2 feet, this cart's narrow design makes it fit comfortably in most kitchen layouts.
But for what the Bestier utility rack lacks in width, it makes up for in height. At 48.6" tall, the 4 shelves are spacious and can accommodate most of your everyday kitchen appliances.
Each level has its own weight capacity, so as you make your new storage plans, keep these numbers in mind. The two bottom shelves have a weight capacity of 30 Lbs, the third shelf up 40 Lbs, and the top shelf 20 lbs.
On top of the 4 shelves, it comes with 3 side "S" hooks for hanging miscellaneous utensils. The second shelf up has a pull-out mechanism that allows it to extend out for easy access.
The cart comes with the option of wheels or leg pads, both of which are fully adjustable. The shelves are made of P2 board, which is waterproof, sturdy and durable.
With over 250 Amazon ratings, this cart has sustained 4.6 / 5 star review (as of 12/13/2020). People continually responded with how simple assembly was and how well it fit their particular space. There were several complaints about the wheels not moving freely and the materials us being cheap.
Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.7 x 48.6 Inches
Weight: 13 Lbs
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
3) IRONCK Industrial Kitchen Cart 3-Tier, Rolling Serving Cart on Wheels with Storage, Microwave Cart for Kitchen
Yes simplicity at its finest, the IRONCK 3-tier microwave cart carries all of its value in its high quality materials. Simple designs with heavy duty construction breed longevity and dependability...
Plain and simple.
This rings especially true for the IRONCK microwave cart, reflected by its incredibly high customer reviews. With over 550 Amazon ratings this model has sustained a 4.8 / 5 star review (as of 12/13/2020).
The ratings are nothing short of remarkable.
A solid metal frame, metal grid shelves and a medium density fiberboard (MDF) countertop are the only 3 materials used (besides the hardware that is) Everything is connected via hex-bit bolts that are easily installed using an Allen wrench.
The unit comes with feet and rollers to accommodate your particular needs. Both are adjustable by turning the left to extend and right to shorten. Based off the customer responses, assembly shouldn't take more than half an hour.
One of the most attractive features of this rolling cart is that you can always change its function down the line. Use it as a microwave cart, storage shelf for the garage, or simple laundry cart. The uses for this cart are pretty much endless.
Dimensions: 24 x 16.1 x 30.3 inches
Weight: Unknown
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
4) Boraam Wood & Stainless Steel Drop Leaf Kitchen Cart, Barnwood Wire-Brush
Most of the microwave carts you'll find on this list are what you'd call "light-duty". They're created using cheaper parts so companies can sell them for a reasonable price. We can't really argue with the logic here.
However...
We definitely see the value in paying a little extra to find a high quality, heavy duty product. While the Baraam kitchen cart features a simple design, it has a few features that make it a very attractive piece...
1) A 200 Lb counter weight capacity and 50 Lb shelf capacity. With strong and durable rubberwood, this unit can easily withstand the weight of any kitchen items you plans to put on it (with reason).
2) A stainless steel surface to resist wear and offer easy cleaning.
3) A look that makes it seamlessly fit in with higher-end kitchens.
We could tell you all about the raving reviews, but we think it's better you see it for yourself. Go on Amazon and look at the first page of reviews. People posted pictures, movies, and ecstatic essays remarking how much they loved the Boraam Wood kitchen cart.
They also offer barnwood wire brushed, chestnut, and storm grey wire colors so you can mend it into your kitchen perfectly. The castors can easily be locked or unlocked to suit your mobility needs.
With over 700 Amazon ratings, this kitchen cart has sustained a 4.7 / 5 star review (as of 12/14/2020). People continually spoke on how fantastic it looks and how sturdy it feels. There were a few complaints about damaged or missing pieces but these reviews were usually updated with great remarks about customer service.
Dimensions: 31.5 x 44 x 36 inches
Weight: 70 pounds
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
5) VASAGLE Kitchen Baker’s Rack, Microwave Oven Stand Storage Cart, Printer Stand, 3-Tier Serving Cart with Metal Frame and 6 Hooks
Very similar to the IRONCK model (including both having exceptionally high Amazon reviews) above with the exception of the bottom two racks. This unit features wood on all shelves instead the metal grated racks.
The wood will usually complement the kitchen a little better without looking so industrial. Vasagle makes high quality furniture for a fraction of competitor prices. Vasagle also made a freestanding pantry that made it onto our best freestanding kitchen pantry cabinets review.
The 3 shelves are made of simple particle board to offer durability and a lower cost. You'll find 3 metal rods on both the left and right side that can be used to hold utensil hooks. The unit comes with 6 "S" hooks but you can always invest in more if need be.
The "X" support beams on the back help the cart to keep its strength through the years of use. The company boasts a simple, 15 minute assembly time which was validated by a dozen customer responses.
With over 350 Amazon ratings, this kitchen cart has sustained a 4.8 / 5 star review (as of 12/14/2020). People continually spoke on how high the quality was for the price and the ease of assembly. There were a few complaints about damaged parts or unaligned hardware, but the company seems to take care of any issues very quickly (hence why this product has such high reviews).
Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.7 x 35 inches
Weight: 21.8 pounds
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
6) International Concepts Microwave Cart, Unfinished
A completely customizable, unfinished microwave cart that you can paint to your liking. For those of you who are extra picky about the colors you add to your kitchen (you know who you are ;)), you can paint it any which way you'd like.
Also, if you like the look of this cart, there are some pre-painted versions that can offer you a unique look for your kitchen. Color options include black/natural, cinnamon/espresso, and oak.
Made of high quality rubberwood, this unit will grant you all the perks of real wood without the high price tag. They also boast "ecological soundness" by planting a tree for everyone they cut down for production.
The unit is equipped with locking castors that make transportation as simple as a push. Once you've found your ideal location, lock the castors and you've got yourself a sturdy table.
With over 120 Amazon ratings, this cart has sustained a 4/7 / 5 star review (as of 12/14/2020). People continually spoke on the sturdy, functional design and the easy painting and staining process. There were a few complaints about the quality of the castors and the lack of installation holes for the screws.
Dimensions: 17 x 26 x 30 inches
Weight: 37 pounds
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
7) Linio-home Microwave Carts Rolling Kitchen Island Cart with Wheels, White Kitchen Cart with Storage and Drawers
A similar item to others in terms of functionality, but offers some cool features others lacked. For one, it has a built-in drawer that can act as another storage compartment for things you'd like out of sight.
Most importantly, this car offers lighter colors that fit perfectly with those with white cabinets. The company also offers a black unit with a similar color top wood. Take a look at the Amazon photos and see what'd fit best with your particular arrangement.
The shelves are slatted so you can store round items on their side (wine, champagne, beer bottles). The included side rack works both as a towel holder and a comfortable means of pushing this thing around.
Of the 4 castor wheels, two are lockable, allowing for a simple "unlock and go" functionality. The top shelf handles up to 44 lbs and the 2nd/3rd shelf max is 22 lbs. This should easily handle your everyday kitchen storage needs.
With over 40 Amazon ratings, this cart has sustained a 4.7 / 5 star review (as of 12/15/2020). People continually spoke on the convenient drawer and the matching design for their kitchen. There were a few complaints about the instructions and difficulty assembling. Make sure and call their customer service if you have any issues.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
8) Tenozek 3-Tier Microwave Cart Kitchen Baker's Rack Wood Microwave Stand Kitchen Island Storage Cart Utility Storage Shelf with 6 Hooks White Oak (White Oak)
After reading a to of reviews, one of the most common responses is how people wished they could bypass the wheels. The Tenozek microwave cart offers the versatility of our #1 pick, but without the included wheels.
In other words, this thing will not be rolling around.
To move it you'll have to take the items off, or you'll need some extra help for minor transportations. So, if you've gotta nice spot where the stand can find permanent residency, this might just be the pick for you.
The image below shows a light oak color, but there are also black and brown variations. Just click the link below to check out the color options.
The unit features two tiers on the left and 3 tiers on the right. The top right tier is a retractable wire rack compartment that is great for extra glassware. The left side is equipped with several beams that can hold the included 5 "S" utensil hooks.
With over 70 Amazon ratings, this microwave stand has maintained a 4.7 / 5 star review (as of 12/15/2020). People repeatedly spoke on how much counter space it freed up and how sturdy it was. There were a few complaints about the cheapness of the hardware included.
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
9) Mr IRONSTONE Kitchen Baker's Rack Vintage Utility Storage Shelf Microwave Stand 3-Tier + 3-Tier Table for Spice Rack Organizer Workstation
Mr Ironstone created a simple, versatile, non-mobile microwave stand that features everything you could ever want for extra storage. Two tiers on the left and 3 tiers on the right allows for ample use of the space.
The most notable feature of this microwave stand are the customer reviews. With over 2400 Amazon ratings, this unit has sustained a 4.8 / 5 star review (as of 12/15/2020).
After 2400 reviews, the usual "it's too early to tell" excuse for high reviews is no longer valid. The results are in...
People absolutely loved this microwave stand.
With 4 shelves, 1 wire rack, 10 "S" hooks and a large countertop space, showcasing your kitchen equipment becomes that much easier. The low cost medium density fiberboard (MDF) shelves offer the "real wood" look without the heavy price tag.
The wire rack pulls out for easy access and the feet are adjustable to accommodate uneven flooring. The Ironstone microwave stand was designed to be as convenient as possible.
If you're unsure about the product, check out the Amazon customer reviews. You'll find pretty quickly how happy people were with their purchase.
Our rating:
5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
10) DlandHome Microwave Cart Stand 35.4 inches, Kitchen Baker's Rack Utility Storage Shelf Microwave Stand
Don't be misled by the the number 10. The DlandHome microwave stand easily stands up to the reviews and designs of any carts on our list. Just FWI, we don't order products from best to worst, we order them in a way that we think is practical for readers.
This is another high quality, stationary microwave stand that should stand up to most of your usual storage needs. Two shelves on the left and two shelves on the right all offer their own unique spacial constraints.
The "X" support beams on the back help keep the unit sturdy, as many customers validated.
With over 260 Amazon ratings, this microwave stand has maintained a 4.7 / 5 star review (as of 12/15/2020). People continually spoke on the easy assembly, bright look, and convenient storage space. There were a few complaints about hardware deformities and parts coming damaged. Get in contact with the company if you experience anything of the sort. They boast, "If your item arrives damaged in any way, we will send you a replacement".
Our rating:
4.5 / 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Concluding
Another solid way to free up that precious kitchen counter space. Microwave carts are convenient, versatile and surprisingly affordable.
We hope this guide was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to leave a note below.
Cheers,
Michael
Founder of Robust Kitchen