The 7 Best Kitchen Islands

Best Overall: Southern Enterprises Denning Industrial Kitchen Island

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If you’re looking for a simple (but substantial) kitchen island at a great price, the Southern Enterprises Denning Industrial Kitchen Island is our choice for best overall piece. It’s under $500, with a subtle industrial style that looks modern and fresh. It’s made from medium-density fiberboard , a material created with recycled wood and resin, and measures 22" x 45" x 34." In addition to the standard countertop, it also offers a towel rack and three draws for extra storage. The medium wood and black color combo make it an especially good choice for darker kitchens without becoming overpowering or feeling too heavy.

Though there’s some assembly required, the simple design means that construction isn’t frustrating or complicated. Best of all, the island comes with a one-year warranty. If you're looking for a simple but stylish piece for your kitchen, the Southern Enterprises Kitchen Island is the way to go.

Best Antique Look: Home Styles Large Kitchen Island Set

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When selecting a kitchen island, it is important to consider the design of your kitchen and find a piece that fits as naturally into the style as possible. An antique-style island, like the Home Styles Americana Kitchen Island, is a great choice for a large, farmhouse-inspired kitchen. It’s a piece that will catch your guests’ eyes and provide a place to hide those pots and pans. Made from solid hardwood and veneer, it measures 42” x 24” x 36”, so it’s perfect for a large, open space. It’s topped with a distressed oak board to give you more cutting and prep space, and features a large storage cabinet and an easy-glide drawer. For a little more money, you can add expert assembly (though reviewers say it’s fairly easy to put together yourself).

Besides the white finish, this island also comes in natural and black so you can match it to your own cabinets.

Best Expandable: INSPIRED by Bassett Farmhouse Basics Island

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There are many reasons people seek out a kitchen island, and counter space is definitely high on the list. An island with a drop leaf is a great choice if you find yourself struggling to find prep space during Sunday supper, but would like to save space whenever it’s not in use. The Bassett Farmhouse Basics Kitchen Island is made from solid wood with a 3/4-inch granite inlay countertop to aid in kitchen prep. It measures 57.5” x 23” x 36.2,” with a drop leaf to add extra counter space or an additional seating area.

The Shaker-style Bassett island features endless storage, with dividers for cutting boards, shelves for pans and three drawers for your various knick knacks. It comes in oak, black or white and weighs 249 pounds, so it’s a sturdy and durable piece. If you’re looking for a higher-end island with extra counter space, the Basset Kitchen Island is a purchase you won’t regret.

Best Modern: West Elm Rustic Kitchen Island

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A modern loft-style kitchen needs a contemporary kitchen island, like this one from West Elm. This acacia wood and stainless steel island looks like it’s straight out of a chic New York cafe. It measures 46" x 30" x 38," and works just as well for seating guests as it does for slicing and dicing veggies. It’s ideal for kitchens that are more in need of counter than storage space, as it doesn’t have any concealed cabinets built into it. Instead, it features a single shelf, perfect for stacking chic cookbooks or displaying fancy cookware.

If you’re looking for a kitchen island that’s style-forward, this is a great choice. Pair it with an industrial bar stool or two to complete the look.

Best with Seating: Beachcrest Home Rabin 3 Piece Kitchen Island Set with Granite Top

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The beauty of a kitchen island lies in its versatility. One day it’s the perfect prep area for a sous chef, the next it’s hosting sleepy Sunday breakfasts. The Beachcrest Home Rabin 3-Piece Island Set is a piece that works overtime, suiting nearly every need. It’s 36.25" x 48" x 37" and packs a big punch with every inch. It comes with two stools and a table area for seating, four adjustable shelves, a storage drawer and cabinet and a metal foot rest. It’s made of solid hardwood and has a granite inlay for safe chopping.

Reviewers note that the piece takes upwards of two hours and a lot of muscle to put together, but that the end result is well worth it. The Beachcrest Home Rabin Kitchen Island makes a statement in any kitchen, and will easily turn into your most used piece of furniture.

Best Butcher Block: Powell Color Story Black Butcher Block Kitchen Island

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Home chefs know the value of a great butcher block, and a kitchen island dedicated to this particular tool is a great way add prep space without taking up your counter. The Powell Color Story Black Butcher Block Island runs 30” x 30” x 36.2” and comes with two drawers for extra storage. But the real draw of this piece is its solid wood block top — the perfect canvas for any of your cooking needs. It also includes a matching spoon, spatula and tongs, as well as some hooks for easy access.

If you want a piece that tells every guest “I love to cook,” this is it.