A multi-purpose kitchen utility cart adds storage and working space to a domestic kitchen-area.

A wheeled cart, constructed in a durable chrome steel, solid wood, or a wood-stainless steel combination comes with 2 or 3-tiers, and abundant with useful features, such as open or enclosed storage, a cutting board, knife block, low-level storage shelves, end towel bars and caster wheels for complete portability and mobility in a kitchen or on a patio area.

Carts with locking caster wheels are ideal for stationary or mobile use, while a space-saving drop-leaf – with an ability to give an extra 12-inches in width – gives that extra space when required, while at all other times folds down to allow the cart to fit in a tight nook in a space-restricted kitchen.

A rolling kitchen cart, with spacious top drawer is ideal for storing cookbooks, utensils or similar such items of kitchenware, and the shelves or baskets are perfect for cookware equipment, food items to cutlery or dining ware.

Some of the popular styles of kitchen utility carts include –

• The sleek, clean design of a Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart offers a construction more resistant to heat and corrosion – so ideal to position in a novice to professional chefs cooking area. An all-stainless steel cart, with locking casters, towel car, drawers, and utensil hanger retails in the region of $385 to $475.

• The Butcher Block Kitchen Cart comes with a solid 1.5 to 3-inch thick chopper board top to offer a perfect food preparation or chopping area. A full featured cart with butcher-block, open storage space, and utility drawer, utility hooks for utensils, and resilient rubber casters retails at $195 - $445.

• The appealing design of the Kitchen Island Carts, with its solid wood construction and ample cabinet and drawer space offers adjustable shelves, paper holder, towel holder, and heavy-duty locking casters to provide mobility - these retail at $119 - $369.

Pulling up a stool to a portable kitchen center offers a convenient eating spot for those on-the-go.

All in all, a multi-functional serving cart, island or work-center is a perfect accessory to add extra surface space to a compact-sized apartment kitchen where storage space is often at a premium.