Wirecutter Journalists’ Smart Solutions for Limited Counter Space
In 2022, I moved into a small townhouse with a 30-square-foot kitchen. As you can imagine, countertop space was nearly nonexistent, so I purchased the Amazon Basics Portable Kitchen 3-Tier Storage Rack, which has a sleek wood top, adjustable shelves, and wheels that lock for added stability.
Over the past three years, that freestanding kitchen island has served many functions in two different apartments. In my previous apartment, it was a dedicated coffee station. Now, it’s storage for small appliances that don’t fit in my cabinets, as well as a place for my bulky printer.
The rack is easy to disassemble and reassemble. When moving across the country, I packed up the parts into a box before shipping the cart off to its new home. And when I don’t want it in the way, such as when I’m hosting company, I break it down and stash it in a closet.
Although the frame isn’t as sturdy as those of the other options on this list, and the rack tends to wobble if I’m vigorously chopping on top of it, its portability and compactness have made it a staple in my kitchen. And despite its simple design, it offers a surprising 175-pound capacity. Plus, it’s relatively affordable.
