This Versatile Rolling Island Is a Small Kitchen Game Changer

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If you have the space, part of what makes up a dreamy kitchen and is the key to delicious meals, is a butcher block island. These conventional, traditional masterpieces are staples for cooks near and far because they're both functional and add warmth to any kitchen. What exactly is a kitchen chop block, you may ask? Well, as its name implies, it's a block used in the kitchen for chopping, but unlike a cutting board, it's a massively thick piece of wood that's built right into the island. The purpose of this is that it eliminates the need for cutting boards, increases storage space, and provides a sturdy work surface.

We wanted to find the best ones on the market, so we went ahead and recruited an expert in our search, interior designer Erin Lichy, founder of New York-based firm Homegirl. (You also may have seen her star in The Real Housewives of New York City Season 14.) "If you are frequently cooking and chopping, it would be extremely helpful to have a butcher's block. Additionally, it's highly versatile," she says. "You can use the butcher block for different things: I, for instance, love the idea of hosting a dinner party and placing a cheese and crudités section directly on that part of the island." If you like your furniture to serve multiple functions, you'll be amazed at what a butcher block island can do.

From a tiny kitchen chop block with knife storage to an oval-shaped alternative by a heritage brand, there are plenty of cool options below. Best of all? Our very own shopping editor, Jessica Cherner, even shared the one she had in her first apartment in New York City, which is still available to shop, so for anyone with a small space, add it to cart STAT.

American Heritage Harvest Table

If you've done your due diligence when researching the best butcher block islands, you probably came across the name John Boos & Co., which was founded in 1887. The brand is famous for its sustainable practices, finest hardwoods, and the unique proprietary finish that protects its wood against bacteria. Therefore, feel free to cook every meal atop this sizable table. The three wicker baskets, which are included, only add to this piece's charm. "If you are thinking of buying this and are a little nervous don't hesitate," one reviewer says. "We were able to put together in less than 30 minutes." Their only warning? It's heavy—think nearly 300 pounds, so if you are thinking of putting it together yourself, you may want to reconsider. "Worth every penny and will be a part of my family for generations to come," they add.

Dimensions: 60" W x 30" D x 36" H

Material: Solid wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: Two shelves

Ewart Kitchen Island

We'll start with a traditional kitchen chop block, which featues all of the must-have elements, including drawers, open shelves, and a sturdy surface on which you can prep, chop, and stir. It's also easy to move from one area of the kitchen to another, courtesy of the wheels, which look in place so the unit doesn't swivel when you're working with sharp knives. One reviewer says, "This island was good for our kitchen space. A few inches longer would have been even better." The only drawback some customers faced? Putting the drawers together because of the specific type of tool required to tighten the screws into place: a star screwdriver.

Dimensions: 44" W x 20.5" D x 36" H

Material: Solid and manufactured wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: Two drawers and two shelves

Homestead Block

Because John Boos is the biggest name in the kitchen chop block business, we had to include one more of the brand's best-sellers: this petite square piece that's topped with four inches of maple wood. Plus, you may not be able to see it, but it includes a hidden drawer for keeping cooking utensils nearby. The clearly visible slatted lower shelf is ideal for storing bigger items that have a certain beauty you'd want to display, like a Le Creuset Dutch oven. If the navy paint is a bit too moody for you, opt for the natural wood finish, which matches the block.

Dimensions: 36" W x 24" D x 34" H

Material: Solid wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: One drawer and one shelf

Rolling Kitchen Island

"I had this in my first apartment, which was big enough to fit a rolling butcher block island—perhaps because it was in Atlanta and not New York City, but I digress," says Cherner. "I really leaned into the Southern charm look, which made this bluebell-colored island a perfect buy. Not only does it look sweet in an all-white space, but it was shockingly functional. I'm not entirely sure if this surface was actually meant to be used for chopping food, but I always did and never had any problems. Because the surface is all wood, you don't have to worry about stains or scratches." If blue isn't your thing, it also comes in white.

Dimensions: 52.8" W x 18.1" D x 36.2" H

Material: Solid and manufactured wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: Three shelves, five drawers, and one cabinet

Behling Solid Wood Prep Table

If you have a small kitchen, this Red Barrel Studio prep table is a solid choice. After all, just look at the depth of that chopping block. This pick may be little, but it can handle a beating—or should we say chopping? Plus, it comes with plenty of clever storage options, including hooks for cooking utensils, an open slatted shelf, and two wicker baskets that slide in and out. What's more, the island includes a spoon, spatula, and tongs. One reviewer says, "This is absolutely beautiful. It's a little bigger than I thought, but it is perfect. Very easy to put together and very beautiful." If you're worried about whether or not it will squeeze into your kitchen, be sure to measure your space before ordering.

Dimensions: 30" W x 30" D x 36" H

Material: Solid and manufactured wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: One shelves and two drawers (baskets)

Pro Chef Kitchen Cart

Available in five sizes, this is easily one of our favorite John Boos kitchen blocks. Here's why: After picking the perfect size, you can also decide whether or not you want it to glide around your kitchen by opting for wheels. Otherwise, snag it as is. It may not come with casters, but it does come with a nifty knife holder that fastens to the side of the block, making it highly convenient for meal prep. The only downside is that it's so tiny that there's no room for drawers and shelves.

Dimensions: 18" W x 18" D x 34" H

Material: Solid wood

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: None

Wulfram Kitchen Cart with Butcher Block Top

Designed with a beautiful French country feel, this Winston Porter number is shockingly affordable considering the quality. It's made entirely of solid yellow birch. The only exception? The brass bars, from which you can hang anything with a hook, and the wheels, which lock for safety. "It's the prefect size for the space at the end of the kitchen island. It's very hard to find a kitchen cart that has these features: a genuine butcher block top, shelves, wheels, and is less than 24 inches in depth (this one is a perfect depth of 20)," one review says. "This cart checks all the boxes. It takes around two hours to put together for someone with DIY skills." As is the case with any larger furniture pieces, assembly is hardly easy, but like the reviewer said, all it takes is some patience when thumbing through the setup guide.

Dimensions: 30" W x 20" D x 36" H

Material: Yellow birch

Assembly: Yes

Number of Drawers/Shelves: Two shelves

Meet the Expert

Erin Lichy is a multihyphenate, from flipping homes as an interior designer to starring in The Real Housewives of New York City. Her love for all things design can be attributed to her real estate career (she received her real estate license at just 19 years old) and love for fashion. After earning a sustainable real estate development masters degree from NYU, she opened Homegirl, a full-service design studio based in Manhattan, New York City. She currently has 10 New York projects on her roster, all of which boast the creative's signature design look: clean, elegant, and glossy.

What Are the Benefits of Butcher Block Islands?

The benefits are aplenty, but Lichy has one obvious one that trumps the rest: "The price point," she admits. "You can significantly minimize the cost of your counters if you incorporate a large butcher block section. And if your island is a complete butcher block the savings are even greater. Additionally, they're super easy to clean and add a lot of a character to a kitchen." She's not wrong. Incorporating a well-to-do butcher block island cuts costs in ways you may not realize. For one, butcher blocks are extremely durable, so they last pretty much forever. After all, they're designed to be cut on multiple times a day, so they're pretty tough. This means you won't have to go out and buy new cutting boards or free-standing islands every few yeas. Another key benefit is that you don't really need to prep much before working on it. Just make sure it's clean, grab your veggies, fruits, or meats, and start chopping. They basically improve your productivity in the kitchen in a myriad of ways, starting with simplified processes!

What to Look for in a Butcher Block Island

"Butcher blocks made with end grain are better than edge grain," Lichy explains. "The difference is that edge grain runs along the outside and end grains are where the wood fibers are exposed at the end. End grains are way more resistant to cuts and scarring so they simply last longer." She also recommends buying a piece that feels more durable than a standard island. She adds, "If you're buying a freestanding butcher block, you want to make sure it has some weight to it so it's not moving around. It will also look more luxurious if it's sturdier."

Here are several other considerations to keep in mind:

Material: Remember, butcher block islands are designed to double as food prep space (for chopping veggies, rolling dough, or pounding meat), so opting for a material that is extremely durable and scratch-resistant is key. All chopping blocks are crafted from wood, but which type is best? Our expert says go with maple, cherry wood, and walnut.

Size: The size you choose depends on the space you can spare in your kitchen. If you have a large space in which you spend a lot of time whipping up complicated delicacies, you may want to go with a large butcher block island. Otherwise, feel free to go with a smaller square shape (think 20 by 20 inches). Any smaller won't give you much space to actually prep.

Storage: This is more of a personal preference than it is a necessity, but if you're working in a small space, opting for a kitchen chop block with clever storage is nice. For instance, some come with drawers and shelves while others come with compact knife holders. Some, however, are too small to fit any storage.

How to Clean a Butcher Block Island

When considering a butcher block island for your kitchen, cleaning it is probably top of mind since it's not as easy as popping cutting boards into the dishwasher. Giving it a good scrub is paramount, especially if you have raw meat on its surface, which, if not properly cleaned, can result in bacteria forming and cross-contamination around the home. Here are our suggestions for a streamlined cleanup:

Step 1: Use a soft sponge or microfiber towel to get rid of any visible food scraps. Any material too hard may strip or scratch the wood surface, so use caution when selecting your tool of choice.

Step 2: Fill a bowl with warm water and a splash of dish soap. Mix to combine with your hands then soak a sponge in the mixture, wringing out the excess. Now scrub the counter.

Step 3: Dry it with a microfiber cloth, which is gentler and more absorbent than your typical paper towel. It's also less wasteful!

Step 4: Repeat step two to ensure your island is extra clean. This step is optional, but we highly suggest doing it if you used raw meat on your butcher block.

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, appliances, and kitchen must-haves for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy in the home. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.

For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews and ratings on the best butcher block islands while enlisting an interior designer's expert advice on purchasing the right ones. Cherner also used her own design eye to pick out the most stylish ones on the market for House Beautiful readers.

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