Movable or Fixed Kitchen Island: Which One For You?
Consider the pros and cons of each to decide which best fits your space and needs
Verlaine Marquez
14 November 2019
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five years, and now a full-time freelance writer for various online and print publications for the past decade and counting. Part-time crafter, wannabe gardener, and breast cancer thriver.
Houzz Singapore Contributor. Former editor for a home and design magazine for five... More
It’s easy to see why a kitchen island is a much-coveted feature, whether you are planning for a new kitchen or about to renovate your existing space. It serves as the kitchen’s centrepiece, providing a comfortable space for preparing and cooking, as well as a welcoming spot for family and friends to gather around.
So the next thing to think about is, what kind of island should you have and what works in your space? There are two types to choose from: fixed islands and movable islands (also known as rolling carts). Both can offer a great deal of work and storage space to your kitchen, but each has its own pros and cons as well. Here are some things worth considering as you plan for your island.
So the next thing to think about is, what kind of island should you have and what works in your space? There are two types to choose from: fixed islands and movable islands (also known as rolling carts). Both can offer a great deal of work and storage space to your kitchen, but each has its own pros and cons as well. Here are some things worth considering as you plan for your island.
1. How much space do you have?
Before deciding on an island, fully measure out your kitchen’s open floor space. It is crucial to check whether there is adequate space between the island and the rest of cabinets. This will help you determine which type is compatible with your space, and if it will help or inhibit the traffic flow in the kitchen.
Fixed islands generally take up a lot of floor space, so adequate clearance must be considered. To ensure safe movement around the island, it is best to have a walk space of at least 900 millimetres. “If cabinet doors (generally 500 to 600 millimetres wide) open from either side into the aisle, then we should be looking at 1200 millimetres,” says William Ng of Studio Wills + Architects. Other things to consider are clearances for drawers and appliance doors for fridges, ovens, etc.
Before deciding on an island, fully measure out your kitchen’s open floor space. It is crucial to check whether there is adequate space between the island and the rest of cabinets. This will help you determine which type is compatible with your space, and if it will help or inhibit the traffic flow in the kitchen.
Fixed islands generally take up a lot of floor space, so adequate clearance must be considered. To ensure safe movement around the island, it is best to have a walk space of at least 900 millimetres. “If cabinet doors (generally 500 to 600 millimetres wide) open from either side into the aisle, then we should be looking at 1200 millimetres,” says William Ng of Studio Wills + Architects. Other things to consider are clearances for drawers and appliance doors for fridges, ovens, etc.
A movable island is usually ideal for a compact kitchen because it can be narrow and/or small. It doesn’t take up valuable floor space and allows more flexibility in the layout. It can be shifted around or rolled into another room, say, if you need more space when entertaining, cooking, or even cleaning.
2. Are appliances and electrical outlets to be fitted into the island?
If you are going to incorporate a prep sink, a hob, an oven, or even a wine fridge, then a fixed island is the one for you. “The main considerations are the plumbing system and electrical supply. These need to be fixed to the floor or wall. If you are to have any of these planned on the island, then your island must be done in a fixed way,” says designer William Chan of Spacedge Designs.
If you are going to incorporate a prep sink, a hob, an oven, or even a wine fridge, then a fixed island is the one for you. “The main considerations are the plumbing system and electrical supply. These need to be fixed to the floor or wall. If you are to have any of these planned on the island, then your island must be done in a fixed way,” says designer William Chan of Spacedge Designs.
Pop-up outlets and power strips can also be integrated and well hidden in a fixed island.
A movable island, on the other hand, is not equipped to handle electricity or water inlet/discharge. It works best in a space that doesn’t require an extra cooking source or washing zone, but needs an additional worktop for food prep, or a dining area.
3. What items do you plan to store in the kitchen island?
Determine how much storage you need to integrate into your island. Fixed islands can manage plenty of storage – from drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils to additional cabinetry for dinnerware, pots and pans.
Some fixed islands have open shelves, where frequently used dinnerware, glassware or other knick-knacks are kept. Since the island does not move, there is no fear of items falling and breaking. This can be handy especially if you use the island often for casual dining.
Determine how much storage you need to integrate into your island. Fixed islands can manage plenty of storage – from drawers for cutlery and cooking utensils to additional cabinetry for dinnerware, pots and pans.
Some fixed islands have open shelves, where frequently used dinnerware, glassware or other knick-knacks are kept. Since the island does not move, there is no fear of items falling and breaking. This can be handy especially if you use the island often for casual dining.
A small and narrow movable island can be limiting in terms of storage space. Most rolling islands usually have open shelving underneath, so it is best not to put a lot of breakable items here. Think of how many heavy items to plan to store here. If you see the need to wheel away the island often, it might not be practical keep them there.
You also have the option to build open shelves or a pot rack over the island. This works for either type of island, creating more storage solutions.
You also have the option to build open shelves or a pot rack over the island. This works for either type of island, creating more storage solutions.
4. Will the kitchen island function as your main dining space, or merely double as an additional eating area?
A small kitchen can benefit from incorporating the dining area into the kitchen island. This can save you lots of additional space because you can do without a separate dining table.
“For a small space, make the island the centre of activity. My preference is to work with a fixed island, and preferably have the hob on the island. This will transform the island into the control centre of the kitchen – a place to gravitate towards and a hub for the home to gather around. If you can open up the kitchen towards the dining space, the island can double up as a casual eating space,” says designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar of Aiden T.
A small kitchen can benefit from incorporating the dining area into the kitchen island. This can save you lots of additional space because you can do without a separate dining table.
“For a small space, make the island the centre of activity. My preference is to work with a fixed island, and preferably have the hob on the island. This will transform the island into the control centre of the kitchen – a place to gravitate towards and a hub for the home to gather around. If you can open up the kitchen towards the dining space, the island can double up as a casual eating space,” says designer Arjan Nijen Twilhaar of Aiden T.
When planned well, a movable island can also be used for casual dining. Extend the countertop to tuck stools or tall chairs underneath.
Whether fixed or movable, an overhang of at least 350 millimetres will provide comfortable seating and knee space at the counter.
Whether fixed or movable, an overhang of at least 350 millimetres will provide comfortable seating and knee space at the counter.
5. Is the island something you can live with for a long time?
Aside from adding functionality to a kitchen, fixed islands are designed to impress. But they are also permanent fixtures. On one hand, this means they are stable structure-wise, something that a movable island cannot guarantee. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have very little allowances for modifications in the future.
If you decide to go for a fixed island, make sure that you are pleased with its style, layout, structure and placement, because it is costly to build. You don’t want to be stuck with an eyesore in your kitchen for years, or go through the expense and effort to modify or relocate your island – or worse, build a new one.
Aside from adding functionality to a kitchen, fixed islands are designed to impress. But they are also permanent fixtures. On one hand, this means they are stable structure-wise, something that a movable island cannot guarantee. On the other hand, it can also mean that you have very little allowances for modifications in the future.
If you decide to go for a fixed island, make sure that you are pleased with its style, layout, structure and placement, because it is costly to build. You don’t want to be stuck with an eyesore in your kitchen for years, or go through the expense and effort to modify or relocate your island – or worse, build a new one.
Movable islands, meanwhile, are a more affordable option. You can easily alter or replace it if need be. If you are a renter, a portable island can add utility to your kitchen without having to undertake a renovation.
One downside of a movable island, though, is it can be unstable and can tip over easily if the wheels aren’t locked. It might present a danger if you have kids who like to climb and pull things.
One downside of a movable island, though, is it can be unstable and can tip over easily if the wheels aren’t locked. It might present a danger if you have kids who like to climb and pull things.
What about putting both types together? Absolutely! Here is an example of a kitchen that makes good use of the space by incorporating a wheeled countertop for kneading dough into the main island.
You can always be creative with the shape, look and function of your island, as long as your space can accommodate it and it helps in the work flow of your kitchen.
TELL US
Which type of island did you choose for your kitchen? We’d love to see photos in the Comments below.
You can always be creative with the shape, look and function of your island, as long as your space can accommodate it and it helps in the work flow of your kitchen.
TELL US
Which type of island did you choose for your kitchen? We’d love to see photos in the Comments below.
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We had a large movable island in the 70’s growing up in a dine in kitchen. It didn’t look movable as wheels were completely concealed. Gave lots of people a Surprise when they leaned on it :) I mainly moved it to climb on to reach top cupboard over double oven, but it was moveable to give more space around table for our family of 8.
We had one in a 70's kitchen also,which rolled away under the bench when not needed.It had cupboards in ti and looked like the rest of the kitchen.
The main bonus was having it as a bar space whenever we had big gatherings.We would roll it to the side against the wall for glasses and bottles.People then stayed out of the kitchen and served themselves.
It also stayed cool when making pastry. As it was slightly lower than the bench, I found it good when kneading dough.
We not long finished this job with a moveable island. Recycled Rimu and stone Benchtop.