Everyone knows what you are talking about when you say the words kitchen island. An island in the kitchen is a grouping of cabinets in the center of the room rather than along the walls. It sits out on its own like an island. The kitchen island has become a standard in almost every kitchen. Some have just counter tops and cabinets. Other house the dish washer or stove. And still others have a sink. While the idea of a kitchen island is pretty universal, there are a few variations on the norm that you will find in some kitchens.
First, there are kitchen islands on wheels. If you have a smaller kitchen or live in an apartment where you are not allowed to make permanent changes, then you might want to consider a portable kitchen island. These islands usually fold up to the size of a small cart when snot in use, but you can fold up leaves when you pull it out. It can be stored against a wall or in a corner when you do not need it and be out in the thick of things when you do. The best thing about portable kitchen islands is that they can do double duty and function as a serving cart if you want. Just throw a table cloth over them and you can use them as a serving cart at a party. The shelves underneath are the perfect place to store extra napkins or cups you might need throughout the night.
Another atypical kitchen island is one where there is seating. Most kitchen islands are boxy and the countertops only go out as far as the edge of the cabinets. However, some islands are designed so that the counters extend out farther so it is comfortable to sit at the island for meals. Kitchen islands to sit at come in many shapes and styles. Some are just rectangles like most other kitchen island with seating down one side. Others have an angle so that you have two sides with seating and the people sitting at the island can see each other. Some are all one level and others have a second level at the edge that is higher for the eating surface. That way, there is no chance of possibly contaminating your finished foods with prepped foods.