Our favorite, the Costway Folding Shopping Cart with Swivel Wheels, can hold several bags of groceries, is easy to maneuver, and has a separate spot for storing smaller items such as a purse or mobile phone. Below, the best shopping carts for any age, budget, or amount of heavy stuff. The cart is made of heavy-duty metal and weighs 13 pounds when empty, so it’s not super lightweight, but the frame is sturdily constructed so it won’t buckle under the weight of your groceries or DIY supplies. The entire thing folds flat (even the small back storage area), so it’s easy to store in a closet or the trunk of your car. Some reviewers did note that the smaller wheels need to face a certain direction in order to fold the cart properly, but most found the folding process easy and straightforward. One common complaint was that the handle is made of slippery plastic and tends to slide around, so some buyers secured it using Gorilla tape. Since shopping carts can often cost more than $100, we think this one is reasonably priced, even though it’s not cheap. Price at time of publish: $103 Some reviewers claimed that the plastic felt a bit flimsy and wished the weight capacity were higher. It’s also important to use the locking clips to secure the bin when it’s open, otherwise it could buckle under pressure. The cart, which comes in either red or green, is also sold in a slightly larger size, and that version has a 77-pound weight limit. Price at time of publish: $36 There are two tiers to this shopping cart, so you can separate more delicate groceries from heavier items like drinks. For the cost, we wish the handle were adjustable, but unfortunately it isn’t. Joovy also makes an insulated bag and rain cover for the Boot, though they must be purchased separately. The cart weighs almost 15 pounds, so it is one of the heavier ones on our list. This might not matter to you if you’re wheeling it along flat ground, but it’s not ideal if you need to carry it up and down stairs frequently. Price at time of publish: $270 This rattan shopping cart can hold 55 pounds of groceries, which is a respectable amount, but the stiff rattan doesn’t allow for overstuffing. Although there are some things we don’t love about the design (like the fact that the handle doesn’t retract and there isn’t a lid), it’s such a lovely piece and it lets you imagine that you’re shopping at a European market town rather than your local Costco. If your kids love to match with you, Olli Ella also sells a mini version of this cart that’s meant for little ones. Price at time of publish: $169 This shopping cart has six wheels (three on each side), and its spoke-like design offers stability when you move the cart either up or down stairs. It’s also quite lightweight but still has a generous capacity of 200 pounds. The handle has foam cushioning that makes it comfortable to hold, which is always a plus if you’re pulling or pushing a cart with 200 pounds of supplies. The weatherproof storage bag is thoughtfully divided into seven pockets and compartments, including a spot for a drink and an umbrella. It also has a strap, so you can carry it on your shoulder if needed. If you must transport something large, like storage boxes or cases of water, you can remove the bag and use the cart as a dolly. If you need to store the cart, you can fold it in half, and it becomes fairly compact. Another nice thing about the design is that the wheels are under the toe plate, so they’re separate from the storage area and less likely to get in the way if you’re transporting a box. This shopping cart comes in a few different colors—including a stylish aqua tile print—and it’s available in a slightly smaller size with a lower weight capacity. Price at time of publish: $109 If you’re short on space, you’ll appreciate that when folded, the cart has a compact footprint—picture the size of an umbrella stroller. The handles are thick and comfortable to hold, though it would be nice if they adjusted for different heights. Although the cart only weighs 9 pounds, it has a generous weight capacity thanks to the rugged tubular steel frame. One thing to note: Because the bottom, like the sides, is an “x” shape with canvas over it, it’s important to distribute heavy items evenly, so the cart doesn’t tip. Price at time of publish: $85 The padded handle is a nice touch since it prevents slipping as you pull on the cart, and the bag can be folded flat if you need to stow it. Although there are only two wheels, they are large and designed to resist wear. Price at time of publish: $60 There are additional pockets, including one for a water bottle and a small one on the front for things like plates, utensils, or your phone. The four wheels swivel 360 degrees, but they are quite small, so it might take some effort to push this cart through the sand. If you do need to carry the cooler separately, the carrying strap comes with shoulder padding. Some people also use the bag as a cooler during parties since it holds 36 cans at once. Price at time of publish: $56 Consider what tasks you will be doing, whether it’s schlepping groceries, laundry, sports equipment, or something else. Carts that are wide and open at the top tend to be better for oddly shaped items like bats and balls or laundry bags. Metal shopping carts have a sturdy grid design, which may cause things to slide out, so you’ll need to use shopping bags or place something flat (like cardboard) at the bottom.
Wheel Design
Although frames and bags get a lot of attention, Jacobs says that it’s actually the quality and construction of the wheels that’s the most important factor to consider when looking for a shopping cart. “Metal wheels can be noisy—my preference is rubber, which seems to be better in bad weather as well. And if the wheels have a 360-degree turning radius, the cart will be easier to maneuver,” she says. If the wheels are plastic, make sure it’s a high-quality material; for example, some shopping carts have inline double wheels that resemble those found on strollers. Some carts have larger, more stable wheels specifically designed for ascending or descending stairs. Large rubber wheels will work better on uneven surfaces, like lawns or sand.
Adjustable Handles
Some shopping carts have telescoping handles similar to those found on rolling suitcases. If the person using the cart is taller than average height, this may help prevent back pain. “A good guideline for size is that the top of the handle should land roughly at elbow height,” says Jacobs.
Storage and Organization Options
If your cart comes with a bag, note whether it has a cover that closes tightly, which will help protect your contents during transit. Planning to carry the bag around without the cart? Consider whether the straps or handles are comfortable on your back and shoulders. Some bags are completely waterproof and great for events like camping trips, while others are simply water-resistant. Insulated bags vary: they may keep food cold for an entire day or just a few hours. (If you’re planning to transport loose ice in your bag, make sure your bag is leakproof.) Multiple outer storage pockets can be useful for things like water bottles. Some carts can be turned into dollys by removing the bag, which will allow you to transport larger items like moving boxes.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Lexi Dwyer has contributed to The Spruce since 2019, and she’s written about home topics like budget furniture, clothes drying racks, and storage bins. To research the best shopping carts, she spent several hours considering factors like style, wheel type, capacity, customer satisfaction, and various price points. For additional insight, she interviewed Karen Jacobs, OT, PhD, associate dean and clinical professor of occupational therapy at Boston University’s Sargent College, and Melissa Homer, The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member and Chief Cleaning Officer at MaidPro. The wheels can be difficult to clean, so if you use your cart outside, it’s best to keep it out of your home and purchase another one for indoor tasks, like moving loads of laundry from your hamper to your washer.
