The Best Folding Shopping Carts

Buying Guide for Folding Shopping Carts

Why buy a folding shopping cart?

Shopping carts help you haul your groceries around the store, to the checkout aisle, and out to your car. However, the shopping carts the store provides can’t leave the parking lot. With your own shopping cart, you can take it anywhere—grocery shopping, the laundromat, or any other errands you might need to run. And you get to bring the shopping cart home to unload your purchases in an easy and quick trip rather than make several trips to and from your car.

What should you look for in a folding shopping cart?

• Material: While most folding shopping carts have metal handles, the main body of the cart can be metal, plastic, or cloth stretched across a more solid frame. Metal frames are the strongest and most durable option and have the highest weight capacity. That said, they’ll also be heavier and harder to maneuver. Ensure that an entirely metal model is made from rustproof stainless steel or other anti-corrosive metal if you frequently walk long distances outside with it. If you prefer a lighter-weight, naturally waterproof plastic cart, look for high-quality plastic for long service life. Cloth shopping carts are nice because they often have a removable bag, or tote, with handles. However, they also come with the risk of staining and ripping. Make sure the fabric is waterproof or at least water-resistant too.
• Design: For such a straightforward purchase, there are more design and shape options for a folding shopping cart than you might think. Cloth models will generally be closed-sided, while metal and plastic ones are more likely to have slots or wire cage-like builds similar to classic shopping carts. Most are rectangular or square in shape, but there are a few cylindrical or oval-shaped options, too, such as backpack-shaped shopping carts. Rectangular carts can be tall and slim or short and long. Some have one long, single handle; others have shorter, U-shaped handles or double handles like a stroller, both of which you can grip or push with two hands.
• Features: There are several useful features to watch for. As mentioned, some models sport a removable cloth bag or backpack. Others have a lower-level shelf below the main cart, similar to traditional shopping carts, for big bulky items like sets of bottled water or bulk toilet paper. Others have hooks that you can use to attach them to bigger, traditional store shopping carts. Some have lids or covers; some don’t. There are models with side pouches or rear baskets attached for more room, wheels that lock in place, bottom racks for balance when you’re not holding the cart upright, spots to hang a purse or stash an umbrella, and more.

Are there other features worth looking for in folding shopping carts?

Two-wheeler carts are generally much easier to control and maneuver and are often attached to taller, slimmer folding shopping carts. They’re more effective at fitting into tight spaces and weaving through heavy foot traffic. On the other hand, four-wheelers often have much larger back wheels than front wheels, increasing stability and letting the cart roll more smoothly over uneven or bumpy ground. Consider a folding shopping cart’s overall size, weight, weight capacity, and bonus features.

Our Picks for the Best Folding Shopping Carts

Pros: You won’t have to worry about this cart breaking under even heavy loads of groceries or laundry. It’s got a wide basket and a weight capacity of up to 330 pounds. This cart also features a bonus basket attached to the back, equally useful for smaller extra items or for stashing personal items like your purse, jacket, or umbrella in a secure, easily accessible location as you grocery shop. If this model is larger and bulkier than you’d like, there’s a smaller version available. And if you’ve never owned a folding shopping cart before or are nervous you won’t be able to figure out how to collapse it, don’t fear; easy-to-follow instructions come included with your purchase.

Cons: Quite a few buyers noted that the front wheels of this cart aren’t the strongest. And as is common with big metal shopping carts, this model is heavier, especially if you fill it up completely. It’s also pricey for a personal folding shopping cart.

Bottom Line: Many people find the built-in basket section of in-store shopping carts to be an extremely convenient place to stash personal items as they shop. If that’s you, you’ll love this sturdy folding model.

 

Pros: The tote bag is the cart, and the wheels and handle are attached directly. It’s a shopping cart and bag in one. Rather than removing the bag from the cart, you have to retract the handle into the bag and use the tote straps to carry it like a regular shopping bag. Alternatively, you can use the single shoulder strap to sling it across your shoulders if you prefer. Between the fabric body and the handle retracting completely, this shopping cart also takes up even less storage space than most when folded down. The fabric is waterproof, and the bag has a lid to protect your groceries from the elements better. As a bonus, it’s available in 20 colors and six sizes depending on your needs and personal preferences.

Cons: Since this tote bag/shopping cart is made primarily of fabric, it’s less durable than standard solid, metal-framed folding shopping carts. It also has a much lower weight capacity.

Bottom Line: Unlike many tote bag-style folding shopping carts, you won’t have to worry about constantly removing and reattaching the bag to the frame when the time comes to carry your groceries into the house. The tote bag is the cart and vice versa.

 

Pros: Though fabric foldable shopping carts don’t have quite the same durability as pure metal ones, this particular fabric model is about as tough as you can get. The large, detachable bag is thick, water-resistant canvas, so it’s much less likely to rip or tear, even under heavy loads. Coupled with the rugged steel frame, you’ve got a nice, sturdy shopping cart. The bag is also outfitted with two carrying handles and a fitted cover to keep your purchases secure and protect them from inclement weather as needed. Folding it up is especially easy, too—similar to closing an umbrella.

Cons: If you’re taller than average, this may not be the most comfortable shopping cart for you as the handles are a bit on the short side; you’ll probably have to bend over while pushing it. The wheels are made of hard plastic rather than rubber, making them less sturdy or shock-absorbent.

Bottom Line: Folding shopping carts with removable bags are a popular choice, and once you’ve used this particular model, you’ll understand why. It’s a great blend of durability, convenience, and ease of use.

 

Pros: Deluxe, indeed. This heavy-duty steel folding shopping cart features two baskets, a soft grip handle, and oversized wheels. The capability of these large wheels makes the LS Jumbo the easiest to navigate—of all the products we’ve shared here. It has four (D)-inch double front swivel wheels that respond immediately to changes in direction, making it easy to navigate tight spaces and people on the sidewalk. The larger, nine (D)-inch back wheels help you bring your groceries up curves and even stairs. That the folding shopping cart has fantastic maneuverability is fortuitous because you can haul as much as 200 pounds of groceries.

Cons: This cart may not be the best option for those who can’t lift a lot of weight, as it’s much heavier than most folding shopping carts. The wheels may be more fragile than described as well.

Bottom Line: This product is known for its keen maneuverability. It rides on and off the bus well, gives stability, and reduces the frequency of trips to the store with its high-weight capacity. 

 

Pros: This folding grocery cart features not just jumbo wheels for taking up and down stairs; each of the two wheels is a tri-wheel with a central hub for six wheels total. As you pull the dolly upstairs, the wheels catch and then push off the stairs’ edges, climbing just like you do with your feet. The Stair Climber Trolley Dolly is also collapsible, portable, and has seven compartments for storage. Pull the bag off and use and cart as a dolly to tote items as heavy as 110 pounds.

Cons: As you can imagine, it’s more difficult to roll the folding shopping cart downstairs, as you have to lean forward and remain balanced.

Bottom Line: The Stair Climber Trolley Dolly is known for its multifunctional uses, climbing wheels, and attractive appearance. The colorful, weatherproof fabric looks nice compared to those worn-out, beat-up carts at the grocery store.

Final Thoughts

Getting a personal shopping cart can be a rational decision for people from all walks of life. A personal shopping cart may be a great asset if you rely on public transit, for example, or have physical challenges and need a grocery cart for extra stability. Invest in one to save you time, hassle, and back pain.