Folding wire grocery cart

Grocery carts were first introduced to the public in 1937 and various wire and plastic models can be found in every shopping center. Folding wire grocery carts are popular in big cities where shoppers walk to local markets and then need an efficient way to haul their food bags home.

It used to require several trips back and forth from the car for me to bring a day's materials into a school building. With a big folding grocery cart I can load up with bags of books and still have space on the handle to hang additional canvas totes and my purse, coat and lunch bag.

In addition to the vinyl liner, I have added on a nylon organizer for holding extra paperwork, cough drops, a packet of tissues and a water bottle. It is the type of pocket organizer designed for use on the back of a cart seat.

Description:	Folding wire grocery cart
Design:	Collapsible wire basket with tubular padded metal handle. 2 large fixed plastic & rubber wheels on back, 2 smaller swivel plastic & rubber wheels on front.
Brand names:	Easy Wheels, Shopping trolley, Winnie Wagon
Price:	Moderate $24-60, add on $16 more for a waterproof liner.
Availability:	Excellent. Readily available at home organization and big box department stores, urban grocery stores, and home hardware stores. Discounted online.
Capacity:	Holds 4 or 5 large grocery sacks
Stability:	Solid. Does not tip.
Handling on the roll:	Rolls well on all surfaces. Can be pushed on all four wheels. When empty or with a very light load the cart can be tipped onto its large back wheels and pulled along.
Ease of transport in car:	Very doable. The whole cart folds flat and will fit on the floor behind the front seats in many cars. Put a towel or mat down so that mud and water don't drip or smear onto your upholstery.
Weather ready?	I heartily recommend purchase of a vinyl cart liner. The liner keeps small objects from falling out of the basket and prevents water from splashing in. The attached hood fastens down on the sides with velcro tabs, covering the load and making this cart ready for every sort of weather.
Sturdiness:	Generally good. Overloading this wire cart or attempting to haul it up and down stairs could cause major damage.
Flexibility:	Very good. You can use this cart for transporting all kinds of materials, including laundry and sports equipment. Not suitable for transporting luggage, a set of encyclopedias, watermelons or other extremely heavy items.
"Cool" factor:	Not so cool with kids. Looks like something my old granny might push or maybe a retro cart that a hipster would take to the farmer's market. Retailers seem to stock these in black, silver and white. Vinyl liners can be found in black, blue and green.
Fixability:	Don't let kids ride around in this because severe damage to the wire may render this cart unfoldable and unusable. Otherwise all parts seem very sturdy.
Notes:	Coats and other bags can be draped over the large handle.

Back handle can be used to hang additional bags, a purse or coat.

Easy rolling with 4 wheels.

Close up of the auto organizer fastened to the front of the cart.