Look, this isn't a $2,000.00 kitchen island.  For the price, it is nice looking, functional, and it can fit in a compact kitchen.  The negative reviews are right: 1) the back panels are flimsy thin veneers; 2) the upper drawers are made with similar flimsy veneers and cannot hold much weight; and 3) it is a pain to build.  I will also add 4) some of the guide holes for the wood screws were too large (got to love pre-stripped screws).  You can fix the guide holes or buy larger screws.  Despite all of those things, I still like the island and would buy it again.