The IKEA Maximera and Förvara drawers are two internal fitting options for the SEKTION kitchen system, differing mainly in functionality, quality, and cost. Maximera is the premium option, featuring a smooth-running, soft-closing mechanism and a full-extension design that lets you see everything inside. Förvara is the basic, budget-friendly choice with a standard 3/4 extension pull-out and no soft-close feature.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the right drawer system for your IKEA kitchen project.
IKEA Maximera Drawer
Maximera is IKEA's top-tier drawer system, designed to provide a premium user experience in the kitchen. It is engineered for convenience and quiet operation, featuring integrated soft-close dampers and full-extension runners that allow the drawer to pull out completely, giving you unobstructed access even to items stored at the very back.
- What it is: A premium, full-extension, soft-closing drawer system for IKEA's SEKTION kitchen cabinets.
- Key features: Full-extension design for complete access and visibility, integrated soft-close dampers for silent and smooth closing, compatible with all of IKEA's interior organizers.
- Price: More expensive than Förvara. A medium-height 24" drawer typically costs between $50-$60.
- Style: Sleek and modern. The medium and high drawers feature transparent plastic or glass sides, which add to a high-end look and improve visibility of contents.
- Materials/Construction: The drawer sides and back are powder-coated steel with a melamine foil bottom. High drawers use tempered glass or plastic side panels for a more open feel.
- Pros: Excellent functionality with full access to all contents. Quiet, soft-closing action prevents slamming. Perceived higher quality and feels more luxurious. Broad compatibility with extensive interior organizers.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point, which adds up quickly in a full kitchen remodel. Assembly is slightly more complex due to the additional soft-closing mechanism.
The Maximera system is an ideal fit for those building their primary kitchen who prioritize quiet operation, a high-end user experience, and full, easy access to drawer contents.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/maximera-drawers-organisers-24256/
IKEA Förvara Drawer
Förvara is IKEA's basic, no-frills drawer option that delivers reliable functionality at a very accessible price point. It lacks the premium features of Maximera, such as soft-close and full extension, but offers a durable and cost-effective solution for outfitting kitchen cabinets, pantries, or utility rooms on a budget.
- What it is: A basic, partial-extension drawer system for IKEA's SEKTION kitchen cabinets.
- Key features: Partial-extension design (pulls out approximately 3/4 of its total depth), simple roller-based mechanism, no soft-close feature.
- Price: The budget option. A medium-height 24" drawer typically costs between $30-$40.
- Style: Simple and utilitarian with solid, powder-coated white steel sides on all drawer heights.
- Materials/Construction: The drawer sides, back, and runners are made of steel with powder coating, and the bottom is a durable melamine foil.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly, often saving hundreds of dollars on a full kitchen project. Simple design means slightly faster and easier assembly. Durable construction.
- Cons: Partial-extension makes it difficult to reach items in the back. Lacks the soft-close feature, so it can be noisy and slam shut. Low drawer height is very shallow. Feels less refined than Maximera.
The Förvara system is a smart choice for those on a tight budget, for use in secondary spaces like laundry rooms or workshops, or in rental properties where maximum durability and low cost take priority.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/foervara-drawer-medium-white-30263567/
Maximera vs. Förvara Comparison
Functionality & Access
This is the most significant practical difference between the two systems. The Maximera drawer features full-extension runners, meaning the entire drawer box glides completely out of the cabinet. This allows you to see and reach every single item, even those tucked away at the very back. It’s particularly useful for deep drawers where items can easily get lost.
The Förvara, in contrast, is a partial-extension or 3/4 extension drawer. It stops when about one-quarter of the drawer is still inside the cabinet. This means reaching for items at the back requires you to rummage behind whatever is at the front, which can be frustrating with cookware or stacked dishes.
Motion & Closing
Maximera drawers are defined by their smooth, soft-closing damped hinges. No matter how hard you push them, they slow down for the last couple of inches and close gently and silently. This feature prevents slamming, reduces wear on the cabinets, and gives the kitchen a quieter, more premium feel.
Förvara drawers operate on a simpler roller system and have no dampers. They close with as much force as you use to push them, resulting in a distinct bump and potential slamming noise if you're not careful. This standard closing mechanism is perfectly functional but lacks any feeling of refinement.
Materials & Construction
Both drawer systems are built on a foundation of powder-coated steel sides and a sturdy melamine bottom, making them robust enough for typical kitchen use. The primary material difference is in the sides of the medium and high drawer options. Maximera uses transparent plastic or options for glass sides, which improves visibility of the contents from the side and creates a lighter, airier look.
Förvara uses solid powder-coated steel sides for all drawer heights. While perfectly durable, this creates a more boxed-in feel and doesn't allow you to see the contents from the side. Both systems share the same weight capacities per drawer.
Price & Value
Förvara is the clear winner on price. On average, a Maximera drawer can cost 40-60% more than its Förvara equivalent. Over an entire kitchen with 15-20 drawers, this can lead to savings of several hundred dollars or more - money that could be allocated to countertops, appliances, or backsplash tile.
The value proposition is subjective. Maximera’s value is in daily user experience: quiet operation, easy access, and a premium feel. Förvara’s value is in upfront cost savings, providing a durable, functional kitchen drawer system for the lowest possible price. Many people choose to mix and match: using Maximera for frequently used drawers (cutlery, pots) and Förvara for less accessed areas like a sink cabinet or pantry.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both IKEA drawers are great products, but they are built for different priorities and homeowners.
Choose the Maximera Drawer if:
- You want full, unobstructed access to the very back of your drawers.
- A quiet kitchen is important, and you want to prevent a cabinet slam.
- You value a high-end, premium feel and smooth operation in your daily routine.
- You are building your primary kitchen and want the best functionality possible.
Choose the Förvara Drawer if:
- You are building on a strict budget and need to prioritize cost savings.
- You are outfitting a secondary area, such as a laundry room, garage, workshop, or pantry.
- You’re installing drawers in a rental unit and need durability over premium features.
- You don't mind a standard drawer mechanism and prefer absolute simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between IKEA Maximera and Förvara?
The main difference is functionality. Maximera is a full-extension, soft-closing drawer system that offers premium features. Förvara is a basic, partial-extension drawer with no soft-close function, designed to be IKEA’s budget option.
Are Maximera and Förvara drawers interchangeable in SEKTION cabinets?
Yes, both are designed to fit perfectly within the IKEA SEKTION cabinet system. You can install either drawer system in any SEKTION base cabinet of the appropriate width.
Can I upgrade a Förvara drawer to soft-close?
No, IKEA does not sell a standalone soft-closing damper that can be retrofitted onto a Förvara drawer. To get the soft-close feature, you would need to purchase and install the complete Maximera drawer and runner system.
Which drawer is easier to assemble?
The Förvara drawer is slightly easier and faster to assemble because it doesn't have the integrated soft-closing damper mechanism that needs to be attached to the runners. However, both are relatively straightforward and use IKEA's well-known assembly instruction format.
Can you mix Maximera and Förvara drawers in the same kitchen?
Absolutely. This is a popular budget-saving strategy. Many homeowners opt for Maximera drawers in high-traffic, daily-use cabinets (like silverware and pots/pans) and use the less expensive Förvara drawers for less-used areas like under the sink or in a tall pantry.
Exactly how much more does Maximera cost?
A Maximera drawer typically costs 40-60% more than a Förvara drawer of the same size. For example, a medium 24" Förvara drawer might cost around $35, while the equivalent Maximera drawer would be around $55.
Which drawer system is stronger or holds more weight?
According to IKEA, both the Maximera and the Förvara drawers have the same maximum load capacity for a given size. The durability of the drawer box itself is comparable, the difference is in the opening and closing hardware.
Do Maximera drawers really pull out all the way?
Yes, Maximera provides true full-extension, meaning the back of the drawer box comes out level with the front of the cabinet frame. This provides total access and is one of its biggest advantages over the partial-extension Förvara.
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