The IKEA Raskog and Rashult are two of the brand's most popular utility carts, but they are built for different spaces and needs. The main difference is size: the Raskog is a larger, taller cart with a larger footprint, while the Rashult is a smaller, more compact version designed to fit into tight spaces or under desks.
Here's everything you need to know to choose the right IKEA storage cart for your home.
IKEA Raskog Utility Cart
The Raskog is the original iconic IKEA rolling cart, beloved by crafters, parents, and home organizers for its incredible versatility. Made entirely of steel, its sturdy construction and generous size make it a go-to solution for everything from a mobile pantry and craft caddy to a plant stand or bathroom organizer. Its simple, industrial design allows it to blend into almost any decor style.
- What it is: A three-tier, medium-sized rolling utility cart made from powder-coated steel.
- Key features: Smooth-rolling casters for easy mobility, three deep baskets provide ample storage, and the middle shelf is adjustable to accommodate taller items.
- Price: $39.99
- Dimensions: 13 3/4" L x 17 3/4" W x 30 3/4" H
- Materials/Construction: Powder-coated steel frame and baskets with plastic caster wheels. Feels substantial and durable.
- Style: Minimalist and industrial. Complements modern, Scandinavian, and functional aesthetics. Available in a wide rotation of colors, including white, black, gray-green, and occasionally pink or yellow.
- Pros: Generous storage capacity for its footprint. Sturdy and built to last. The adjustable middle shelf adds crucial flexibility for storing bulkier items. Its height makes it comfortable to push around.
- Cons: May be too large for very small bathrooms or tight corners. At $40, it costs a bit more than its smaller counterpart. Assembly can take a few minutes.
The Raskog cart is the perfect choice if you have a bit of floor space and need a versatile, mobile storage station for organization projects around the home.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-gray-green-90443135/
IKEA Rashult Utility Cart
The Rashult is essentially the compact sibling of the Raskog, designed with small spaces in mind. It retains the same sturdy steel construction and three-tier design but in a slimmer, shorter profile that can be tucked into tight corners and under standard-height desks or countertops. This makes it an exceptional solution for dorm rooms, tiny bathrooms, or small studio apartments where every inch counts.
- What it is: A small, three-tier rolling utility cart designed for compact spaces.
- Key features: Slim profile, sturdy casters for movement, three mesh baskets for contained storage.
- Price: $29.99
- Dimensions: 11" L x 15" W x 25 5/8" H
- Materials/Construction: Also made from powder-coated steel, offering the same durability and feel as the Raskog.
- Style: Identical minimalist and industrial aesthetic to the Raskog. Often available in core colors like white and black.
- Pros: Compact size fits in virtually any small space. Its lower height allows it to slide conveniently under most desks and tables. Lower price point saves you about $10.
- Cons: Significantly less storage space than the Raskog. Shelves are not adjustable. Its shorter height can feel a bit low to the ground for pushing or accessing items from a standing position.
Get the Rashult when you need mobile storage for a narrow space, like next to a toilet, beside a washing machine, or under your work-from-home desk.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/rashult-utility-cart-white-20413554/
Raskog vs. Rashult Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The single most important difference between the Raskog and Rashult is their size. The Raskog measures 17 3/4" wide and stands 30 3/4" tall, giving it a noticeable presence and a larger storage capacity. It functions well as a standalone piece of furniture.
In contrast, the Rashult is significantly smaller at just 15" wide and 25 5/8" tall. This five-inch reduction in height is crucial - it's short enough to slide neatly under a standard 29-30" high desk or countertop. Its narrower profile is designed to squeeze into those unused gaps of space, making it a problem-solver for really constrained areas.
Materials & Construction
In terms of build quality, both carts are nearly identical. Both are constructed from powder-coated steel, which gives them a sturdy, durable feel that can easily handle daily use. They both feature matching mesh baskets and casters, and assembly is straightforward for both models. You can confidently expect the same level of quality and durability from either cart.
Price & Value
The Raskog currently costs $39.99, while the Rashult is priced at $29.99. The $10 price difference directly correlates with the size and material. While both offer excellent value, the choice comes down to your needs. If you have the space, the Raskog provides considerably more storage area for just $10 more. However, if space is at a premium, the Rashult's ability to fit into a tight spot offers value that the larger Raskog cannot provide.
Style & Versatility
Both carts share the same clean, industrial aesthetic that has become an IKEA staple. They look very similar, just at a different scale. The true difference in versatility comes from their dimensions. The Raskog's size makes it genuinely versatile for a variety of tasks - it's large enough for kitchen produce, art supplies, or bedside essentials. The Rashult's primary feature is its ability to tuck away and provide storage where other solutions won't fit, such as in small bathrooms for toiletries or as an organizer for baby supplies in a nursery.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both carts are proven, reliable storage solutions, but they are absolutely built for different spaces.
Choose the Raskog if:
- You have a moderate amount of open floor space.
- You need to store larger items, like books, small appliances, or bottles.
- You want an adjustable middle shelf for maximum flexibility.
- The cart will serve as a standalone "station" (e.g., a coffee station, art cart, or mobile pantry).
Choose the Rashult if:
- You are organizing an extremely small or narrow space.
- You plan to tuck the cart under a desk, table, or countertop.
- You are storing smaller items, such as makeup, spices, baby supplies, or office stationery.
- Your budget is firmly under $30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Raskog and Rashult?
The main difference is size. The Raskog is larger (17 3/4" W x 30 3/4" H), while the Rashult is smaller and shorter (15" W x 25 5/8" H), designed to fit into tight spaces and under desks.
Which IKEA cart is better for a small apartment?
For most tight spaces in a small apartment, the Rashult is the better choice because of its compact footprint and ability to be tucked away under surfaces or in narrow nooks.
Can you adjust the shelves on the Raskog and Rashult?
You can adjust the height of the middle basket on the Raskog cart to fit taller items. The shelves on the smaller Rashult cart are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
How much weight can the IKEA carts hold?
According to IKEA's specifications, each basket on both the Raskog and Rashult carts is tested to hold up to 13 pounds, with a total maximum load of 39 pounds for the entire cart.
Is the Raskog cart sturdy?
Yes, both carts are known for being very sturdy. They are made from powder-coated steel which provides a stable and durable frame capable of holding a significant amount of weight without wobbling.
What are the actual dimensions of the IKEA Raskog cart?
The IKEA Raskog measures 13 3/4 inches in length, 17 3/4 inches in width, and 30 3/4 inches in height.
What are the actual dimensions of the IKEA Rashult cart?
The IKEA Rashult measures 11 inches in length, 15 inches in width, and 25 5/8 inches in height.
What are these carts typically used for?
They are incredibly versatile. Common uses include kitchen storage for produce or snacks, bathroom organization for towels and toiletries, a craft supply caddy, a mobile bar cart, a plant stand, a diaper caddy, or even bedside storage.
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