The IKEA Raskog cart and the craft carts from Michaels may look like twins, but they are built for different purposes based on their materials, sturdiness, and style. The Raskog is a heavy-duty utility cart made of powder-coated steel with a minimalist aesthetic, designed for versatile home use. Michaels carts are lighter, come in a vast array of colors, and are aimed at crafters needing decorative, light-duty organization.
Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right rolling cart for your home, office, or creative space.
IKEA Raskog Utility Cart
The Raskog from IKEA is a beloved, robust utility cart that has become a staple in homes for its durability and simple, functional design. Built from solid steel, it serves as a workhorse in kitchens, bathrooms, nurseries, and offices, easily handling daily wear and tear while blending into various decor styles.
- What it is: A three-tier, wheeled utility cart known for its sturdy construction and minimalist Scandinavian design.
- Key features: Powder-coated steel frame and baskets, smooth-rolling casters (two are lockable), compact footprint, and a removable middle shelf for adjustability.
- Price: Around $29.99, known for its consistent and affordable pricing.
- Dimensions: 13 3/4" L x 17 3/4" W x 30 3/4" H, holds up to 22 lbs per basket shelf.
- Materials/Construction: The entire cart is made from steel with a durable, powder-coated finish that resists rust and scratches, making it suitable for moisture-prone areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
- Style: Utilitarian and industrial with clean lines. It comes in a handful of classic, muted colors like black, white, and dark blue that complement modern and minimalist interiors.
- Pros: Exceptionally sturdy and durable build quality. Versatile for nearly any room in the house. Great long-term value for the price. Compact size is ideal for small apartments or tight corners. Easy to clean surface.
- Cons: Limited color selection compared to competitors. The industrial style may be too plain for those wanting a decorative piece. Small items can fall through the wire mesh baskets without a liner.
The IKEA Raskog is a perfect match for anyone who needs a reliable, multi-purpose storage solution and values durability over a wide range of color choices.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-black-90333976/
Michaels 3-Tier Rolling Cart
Michaels offers its popular 3-tier rolling cart (often known as the Lexington cart) as a colorful and customizable organization tool aimed squarely at crafters, teachers, and DIY enthusiasts. It's designed to add a pop of color to a creative space while keeping paints, yarns, paper, and other supplies neatly organized and mobile.
- What it is: A lightweight, three-tier rolling cart focused on providing colorful and customizable storage for craft and hobby supplies.
- Key features: Available in a massive range of trendy and seasonal colors. Often has a collection of compatible accessories sold separately, like pegboard attachments, cup holders, and dividers.
- Price: Typically ranges from $29.99 to $39.99 but is almost always available for a lower price thanks to frequent sales and coupons.
- Dimensions: 16.8" L x 13.9" W x 30.9" H (measurements for the Lexington model).
- Materials/Construction: Made of a lighter-weight metal with a painted finish. The build is sufficient for holding craft supplies but feels significantly less substantial than the Raskog.
- Style: Playful and decorative. The cart's main appeal is its extensive color palette, allowing it to become a statement piece in a craft room, dorm, or kid's playroom.
- Pros: Incredible selection of colors to match any personality or decor. Frequently on sale, making it very budget-friendly. Customizable with a wide array of official accessories. Lighter weight makes it very easy to move around.
- Cons: Noticeably less sturdy than the IKEA Raskog. The finish can be more prone to chipping or scratching. Quality can feel inconsistent. Best suited for lighter loads and less intensive daily use.
This cart is the go-to choice for hobbyists who prize aesthetic options and custom organization for their creative supplies, and where heavy-duty construction is not a priority.
Shop this product: michaels.com/product/lexington-3tier-rolling-cart-by-simply-tilde-10445353
IKEA Raskog vs. Michaels Cart Comparison
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two carts. The IKEA Raskog is made from thick, powder-coated steel, giving it a heavy, substantial feel. It can confidently hold up to 22 pounds per shelf and withstand the rigors of being used as a kitchen pantry cart or a mobile tool organizer. Its construction is designed for long-term, everyday home use.
The Michaels cart uses a lighter gauge of metal, which makes it easier to move but also less robust. It's perfectly fine for storing yarn, vinyl rolls, or planners, but it can feel wobbly if loaded with heavier items like books or canned goods. The durability is suited for a dedicated craft space rather than a busy, high-traffic home environment.
Style & Aesthetic
Style is where the Michaels cart shines. With dozens of colors available a year, from muted pastels to bright neons, you can find one to match any decor or mood. It's designed to be a piece of decor in its own right, adding a cheerful and personalized touch to a room.
The Raskog takes a substance-over-style approach. It comes in a select few functional, neutral colors that enable it to blend seamlessly into almost any setting without calling attention to itself. Its look is more timeless and utilitarian, reflecting an industrial-Scandinavian design ethos.
Price & Value
On paper, both carts are similarly priced around the $30 mark. However, their real-world costs are different. The Raskog's price is stable at $29.99, offering excellent long-term value because of its superior durability - this is a cart you'll likely have for many years.
The Michaels cart has a slightly higher list price, but it's rarely sold for that amount. Thanks to weekly sales and the brand's well-known coupons, you can often buy it for significantly less. While you might save money upfront on a Michaels cart, the Raskog presents a better value over time if you need something truly durable.
Who Each One Works Best For
The choice ultimately comes down to your primary use case. The Raskog is the undisputed winner for general home organization. It excels as a mobile pantry for produce, a bar cart, a bathroom caddy for towels and toiletries, a rolling nightstand, or a central hub for office supplies. If it is going to see heavy, daily use in any room of the house, the Raskog is the better investment.
The Michaels cart is purpose-built for the creative. It is the perfect home for Cricut supplies, paints and brushes, planners and stickers, or knitting projects. Its bright colors and customizable accessories make organizing hobbies more fun and visually appealing. It's the ideal choice when a pop of color is just as important as the storage itself.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both rolling carts are excellent tools for organization, but they serve different needs and priorities.
Choose the IKEA Raskog if:
- You need a durable, versatile cart that can handle daily use in a kitchen, bathroom, or garage.
- Sturdiness and long-term durability are your top priorities.
- You prefer a minimalist, industrial style that blends into your existing decor.
- You plan to store heavier items like canned goods, tools, or small appliances.
Choose the Michaels Cart if:
- You want your cart to be a colorful, decorative accent in your room.
- It will be primarily used for organizing lightweight craft supplies or accessories.
- You want the ability to customize your setup with matching pegboards and bins.
- You're on the lookout for a great deal and can wait for a sale coupon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Raskog and the Michaels cart?
The primary difference is in build quality and intended use. The IKEA Raskog is made of heavy-duty, powder-coated steel for general home utility, while the Michaels cart is made of lighter metal in many more colors and is best for craft/lightweight storage.
Which cart is more sturdy?
The IKEA Raskog is significantly sturdier. It is heavier and built with thicker steel, allowing it to hold up to 22 pounds per shelf without flexing or wobbling.
Are the IKEA Raskog and Michaels carts the same size?
They are very close in size but not identical. The Michaels cart is often slightly taller and narrower. Always check the exact product dimensions before purchasing to ensure it fits your space.
Which one has more color options?
The Michaels cart has a vastly superior range of colors, with dozens of options available including trendy and seasonal shades, compared to the Raskog's handful of classic, functional colors.
Do you have to assemble these carts?
Yes, both carts require full assembly upon purchase. The process for both is straightforward and typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Can you use Michaels cart accessories on the IKEA Raskog?
Generally, no. The accessories for the Michaels cart are designed to fit its specific dimensions and construction, so they are not compatible with the IKEA Raskog.
Which cart is better for a kitchen?
The IKEA Raskog is much better suited for a kitchen. Its robust steel construction and durable finish can handle moisture, heat, and the weight of canned goods, produce, or small appliances with ease.
Can you typically find the Michaels cart on sale?
Yes. Michaels almost always has a sale or coupon available that brings the price of its carts down, often making it cheaper than the IKEA Raskog at checkout.
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