The IKEA Raskog and the Michaels Lexington Cart are two of the most popular rolling utility carts, but they excel in different areas based on build, price, and style. The Raskog from IKEA is known for its consistent low price and lightweight, minimalist design ideal for small spaces, whereas the Lexington from Michaels features a heavier-duty frame suited for storing craft supplies and has more of an industrial look.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which three-tiered cart is the right fit for your home organization needs.
IKEA Raskog Utility Cart
The IKEA Raskog is a viral sensation for a reason - it’s an incredibly versatile, compact, and affordable cart that fits perfectly into small nooks and crannies. Beloved by apartment dwellers and organizers, its simple Scandinavian design and slim profile make it useful as a rolling pantry, bathroom caddy, bedside table, plant stand, or art supply station.
- What it is: A three-tiered rolling utility cart made of lightweight, powder-coated steel.
- Key features: Three deep mesh basket-style shelves, four maneuverable casters for easy mobility, and a compact footprint.
- Price: Consistently priced around $29.99
- Dimensions: 13 3/4" L x 17 3/4" W x 30 3/4" H
- Materials/Construction: Powder-coated steel frame and baskets, offering a lightweight yet reasonably durable build for everyday items.
- Style: Minimalist Scandinavian design that blends seamlessly into modern, contemporary, or eclectic styles. It's offered in staple colors like black, white, and dark blue.
- Pros: Extremely affordable at its consistent retail price. Its light weight makes it easy to move around the house. Excellent for small apartments or tight spaces. Versatile enough for nearly any room.
- Cons: Lower weight capacity (about 13 lbs per basket). Not ideal for very heavy items like large appliances or bulk supplies. The steel can feel less substantial than heavier-duty alternatives.
The Raskog is an excellent choice for anyone needing simple, flexible storage for light-to-medium items without wanting to spend a lot of money.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-black-90333976/
Michaels Lexington 3-Tier Rolling Cart
The Michaels Lexington cart is the crafty cousin to the Raskog, built specifically with the needs of artists, creators, and DIYers in mind. It has a noticeably sturdier construction designed to hold heavier supplies like paint jars, paper stacks, or small die-cutting machines. While its full retail price is higher than the Raskog, it frequently goes on sale, making it a competitive alternative.
- What it is: A 3-tier rolling metal cart primarily designed for craft room storage and home organization.
- Key features: Sturdy metal frame, solid basket bottoms for more stability, and four heavy-duty casters (two are lockable).
- Price: Lists for $50-$70, but often on sale for $29.99-$34.99
- Dimensions: 16.81" L x 13.98" W x 30.9" H
- Materials/Construction: The frame is made of a heavier-gauge metal with a powder-coated finish, making it more robust and durable than the Raskog.
- Style: A more utilitarian and industrial aesthetic that works well in workshops, offices, and craft rooms. It comes in a wide variety of colors, including pastels and bold hues.
- Pros: Has a sturdier build that can comfortably support heavier items. The locking casters provide extra stability when stationary. Its price during sales is often comparable to the Raskog, offering more value.
- Cons: Higher list price when not on sale. The slightly bulkier and heavier design makes it less nimble than the Raskog. The industrial look might not fit every décor style.
This cart is perfect for serious crafters or anyone needing durable, mobile storage that can handle significant weight without wobbling.
Shop this product: michaels.com/product/3tier-rolling-cart-by-lexington-10332832
IKEA Raskog vs. Michaels Lexington Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While similar in overall height, the dimensions of the two carts serve slightly different spaces. The IKEA Raskog is notably wider (17 3/4") and less deep (13 3/4"), giving it a more rectangular profile that fits well alongside furniture or in narrow gaps.
The Lexington cart is more squarish, being deeper (13.98") but not as wide (16.81"). Its slightly more compact width might make it a better fit for tighter corners or closets. Visually, the Raskog feels a bit more airy and open, whereas the Lexington feels more dense and grounded.
Materials & Construction
This is the most significant difference between the two carts. The Raskog is made of a lighter-gauge steel, perfect for mobility and everyday household items but not built for heavy loads. It's solid enough for its intended use, but loading it with heavy books or tools may cause strain over time.
The Michaels Lexington, on the other hand, is built with sturdiness in mind. The steel is noticeably thicker and heavier, and this solid construction allows it to hold craft machines, full jars, and stacks of paper with ease. If durability under weight is a concern, the Lexington is the clear winner.
Price & Value
The Raskog offers fantastic value with its consistent $29.99 price tag. You know exactly what you'll pay, and it’s always an affordable price. There’s no need to wait for a sale, its value is in its everyday accessibility.
The Lexington has a higher list price of around $50, but shoppers rarely pay that. Michaels is known for frequent deep discounts that regularly bring the Lexington's price down to around $30. The best value is with the Lexington, if you can catch it on sale. For dependable, instant low pricing, the Raskog is best.
Style & Versatility
Aesthetically, the Raskog embodies the clean lines of Scandinavian design. It’s a functional piece that can blend in or stand out subtly, making it incredibly versatile for kitchens, living rooms, and even as a minimalist bar cart. Its mesh baskets contribute to its light, airy feel.
The Lexington leans more industrial or utilitarian. Its solid feel and construction make it feel right at home in a dedicated workspace like a craft room, home office, or garage. It often comes in a wider range of bright and pastel colors, reflecting its creative-focused user base.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Raskog is perfect for people living in small apartments who need flexible, multifunctional storage. It excels as a clutter-catcher for loose items in a bathroom, a mobile spice rack in the kitchen, or a side table holding a few books and a lamp. It's for the person who values an understated look and everyday functionality over heavy-duty capacity.
The Lexington is tailored for crafters, artists, teachers, and DIYers. Anyone who needs to store and move heavier supplies - from Cricut machines to painting supplies to gardening tools - will appreciate its robust build. It’s also great for anyone wanting to create a dedicated organization station with an industrial vibe.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both rolling carts are excellent best-sellers, but they're engineered for different organizing tasks and priorities.
Choose the IKEA Raskog if:
- You're on a firm budget and need an affordable solution right now.
- You want a lightweight cart that's easy to push around, even on thicker carpets.
- The cart will be used for lighter items like toiletries, snacks, or yarn.
- You prefer the sleek, minimalist appeal of Scandinavian design.
Choose the Michaels Lexington if:
- You can wait for a sale to get the best price for a higher-quality cart.
- You need to store heavier items like tools, books, or small kitchen appliances.
- Durability and a sturdy feel are your top priorities.
- You prefer a functional, industrial look and want more varied color options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Raskog and the Lexington?
The main difference is in construction and intended use. The Lexington is made from a heavier-gauge steel, making it sturdier and better suited for heavy craft supplies. The Raskog is lighter and designed for more general, everyday home organization.
Which cart is better for crafting?
The Michaels Lexington is generally considered better for serious crafting because of its sturdier frame, higher weight capacity, and locking wheels that provide stability when you are working.
Is the Michaels Lexington cart a Raskog dupe?
Yes, the Lexington is widely seen as a direct competitor or "dupe" of the Raskog. It mimics the same 3-tier rolling cart concept but improves upon the design with a more robust build quality, often targeting customers who felt the Raskog was not strong enough for their needs.
How much weight can the IKEA Raskog hold?
IKEA officially states that each basket on the Raskog cart can hold up to 13 pounds (6 kg), for a total of 39 pounds across the entire cart.
Can you adjust the shelf height on either cart?
No, the shelves on both the Raskog and the Lexington are fixed in place, and their heights cannot be adjusted after assembly.
Are they easy to assemble?
Yes, both carts are known for being very easy to assemble. Most people can put them together in 15-20 minutes using the simple tools and instructions included.
Do the carts roll well on carpet?
Both carts roll smoothly on hard floors and low-pile carpets. They may be more difficult to push on shag or high-pile carpeting due to their small caster wheels.
Can you customize these carts?
Yes, both the Raskog and Lexington are highly popular among DIY communities. Common customizations include spray painting them to match decor, adding wooden tops to create a solid surface, attaching pegboards or hooks to the sides, and using basket dividers to organize small items.
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