The IKEA Raskog and Target's 3-Tier Utility Carts look very similar but have key differences in construction, style variety, and size. The Raskog from IKEA is known for its heavy-duty steel build and minimalist design, making it a utilitarian workhorse. Meanwhile, the carts from Target offer a much wider range of colors and finishes, often with a slightly smaller footprint, positioning them as a more style-focused choice.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right rolling utility cart for a craft room, kitchen, or home office.
IKEA Raskog Utility Cart
The Raskog has become an iconic home organization product, beloved for its simple Scandinavian design and incredible durability. Constructed entirely from steel, this three-tier cart is a favorite for everything from kitchen pantry overflow to mobile art supply stations, providing sturdy, long-lasting storage that easily blends into countless decor styles.
- What it is: A heavy-duty, three-tier rolling utility cart made of powder-coated steel.
- Key features: Durable steel construction, three deep basket-style shelves, smooth-rolling casters (2 are lockable), and one adjustable middle shelf for customized spacing.
- Price: ~$34.99
- Dimensions: 13 3/4" L x 17 3/4" W x 30 3/4" H.
- Materials/Construction: The frame and baskets are made from powder-coated steel, which resists scratches and daily wear and tear.
- Style: Minimalist, Scandinavian, and industrial. It comes in a few core colors like black, white, and occasionally a muted tone.
- Pros: Excellent durability and stability. The adjustable middle shelf adds versatility. Deep baskets keep contents secure. Timeless design that won't go out of style. Great value for the build quality.
- Cons: Limited color options compared to competitors. Requires assembly using IKEA's picture-based instructions. The industrial look might not suit every decor style. A bit heavier than some other carts.
The Raskog is ideal for anyone who prioritizes utilitarian function and long-term durability over trendy color options.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/raskog-utility-cart-black-90333976/
Target 3-Tier Metal Utility Cart
Often found under Target's in-house brands like Brightroom™ or Made By Design™, these three-tier utility carts are known for a wide array of color options that align with current home decor trends. They deliver similar functionality to the Raskog but shine by allowing you to perfectly match your cart to a room's aesthetic, making storage part of your decor.
- What it is: A rolling three-tier utility cart designed with an emphasis on style and color.
- Key features: Three storage shelves, rolling casters, and a huge selection of colors ranging from neutral to vibrant.
- Price: $25 - $50 (The popular Made By Design model is typically $40).
- Dimensions: 17.06" W x 14.12" D x 31.75" H.
- Materials/Construction: Generally made from a metal frame with a polished or painted finish. The build is sturdy for everyday household use but can feel lighter than the Raskog.
- Style: Modern and contemporary, designed to be trend-forward. An excellent choice for adding a pop of color to a room.
- Pros: Huge variety of colors and finishes. Often available via convenient online ordering with fast shipping or in-store pickup. A great way to match other Target home goods. Competitively priced, especially during sales events.
- Cons: Tiers are not adjustable. The overall build, while adequate, may not feel as robust as the all-steel Raskog. Trendy colors can sometimes look dated more quickly.
Target's utility cart is the perfect choice for the style-conscious organizer who wants a storage solution that complements their decor perfectly and values convenient shopping.
Shop this product: target.com/p/3-tier-metal-utility-cart-made-by-design-153/
IKEA Raskog vs. Target Utility Cart Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
While they look similar, their dimensions serve different spaces. The IKEA Raskog is notably deeper (17 3/4" W vs. the Target cart's 14.12" D), giving it a more substantial, squarish footprint. Its extra depth is excellent for storing larger items in a kitchen or craft room but may make it feel bulkier in very narrow hallways.
The Target cart is slightly taller but has a smaller, more rectangular footprint. This makes it a great choice for tucking neatly beside a desk, in a tight bathroom space, or into a laundry room nook where every inch counts.
Materials & Construction
The IKEA Raskog is known for its uniform, rock-solid construction. It’s made entirely of powder-coated steel, which gives it a satisfying weight and rigidity that feels built to last for decades. This heavy-duty approach is why it's so common in high-use environments like workshops, art studios, and kitchens.
Target’s carts are also made of metal and are perfectly sufficient for most household storage, but the materials can feel slightly thinner or lighter. The main trade-off is sacrificing some of the Raskog's industrial-grade heft for a broader array of colors and finishes. A key advantage for some models, like a popular Made By Design cart, is a higher stated total weight capacity (up to 60 lbs) compared to the Raskog (around 39 lbs total).
Price & Value
Pricing is highly competitive between the two. The Raskog has a consistent, affordable price of around $35, which represents fantastic value for money given its solid build quality. It rarely goes on sale, but its baseline price is already very low.
A cart from Target typically costs around $40 but can often be found for less during promotions like Target Circle offers or seasonal sales. If you are patient and watch for a sale, you can often grab a Target cart for less than the Raskog, making it a great budget choice.
Style & Versatility
This is where the biggest difference lies. The IKEA Raskog is the definition of minimalist, utilitarian chic. Its purpose is function first, with a form that happens to fit well with modern, industrial, and Scandinavian decor. Its limited color palette reinforces this timeless, function-first identity.
The Target cart is a style chameleon. With an extensive range of colors - from pastels for a nursery to metallics for a glam office - it's designed to be a decorative element. If you want a cart to perfectly match your bedspread, desk accessories, or bathroom towels, Target is almost guaranteed to have an option for you.
Who Each One Works Best For
The IKEA Raskog is best for utilitarian needs: storing heavy jars in a pantry, organizing oils and paints in a studio, or holding bulky tools in a garage. Its durability and adjustable shelf make it a versatile workhorse for anyone prioritizing function above all else.
The Target cart excels in dedicated living spaces where aesthetics are a primary concern. It’s the perfect choice for a dorm room, a child's playroom, a makeup station, or as a bedside table alternative. It allows you to add function without sacrificing your home's color scheme.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both utility carts are excellent storage solutions, but they cater to slightly different priorities and organizational styles.
Choose the IKEA Raskog if:
- You need an exceptionally durable cart for heavy or frequent use.
- You value workspace versatility and need an adjustable shelf.
- You prefer a timeless, minimalist aesthetic that works anywhere.
- Long-term durability is more important to you than trendy colors.
Choose a Target Utility Cart if:
- You want a specific color to match the decor in a room perfectly.
- You're looking for a slightly more compact cart to fit in a tight spot.
- You appreciate the convenience of Target’s online shopping and frequent sales.
- You're using the cart for lighter-duty storage like bathroom supplies or stationery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the IKEA Raskog and Target's cart?
The primary difference is durability versus aesthetics. The IKEA Raskog is built for heavy-duty, long-term use with a robust steel frame and an adjustable shelf. The Target cart focuses on style, offering a vast array of colors to match your home decor.
Which utility cart is bigger?
It depends on the dimension. The Raskog is wider and deeper, giving it a larger overall footprint and more surface area on each shelf. The Target cart is typically slightly taller but less deep, making it better for narrow spaces.
Is the IKEA Raskog hard to assemble?
No, assembly is straightforward and follows IKEA's standard pictogram instructions. All tools needed are included, and most people can assemble it in about 20-30 minutes.
Can you adjust the shelves on either cart?
You can adjust the height of the middle shelf on the IKEA Raskog, which is a significant advantage for storing taller items. The shelves on most Target utility carts are fixed in place.
Which cart holds more weight?
The IKEA Raskog's shelves are each rated to hold about 13 lbs, for a total of around 39 lbs. Some popular Target models, like the Made By Design cart, state a higher total weight capacity of up to 60 lbs (evenly distributed).
Which one is better for a craft room?
Artists and crafters often prefer the IKEA Raskog. Its undeniable durability can handle heavy paints and tools, and its deeper baskets prevent loose supplies like tubes and brushes from falling out.
Are the wheels good on these carts?
Both carts feature quality casters that roll smoothly on hard surfaces. The Raskog's wheels are particularly robust, adding to its overall sturdy feel. Both are easy to move around as needed.
Can I remove a shelf to make the cart shorter?
This is not recommended for either cart. The vertical support poles are designed to span the full height, and removing a tier would compromise the structural integrity and stability of the entire unit.
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