The IKEA Storage Find That's Made For Busy Kitchens

Unfortunately, kitchen layouts don't always provide enough storage space. Perhaps your kitchen is small or the design is outdated, but you can't afford to launch a remodeling project. In any case, organization is key, and IKEA has a variety of solutions. Bamboo shelf organizers are sleek space-savers for kitchen countertop storage, and wall-mounted storage can be an affordable find that reduces counter clutter. When even countertop and wall space is limited, though, IKEA has another solution that can address the need for extra storage while giving you versatility in placement and use: the Råskog utility cart for $39.99.

Available in black, light pink, red-brown, and white, the Råskog utility cart is a sturdy storage trolley made of steel with an epoxy powder coating. It's 30.38 inches tall, 17.75 inches long, and 13.75 inches wide overall, and each shelf is capable of holding 13 pounds. If your kitchen doesn't have enough open walking space for this specific model, IKEA has a smaller, slightly cheaper Råskog with a couple of different color options — beige yellow and gray green — that may also mesh better with your kitchen design.

No matter which one you choose, the Råskog utility cart is easy to keep clean. The bottom of each shelf is mesh to promote air circulation and reduce the buildup of dust, requiring only a damp soft cloth (with soap if necessary) to wipe away kitchen spills and splatters. Plus, the four castor wheels make it smooth to place and move the cart wherever you need it.

The uses for IKEA's Råskog utility cart are practically endless, but we'll give you a few ideas to get you started. One favorite is turning it into a coffee or tea bar — using the top shelf for your French press and hot water, tea pot, and cups, and the other two shelves for coffee beans or grounds, tea bags, and whatever extras you like. Since you can easily roll it to the table to serve guests, you don't have to worry about going back to the kitchen for more. Like the Nissafors utility cart, it's an IKEA cart that keeps liquor tidy and can be useful for serving meals.

For pure storage, this Råskog utility cart is great for snacks, baking supplies, cookbooks, and small appliances. Since keeping spices near your stove can make them go bad or develop mold because of heat and steam, putting them in a roll-away cart is an excellent alternative. You can even use the middle shelf for utensils and the bottom for pots and pans. For a more unique use, you can repurpose old jars into a kitchen herb garden and place the jars in the cart. It's the ideal option if your kitchen gets sun in different places throughout the day because you can just move them wherever the sun shines.

The Råskog utility cart isn't the only product at IKEA that can be used for many of these purposes. The Vesken cart is a wonderful option for narrow spaces, such as between the cabinet and refrigerator, while the Juttersbo cart offers a different aesthetic with its round design.