6 Ikea Kitchen Systems And Series That Are Worth Buying, And 3 To Skip, According To Reviews

Designing a kitchen from scratch can feel overwhelming — especially when you're trying to balance budget, style, and long-term durability. That's where IKEA kitchens come in. For decades, IKEA has made it easier and more affordable for homeowners and renters to create well-organized, stylish kitchens without the sky-high costs of custom cabinetry. With modular base systems, swappable cabinet fronts, and thoughtful storage solutions, IKEA offers options that can fit everything from compact apartments to sprawling open-concept homes.

But not every IKEA kitchen product delivers the same value. Some systems are consistently praised for their quality, smart design, and easy customization. Others, while budget-friendly, come with trade-offs in materials, durability, or finishes. For the best way to plan a kitchen renovation using IKEA products, first understand why each system or series stands out — and where it may fall short.

Whether you're dreaming of a sleek modern look with glossy cabinets, a cozy farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style doors, or just a quick refresh with functional upgrades, this guide breaks down which IKEA kitchen systems and series are worth investing in — and which ones you might want to skip. We scoured IKEA's website for their kitchen series and systems that had over 4-star average ratings. We then dove into what real users are saying about how these options perform over time, and from there, determined which combinations offer the best value for your space. You can find further information about how we made our recommendations at the end of the article.

SEKTION is the backbone of IKEA's kitchen collection — a modular system that can be endlessly configured to fit almost any layout, aesthetic, or budget. With dozens of cabinet sizes, drawer inserts, and add-ons, like under-cabinet lighting or pull-out pantries, SEKTION's flexibility is unmatched. It's built for customization and compatible with a wide range of front styles, allowing for easy refreshes down the line. Pricing stays accessible, making it a popular choice for both full kitchen remodels and partial updates.

Customer reviews on IKEA's site show a deep appreciation for the system's adaptability. While the installation can be time-consuming and occasionally complex, many note that the final result feels custom and high-end. Users love pairing SEKTION cabinets with drawer organizers and soft-close hinges to elevate the look and function. Plus you have the option to add accessories like integrated lighting or IKEA's UTRUSTA fittings, which help maximize space and usability, especially in tight layouts. So, for anyone ready to commit the time to a well-planned install, SEKTION remains IKEA's gold standard for quality and customization. And if you want to play around with how the SEKTION system might work in your space before even stepping into a showroom, using IKEA's kitchen planner is a good place to start.

The KUNGSFORS series is IKEA's answer to open kitchen shelving and organization, which can be an unexpected feature that gives your kitchen more storage space. Made from sleek stainless steel, and bamboo for some shelves, the system includes wall-mounted rails, shelves, hooks, and baskets that help keep tools and supplies within easy reach. It's perfect for maximizing vertical space in smaller kitchens or adding a professional-grade aesthetic to contemporary ones. Since the components are sold separately, you can tailor your setup to your cooking habits and available wall space. For example, even in a kitchen with ample closed storage, you could incorporate one of the smaller KUNGSFORS favorites, like the magnetic knife rack or stainless steel rail.

In their reviews, customers consistently highlight the durability and sturdiness of the KUNGSFORS line. They especially love how stainless steel finish across the collection resists corrosion and wear, even in humid environments. Reviews also note that installation is straightforward and the pieces feel solid and restaurant kitchen-worthy. Popular uses for the suspension rail system include hanging mugs, spatulas, measuring spoons, and even indoor plants. 

If you want to add even more greenery to your space, consider this DIY from @silky.lounge on TikTok, which uses the KUNGSFORS rails and hanging containers to create an indoor herb garden. With a grow light included, you'll have a kitchen that not only optimizes the use of your tools, but supports the use of fresh ingredients, as well.

If you opt to use the SEKTION kitchen system, you'll notice that there are a bevy of cabinet front styles to choose from. For a streamlined, handle-free silhouette and smooth, white matte finish, customers love the VEDDINGE front series. Its flat panels give kitchens a modern, unembellished appearance, which is ideal as is for minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired interiors. And moreover, it is one of the most budget-friendly cabinet front series that IKEA offers.

Reviewers frequently praise VEDDINGE's ease of cleaning, especially for busy kitchens. The laminate surface wipes down quickly and maintains its appearance over time (for the most part). However, it's worth noting that some customers report chipped door edges with regular use. Yet, although it may not be completely damage-proof, it's still a beloved go-to for homeowners who want a clean look without high maintenance.

For an ultra-minimal VEDDINGE look, you can omit hardware all together, and use UTRUSTA push openers instead. Or, embrace the fronts as a blank canvas for your personal style — starting with hardware. While IKEA has plenty of options, you can branch out to virtually any retailer who sells hardware in order to get the exact look you want. Want to keep it sharp and modern? Try a matte black Amerock Monument Center Handle Cabinet Pull. Or for eclectic tastes, look for handmade or vintage pulls from independent Etsy sellers. And if you're worried that white is the cabinet color trend that will be outdated by 2026, you can even transform your VEDDINGE fronts with your favorite paint color. Just don't forget to lightly sand the surface and use a high-quality shellac primer during prep to ensure your cabinets stand up to regular kitchen traffic.

As another front series for the SEKTION kitchen, the ASKERSUND series features a realistic light ash wood grain for cabinets and drawers alike. This look could be ideal for those who want the warmth of natural textures without the price tag that comes with real wood. The laminated melamine finish is both scratch-resistant and easy to maintain, making it a smart choice for family kitchens or high-traffic areas. ASKERSUND works well in Scandi-modern or mid-century interiors, thanks to its pale tone and linear grain pattern.

Customers on IKEA's website appreciate how premium the ASKERSUND wood effect looks in person, often remarking that it fools guests into thinking it's real veneer. The affordability, combined with low upkeep, earns it high marks from renovators on a budget. Pair your ASKERSUND fronts with light countertops, a simplified color palette, and other natural materials, and you'll be on your way to creating the perfect Scandinavian-style kitchen. Or you can mix ASKERSUND with other IKEA fronts for a look that's all your own. For example, pairing wood-tone lower cabinets with matte white uppers will introduce contrast and create a two-tone kitchen that creates visual depth.

VOXTORP cabinet fronts are a standout choice for anyone wanting a sleek, modern kitchen with clean lines and minimal visual clutter. Available in matte white, matte dark gray, and a high-gloss brown-gray finish, these doors give you multiple style options while keeping the same signature integrated handle design. The matte finishes work beautifully in spaces that lean minimalist and contemporary, while the high-gloss option offers a bit more drama and light reflection, perfect for modern city apartments or high-contrast kitchens. Constructed with a durable particleboard core and finished with a resilient foil layer, VOXTORP is designed to resist everyday wear, while being easy to wipe clean.

Customer reviews frequently highlight how streamlined the integrated handles feel compared to traditional hardware, making the fronts look seamless and saving on installation time. Other reviews note that the matte surfaces can pick up fingerprints, but also that they wipe away just as easily. Another customer praises the dark gray for its sheen that makes it go well with other gray and brown fixtures. We think that the high-gloss, gray-brown fronts would be an especially great choice if you're after the look of a non-traditional moody kitchen. But whichever color way you choose, customers agree that VOXTORP fronts deliver both form and function at an accessible price.

BODBYN fronts are a favorite among IKEA customers looking for a softer, more traditional aesthetic. Offered in off-white and gray, these routed panel doors feature a fiberboard core wrapped in a painted foil finish that's smooth to the touch and a breeze to clean. And the beveled inner frame gives them an elegant profile, making them a great fit for farmhouse kitchens, or even modern kitchens with vintage touches.

IKEA reviewers consistently highlight how upscale BODBYN looks once installed, especially when paired with glass-front uppers or decorative molding. The gray has been singled out as a trend-forward, yet timeless, choice that plays well with natural stone countertops and mixed-metal fixtures. One reviewer remarks that the off-white shade works beautifully with gray flooring. Opt for the off-white for bright, airy kitchens or gray for a slightly more sophisticated, neutral base that can handle bold tile backsplashes. While BODBYN costs slightly more than IKEA's most basic fronts, buyers often feel the quality and design details justify the investment. And though the BODBYN fronts are a particularly strong match for traditional and farmhouse styles, they are also versatile enough to give a refined touch to minimalist and modern design tastes.

The KNOXHULT kitchen system is designed for quick, low-cost installations, which may appeal to renters, budget-conscious homeowners, and those outfitting secondary kitchen spaces. It's a ready-made line that comes in pre-set cabinet and countertop combinations. The clean, neutral design and simple metal handles make it functional enough for basic needs, but ultimately, the system lacks the design flexibility and customizability of IKEA's uber-modular SEKTION system. However, the pricing of the KNOXHULT system is one of its biggest draws, which understandably makes it an attractive choice for temporary solutions like basement kitchens, laundry rooms, or studio apartments.

That said, customer reviews on IKEA's U.S. site paint a mixed picture. While some appreciate the straightforward installation and immediate usability of KNOXHULT's pieces, many note quality concerns — including flimsy doors, misaligned hinges, and less durable finishes that chip or warp over time. Storage space may also be limited compared to more modular systems. For those who choose KNOXHULT, small upgrades can help improve its usability: swapping the hardware for something sturdier or pairing it with freestanding storage units to compensate for its limited layout options. While KNOXHULT can be a stopgap solution for tight budgets, it's best suited for spaces where longevity and heavy daily use aren't top priorities. Overall, we'd suggest skipping this system for primary kitchens that experience frequent traffic.

ENHET is IKEA's entry-level modular kitchen system, marketed as a flexible, easy-to-install option for small spaces. It features a mix of open shelving and closed cabinets, with finishes limited to white, gray, and an oak-look veneer. Its modularity makes it a favorite for unconventional layouts, and the lightweight frames are easy to move and reconfigure. Many buyers do appreciate that it can be installed with just basic tools and without the need for professional help.

That said, reviews often mention issues with long-term durability. Some customers report that the lightweight construction feels unstable, especially in high-traffic kitchens. The open shelving, while stylish, can limit storage for those who prefer a cleaner, clutter-free look. Still, ENHET can be improved with a couple strategies, such as choosing the right storage containers for an open kitchen shelf to create visual order, or pairing it with freestanding kitchen islands for more counter space. It's a good option for budget-conscious DIYers or renters who want a quick, stylish upgrade — but for homeowners planning a long-term investment, more robust systems like SEKTION are the safer bet.

HAVSTORP is one of IKEA's most affordable flat-panel cabinet front options, available in beige, light gray, and deep green. The design is simple and modern, with a smooth surface that works in minimalist and contemporary kitchens. Its low price point makes it appealing for quick makeovers or low-traffic spaces where heavy wear and tear isn't a concern. Plus, HAVSTORP's foil finish is easy to wipe down, and the colors are versatile enough to pair with a wide range of countertops and backsplashes.

But unfortunately, reviews on IKEA's U.S. site reveal recurring quality issues with HAVSTORP fronts. Customers have reported warping and peeling edges, particularly in high-moisture areas like near sinks and dishwashers. One disappointed reviewer noted that color on their green fronts came off to reveal white underneath. Others have also noted inconsistent color finishes when trying to match cabinets.

While some buyers have had positive experiences using HAVSTORP in guest suites or small apartments, most agree it's not well-suited for busy kitchens that see daily use. If chosen, give it an upgrade by waterproofing and protecting surfaces and edges with an MDF sealant, either polyurethane or varnish-based (but avoid water-based polyurethane). But for those wanting a similar minimalist look, but better durability, stepping up to VOXTORP or ASKERSUND may be worth the extra investment. HAVSTORP's affordability is tempting, but its performance makes it a compromise choice, rather than a long-term solution.

To find which IKEA kitchen systems and series are worth buying and which are not, we first browsed the store's online inventory to determine what kitchens had products with average ratings over 4 stars and at least 100 reviews on primary pieces like cabinet and drawer base frames. For series of cabinet fronts in the SEKTION line, we looked for pieces that had at least 5 reviews and a 4-star average rating. From there, we looked at the reviews for qualitative accounts of the products' appearance, value, and performance over time.