15 Kitchen Essentials That Aren't Worth Buying At IKEA, According To Reviews

IKEA is known for its affordable home essentials, but there are a few kitchen items you might want to pass on. While hundreds of IKEA kitchen products have glowing testimonials and five-star ratings, there are some that aren't worth the budget-friendly price tag. These items have low star ratings and reviews that reflect complaints that have been noticed across the board.

In this list of 15 IKEA products you should skip, according to customer reviews, we cover how these products are designed and their potential pros before delving into the issues brought to light by dissatisfied customers online. We also include direct customer quotes that explain why these products generally failed to meet expectations. The lesson to be gained from this is that these items may not match up to other branded products (unlike the many IKEA kitchen systems that actually are worth buying), as these IKEA kitchen tools get subpar ratings and reviews.

The speckled HUNDHAJ spice rack is a mini, standalone shelf for holding various kitchen spices on countertops and in cabinets. The affordable new IKEA spice rack puts a trendy spin on kitchen storage, but the spice rack itself also doesn't work for most kitchens, since it's very narrow, with a 2.25-inch depth. This thin pocket doesn't hold larger spice bottles. IKEA also markets it as a cell phone holder to display recipes while cooking. However, since it's 2.5 inches high, it may mask too much of a smartphone screen to be convenient.

Some reviewers seem happy with the design and pop of color, while others comment on its poor craftsmanship and note that the color looks duller in person. Most negative reviews also focus on the fact that it's too small and not really practical. As a result, this IKEA spice rack has a 3.5-star average from 12 total reviewers. Half of those reviewers left three stars or less. A much better option is the IKEA BEKVAM kitchen spice rack that can add storage around the house.

The HEMLAGAD Pot With Lid was once the perfect cooking pot, but a recent change to the design sent IKEA customers into a rage. The aluminum pot is usable on all cooktops, has comfortable handles, and has holes in the lid for straining. However, IKEA removed a locking mechanism that kept the pot lid attached to the pot when pouring out water. 

One customer explains their dissatisfaction with the product, with many people mirroring these concerns: "This was a fantastic product I used for years. It had a lid with a built-in strainer, and if you twisted the lid, it locked in place. All the parts you might touch were plastic-coated, so steam aside, you didn't need to wear oven mitts. Except IKEA has removed the locking lid part that is central to the way the thing works." Past reviews still keep ratings middle-tier, but this product currently has a 3.5-star average that continues to decline. There are 77 reviews, and about 41% of them give the HEMLAGAD Pot three stars or less.

While some IKEA UPPFYLLD items can upgrade your kitchen, the UPPFYLLD ice-cream scoop falls short. This cute blue ice cream scoop is a modified spoon with a deep curve for scooping frozen desserts. Despite its simple design and very low cost of $1.99, many IKEA customers advise against buying it. The tool has no release lever or special design that makes serving ice cream any more convenient, and you're better off just using a normal spoon.

As one reviewer puts it, "Not a great scooper. Hard to dig into the ice cream to scoop it out. But it looks cute — just useless." Another person states that the ice cream sticks to the scooper's surface, making it even more inconvenient. This consensus is agreed upon by many of the 28 reviewers. 39% of them give subpar star ratings, resulting in a 3.5-star average.

Squeeze bottles are a must-have if you make your own sauces or simply want a better condiment dispenser than what you get at the grocery store. Unfortunately, the GRILLTIDER Squeeze Bottle from IKEA doesn't make dispensing sauces any easier. There are numerous reviews reporting that the top doesn't screw in tightly enough. When you squeeze the bottle, the neck deforms, and liquid leaks between the lid and the bottle. They also don't come with caps, so there's no way to secure the top when they aren't being actively poured.

Many reviews support this, with reviewers writing things like, "Liquid leaks from the cap when I squeeze the bottle," and, "It leaks from the sides, makes a mess, unfortunately." As a result, the GRILLTIDER bottles have an average of 3.5 stars from 31 reviewers. Of these customer ratings, 42% are dissatisfied with the product.

It's hard to imagine that simple dinnerware sets can have negative reviews, but past customers have strong opinions about the STOCKHOLM 2025 Deep Plates and Bowls. These 10-inch plates have a deep center for liquid-based dishes. They're made of a glazed fine china that is microwave and dishwasher-safe; however, they aren't practical for everyday use. The plates are too shallow to be bowls, which makes the name misleading. Due to the design, the center divot is only big enough for minute portions, making it impractical for serving meals.

Customer testimonials remark that they aren't deep enough and only serve child-sized portions. As a result, the six reviewers left an average of 3.3 stars, and half of them left one, two, or three stars. A much better option is IKEA's budget-friendly FÄRGKLAR dinnerware set.

The NORRSJÖN Cutting Board from IKEA is made of solid oak wood, and the care instructions state it can be cleaned with a damp sponge or sandpaper. (This goes against the tip that cutting boards are one of the kitchen essentials you should avoid cleaning with a sponge.) It seems that no matter how you clean this cutting board, there won't be good results. Many reviews warn that this board is prone to splintering, rendering it useless for preparing or displaying food.

One reviewer writes, "I just unwrapped it and gave it a quick wash only to watch it come apart before my very eyes. The surface was immediately covered in splinters." Meanwhile, another complains: "After the first wash, the surface was rough and splintering." Given this repeated issue, the NORRSJÖN Cutting Board isn't the best addition to your kitchen. The quality issue has resulted in a 3.1-star rating overall, and 61% of reviewers giving it three stars or less.

Another IKEA kitchen bottle has a reputation for leaking. The HALVTOM Bottle With Pour Spout is intended for dry spices, oil, or vinegar, but, according to reviews, it should be solely used for dry spices. On a practical note, it is made with brown glass to block light and retain its contents' freshness for longer. It has a screwable pour spout and cap that can easily be removed to refill the bottle. However, the screw cap is also its downfall since many customers report that it doesn't seal correctly and that liquids spill out. In addition, the pour spout is too wide, and liquid spews out too quickly.

Examples of these negative reviews include comments like this: "The bottle is beautiful, but the cap is awful. Oil pours out too fast and too much. It then drips and runs down the front." Elsewhere, another reviewer writes: "Every time I pour, it leaks and makes the bottle dirty and messy. Have to clean it every time after use." Nearly half of the 39 reviews are one-star ratings, resulting in a 3.1-star average.

There are dozens of chic and functional kitchen utensil holders worth buying, but you can pass on the VÄLVÅRDAD Utensil Holder. This utensil holder looks like the perfect place to prop freshly washed kitchenware, with its stylish design, catch dish, and bottom holes for ventilation. All the extra features are for naught, though, as customers claim the product does not hold up well to water exposure. Seeing as it's where you leave damp dishes to dry, this more or less defeats its entire purpose.

Several customers report the same results, saying the holder became rusty in just days or months. Out of 14 total reviews, 50% give it a poor rating, leaving an average of 3.2 stars. On the positive side, this utensil holder can still be used if you avoid stocking it with wet utensils, as dry items won't drip water and accumulate rust.

The RINNING Sink container is made of a thick plastic that meshes well with black fixtures and modern style kitchens. It has suction cups and a flat bottom, so it can hang on the side of a sink or be balanced on the edge. The intention is there, but this sink container isn't the holy grail of kitchen utensils it appears to be. The suction cups don't stick well to most sinks, according to testimonials. You also cannot balance the holder on the edge of the counter, as the promotional images suggest, because it is too lightweight and narrow. It simply topples over.

Many past customers echo each other's complaints, writing things like: "The suction cups don't work that great," and "This item was a great idea, but the base needs to be heavier if the suction cups are not used." Even though it's only $1.99, 74% of customers don't think it's worth purchasing. The 131 reviews average around 2.9 stars, with the majority leaving a flat one-star rating. Ultimately, this isn't a budget-friendly IKEA item that will keep your kitchen clutter-free, and there are much higher-rated sink organizers out there.

Every baker who takes pride in decorating their desserts needs a piping tool set on hand. The IKEA SMAKSAM Piping tool set includes a pastry bag and six piping tips for making different icing designs. These are made of silicone and stainless steel, are dishwasher safe, and appear to be a quintessential kitchen set. In reality, the piping bag doesn't work as intended. It's also difficult to clean the bag, which is attached to the nozzle.

Several customers commented on these issues, writing things like: "It takes so much pressure to get the frosting through the valve. I can't even get water to flow through the valve without excessive pressure," and, "Echoing everyone else here, this is a needlessly complicated design that makes it impossible to clean." The 14 reviewers left 2.8 stars overall, though the majority gave it three stars or less.

The VATTENTÄT Kettle looks like any modern kettle you'd find at a major retailer. The stainless steel frame works on gas, ceramic, electric, and induction cooktops, and it has a handle and whistle. Despite the basic design and convenient features, many customers voice problems with the kettle's functionality. According to reviews, the handle gets too hot, the whistle is too quiet, it rusts too easily, and the metal is prone to burning. Some of these seem to be one-off problems. However, this IKEA kettle still made our list because it has a consistent point of contention: the whistle is far too quiet and fails to alert you when the kettle is boiling.

One customer sums up this problem in a descriptive review: "The whistle is just a weak and pitiful sound. You can barely hear it, and when you do, you just want to put it out of its misery." Given the many different problems, the nine reviewers left an average of 2.7 stars. Over half of them only give this product one or two stars.

An ice tray is a must-have if you decide purchasing an ice maker isn't worth it for your kitchen. The IKEA SPJUTROCKA Ice Cube Tray has ten pockets and a lid, making it a seemingly fashionable and practical way to make ice in your freezer. It comes in a pack of two and in two colors, but don't let the pretty pastels distract you from the customer reviews. According to past purchasers, these rubber and plastic ice trays aren't as good as they look. 

Many reviewers warn of potential problems, including this commentary: "The soft bottom on the ice tray is supposed to help you push the ice out, but it's of no help. The ice remains stuck in the tray, and it's a task getting it out. The lid just sits on top of the tray loosely, and it's not the kind that snaps into place." With over 250 reviews, the SPJUTROCKA tray has a 2.7-star average. 37% of those reviews are the lowest possible rating, and 64% of people are dissatisfied overall.

The UPPFYLLD Egg Slicer comes with three plastic blade shapes, designed to cut eccentric patterns in peeled eggs. Unlike other egg slicers, they're dishwasher-safe, taking away the tedious task of washing them afterward. However, this perk doesn't save these egg slicers from poor reviews. Customers report that none of the slicers make clean cuts, and they leave a mess in their wake. They may come in a cute green and yellow color scheme and have a separate base to hold eggs in place, but they don't work as intended.

According to one testimonial: "The plastic cutting blades don't cut very well. The cutter that cuts in half with a wavy blade works ok, but the rest tend to just destroy the egg."  Another complains that, "None of the slicers worked well. Instead of cutting and slicing, it squashed the eggs." The result is a 2.6-star average. The majority of reviewers give one star, and 68% are dissatisfied with their purchase. These numbers are even more incriminating when you consider there are 258 total reviews to reference.

Based on the lackluster reviews of the IKEA 365+ Beverage Dispenser at IKEA, you'd likely have much better luck picking up kitchen essentials at your local thrift store. This IKEA kitchen product is a convenient size, so it can fit in most refrigerators. It has a wide top for dropping in liquids, chopped fruits, and other ingredients for flavor. It's also compatible with the ÖGONTRÖST stand that props it up and adds aesthetic value. However, despite all of these advantages, customers warn that the lid is susceptible to mold and that the glass is too fragile.

As one reviewer states, "The lid is terrible, after a couple of days, a nice colony of mold has formed ... had to throw it out." Another person warns IKEA shoppers of another commonly reported downside: "Anything warm and this dispenser will crack/shatter. Makes it useless for dispensing fresh tea." Many of the 30 reviews repeat these concerns, and 73% of people gave it three stars or less. It has a low 2.6-star average.

The final kitchen essential that's not worth buying at IKEA, and which also has a startlingly low rating, is the VARDAGEN Wok with Lid. From the outside, this wok looks top-of-the-line, especially since it's more expensive than most IKEA kitchen tools. It's made of carbon steel and thick glass, with handles on both sides for full control over the cooking process. Even though it looks like a quality wok, many people claim it deteriorates quickly. In some cases, issues were reported after just one cooking session.

Rust stains are usually the fault of the customer, but it's incriminating that nearly every purchaser has this problem. They leave testimonials like, "The stainless steel coating came off after the first use, and this orange residue was all over the wok," and, "This product is really bad — it got stains and rust the same day we used it." While in some responses, IKEA states that the pan looks rusted because it is carbon steel and needs to be seasoned before use, this doesn't change the fact that the 27 customers who left reviews gave it a two-star average. 77% of the reviews were three stars or less, with the vast majority leaving just one star.

With so many IKEA products highly rated, there weren't many kitchen essentials that are not worth buying. The items on this list all have 3.5 stars or less from multiple reviewers. We didn't include items with only one scathing review or where the poor ratings reflected one-off manufacturing errors. Instead, with these products, at least 40% of the reviews were dissatisfied, meaning most customers gave one, two, or three-star ratings.