The Affordable IKEA Item That Fans Have Loved For Decades For Its Durability

In a world filled with fast fashion and planned obsolescence, it seems rare to find products that are designed to stand the test of time. Many household items are the same way — produced with cheaply made materials and designed to look great for a brief time before falling apart — which can be discouraging and disenchanting for consumers who want more from their purchases. If you consider yourself to be a person who likes a good deal but doesn't want to compromise on quality, you might be surprised to learn about an IKEA kitchen staple that has continued to stand the test of time for 15 years.

While not every item from IKEA is worth buying, the BLANDA MATT Bamboo Serving Bowl ($24.99) is certainly one that you should consider. Introduced by the Swedish retailer at least 15 years ago, this simple but effective salad bowl has become a favorite of customers the world over. It's clear why, too. Made from durable materials and crafted with a timeless appearance, this bowl offers the user a natural aesthetic while still being easy to care for on a regular basis. Customers have given this bowl a 4.7-star average out of more than 1,700 reviews (ranking it among some of IKEA's many best-selling products), mentioning its appearance, quality, and performance as its most attractive features. But does it make the cut for your home as an IKEA home essential that's almost always worth buying?

If you're in the market for a new salad bowl, you might be wondering if the BLANDA MATT would be a good fit for your home. For the answer to this inquiry, it's worth looking into customer feedback on this product. For the most part, customers are delighted with the simple but beautiful salad bowl, saying that it lasts for a long time and is perfect for serving salads. If you're envisioning using it for big dinner parties, it's good to know that the BLANDA MATT is a little on the small side — measuring 11 inches in diameter — so it's likely best for intimate family dinners. Or, you might need to pick up a couple for larger gatherings.

In terms of care, it's worth noting that although the BLANDA MATT can be hand washed, it is covered in a lacquer that is not safe for dishwashers, nor can it be placed in the microwave. If your lifestyle demands that dishes are a little less particular about their care and usage, the BLANDA MATT might not be a good choice for you. Before committing to this salad bowl, it's also wise to acquire a pair of salad tongs that are made from plastic, wood, bamboo, or another non-metal material, as metallic serving utensils can scratch the surface of the bowl. Stylistically speaking, the GRÖNSAKER 2-piece salad serving set ($5.99) from IKEA is a cost-effective companion to the bamboo salad bowl.

Whether you are a salad aficionado or not, the BLANDA MATT can be a durable serving dish for a variety of items. One customer review mentions using it for a fruit bowl — its versatile material and design can help to gently elevate the style of your kitchen. Another buyer says that they use it for veggies, too. Other uses for the BLANDA MATT could include filling it with dry snacks — popcorn, tortilla chips, or other snack mixes (especially if you couple it with a nice bamboo or wooden scoop or wide serving spoon). It also could make for an amazing bread bowl at the dinner table — line it with a linen towel to keep the bread warm and to offer a rustic appeal.

If you love the look of the BLANDA MATT but don't really need to add another functional bowl to your kitchen inventory, you can still absolutely justify acquiring one for decorating purposes. Place it on the dining room table or on your kitchen island where it can serve as a visually pleasing item, or use it in another corner of your home. One review mentions that the BLANDA MATT makes for an excellent dish for holding soap on the side of the tub for spa vibes. You could just as easily fill it with rattan or wicker balls for a stunning first impression to your entryway. Whatever you use it for, with the right care the BLANDA MATT could become a beloved home item for many years.