12 Kitchen Essentials Worth Snagging From Ikea, According To Reviews

When shopping for kitchen accessories at Ikea, you don't really have to pay attention to the fine print. After all, you can return unused products within 365 days and used ones within 180 days, provided you have the bill. However, if you'd rather not make repeated trips to the store to get refunds for kitchen essentials that aren't worth buying, look beyond how a piece looks in the showroom or on the website. Go through organic reviews to determine how it performs in real-world conditions.

Don't have the energy to go through customer reviews for each product you'd like to buy? Here's a list of the 12 kitchen essentials that are worth snagging from Ikea. We have included products from different categories to help you make quick decisions. Since the list would have been too long otherwise, we only looked at items with a minimum average star rating of 4.4 and at least 700 reviews. We also went through feedback for each to uncover their pros and cons. You'll find a more detailed explanation regarding our methodology at the end of this piece.

Thinking of ditching your plastic cutting boards? The Lamplig Bamboo Cutting Board can be a nice alternative, especially if you'll be using it to slice luscious fruits and meats. It's because the board features an integrated groove that catches all liquid extract and prevents it from spilling onto your counters. Plus, you won't have to worry about the material dulling your sharp knives. Moreover, the curved lip along the edge of the board keeps it from moving around. A few customers also employ it to roll out dough for their homemade pizza bases and bread loaves, whereas some employ it as a charcuterie tray. However, be prepared to wash it by hand, as it isn't dishwasher-friendly. It even requires sealing with food-grade oil from time to time.

After being reviewed over 2,700 times, this cutting board has an average star rating of 4.6, with about 76% of customers giving it 5 stars. Sharing why they like it, a user wrote, "Milled groove catches all, but the best feature is the lip on this cutting board! This anchors the board to the countertop and keeps it from sliding around. Absolutely love it!" But a few people complained about how the board starts splintering if you use it regularly to chop items, even when maintained properly.

In case you don't like to stack your plates on top of each other, you might appreciate the Ostbit Bamboo Plate Holder. Set it inside your cabinet or shelf, and you can start slotting your plates or cutting boards in it. It can hold your pot and pan lids as well. Some consumers use it for drying their wet dishes, too. If the holder is too small for your needs (it can hold only six plates at a time), place another on either end and zip-tie them together.

After garnering over 900 reviews, the bamboo holder has an average star rating of 4.7 and boasts over 82% 5-star reviews. Detailing why they like the product, a customer mentioned, "The Osbit plate holder is much more than a plate organizer. I use to organize plates in my cabinets so it is easier to retrieve plates because stacking different size plates can cause chips. I also use one for pot lids and another one for mail sorting. It is so versatile." However, you'll have to clean it regularly and ensure it dries out completely, or it'll attract mold. Other users also complained that the slots aren't wide enough to accommodate larger lids, whereas a few don't like that the slots aren't movable.

If you live alone or have a small kitchen, try out the Lillhavet Multifunctional Dish Rack. The wires are made of steel and polyamide, so they can withstand daily use. Plus, they come with a soft coating that discourages rust. You can use the rack and the drain board together or separately to make room for more dishes. If you have a small countertop, suspend the plate rack over your sink and keep the board on a solid surface. But measure your sink beforehand, as the rack can only fit internal units that measure 15 ¾ inches.

The dish rack has an average star rating of 4.4 based on reviews from over 800 consumers. As such, it has received over 68% 5-star reviews. A customer happy with their purchase stated, "This dish rack is really well designed, and actually looks nice given that it's plastic. Not sure if most kitchen sinks are a standard length front to back, but the wire part fits my sink perfectly." That said, several customers note that this rack isn't ideal for large plates, and they'll flop over if you try to fit them in. If you live in a region with hard water, the drainboard will eventually show signs of limescale buildup (hard-to-clean white spots). You also want to drain the solid board after placing your washed dishes on it, since it lacks drainage.

When meal prepping for the week ahead, you need sturdy containers to ensure the food doesn't go bad, turn into chunks of ice, or spill unceremoniously. Given this, Ikea's 365+ Food Container with Lid is a good choice. The six-ounce jars are made of heat-resistant glass and are freezer-, microwave-, air fryer-, and dishwasher-friendly. This means you can store, heat, and clean them without issues. Plus, they're see-through, so you won't have to label your containers. The lid, on the other hand, is made of polypropylene and comes with a silicone seal. As such, it shouldn't be subjected to high heat.

The product has been reviewed more than 1,800 times and has an average star rating of 4.7, with 81% of users giving it 5 stars. Detailing the reasons they're satisfied with the containers, a user wrote, "I've had the glass one in various sizes for about three years now and they still look good as new. Works great in the oven and doesn't stain/absorb like plastic. Value and quality can't be beat. Love that you can buy lids separately and customize as well. They store best with a lid on each one then stacked." To ensure your containers last longer, avoid nesting them within each other without a lid, or they'll get stuck together. Applying force to separate them will cause broken jars or chipped edges.

Half-cut vegetables and fruits can be difficult to store. After all, you don't want them rotting faster or flies making your kitchen their command central. While plastic wraps do the job most of the time, they aren't sustainable. Try the Overmatt Silicone Food Cover Set. The three covers are made of silicone rubber and can be used to cover food, its containers, and drinking glasses. They're available in three sizes and fit circular objects with diameters from 1 to 5 inches. Ikea claims it's easy to clean them, too — just put them in the dishwasher after use. However, let them dry completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.

The silicone food covers have garnered about 4,300 reviews, with an average star rating of 4.5 and over 68% 5-star reviews. Satisfied with them, a user said, "Perfect cover for those opened cans or bottles of partially used food. Like dog or cat food. Better than the snap on lids that never fit properly or using plastic wrap that ends up in a landfill." Avoid stretching them too much, or the covers will tear. Also, avoid storing especially pungent items, such as cut onions, in silicone pieces, as they absorb the odor. Repeatedly washing them with dish soap or soaking them in vinegar doesn't help.

Hoping to make the most of the limited space in your kitchen? The Variera Shelf Insert is one of Ikea's best-selling products for organizing your kitchen, helping you stay organized and create more space for your dinnerware, tea and coffee essentials, and pantry items. Do not place the inserts in your uppermost cabinet, or you'll need a stool to access the items on top. Although the manufacturer doesn't specify a weight limit, the riser is made of steel and can handle heavy objects without issue. If you plan to use it on your counters or long shelves, the package includes extra screws to connect additional inserts. If their basic white finish isn't aesthetically pleasing, feel free to spray paint it in a shade of your choice.

Having an average star rating of 4.6, the shelf inserts have been reviewed over 5,200 times, out of which 76% (approximately) are 5-star reviews. A satisfied product user said, "I was able to fit 12 regular-sized plates on the bottom along with 20 dessert plates(stacks of 10) side by side on the top. Got another shelf where I was able to stack 2 tea sets! I ended up with extra space when I couldn't fit everything at first." Unfortunately, a few people had difficulty fitting the screws (either they were too large or too small) into their slots, which made assembly challenging. One person even had to resort to super glue.

Although certain countertop materials (e.g., quartzite, granite, concrete, and soapstone) won't sustain heat damage if you place a hot pot or pan for a short time, it's best to use a trivet. Don't have any at home? Consider investing in Ikea's 7-inch cork ones. They come in a set of three and can withstand temperatures up to 480°F. In case a single trivet can't accommodate your large pot or pan, group all three in a triangular fashion so it fits comfortably.

With around 3,600 reviews to its name, these cork trivets have an average star rating of 4.6, courtesy of about 78% users giving it 5 stars. A delighted customer wrote, "These were one of the first things I bought when IKEA came to town. I don't know how many years it has been but these trivets are still in great shape. They wash up well, they have not cracked or shed any cork bits." Despite its glowing reviews, remember that these trivets are a little delicate and require gentle care. Otherwise, they'll start crumbling.

Have you been trying desperately to neatly store your spice jars on your small counters or cluttered shelves? Then, make use of the empty wall space in your kitchen with the Bekvam Spice Rack. Crafted out of solid aspen wood, this Ikea solution will help organize your pantry and put the overlooked vertical space to good use. However, it isn't renter-friendly since you'll have to buy wall anchors suitable for your apartment's surface. This will allow the rack to handle the load of your spice jars, cookbooks, condiment bottles, and other accessories. You'll also have to pay for the screws. To ensure you don't buy the wrong ones (several customers griped about it), Ikea recommends trying the fittings from its Trixig line. Alternatively, some consumers advised taking the rack to the hardware store to get the right screws and anchors.

With a little over 700 user reviews, the spice rack has an average star rating of 4.7 and over 79% 5-star reviews. Noting why they appreciate the product, a customer shared, "The spice rack holds more than I thought. It's not too big where you can put it in different small spaces. I would definitely recommend it for my friends. If you have tight spaces and you need something for your spices it is ideal you can also put it behind the door of your cabinets." Although a few people complained about the plain wood look, these racks can be stained or painted to match your kitchen's color scheme.

In case you want to reserve your fancy china for guests and don't want them to sport scratches from regular use, consider bringing the Oftast Deep Plate/Bowl home. The white dishes measure 7.25 inches and are made of tempered opal glass. This makes them both microwave and dishwasher-safe. Plus, customers like how they look like fine porcelain plates (even though they cost only $1) and are perfect for serving adequate portions of soups, salads, and pasta. The only downside? You get what you pay for. This means the dishes are incredibly delicate and chip easily with time, especially the rims. Even if you're overly cautious, users report they don't often last beyond the one-year mark.

However, most people don't seem to mind that, given that these plates/bowls have an average star rating of 4.8 after garnering about 2,500 reviews. Unsurprisingly, over 84% of customers have awarded it 5 stars. An appreciative customer wrote, "These bowls are attractive and very shiny. They are great for pasta, chili, and salads and casseroles. They nest together well and are lightweight, yet they feel strong and well made. The price is amazingly affordable. They are microwave and dishwasher safe and work well in both." Besides being delicate, a few people also mentioned that these dishes get stained permanently after a while. So, you'll have to replace them over time, even if they don't break.

While they were all the rage a few years back, all-white kitchens are officially out, and moody countertops are taking over. But if you don't have the budget to redo it at the moment, buy the Enthusiasm Patterned Blue bowl set to add a fun pop of color on a budget (they retail for under $18). Manufactured using feldspar porcelain, each bowl comes with a distinct design etched on it. But they aren't just eye-candy; these 4 ½-inch bowls are functional, too, and can withstand the heat generated by a dishwasher or microwave.

These patterned bowls have 750 reviews and sport an average star rating of 4.8, with over 86% 5-star reviews. Singing their praises, a user noted, "These bowls are perfection. So beautiful, durable, and held up extremely well. We are tough on dishes and these have survived well. Such a great size for meal prep, fruit, parfaits, and so much more! They bring me joy everytime I unload them from the dishwasher or open the cabinet!" A few customers caution against buying the bowls online because some pieces are often chipped during transit.

A measuring cup is a kitchen essential you can't do without, especially if you bake often. But if it's a fairly new hobby and you aren't sure whether you'll stick with it, try out an affordable version, like Vardagen's 17-ounce Glass Measuring Cup. It's crafted of heat-resistant glass and can be used to melt or heat items in the microwave. Users also appreciate the clear metric measurements on the side of the glass and its light weight.

With over 2,000 reviews, the measuring cup has an average star rating of 4.4 and over 70% 5-star reviews. Detailing the reasons they like the glass, a satisfied consumer specified, "I like the look of the measuring cup. Clear readable measurements on the glass. Love the fact that it the number are not displayed in "Red"! Much better looking. Thanks for this new style." Despite these pros, remember that it isn't ideal for long-term usage; consider it a temporary accessory for your kitchen. Several customers allege that the glass is quite thin and can't withstand regular use. The marks wear off with time, too.

Think a countertop wine rack is the best option for your home? Then, you might like Hutten's 9-bottle Wine Rack. It's made of solid wood, so it can easily support the weight of your alcohol, water, and juice bottles. If you need to store more than 9 bottles at once, you can stack another unit on top to make use of the available vertical space. But don't stack more than three Huttens, or your tower might crash.

The wine rack has more than 860 reviews and enjoys an average star rating of 4.5, with 66% of customers giving it 5 stars. Lauding the product, a person mentioned, "Easy to assemble. Looks great in my kitchen. Works well. Just what I was looking for and wouldn't you know it IKEA had it." However, certain people had difficulty screwing in the pieces, especially the dowels, since they don't align well with the holes. Fortunately, there's an easy fix to this issue: simply sand the rod's end.

Given the sheer amount of kitchen products Ikea offers, it wasn't easy curating this list. To ensure we only picked the cream of the crop, we carefully looked at each major category, including dinnerware, cookware, organizers, serveware, and cooking accessories. Then, we shortlisted the essentials that had a minimum average star rating of 4.4 and had accumulated over 700 reviews. Following this, we went through customer reviews for each product to weed out items that had some serious issues, despite the high rating, before finalizing this list.