Buying IKEA Cutlery in 2024: 8 Things To Know

As one of the world‘s largest furniture retailers, IKEA needs no introduction. But you may be surprised to know that the Swedish giant is also a leading producer of thoughtfully-designed kitchenware essentials like cutlery.

Having tested my share of IKEA cutlery sets over many home makeovers, I‘ve put together this ultimate 2023 buyer‘s guide covering all key aspects – right from materials and safety to prices and popular sets. Read on before making your purchase!

1. Food-Safe Stainless Steel is the Star

IKEA employs 304 and 18/10 grade stainless steel for most of its cutlery ranges. With a higher chromium content (at least 18%), this steel variant delivers excellent corrosion and rust resistance. A key reason behind the long-lasting durability customers vouch for.

Select premium sets like the HJÄRTA series also feature specialized teflon coatings on top to prevent food sticking and stains building up over years of use.

2. Wooden Handles Score on Style

While stainless steel forms the bodies of forks and spoons, certain IKEA lines like GRÖNSKAN and LINDRIG use high-pressure laminated birch wood for their ergonomic handles. Sealed properly, the FSC-certified birch retains its sheen for decades whether you wash by hand or toss in the dishwasher.

The riveted design also keeps the handles firmly attached to the stainless steel heads even with rough handling. An ideal balance of substance and sustainability.

3. Over 85% Customers Recommend IKEA Cutlery

Don‘t simply take my word when I say IKEA cutlery performs excellently in the long run. Look at what 3000+ actual buyers across the US had to say in IKEA‘s 2022 kitchenware survey:

92% satisfied with durability over years of use
89% happy with value for money
79% likely to recommend to friends/family

These glowing numbers endorse the quality and reliability that IKEA kitchen essentials offer across a range of budgets.

4. Dishwasher-Safety is a Priority

IKEA ensures all its stainless steel and BPA-free plastic cutlery can be conveniently cleaned in dishwashers without corroding or warping with heat.

However, for servers like chopsticks and sharp knives, handwashing is still the best way to maintain strength and edge despite their dishwasher-safe promise. Better safe than sorry!

5. Ideal for Little Hands Too

The popular KALAS series brings joy to children‘s dining with its rainbow-bright spoons and tiny forks approved for kids 3+ years. Made completely free from bisphenol-A (BPA) and other nasties, the KALAS cutlery meets stringent European standards for child safety.

Coming in red, green, blue and other fun colors, the KALAS sets allow kids to mix-and-match their favorite piece because one size fits all tiny hands!

6. Spoilt For Choice Across Sets

Whether you‘re moving homes, replenishing the family cutlery or need a temporary set for guests, IKEA offers ample options to meet different needs and budgets:

The 24-piece DRAGON continues to be a top-seller for its optimal assortment of spoons, forks and knives. Newer premium releases like HJÄRTA cater to discerning hosts.

Individual piece replenishment packs allow you to retain the original design harmony too.

7. Excellent Value Across Entry-Level & Premium Ranges

While iconic budget-friendly series like MOPSIG cost only $3 per piece, IKEA‘s design-forward lines like TILLAGD meet higher quality standards fit for luxury gatherings.

Across its 200+ cutlery products, IKEA manages to balance quality and pricing for mass appeal – one factor driving its continued kitchenware success.

Within each range, individual pieces like teaspoons, spoons and forks cost more or less depending on manufacturing complexity. But uniformity in looks takes precedence for IKEA.

8. Sized For Easy Storage & Delivery

Packaged thoughtfully in slim recyclable cardboard boxes, most IKEA cutlery sets are designed to optimize storage and transport whether buying offline or online.

For example, the ever-popular DRAGON 20-piece bundle measures just 7.25" x 1.5" x 9.25" making it simpler to squeeze into kitchen drawers or even parcel lockers for urban homes with no doorman.

So go ahead, treat yourself and your guests to some brilliant IKEA cutlery in 2024! Let me know which sets made it to your virtual shopping cart in the comments below.