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I own two of the IKEA RÅSKOG utility carts that I’ve used as a coffee bar, a bar cart, and in the pantry. A few years ago, I even went to the trouble of painting our black cart white with rose gold bars for a cute bar cart vibe that perfectly suited our decor. It’s such a versatile piece that I don’t know how I ever lived without it.
So when I saw that ALDI was selling the SOHL brand three-tier rolling cart for $24.99 (half of what I paid for my RÅSKOGs), I had to pick up another. Since I was also returning something and the SOHL cart was 50 percent off, it was practically free.
Why I Love ALDI’s Rolling Cart
The feature that makes the SOHL cart exponentially better than IKEA’s RÅSKOG is the locking casters. Though you can position the swiveling wheels of the IKEA carts to (kind of) stay in one place, a little bump by an adult or a much more efficient push by a curious child would have it rolling away. The SOHL locks and stays in place!
These carts are useful beyond measure but are also simple, modern, and cute, making them versatile furniture pieces in a wide range of spaces.
The Many (Many) Uses of ALDI’s Rolling Cart
One of my carts has found its calling as a rolling flexitarian pantry. It sits in my basement pantry beside my second fridge (Oh my gosh, I am my mother!) and rolls out so I can easily grab bottles of olive oil and cans of tuna and tomatoes. Pasta, rice, nuts, nut butters, and lentils have also found a home here, along with baking essentials like flour and sugar.
Simply Recipes / Photo Illustration by Wanda Abraham / ALDI
The other cart—the one I painted—initially served as a bar cart and then a hip-looking coffee spot. My beloved espresso machine sat on top, flanked by a neat row of coffee mugs. The other tiers became home to coffee beans, small shakers of cocoa and cinnamon, sweeteners, and an additional milk frother because I still haven’t mastered the espresso machine’s steamer rod.
It was like having a coffee shop in our living room, minus the intimidating hipster barista. When my son started to move around and the ceramics and fancy electronics had to be relocated for safekeeping, the cart transformed into a bedside nook. It now stores my daughter’s books, a lamp, a small plant, a little clock, a box of tissues, and some other functional items and decor.
How I’m Using My New ALDI Cart
I bought the new ALDI cart to turn it back into a well-stocked bar. As a food and drink writer and recipe developer, I’ve found that it’s the perfect moveable home for essential alcoholic and non-alcoholic spirits, bitters, a couple of bottles of wine, glasses, all my bar tools, and mixers. I’m also looking for a small ice bucket to more easily make drinks wherever it is. You know I love my ice!
The cart will have a dedicated place in our dining room, but since it’s moveable I can wheel it into the living room, kitchen, or onto the patio when friends are over. If you’re not sure just yet how you’d use this cart, just Google “IKEA RÅSKOG cart hacks” to find plenty of ideas.
For now, you’ll find me mixing cocktails and mocktails with the functional beauty of this latest ALDI find. Want to join in the fun? Be sure to grab one before they’re gone. ALDI finds never last long, and this brilliant dupe certainly won’t!
About ALDI Finds
This product is an ALDI Find, which are limited-time and inventory items that the store rotates onto its shelves every week. They come and go quickly—and sometimes return. Keep an eye out, but it’s possible your local ALDI may have sold out or no longer carry the product.
