That's because you haven't had an Ikea chair to compare it to! Hehe!
Alas, I've used them many times though! I agree they are great and simple but lack bells and whistles. I think if you don't want bells and whistles and are happy with a 3 point safety harness then great, they are good. I just don't think the 'bells and whistles' highchairs are that hard to clean - at all! I really don't know why people say that. They just aren't that difficult!! And, regardless of the cleaning, the 'bells and whistles' are very handy. And yes, this is coming from a mum who had her heart set on the ikea chair . I should also say we have a Childcare 'rip-off' of the Ikea chair in our back yard and to take away with us (or road trip holidays) but we never use it instead of our Chicco chair. Although it's simple and great, it just doesn't compare