It’s all about learning through play when it comes to developing those little motor skills, cognitive progresses, and social interaction of a little one. And what’s better than a play kitchen in getting the job done?
An interactive set that mimics real kitchens with features like stovetops, ovens and refrigerators, often also complete with clicking knobs, sizzling sounds and pretend food items, kids can conduct all the pretend play they can think of and have fun while having their creative thinking, independence, and problem-solving skills promoted all at the same time.
Available in both wood and plastic, they come in an array of retro and modern designs (that will make even an adult jealous) so needless to say, choosing the best play kitchen can be quite the overwhelming task. There are just too many styles, sizes and features, and how do you know if they are really safe or not? Don’t worry, we have done all the hard work for you.
Read on to find out which of our selections below best meet your needs and preferences – they are the best ones the market has to offer to date and we promise they are all visually-pleasing, durable and packed with educational value, and meet all safety requirements.
What is the best play kitchen for most families? The KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen has everything from quality to aesthetics to the best lights and sounds but if we are talking about real, running water kind of interactive features, Lil’ Jumbl is the one to go for.
For those who fancy a good wooden play kitchen, this Tiny Land one will fit just right; otherwise, you can’t go wrong with a Step 2 Fun with Friends Kitchen if you like the carefree maintenance that plastic kitchen sets bring. KidKraft’s Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen is a dream when it comes to maximizing the use of corner space, but the Hape Gourmet Kitchen is the one to go for if space is really an issue.
Our Top 12 Best Play Kitchen Picks– A Quick Summary
Does A Play Kitchen Assist In A Child’s Development?
Yes, across multiple dimensions, in fact.
Engaging with a play kitchen helps children understand and mimic everyday activities that they see adults performing. This can be from learning how different kitchen appliances work to understanding the sequences involved in preparing meals, all of which foster cognitive development through problem-solving and understanding daily routines.
The act of manipulating small food components requires precision and coordination so regular practices with these tasks help improve fine motor skills. Imaginative role-plays that involve scenarios like hosting a tea party or cooking a meal stimulate rich language use and vocabulary development, while social interactions are boosted along the way as they learn to share, cooperate, and negotiate role within their miniature culinary world.
Putting it simply, a play kitchen is more than just a toy – it is a multifunctional tool that supports various aspects of a child’s development, making it a valuable addition to any home or educational setting.
Find more information at the end of this guide:
Best Play Kitchen Reviews
OVERALL BEST PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 44.06 x 13.82 x 42.99 inches
Product weight: 49.5 pounds
Material: Engineered wood
Age recommendation: 3+ to 10 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: 3 LR44 batteries (included)
- Made of top-quality wood
- Lights and sound effects
- Rustic aesthetics
- Educational value cooking toys included
- Storage and organization
- Batteries included
- Price point
- Space requirements
- Maintenance
Why We Love It
With so many excellent kitchen sets for toddlers in the market, it takes a lot to be crowned the best play kitchen but we think the KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen is every bit deserving with its top-notch quality and thoughtful design.
Made of premium wood, this kitchen set has a robust and durable build capable of withstanding even the most enthusiastic child play. Taking the “farm-to-table” theme seriously (and we don’t mean just the charmingly rustic aesthetics), it even has planters with vegetables nestled inside to encourage kids learn about healthy eating and where food comes from – additional educational value that other toy kitchens do not provide.
In particular, the “vegetables” provided are held together with self-adhesive closures so it gives out a crisp sound and clean cut when sliced on the chopping board. We have to say we’re really impressed with minute details like these, considering they are cooking toys that come with the package and not something you buy separately. Other features include a working ice maker (that really dispenses play cubes) and a chalkboard to write on.
Another aspect that we really like about this kids wooden kitchen is that the faucet will light up and make running water sounds when turned on. This adds another layer of realism to the play, something we don’t often see in other kitchen play sets. Most would have cooktops that light up and make sizzling noises only (which this one here does, as well) so safe to say, this is the best play kitchen with lights and sounds in our opinion.
Things To Take Note Of
This kitchen set is on the higher end of the price spectrum so while it does offer a lot of features, the cost could be a barrier for some families looking for a more budget-friendly option. Its comprehensive setup may require a considerable amount of space as well so its size may be a limitation for smaller homes or apartments.
Being made mostly of wood, it may also require more maintenance than plastic models, especially in terms of keeping it clean and ensuring it does not get wet as that could damage the wood or cause paint to peel. If this would be an issue for you, here’s a cheaper, plastic alternative to consider.
BEST PLAY KITCHEN FOR TODDLERS
Dimensions: 25.5 x 11.5 x 32.35 inches
Product weight: 17.26 pounds
Material: Plastic
Age recommendation: 2+ years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Suitable for toddlers under 3 years
- Light-up stove top & realistic sound effects
- Equipped with more than 20 accessories
- Ample built-in storage
- Durable construction
- Assembly required
- Space requirements
Why We Love It
When it comes to play kitchen for kids, people usually associate it with older children. Indeed, the choices are quite limited if we’re talking about play kitchens for toddlers younger than 3 years of age, but we found just the right one for you – the Little Tikes First Market Kitchen Pretend Play Kitchen.
Children as young as 2 years old can use this kitchen set which boasts a modern rustic aesthetic (you’ll love the fabric canopy!) in a farm-to-table theme. Other details that add to the overall realistic appeal include working fridge and oven doors, a sink area complete with faucet and sink strainer, and a stovetop that lights up at the push of a button – sound effect and all.
The latter is probably the most central feature of all as not only does it make the play more fun and engaging, it also helps children develop cause-and-effect understanding (seeing the stovetop reacting to their actions). There is also a chalkboard that encourages literacy and creativity as kids write their “daily specials” on it, adding layers of role-play possibilities.
It also comes with the toy kitchen accessories you’d expect for kitchen sets – 25 of them in fact, ranging from a tote bag, lemonade pitcher and jam/honey jars to sink strainer, pretend cell phone and of course, pretend food items and cooking utensils. Done playing, all these can be stored inside the kitchen set itself (or hung on the hooks and shelves provided), promoting organization skills and making cleanup easier for kids and parents alike.
Things To Take Note Of
This play kitchen set will require a dedicated play area given its size and the number of play features it comes with. If space is an issue at your home, this may be a consideration.
Some parents may also find the assembly a bit challenging due to the number of parts and features – good thing is, the instructions are pretty straightforward so there shouldn’t be a problem if you follow the steps carefully.
Do note that you’ll also need to buy batteries for some features to work.
BEST PLAY KITCHEN WITH RUNNING WATER
Dimensions: 35.2 x 11.6 x 41.3 inches
Product weight: 41.1 pounds
Material: Wood and molded plastic
Age recommendation: 3+ to 10 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: AA and AAA batteries (not included)
- 7 lifelike appliances (including washer & dryer)
- Real working sink with running water
- Sounds and lights with working buttons, knobs and doors
- Battery-operated ice dispenser
- Accessories included
- Mess and maintenance
- Size and weight
Why We Love It
Speaking of interactive and fun features, what’s better than a kitchen play set with real, running water? Yep, the Lil’ Jumbl Kids Wooden Kitchen Set has a battery-operated sink that dispenses real water through the faucet for a true sensory experience – play time has never felt so real!
That’s not just it – the lifelike experience extends to the microwave, stovetop and rangehood, all which light up and emit realistic sounds when turned on, working buttons and all (think realistic dials, light-up displays, push button, appliance labels…). There’s even a washer/dryer to mimic most real kitchen setups, with doors that open and close for children to learn and practice their cleaning skills. Talk about immersive play experience!
In terms of what’s included in the kids kitchen play set that comes along with it, you get everything from cookware to tableware and food, even cleaning supplies! We’re most impressed with the utensils – they are made of stainless steel and the play pot even comes with a lid! When not in used, everything can be stored in the built-in shelf and oven racks to keep things organized and out of sight.
Things To Take Note Of
Although there are molded plastic parts, this is primarily a wooden play kitchen so more maintenance is to be expected (compared to a plastic play kitchen) to keep it clean and in good condition. Especially when this one here includes a working sink – water can splash easily so additional cleaning effort is necessary to keep it dry else the wooden parts can be damaged or mould and mildew can form.
It is also on the larger side so assembly may take up more time and effort, although the visual instruction booklet does help a lot. It is also relatively heavy so it can be quite difficult to move once assembled. For smaller homes or apartment, the large footprint could be an issue.
VERDICT: A toy kitchen set with real running water offers a multi-sensory play experience that can be both fun and educational, providing numerous developmental benefits in a safe and controlled environment. That said, they are to be carefully weighed against the aforementioned cons. If you’ve decided that it is the right choice for your child and home environment, you’re gonna love the Lil’ Jumbl Kids Wooden Kitchen Set.
BEST PLASTIC PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 35.75 x 12.5 x 40.88 inches
Product weight: 22 pounds
Material: Plastic
Age recommendation: 2+ to 10 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: AA batteries (not included)
- Interactive lights and sounds
- 25-piece accessories
- Double-walled plastic construction
- Can be used outdoors
- Lightweight and smaller footprint
- Durable and low maintenance
- Made in USA
- Rather time-consuming assembly
- Food items not included
Why We Love It
Now, what play kitchens reviews is complete without a Step 2 kitchen? Easily one of the most popular brands when it comes to play kitchens, this particular Step 2 play kitchen – the Fun with Friends version is highly recommended if you’re looking for a kitchen set for girls in particular.
Made in USA of a double-walled plastic structure, it is one of the most durable plastic play kitchen sets we have ever come across. The vibrant colours do not chip, fade, crack or peel, nor is it vulnerable to water and moisture so you can easily move it outdoors for your little one to play with. The lightweight nature makes the latter possible, such is moving it from one room to another. The smaller footprint also makes it a good option for tight locations, making placement and mobility simple.
Unlike other kitchen sets for kids, this one here features an electric stovetop. It lights up and make cooking noises but what we love most is the single-serve coffee maker station – you don’t see this often in other toy kitchen for kids and it even comes with coffee pods! Other realistic features include a molded-in sink with faucet, countertop, refrigerator, and oven with functional doors, all that which encourage a child’s curiosity and inventiveness.
It comes with the step 2 kitchen accessories that many of you love – 25 pieces to be exact, which include pots, pans, utensils, and coffee pot. The downside is, food items are not included so you’ll have to purchase them separately. There are plenty of choices available though – this one is our favourite!
Things To Take Note Of
BEST WOODEN PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 30.3 x 11.8 x 38.5 (40.7 maximum) inches
Product weight: 30 pounds
Material: Wood
Age recommendation: 3+ to 7 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal battery (included)
- Eco-friendly, non-toxic wood
- Height adjustable
- Realistic features with lights and sounds
- Durable and long-lasting
- Accessories included
- Battery included
- Assembly required
- Lack of storage space
Why We Love It
The Tiny Land Play Kitchen for Kids is a wooden toy kitchen that we will highly recommend to all environmentally-conscious parents. Made from wood that is sourced and processed in an environmentally responsible manner, it is coated with non-toxic paints and finishes that are free from harmful chemicals like BPA so parents can feel assured their little one is playing in a safe environment.
One standout feature of this wooden play kitchen is that it is height adjustable (3 stages) so it can accommodate growing kids, making it a versatile choice for several developmental stages. Unlike the Step 2 kitchen older model, both the electric stovetop and rangehood can now emit lights and sounds when turned on so kids can have a more immersive experience.
Other appliances include an oven, refrigerator, microwave, faucet, and removable sink. The icemaker really works too – ice cubes and all. Speaking of kids kitchen accessories, you’ll get all the necessities from cutlery to cookware and even an apron and chef hat so it is ready for play immediately. Yep, food items are included too so you don’t have to purchase them separately!
Things To Take Note Of
Assembly can be time-consuming and may require more than basic tools. For those who are not so handy or do not have much time to spare, this could be quite the inconvenience.
Compared to other kids kitchen sets, it also has limited space to store all the accessories that come with it so there could be some clutter if not organized properly. And it does cost slightly more premium than other less sustainably-produced alternatives, after all, high-quality, durable materials and non-toxic finishes are used in this kitchen set.
BEST CORNER PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 36.75 x 32.5 x 42.5 inches
Product weight: 54.1 pounds
Material: Engineered wood, wood, plastic
Age recommendation: 3+ to 8 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: 6 LR44 batteries (included)
- Space-saving L-shape design
- Lights and sounds
- Realistic features
- High-quality construction
- Easy to assemble
- Batteries included
- Taller children may need to bend down
- Pricier
- Accessories not included
Why We Love It
One thing with toy kitchens is that compared to other toys, they take up considerable floor space in one’s home. If this is your concern (too), the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Wooden Play Kitchen is your ultimate solution.
Featuring an L-shaped design that is engineered to nestle perfectly into the corner of any room, it helps families with limited playroom space utilize every inch of their room. Not just that, but the unique corner configuration will also stabilize the kitchen altogether, making it less likely to tip over during play.
Despite the corner-friendly design, it does not compromise on the features and functionalities typical of larger play kitchens. You get a stove, oven, microwave, refrigerator… even a washing machine – the knobs turn and click, appliance doors open and close, and burners and water dispenser light up and make cooking sounds when pressed.
Made from high-quality wood, this kitchen toy set is sturdy and built to last. Don’t get intimidated by the corner design – assembly is actually pretty straightforward and can be completed within 2 hours with the help of another pair of hands. It utilizes vertical space effectively too by offering ample storage in the upper shelves and under the sink, making sure there is adequate space to store all the kitchen accessories.
Things To Take Note Of
While the kitchen is designed to be compact, taller children may find themselves bending slightly to play with it so that could be an issue for some. It is also on the pricier side considering it does not come with any play kitchen accessories, but there’s always Melissa and Doug play food to the rescue! (This Little Tikes’ Super Chef Kitchen is a great cheaper alternative.)
BEST SMALL PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 21.7 x 12.6 x 27.8 inches
Product weight: 20 pounds
Material: Wood and molded plastic
Age recommendation: 3+ to 12 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: not required
- Small and portable
- High quality material
- Easy assembly
- Meet international safety standards
- Great for apartment living
- On the higher end of the price spectrum
- No lights and sounds and kitchen accessories
- May be too small for older children
Why We Love It
Speaking of space-saving, nothing beats the Hape Gourmet Kitchen when it comes to small play kitchens. Easily the smallest standalone kitchen play set for kids, the compact footprint will suit any tight spaces without sacrificing the essential features of a play kitchen.
Yes, it makes good use of its compact structure so you still get your stove, oven, sink, and storage areas – everything your child needs for their imaginative play. This newer model now includes turn-able clicking knobs and opening cabinets so that’s another interactive feature, encouraging kinaesthetic development.
Thanks to its lightweight and modest design, it can be moved or repositioned easily within a room so there’s quite a bit of flexibility there in the setup and storage department. The entire kitchen set is made of high-quality, eco-friendly wood and painted with non-toxic finishes, and if you don’t already know, Hape is actually positioned as a premium brand in the educational toys market so you can be sure this small toy kitchen complies with international safety standards in that aspect.
Things To Take Note Of
For what it is, the Hape Gourmet Kitchen is actually on the higher end of the price spectrum considering it is pretty small and does not feature any lights and sounds, nor does it come with any kitchen accessories.
We guess the premium materials and the brand’s ethical standards as well as reputation and positioning do justify for it, but we can see how some parents (especially those on a tighter budget or do not place as much emphasis on eco-friendly materials) may not see it as great value for money.
VERDICT: For families with limited spaces (i.e. apartments) or parents who prefer a less obtrusive toy in the living area, the Hape Gourmet Kitchen is an excellent choice. If you have a slightly bigger budget, this would be another great option too as it comes with all the kitchen accessories you’ll need.
BEST OUTDOOR KIDS KITCHEN SET
Dimensions: 83 x 106.5 x 48.5 inches
Product weight: 60 pounds
Material: Plastic
Age recommendation: 2+ to 8 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: 2AA and 2AAA batteries (not included)
- Spacious walk-in design
- Accommodate multiple kids
- 103-piece accessory kit included
- Realistic lights and sounds
- Ample storage space
- Durable
- Space requirements
- Assembly can be challenging
Why We Love It
If you’re looking for an outdoor option or if you’d just want a kitchen playset that can fit multiple children, this Step2 kitchen may be just right up your alley. Sporting a large footprint with an open concept that encourages social play with multiple children, it is the ideal choice for families with more than one child or for social playdates.
Mimicking a real outdoor kitchen, it has everything from stove top, microwave, sink to barbeque grill, ice dispenser and even a phone to give your little ones an immersive play. Lights and sounds add to the realism and fun while the 103-piece accessory set (play food, condiments, culinary products, cookware etc.) will certainly encourage endless of creative play.
Made with the brand’s EverToughTM material which is a very durable type of plastic, this step2 play kitchen is able to withstand hours of play and lasts through the growing years of multiple children. And because it is made of plastic, it doesn’t require the type of care that wooden options do – all it needs is just a wipe clean. No kidding, we have parents testifying it having lasted for more than 10 years!
Things To Take Note Of
VERDICT: If you are a family that spends a lot of time outdoors, this Step2 Grand Walk-in Kitchen & Grill will be a suitable option as it lets you do some grilling/lounging of your own while still keeping your child’s play under supervision. Also an excellent choice for families with multiple children. Too big? Give this kids kitchen set a go instead.
BEST MODERN PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 31.88 x 11.81 x 41.61 inches
Product weight: 44 pounds
Material: Engineered wood
Age recommendation: 3+ to 12 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: not required
- Modular design
- Clicking and turning knobs
- Durable build
- Certified safety tested
- No lights and sounds
- Accessories not included
Why We Love It
The Teamson Kids Little Chef Charlotte Modern Modular Wooden Play Kitchen is…… quite different from other kitchen playsets. The contemporary appliances, trendy farmhouse sink and faucet, the sleek grey finish and golden hardware…if you’re one who prefer a modern-looking kids kitchen, this one here will certainly tickle your fancy.
What stood out to us most is its modular design though. It comprises of two standalone pieces – refrigerator unit and stove/sink unit – which can be arranged side by side or separately, depending on the available space or your child’s preferences. This is particularly advantageous as you get to rearrange the components to fit into various space settings within your home, making it ideal for both large and small play areas.
It also encourages creative play in that children get to decide how they want to set up their play environment. Either spread it out to create a more expansive kitchen or clustered together to fit into a tighter space, they get to decide it themselves – an extra layer of engagement added to their play experience.
Things To Take Note Of
This wooden kitchen playset is not equipped with lights and sounds so that could be a bit of a shortcoming, unless you prefer something that is quieter. On the same note, it doesn’t come with any accessories except a cup and a few ice cubes but you can buy them separately on the side, stainless steel or kid-safe wood.
BEST RETRO PLAY KITCHEN
Dimensions: 33 x 13.5 x 35.75 inches
Product weight: 35.6 pounds
Material: Wood
Age recommendation: 3+ to 3 years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: not required
- Durable and sturdy material
- Classic, retro aesthetics
- Engaging features
- Compact size for smaller spaces
- Supports robust interactive plays
- Tricky assembly
- Limiting size and scale
- Accessories not included
Why We Love It
You guessed it right – of course we have to find a vintage kid kitchen set after a modern recommendation. Capturing the charm and essence of a retro-style kitchen, the KidKraft Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen fits just the bill with its aesthetic appeal and overall design that is reminiscent of mid-20th-century home kitchens.
The curved lines, pastel colours, distinctive features (like the rounded refrigerator door with a silver handle) all emulate kitchens from the 1950s and 1960s. In particular, the pink, red, baby blue and white colour choices reflect the playful yet nostalgic palette that is typical of vintage interior design (think your adult SMEG fridges), while the durable wood construction reminisces the sturdy, handcrafted furnishings that were common in earlier decades.
Despite its old-fashioned look, this kitchen is not short of modern play features. There is a cordless phone, clicking knobs, icemaker, and oven, cabinet and microwave with functional doors so you can be sure children will get a realistic and captivating play experience. We like how it has a compact size so it wouldn’t take up too much space, and the classic aesthetic will certainly add to the appeals of any playroom or living area.
Things To Take Note Of
BEST TOY KITCHEN FOR SIBLINGS
Dimensions: 21.65 x 12.6 x 35.63 inches
Product weight: 27.6 pounds
Material: Wood
Age recommendation: 3+ to 8 years
Assembly required: No
Batteries: 2 AA batteries (not included)
- Reversible/double-sided fun
- Comes preassembled
- Compact size ideal for smaller spaces
- Accessories included
- Interactive lights and sounds
- Price point
- Cannot be placed against the wall
Why We Love It
The Janod Big Cooker Reverso Retro Wooden Kitchen and Laundry Play Set is another kids play kitchen with a retro design but what really stood out to us is its reversibility – one side of the unit is a play kitchen and the other? A laundry room.
The kitchen side includes a stove, sink, oven and microwave – everything a little chef will need while the reverse side houses a laundry station with a washing machine (with knobs), additional storage space, and a clock with turnable hands. This double-sided design allows expanded play scenarios so that siblings can play together in diverse roles, making it perfect for families with multiple children (or twins)!
Dislike handy work? This one here comes preassembled so no doubt this is a huge, huge appeal. The compact size makes it ideal for smaller living spaces while the reversible design adds to the suitability – smaller homes require multi-function toys and play things to save space. What surprises us is that it even comes with accessories so children can play right out of the box, and the stovetop lights up and emits sounds too.
Things To Take Note Of
This is probably one of the most expensive play kitchens for kids on our list but we think the double fun justifies the price tag – you’re getting two play items after all! It cannot be placed against a wall though given the design so that’s something to keep note.
BEST VALUE KTCHEN SET FOR KIDS
Dimensions: 23.6 x 11.8 x 39.4 inches
Product weight: 21.3 pounds
Material: Wood
Age recommendation: 3+ years
Assembly required: Yes
Batteries: required
- On the lower end of the price spectrum
- Small, compact size
- Accessories included
- Functional chalkboard
- No lights
Why We Love It
Compared to other kitchen play sets, the New Classic Toys Wooden Pretend Play Toy Kitchen is on the cheaper side. That doesn’t mean it compromises on the features and quality aspects though, in fact, it comes equipped with all the cooking accessories your little chef needs so you don’t have to blow your budget by purchasing additional cookware.
This kitchen set for kids is also on the smaller side so it wouldn’t take up much floor space. Just because it is small doesn’t mean it lacks in the appliances department though – you get an oven, sink, stove top, microwave and even storage shelves and compartments to organize things. The knobs turn and the doors open and close.
The whole unit is made of durable wood and can be fixed against the wall so again, this helps maximizes the play value without requiring a large allocation of floor space. The compact size makes it easier to move or rearrange into another room and the whole unit is scaled appropriately to a child’s height and reach so they can access all the features without the need for assistance.
Things To Take Note Of
How We Come Up with Our Best Play Kitchen Picks
To compile our best play kitchen list above, we undertake a meticulous and comprehensive approach to ensure each recommendation meets high standards of quality, functionality, educational value, and of course, safety.
The process begins by exploring a wide range of options from leading brands known for their excellence in children’s toys to make sure the items we are choosing are from reliable manufacturers. We then delve into customer reviews across various platforms to see how these products work for kids in real life, ensuring we don’t just rely on what the manufacturers say.
To further ensure we’re recommending products that are engaging, educational and safe, we consulted an early childhood expert to understand the essential features and safety considerations necessary for kitchen playsets. And since most of us here are parents ourselves, we utilize our writers’ and editors’ experience and feedback and we typically do not pick anything with less than a 4-star rating.
This multifaceted approach allows us to provide a well-rounded and reliable list of the best play kitchens that cater to diverse needs and preferences, helping parents make informed choices and streamlining their decision-making process. We do the bulk of research for you, so that you don’t have to.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Play Kitchen
1. Materials and Design
A baby kitchen set is something you’ll expect years of usage so you’d want one that is made of high-quality, durable materials. Wood and plastic are the two primary components, the former favoured for their sturdiness and classic appearance while the latter is lightweight and easy to clean.
Design wise, they vary from modern to vintage so choose one that you think your child will enjoy. If it will be placed in a common area, you may want it to match with your home’s décor too in which case neutral colours and more subtle designs may be a better fit.
2. Size and Space
Consider the size of the play kitchen and the available space in your home. Make sure it is not too large for your living area but big enough still to allow for multi-child play if you have more than one child. Corner ones are great for maximizing available space but if you live in an apartment or have really limited floor space, compact play kitchens like this or this may be a more suitable choice.
3. Interactive Features and Educational Value
Look for a toy kitchen with realistic features such as clicking knobs, push-able buttons, turning faucets, and opening cabinets/oven/fridge to help develop those fine motor skills and teach children about the workings of a real kitchen. Additional elements like ice makers or a coffee machine will enhance the play while lights and sound effects will certainly provide a more immersive experience, teaching cause and effect (typically require batteries though).
4. Toy Kitchen Accessories and Storage Solutions
Some play kitchens come with a set of starter accessories (although this one here is nothing short of ‘starter’ with its whopping 103 pieces) while others require you to buy separately on the side. To save trouble or blowing one’s budget, parents typically prefer the former as their little one can play right out of the box but we do know of parents who enjoy selecting their own kitchen accessories.
Can’t blame them though – from grocery play food cartons, pantry products or condiments and spices to cuisine-specified food set (think Mexican tacos and tortillas or Japanese sushi), these Melissa and Doug play food has everything and anything you can imagine!
You will want your kitchen set to have adequate storage for all the accessories and pretend food too to keep your play area neat. Look for those with built-in shelves, hooks, and cabinets that encourage kids to organize their playing space.
5. Assembly
Lastly, consider how easy the kitchen is to assemble. Some kitchens come with many parts and can be complicated to put together so look for one that comes with clear instructions or engage the help of another buddy. Most toy kitchen sets will require adult assembly but if you’re really not a DIY person, there are preassembled ones like this one here that your little one can use right out from the box.
Other FAQs
Play kitchens are generally suitable for children from about 3 to 7 years old, but the exact age suitability can vary depending on the specific features and size of the kitchen set, as well as the child’s developmental stage.
For example, we have this toddler kitchen that kids as young as 2 years old can play with, and then we have this that kids can play till they are 10 years of age.
Play kitchens provide educational value in the form of open-play. Creativity and role play is encouraged as kids act out new scenarios and communicate imaginary things, developing their language and social skills at the same time when they interact with other chefs.
Physical and motor skills are developed in the process too through grasping/using small accessories and utensils, opening and closing doors, and turning oven knobs while solving problems, such as trying to swivel the faucet over a full sink or having trouble closing the fridge door when too many items are placed inside etc. help children develop critical thinking and craft solutions.
Both types have their benefits – choosing between a plastic and wooden play kitchen depends on your specific needs and preferences:
- Plastic play kitchen: more affordable, lightweight, and easier to clean. Comes in vibrant colours and is very durable, making them suitable for younger children. Can be used outdoors also.
- Wooden play kitchen: offer a more classic look and sturdy construction. Considered more environmentally friendly and can be more durable over time. Natural aesthetic fits better with certain home decors.
The better option will depend on what factors – budget, durability, aesthetic preference, and environmental considerations – are most important to you.
