The best toy kitchens can help kids practice fine motor skills, teach them how to clean up their space, and show them how to play well with other chefs in the kitchen. When they put the special frying pan or boiling pot on the stove, they'll hear the sound of food cooking! SCRIPPS CO., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In addition to working with real water, this set also changes the color of the foods when they are cooked over the stove. Kids will love the clickable knobs on the oven and, of course, checking in on their pretend tray of cupcakes. For little chefs, this kitchen set from Little Tikes is just right. It has four stove burners on top of an oven, complete with dials that turn. The included utensils look like miniature versions of the real deal, such as pots, pans, spoons, and spatulas. Because it sprays water that could damage the battery or stovetop if played with too rough, this set is probably best for older kids who wont be tempted to swing the faucet around wildly. For another type of pretend play, turn to the included washing machine and laundry basket perfect for filling up with toys or clothes to pretend to wash and fold. For a retro vibe, this KidKraft vintage play kitchen is a clear winner. They can even separate their recyclables. Why we recommend these play kitchens for kids? As a bonus, they tend to look nicer, too, and are made from a renewable and sustainable resource," she continues. This is a plastic set and has stickers on the front for the design, which can make it harder to clean. There are over 700 perfect reviews for this solid wooden kitchen set that features a microwave, sink, refrigerator, and even a cute indoor ice maker and water dispenser. Its perfect for two children to play simultaneously without getting in each others way. What are the benefits of playing with a kitchen set? If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Dimensions: 38.5 x 35.14 x 11.5 inches | Age Range: 2 years and up | Material: Plastic. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Alicia Bodine is a New Jersey-based writer and mother of two. Based on those factors, we chose the KidKraft Homestyle 2-Piece Kitchen as our overall best pick for its stylish exterior, two-piece design, and additional laundry element. 12 Cute Play Kitchens for Kids That Will Encourage Your Little Chef, Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds, Qaba Large Kids Kitchen Playset with Telephone, Water Dispenser Simulation Cooking Set, Mosaic Magnetic Play Kitchen With EZ Kraft Assembly. Some may even be dishwasher safe, but be sure to confirm this beforehand. Step2 Modern Cook Play Kitchen Set, Best Modern: The Best Outdoor Toys for 4-Year-Olds to Keep Them Active, The Best Dollhouses for Kids That Will Inspire Creativity, The 9 Best Baby Dolls for Ages One and Up, The Best Cleaning Toy Sets for Your Little Helpers, The Best Toys for Christmas for Kids of All Ages, The Best Water Toys to Keep Kids Cool This Summer, The Best Childrens Playhouses and Tents for Indoor and Outdoor Fun, The Best Outdoor Toys for Kids Offer Tons of Fun for All Ages, The 10 Best Art Easels for Your Creative Kid of 2022, The 10 Best Baby Doll Accessories of 2022, The Best Swing Sets to Bring the Playground Home, The 21 Best Gifts for the 6-Year-Old Boy in Your Life. Kids can not only cook imaginary meals in the oven or microwave, but they can also take a quick phone call on the cordless phone in between meal-prep sessions. Our testers (ages 3 and 5, respectively) could not get enough of stealing the magnets off the kitchen fridge to place on their own. Get Kids Cooking With These Kid-Friendly Kitchen Sets, 100+ Best Toys and Games Every Kid Should Play With in 2022. These little details are what complete the imaginative play experience and really help children to improve their fine motor skills. Along with user reviews from Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy. " Additional research was done byJulia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. A play kitchen for kids is an excellent toy they can play with for years. It also comes with 21 serving accessories, so you really dont need to purchase any more unless your child wants something specific. Just note that it is made of plastic and may tip easier than a heavier set. If you arent sure where you plan to put the set, look for one that can be turned or even separated into two pieces. This play kitchen looks like it could be in any fancy home magazine, thanks to its muted color scheme and cute plant box. TP Toys Muddy Maker Mud Kitchen, Best Lightweight: For the Play Kitchen For Kids category, we analyzed 59 of the most popular reviews including reviews from and more. The stickers on the front can also become worn over time. It features a faux marble backsplash and kids can draw on the chalkboard exterior of the fridge. "There are lots of new words to learn, and opportunities to make learning fun," she says. I want a piece thatll stand the test of time," says Lamb. In some play kitchens, the layout is good for one kid to play in, which can cause arguments if you have more than one child. Best Reviews Guide, The Shopping Mama, Born Cute, New York Mag, Buy Me Top 10, What To Expect and 8 more. If your family is limited on space but not limited when it comes to your imagination let us show you this divinely designed compact play kitchen from Teamson Kids. Others are set up so that there are multiple stations so a few children can enjoy it at the same time. For wood kitchen sets, you have to be a bit more gentler. Sunny Days Entertainment Dish Sink Play Kitchen, 3. DWYM Baby and Kids Experts plus A few years later, theyll be running a restaurant with their friends. We researched and reviewed top kitchen play sets for kids, evaluating important attributes like durability, educational elements, and included accessories. It still has a farmhouse sink, stove, oven, and fridge, complete with a pretend water dispenser and smart display. By doing all of these activities in their play kitchen, kids can improve their pincer grip, which is an important part of their fine motor skills. Interaction also ties into the material of your play kitchen because study construction and high-quality material leads to more interaction for more years. " It looks more rugged than many other kitchen sets, but it's made of pressure-treated wood to keep looking great, even with outdoor use. As a mom of three, she's written about parenting and family life for At Ease Magazine, Legacy, and Monterey Bay Parent, where she was a monthly columnist. As with other play structures, kitchen sets allow children to engage in imaginative play as they mimic movements they have seen in adults. The look is sleek and modern with features that resemble fancy subway-tile backsplash, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Easily wipe this set down with a damp cloth if playtime gets a little messy! This set has a host of cool features like faux appliances and sound effects. At first, your toddler may be perfectly content just banging pots and pans. The modern smartphone included has its own holder, and a chalkboard on the freezer is the perfect place to write a cute note for your little chef. There are tons of thoughtful details kids love, plus some key differentiators: theres a generously sized fridge (that actually looks like a fridge), a separate freezer and a realistic ice dispenser that actually dispenses two toy ice cubes! Play kitchens are a hub for creativity, giving kids the toolsor shall we say utensilsto expand their imaginations, work on cooperation, boost vocabulary and develop fine motor skills (knobs, oven doors, mixing bowlsoh my!). The simple addition of a magnetic surface takes this kitchen to the next level. They dont need their parents to get down the plates or open the fridge door because everything is built for their height. If you want a budget-friendly kitchen set that doesnt take up a lot of room but is still loads of fun, this is the top pick. DWYM is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. This premium play kitchen will make all the adults jealous. Dimensions: 17.36 x 9.92 x 5.43 inches | Age Range: 3 years and up | Material: Plastic. This play kitchen for kids comes with several accessories. Loaded with tons of accessories, this set allows your child to do everything from serving their favorite meal to pouring you a pretend cup of coffee. You can always remove it for the younger set if needed. More: Get Kids Cooking With These Kid-Friendly Kitchen Sets. Plus, they can do it all safely with a toy built just for them. Its designed to last a lifetime, so your childrens childrens children will get just as much enjoyment from it. The fridge and freezer combination is the perfect place to store play food, which is sold separately. Hape Compact Kinesthetic Play Kitchen For Kids, 16. Babylist editors love baby gear and independently curate their favorite products to share with you. Combine with some play food for hours of pretend play on the stove or the accompanying two-toned fridge with plenty of storage space. This modern play kitchen set is super sleek, with gold accents that add a touch of style to any playroom. Tiny chefs will be busy role playing what they see you doing in the kitchen, even if thats picking up the phone and ordering takeout sometimes. West Elm Mid-Century Play Kitchen, What to Look for in a Kitchen Set for Kids. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. This popular kitchen set is well-made and looks just like the real thing. Another idea is to play grocery store with your play kitchen. KidKraft Uptown Realistic Play Kitchen For Kids, 14. Your child can pretend to cook on the stovetop, oven, sink, or cabinet while looking through the cheery striped curtains. Keep in mind: This kitchen is on the bigger side, so make sure you have the room for it. It is easier to construct than some of the more elaborate sets, requiring an adult to connect the counter and knobs only. His time evaluating (mostly false) medical and diet claims as as a Staff Writer at Food & Wine lead to a drive for Fact Checking more generally. Bonus: it also comes as a set with a matching refrigerator. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to.Learn more. While there isnt a ton of storage beyond the oven and fridge, this set does include an adorable window. Dimensions: 41.61 x 11.81 x 32.88 inches | Age Range: 1 to 12 years | Material: MDF. Think about how much you want to spend on accessories, what kind of play food and tools your kids will enjoy, and how you plan to store them. Sorting is another activity that goes naturally alongside play kitchens, and kids can have fun sorting their play food into categories by color or size. It has plenty of storage for all the kitchen accessories. Testers loved the KidKraft Homestyle 2 Piece Kitchen for its adorable, vintage design, operational doors, and ample amount of storage. A smaller, kid-sized version of a real kitchen, a play kitchen often includes many different elements, such as a stove, sink, fridge, microwave, cupboards and counters. Farm-Style KitchenThis play kitchen for kids is large in size and has a fun farmhouse appeal. It has a sink, stove, oven, and fridge, plus a couple of extra cabinets for storage. Teamson Kids Interactive Easy Clean Play Kitchen For Kids, 2. My son loves to act like a chef and makes the best imaginary pizzas.". Is your tiny cook the next Bobby Flay or Christie Vanover? Expert advice was provided by The Autism Cafe author Eileen Lamb. The Backyard Site, The Shopping Mama. Step2 Plastic Pretend Play Kitchen For Kids, 4. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Children love to imitate their parents, and a play kitchen for kids provides them with the perfect playground to let their imaginations soar. The fridge, oven, cabinet and sink are all slightly bigger than what youll find with most other play kitchens, perfect for if your toddler has collected a range of cookware and play food. Kids will cook up all kinds of meals and scenarios for hours of fun. You never want to soak wooden, but similar to wooden cooking utensils, some may be easily cleaned with dish soap or placed in the dishwasher. Just like a real kitchen, storage is an important factor to consider. Dimensions: 25 x 19 x 22.5 inches | Age Range: 3 and up | Material: Wood. . It also comes with 46 accessories, including food, utensils, and cookware for a complete culinary package. And with four contemporary colors to choose from, it just might blend in with the rest of your home decor. There arent as many interactive features on this set, even though it is priced quite high. Melissa & Doug Wooden Chefs Pretend Play Toy Kitchen With Ice Cube Dispenser Cloud White (Toy), Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen | Large Plastic Play Kitchen with Realistic Lights & Sounds | Brown Kids Kitchen Playset & 45-Pc Kitchen Accessories Set (Toy), KidKraft Wooden Farm to Table Play Kitchen with EZ Kraft Assembly, Lights & Sounds, Ice Maker and 18 Accessories, Gift for Ages 3+ Large (Toy), CUTE STONE Kids Picnic & Kitchen Playset,Portable Pinic Basket Toys with Musics & Lights, Color Changing Play Foods,Play Sink,Pretend Play Oven and Other Kitchen Accessories Toys for Boys and Girls (Toy), Teamson Kids Little Chef Florence Classic Kids Play Kitchen Toddler Pretend Play Set with Accessories, 2 Drawers, and Clock Wood Grain (Toy), The Play Kitchen For Kids Tips and Advice, DWYM simplifies the research process by aggregating the reviews of the top product review sites. Bring the outdoor cooking inside with this barbecue-grill play set from Little Tikes. Try playing restaurant, where you order food from a play menu and have the little chef prepare the dishes. "These skills seem to grow directly from the imaginative play thats possible with a play kitchen. You will need a place to put all of the accessories. The minimalist Duktig mini-kitchen and workbench is the perfect place to test out new recipes. The result is the, 1. These are our favorite toy kitchens: This kitchen has a sleek, modern design that could pass for a mini version of a real kitchen. And it helps that the design is aesthetically pleasing and adorable. "High-quality generally means a set wont be made from thin, flaky fiberboard. We identified the majority of the play kitchens for kids available to purchase. Dimensions: 27.99 x 14.02 x 41.5 inches | Age Range: 2-6 years | Material: Plastic. Lamb knows that the interest in this type of toy will vary from kid to kid. Katie Begley is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. our process. We'e been obsessed with this play kitchen since we saw it in Jessica Alba's Instagram stories. We have found the cutest, most durable play kitchens that will fit seamlessly into your house, providing your children with hours and hours of pretend play fun. Realistic Lights and SoundsThis play kitchen for kids has a sizzling noise on the stove and lights in the oven. The Step2 LifeStyle Custom Kitchen is also a great option for your toddler, and it's a bit more affordable, which parents are sure to love. Its interactive and features fun, realistic sound effects, like the sound of chopping food, eggs sizzling, or water running to keep them engaged. While imitating their parents in their play kitchen is always fun, there are other games your kids can enjoy with this toy as well. Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers.