Before purchasing a play kitchen for your little one, we recommend taking measurements of where the play kitchen will be to ensure it fits properly in the space and for your child’s height. We looked over design, material, size, and value when reviewing products. Here are our top picks for play kitchens that will be a key ingredient in fun and learning. The Step2 Great Gourmet Kitchen is our top pick because it has all of the essential features that will make your kiddo feel like they’re the next top chef. With lights and sounds for realistic play, a variety of included accessories like food and utensils, and lots of storage space for easy cleanup, this kitchen will offer hours of immersive creative play. The kitchen is made from strong, durable plastic that can be easily wiped down, stands just under 3 feet tall, and is best for kids between 2 and 6 years old. Price at time of publish: $180 The kitchen stands at about 32 inches tall, has a pretend telephone, and has plenty of storage and shelf space to stow away kitchen essentials. With fun interactive features like clicking knobs and a dispensing ice machine, your tot will feel like they are in a mini version of a real kitchen. While the assembly may require an extra set of hands and a few spare hours, it is totally worth the time and energy. Price at time of publish: $125 Price at time of publish: $189 Price at time of publish: $155 Price at time of publish: $255 Price at time of publish: $164 Price at time of publish: $140 Price at time of publish: $200 Price at time of publish: $300 Price at time of publish: $118 Price at time of publish: $123
Materials
Most play kitchens on the market are made of plastic or wood, but depending on several factors, you may want to think twice about the material. Will the play kitchen need to be moved? Do you have to assemble the play kitchen? Consider these questions before making your decision. Not all play kitchens are heavy, but those that are made of wood or are for taller children may be on the heavier side. You’ll want to consider if wood is the right choice for you if you think the play kitchen will not stay in one spot long. However, if you want something that’s a bit more easy to clean and move, a plastic play kitchen would be your best bet. You can simply wipe down the set or accessories for easy clean-up, whereas a wooden play kitchen may have special cleaning instructions.
Accessories
One of the final things to look for when shopping for a play kitchen is if the set comes with accessories. Many play kitchens offer accessories included, but some don’t. So, depending on your budget and what you’re comfortable with spending, you’ll want to decide if you want accessories to be included in the set or if you want to purchase them separately. Some kitchen sets come with the basic necessities, like pots and pans, utensils, and plates. There are others, though, that have more unique accessories, like a coffee pot, potholder, and more. Consider what you think your child will enjoy or what you’re hoping they’ll pretend to play with. If you plan on more than one child playing with this kitchen set, buying an extra set of accessories like pretend food and utensils can squash potential fights before they even happen.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families. Depending on its size and features, and their interests, kids may continue to love their play kitchen through the early elementary school years. When toddlers play in their kitchens, they are often very focused and stay very busy. This is a sure sign that their brains are developing! When you first introduce the play kitchen, don’t go overboard with accessories. Put out only a handful to start, and model taking them out and putting them away in set places where they belong. Slowly, you can introduce more pieces, making sure to give each item a specific home where it belongs. Make clean up a daily thing (or maybe do it twice a day) and do it together.
