10 Best Play Kitchens Reviews
10 Best Play Kitchens Reviews
Every time your child watches you working in the kitchen, they become more and more interested in this area of the house. Who can blame them when each time you walk out of there you present them with a scrumptious meal?
In time, they want in on the magic too. They want to be all adult-like and help mommy whip up some delicious meals. This is why play kitchen sets are so popular these days. Whereas previous generations had to depend on their imaginations to play house, this generation is a lucky bunch.
They get to play with a realistic physical toy kitchen that engages their wildest imaginations. These baby kitchen sets not only prepare your kids to be future chefs but improve their motor, counting and color identification skills.
When used for playdates, these toys also equip your child with teamwork and organizational skills. Since we know how choosing the right kid’s kitchen set is important to you, we came up with this detailed review of the best play kitchens.
This review is the product of thorough research by our team. All the featured kid’s kitchen sets have been proven to be safe and reliable. They all have high consumer ratings and come in a variety of colors and designs.
This list includes both plastic and wooden play kitchen sets with some even having fancy battery-powered features. No matter which one of these toy kitchens you choose, you won’t be disappointed. So sit back and relax as we acquaint you with the best play kitchens of 2018.
What To Look For In A Kid’s Play Kitchen Set
There is a lot that goes into selecting a good kid’s kitchen set. Here are some of the factors you will need to consider before you make a final decision.
- Size
It is important that you choose a toy kitchen set that not only fits in your living space but is also the right height for your child. That is why you should always pay keen attention to play kitchen dimensions.
- Material of construction
Pretend kitchens are usually made of either plastic or wood. While wooden play kitchen sets are usually sturdier and more durable than their plastic counterparts, they are also heavier. As such, if you want something that you can easily move around the house, you should go for plastic.
You should also make sure that any play kitchen you buy is made of and coated with safe non-toxic materials.
- Availability of battery-powered features
While some parents are okay with simply constructed play kitchens, others prefer a little more oomph in their products. Manufacturers are aware of this and have created toy kitchens with exciting battery-powered features such as sounds, lights and stoves that light up.
- Availability of accessories
To whip up impressive “meals”, your kid will need much more than a toy kitchen set. Accessories like plates, spoons, cups and fake food will definitely come in handy. As such, many parents prefer kitchen sets that come fully equipped with these accessories.
- Ability to blend with home décor
Now that this is a product that will be used for years to come, it is best to get a play kitchen that fits in with your home décor.
Best Play Kitchens At A Glance
Before we delve into a detailed discussion of the best play kitchen sets, below is a brief overview of our top picks.
KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen
The Good
Your kid will lose their mind when they find out that this KidKraft play kitchen set comes with a pretty convincing fridge, freezer and pretend ice-machine. It also helps that it is big enough to accommodate more than one kid.
This way, they can play with their siblings or invite friends over for play dates. If this doesn’t win them over, the fact that this KidKraft kitchen set is fully equipped with a dishwasher, a chalkboard and see-through windows on the microwave and oven will do the trick.
- Sturdy construction
- Microwave turntable rotates 360 degrees
- Four pegs for hanging accessories
- Easy-to-clean removable plastic sink
- Paper towel holder
- Storage space above the sink
The Bad
The KidKraft Uptown Espresso takes up to 6 hours to assemble depending on your skills. Additionally, it doesn’t come with any accessories. You will have to buy them separately. Finally, the sink basin shifts.
- Doesn’t come with accessories
- Sink basin shifts
- Takes long to assemble
Expert Tip
Don’t turn the oven knobs too fast, you might strip them off
For easier assembly, use a drill
Final Thoughts
Considering its impressive design and construction, it comes as no surprise that this KidKraft play kitchen set is one of the highest rated ones available.
KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with Lights & Sounds
The Good
With its life-like burners, washing machine, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, oven and rumbling battery-powered ice maker, this KidKraft kitchen set is sure to provide your child with a realistic kitchen experience.
The fact that its doors are functional is yet another feature your kid will be excited about. Moreover, this wooden play kitchen set is big enough to accommodate more than one kid. Needless to say, play dates are about to get much more fun.
- Unique angled design
- Comes with lights and sounds
- Storage space below the sink
- Cordless phone
- Knobs that click and turn
- Comes with detailed instructions for assembly
The Bad
This KidKraft play kitchen set takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to assemble. Additionally, it doesn’t come with enough screws for the assembly process. Parents have also complained that its parts get damaged easily.
- Doesn’t come with enough screws
- Takes a long time to assemble
- Its parts get damaged easily
Expert Tip
You will need a drill to assemble this kids’ kitchen set
In case the burners or ice maker refuse to come on, you should press their buttons continuously until they do
Final Thoughts
Although the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen takes time to assemble, the result is definitely worth it.
Little Tikes Ultimate Cook Kitchen
The Good
The feature your child will probably love the most about this kids’ kitchen set is the electronic noises that the stove produces. If that doesn’t capture their imagination, the oven, fridge, microwave and modern Cappuccino maker will do the trick.
The fact that this kid’s toy kitchen comes with a lot of storage and opening doors is yet another reason to buy it.
- Extended counter space
- Clicking knobs
- Pegs for utensil storage
- Pass-through play window
- A lot of storage space
- Comes with 30 utensils
The Bad
Due to its light weight, this Little Tikes play kitchen set is wobbly. Also, its utensils don’t fit on the pegs perfectly. There have also been complaints that the oven door doesn’t close properly,
- Oven door is difficult to close
- Utensils don’t fit on pegs
- Wobbly
Expert Tip
For better stability, it is best to position this toddler kitchen set against a wall
Since the oven door is a bit askew, it requires extra effort to open and close
Final Thoughts
In spite of its few shortcomings, this Little Tikes play kitchen manages to provide parents with a good quality product at a reasonable price.
Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen Playset
The Good
With its deluxe refrigerator, large oven, large sink and working lights, this toddler kitchen set will keep your child intrigued for years to come. It also helps that it is large enough to accommodate more than one kid at a time.
Another attractive feature of the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen Playset is the fact that it comes with a 78-piece accessory set.
- Elegant finish
- Large enough to accommodate more than one child
- Comes with working lights
- 78-piece accessory set included
- Comes with sounds
- Comes with instructions for assembly
The Bad
Right off the bat, this toddler play kitchen set is quite expensive. To make matters worse, its assembly is tedious and takes a lot of time. Furthermore, the shelves that go in the refrigerator tend to slide out.
- Tedious assembly
- Refrigerator shelves keep sliding out
- Expensive
Expert Tip
Since they constantly slide out, you should drill in the shelves that go in the fridge
You will need a power drill or electric screwdriver to assemble this pretend kitchen
Final Thoughts
It’s simply impossible to put a price on the elegance and functionality that the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen Playset offers.
American Plastic Toy Deluxe Custom Kitchen
The Good
This pink play kitchen set comes with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, dishwasher and life-like burners that will keep your child busy for years to come. Its ample shelf space and removable wicker baskets also contribute to its appeal.
However, the icing on the cake is definitely the bubbling and sizzling noises that come with this girl’s kitchen set. It also helps that it features a 22-piece accessory set.
- Cute and colorful
- Life-like burners
- Cheap
- Ample storage space
- Comes with bubbling and sizzling noises
- Comes with 22-piece accessory set
The Bad
The fact that this girl’s play kitchen set is made of lightweight plastic makes it easy to break. You will also not be thrilled about the fact that it comes in a lot of pieces. Additionally, it’s a little small. So if you have tall kids, you would be better off with something else.
- Small
- Comes in a lot of pieces
- Breaks easily
Expert Tip
If you experience any problems while trying to close the oven door, use Velcro
You will need a screwdriver for assembly
Final Thoughts
This American girl kitchen is the definition of a good bang for your buck.
Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Wooden Pretend Play Toy Kitchen
The Good
With its refrigerator, cooktop oven, removable sink and working timer, this wooden toy kitchen can transform your child into a master chef in no time. Your child will also enjoy its realistic features such as a cutting board, a swivelling faucet and dials that turn.
The fact this kid’s wooden kitchen set offers a lot of storage space is also something to be happy about. Moreover, your child’s safety has been put into consideration through the using of non-toxic coatings.
- Fun colorful designs
- Ample shelf space
- Non-toxic coatings
- Sturdy wooden construction
- Realistic features
- Comes with detailed assembly instructions
The Bad
Several parents have complained that assembling this baby kitchen set is quite tricky, especially when you are trying to get screws and wood panels to align. Also, it’s a little small and doesn’t come with any accessories.
- Small
- No accessory set
- Tricky assembly
Expert Tip
You will need a Philips head screwdriver and a slotted screwdriver for proper assembly
You will need to buy some extra screws and wood glue in case you need to repair a broken part
Final Thoughts
The fact that the Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner comes in fun non-gendered color scheme contributes to it being one of the most sought-after wooden play kitchen sets.
Hape Gourmet Kitchen Kid's Wooden Play Kitchen
The Good
While its simple elegant finish is impressive, what really gets you about this kid’s kitchen set is its ease of assembly. Putting it together isn’t difficult at all. Its durability is yet another admirable quality of this baby kitchen set.
Your child will definitely enjoy playing with the burners, refrigerator, sink and see-through door equipped oven of this white play kitchen set.
- Simple elegant design
- Sturdy wooden construction
- Easy to assemble
- Made of non-toxic materials
- Light
- Affordable
The Bad
As soon as you assemble this children’s kitchen set, you will realize that it is really small. You will also notice that it doesn’t come with any fancy features or accessories. Additionally, its sink is way too easy to remove. If your kid is feisty, they will keep removing it and pushing toys down the opening.
- Doesn’t include fancy features or an accessory set
- The sink is way too easy to remove
- Small
Expert Tip
It is compatible with Melissa & Doug utensils
You will need a standard Philips screwdriver for assembly
Final Thoughts
The Hape Gourmet Kid’s Wooden Play Kitchen Set is a perfect combination of simplicity, functionality and great aesthetics.
Step2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents Kitchen
The Good
Its “stainless steel” microwave, refrigerator, oven and 30-piece accessory set make the Step2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents play kitchen set an engaging toy. Other exciting delights that come with it include an electronic microwave keypad and stoves that light up and produce frying and bubbling noises.
If you want to decorate this children’s kitchen play set, you can do so using the stickers that come with it. The included coffee pot with a molded-in coffee maker is a nice touch.
- Electronic microwave keypad
- Frying and bubbling noises
- Comes with decorative stickers
- Includes a 30-piece accessory set
- Easy to assemble
- Light yet sturdy
The Bad
The oven door doesn’t close properly and the telephone is installed in an awkward position (behind the back burner). Also, this kid’s play kitchen set is a little small.
- Telephone could be in a better position
- Oven door doesn’t close properly
- Small
Expert Tip
To utilize the lights and sounds that come with this children’s kitchen play set, you will need both 2AA and 4AA batteries
You will need a small bit Philips screwdriver and a large bit Philips screwdriver for assembly
Final Thoughts
With all its cool features, it comes as no surprise that this boy’s play kitchen set has captured the hearts of many kids and parents.
KidKraft Vintage Kitchen
The Good
KidKraft play kitchen sets have long been known for their large sizes. This vintage one is no different. It is large enough to accommodate more than one kid. It features a refrigerator, freezer, oven, microwave and ice machine.
It is worth noting that both the oven and microwave have see-through windows. Another thing to love about the microwave is the fact that it features a turntable that rotates through 360 degrees.
- Sturdy construction
- Removable plastic sink
- Knobs that turn and click
- All doors open and close
- Comes with a cordless phone
- Comes with assembly instructions
The Bad
As is common with KidKraft kitchen sets, this one also takes a long time to set up. It also scratches easily. There have also been complaints that its wood tends to get chipped easily over time.
- Takes tie to assemble
- Scratches easily
- Wood chips easily
Expert Tip
Where the instructions require the use of “Q” screws, use “R” screws instead. There are no “Q” screws packaged with this kitchen set
You will need a drill to assemble this
Final Thoughts
This children’s play kitchen set is a solid choice for anyone who is into vintage furniture.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Pretend Play Toy Kitchen
The Good
This play kitchen set comes with a lot of realistic features. For instance, its ice maker dispenses two realistic ice cubes. Additionally, its dials turn, faucet swivels, doors open and close and microwave plate spins.
Let’s not even get started on the grocery checklist that comes with this toddler play kitchen set. The fact that it is large enough to accommodate more than one kid is yet another thing your little one will love about this kid’s toy kitchen.
- Easy to assemble
- Cute design
- Innovative ice maker
- Grocery checklist included
- Comes with moving parts
- Large enough to accommodate several kids at once
The Bad
Some parents have complained that the ice cubes tend to get stuck up in the dispenser. There have also been several concerns that this children’s kitchen set breaks way too easily. Additionally, there are those who have encountered a musty smell coming from it.
- Breaks easily
- Ice cubes often get stuck in the dispenser
- May come with a musty scent
Expert Tip
When the “ice cubes” get stuck in the dispenser, all you have to do is shake it a little bit
You will need a drill to assemble this
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for something cute yet innovative, this pink play kitchen set is right up your alley.
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Sign Up for Free SamplesThe Bottom Line
If their hundreds of positive reviews are to be trusted, many parents feel that the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen and the KidKraft Uptown Kitchen are the best ones on the market right now.
However, this is just based on personal experiences. You are the only one who gets to choose which play kitchen best serves the needs of you and your child. One thing is for sure though; you can’t go through this review without finding at least one product that interests you.
Ultimately, coming up with this detailed review required a lot of research and we surely hope that it helps simplify your selection process.
