Best Play Kitchens of 2019
Best Play Kitchens of 2019
Your little chef will cook up hours of fun with these toy kitchens.


Play kitchens are a hub for creativity, giving kids the toolsâor shall we say utensilsâto expand their imaginations, work on cooperation, boost vocabulary and develop fine motor skills (knobs, oven doors, mixing bowlsâoh my!).
Tiny chefs will be busy role playing what they see you doing in the kitchen, even if thatâs picking up the phone and ordering takeout sometimes. Kids will cook up all kinds of meals and scenarios for hours of fun. Trust us, the dolls and stuffed animals are going to be very well fed. Now if only your tot could be this enthusiastic about eating broccoli in real life.
There are tons of pros behind this purchase:
- A play kitchen is an investment that lasts for years. At first, your toddler may be perfectly content just banging pots and pans. A few years later,theyâll be running a restaurant with their friends. Most kitchens are recommended for ages three and up, but one- and two-year-olds love getting in on the action with their big siblings.
- Thereâs always something new to add: fruits and veggies, pots and pans, cupcake sets, sandwich making kits and beyond. On the flip side, thereâs always something new to add. Itâs easy to get carried away when equipping the kitchen. Have a good storage setup so you can quickly clean up at the end of the day to avoid stepping on a rogue soup ladle or wooden hamburger bun. Also, save empty boxes from granola bars, fruit snacks and mac & cheese from your real kitchen for new (cheap) additions.
- Just like adults, kids always seem to gravitate to the kitchen. Itâs a playdate favorite.
- Itâs an interactive way to teach your kids about food, cooking, counting, colors and so much more. And donât be surprised if you find yourself actually trying to arrange the fridge like you would your real one. Happens to the best of us.
- Families can go in on a toy kitchen and the accessories for an extra special birthday or holiday gift.
- Youâll be amazed at how busy itâll keep your little one, even during solo play.
Ready to enthusiastically eat a lot of pretend food? These are our favorite toy kitchens:
The Modern Pick
The Uptown has a sleek, modern design that could pass for a mini version of a real kitchen. There are tons of thoughtful details kids love, plus some key differentiators: thereâs a dishwasher and a generously sized fridge that actually looks like a fridge (plus a separate freezer). Keep in mind: the Uptown doesnât come with any food or other accessories, and itâs big, so it can take some time to put together (many parents say anywhere from two to six hours depending on your skills). For a different look, KidKraft also has a vintage kitchen, and we love the freshness of their farm-to-table kitchen.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 3â5 years |
Dimensions | 42.5â x 17.1â x 41â |
Product Weight | 70.1 lbs |
Beautifully Crafted
If youâre looking for a natural-wood play kitchen that screams âheirloom,â then take a look at this. Handmade from solid native pine or ash hardwood (your choice), this kitchen is sure to hold up to years of toddler wear and tear and still look stunning in your home. Itâs designed to last a lifetime, so your childrenâs childrenâs children will get just as much enjoyment from it. Bonus: it also comes as a set with a matching refrigerator.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
Dimensions | 34â x 28â x 12â |
The Minimalist
Youâre probably already obsessed with IKEA furniture (Kallax storage is an all-time favorite), but their kids toy collection is equally amazing. The minimalist Duktig mini-kitchen and workbench is the perfect place to test out new recipes. And this kitchen grows with your kiddo thanks to the 3-position leg height. Battery-operated burners delight little cooks with their realistic glow.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 3â5 years |
Dimensions | 28.75â x 15.75â x 43â |
Product Weight | 41.9 lbs |
Everything *and* the Kitchen Sink
Prepare yourself for serious kitchen envy. Itâs equipped with all of the must-haves for whipping up a feast, including an oven, stove, grill, fridge, microwave and a whopping 103-piece accessory set with pots and pans, utensils and food. Thereâs also an attached dining area and plenty of storage space. The large, spacious design encourages multi-child play inside and out. The realistic âoak hardwoodâ flooring is made of comfortable feet-saving foam, and everything else is made of plastic, so it can hold up to even the most enthusiastic of chefs.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
Dimensions | 36.25â x 46â x 47â |
Product Weight | 59 lbs |
Includes | 103-piece accessory set (accessories and food may vary) |
The Splurge
Take one look at Pottery Barnâs high-end kitchen collections, and itâll be hard not to make the splurge. (Donât say we didnât warn you.) The Retro Kitchen Collection is particularly Instagram-worthyâthereâs a sink, icebox (remember, itâs retro), and an oven. The stainless steel sink actually holds water, so pots and pans will always be sparkling clean. Pieces are sold separately or as the full shebang (just make sure you have a large play space if you buy the entire collection). Your kiddo will be the host with the most when they entertain with this awesome setup. Not into the retro look? We also love the Chelsea and Charlie Kitchen Collections.
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
Oven Details | 22â x 18â x 32â; 49.75 lbs |
Icebox Details | 19.25â x 14.75â x 36.25â; 47.5 lbs |
Sink Details | 24â x 15.5â x 26â; 32.5 lbs |
For Grill Masters
Is your tiny cook the next Bobby Flay or Christie Vanover? If your kiddo prefers the grill over the stove, this toy barbeque is the perfect alternative. It features a dual-level grill, cooktop, sink, counterspace and pizza oven, and comes with the Grillinâ Goodies 20-piece food and grill utensil set (or you can buy just the grill on its own).
Additional Specs
Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
Dimensions | 29.2â x 12.1â x 35.2â |
Product Weight | 16 lbs |
Includes | 20-piece accessory set |