Best Play Kitchens of 2019

Play kitchens are a hub for creativity, giving kids the tools—or shall we say utensils—to expand their imaginations, work on cooperation, boost vocabulary and develop fine motor skills (knobs, oven doors, mixing bowls—oh my!).

Tiny chefs will be busy role playing what they see you doing in the kitchen, even if that’s 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,they’ll 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.
• There’s always something new to add: fruits and veggies, pots and pans, cupcake sets, sandwich making kits and beyond. On the flip side, there’s always something new to add. It’s 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. It’s a playdate favorite.
• It’s an interactive way to teach your kids about food, cooking, counting, colors and so much more. And don’t 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.
• You’ll be amazed at how busy it’ll keep your little one, even during solo play.

Ready to enthusiastically eat a lot of pretend food? These are our favorite toy kitchens: