Best Play Kitchens
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:
Modern Style
This kitchen 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: there’s 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! Keep in mind: This kitchen is on the bigger side, so make sure you have the room for it. And it does require assembly, but parent reviews say it only takes about one to two hours even with just basic skills.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3-6 years |
| Dimensions | 39” x 43.25” x 15.5” |
| Product Weight | 62 lbs |
The Heirloom Kitchen
If you’re looking for a natural-wood play kitchen that screams “heirloom,” 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. It’s designed to last a lifetime, so your children’s children’s children will get just as much enjoyment from it. Bonus: it also comes as a set with a matching refrigerator.
If you’re okay with spending about $360 more, we also love this play kitchen with a more modern look. It’s handmade from Baltic birch and maple and has a matching refrigerator (sold separately).
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2 years+ |
| Dimensions | 34” x 28” x 12” |
The Minimalist
You’re 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 3–5 years |
| Dimensions | 28.75” x 15.75” x 43” |
| Product Weight | 41.9 lbs |
Double Duty
This one may be compact, but it can do twice as much as the average play kitchen. While it’s got the stove, oven, sink and microwave you’d expect, just turn the whole thing around to find a washing machine, clock and pantry on the other side! It’s perfect for two children to play simultaneously without getting in each other’s way. It also comes with a seven-piece metal cookware set plus an oven mitt, and the stovetop includes lights and sound effects.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Dimensions | 21.45” x35.3” x35.3” |
| Includes | 1 frying pan, 1 saucepan, 1 colander, 1 spoon, 1 spatula, 1 slotted spoon, 1 pasta spoon Also features 1 oven mitt |
The Splurge
This may be the most realistic-looking toy kitchen out there. Between the farmhouse sink and the brass-finished hardware, we wish this kitchen was adult sized! The fridge, oven, cabinet and sink are all slightly bigger than what you’ll find with most other play kitchens, perfect for if your toddler has collected a range of cookware and play food. And with four contemporary colors to choose from, it just might blend in with the rest of your home decor.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 3 years+ |
| Dimensions | 36” x 12” x 33” |
| Product Weight | 48 lbs |
The Space Saver
Low on space? This mini kitchen set has the basics for cooking up a solid meal without taking up a ton of room (we get it, play kitchens are basically a new piece of furniture). At only about five inches high and one foot long, it can sit on the floor, on a tabletop or wherever your kiddo wants to do their cooking. The knobs make a realistic clicking sound when turned, and unlike most play kitchens, it comes with utensils! We also love this tabletop stove as a starter kitchen for really young toddlers (think 18 months old), since most larger play kitchens are recommending only for kiddos three years and older.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 18 months+ |
| Dimensions | 12.2” x 4.8” x 9.5” |
| Includes | Stove, pot, frying pan, lid, spoon, spatula |
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 Grillin’ 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 | 29.2” x 12.1” x 35.2” |
| Product Weight | 16 lbs |
| Includes | 20-piece accessory set |
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