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:
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: there’s a dishwasher and a generously sized fridge that actually looks like a fridge (plus a separate freezer). Keep in mind: the Uptown doesn’t come with any food or other accessories, and it’s 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 3–5 years |
| Dimensions | 42.5” x 17.1” x 41” |
| Product Weight | 70.1 lbs |
Beautifully Crafted
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.
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 |
The Splurge
Prepare yourself for serious kitchen envy. It’s 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. There’s also an attached dining area and plenty of storage space. The large, spacious design encourages multi-child play inside and out. The realistic “oak hardwood” 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 | 36.25” x 46” x 47” |
| Product Weight | 59 lbs |
| Includes | 103-piece accessory set (accessories and food may vary) |
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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