Play kitchens have always been one of the most popular children’s toys.
In the earlier days, they used to be more like small work tops with bits of vegetables, fruits and some cooking pots but the modern units include such wide range of accessories that can put even your own kitchen to shame!
A play kitchen is an engaging toy that your kid will enjoy for years. Anyone with kids knows how obsessed little ones are with play kitchens and pretend-food.
Top 10 Best Play Kitchen Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Teamson Kids - Little Chef Wooden Toy Play Kitchen with Accessories | Eco-friendly construction Includes a phone, spatula & 3 shakers Realistic look and feel | 2 | $$ |
 | Teamson Kids - Urban Adventure Play Kitchen with Ice Maker Function | Eco-friendly construction 6 color options Includes a cup & 2 ice cubes 30-day warranty | 2.5 | $$$ |
 | Hape Wood Kids Play Kitchen | Eco-friendly construction Light weight and portable 3 vibrant color options Includes 13 dishware Low price | 2.5 | $$ |
 | KidKraft Large Kitchen | Colorful, girly design Eco-friendly construction Extra-large size Incredible online discount | 3 | $$$ |
 | Little Tikes Modern Kitchen | Compact and light-weight Electronic cooking sounds Lots of storage space Includes 40 accessories | 3.5 | $$$$$ |
 | Step2 Upscale Party Time Kitchen | Traditional & detailed design Electronic cooking sounds Lots of storage space Includes 33 fun accessories | 3.5 | $$$ |
 | KidKraft Navy Vintage Kitchen Toy | Masculine color scheme Electronic cooking sounds Realistic look & feel 2 color options Includes a wall mount | 4 | $$$ |
 | Little Tikes Cook ‘n Learn Smart Kitchen | Electronic cooking sounds Compact and light-weight Includes 46 accessories Includes app and holder for devices | 4.5 | $$ |
 | Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen | Angled, compact design Detachable legs Electronic cooking sounds Includes 13 kitchen accessories Low price | 4.5 | $$ |
 | KidKraft Vintage Kitchen - White | Eco-friendly, sturdy construction Electronic cooking sounds Realistic look & feel Lots of storage space Incredible online discount | 5 | $$ |
These toys are a hub for creative play, allowing them to expand their imagination as well as vocabulary.
It will be years before they actually make a legit meal, so in the meantime, let them have a blast practicing in a play kitchen of their own.
This will keep them busy feeding their dolls and stuffed animals but who knows- they could become enthusiastic about eating green vegetables in real life as well!
There are hundreds of play kitchens in market and finding the right one can take hours of browsing through options.
This guide cuts through all that so that you can spend more time with kids and less on screen.
Here, you will find all the necessary details like types, benefits, downsides and 10 best options to scope out. So, stay tuned and get ready to shop the best play kitchen for kids!
What Types of Play Kitchens are There?
Play kitchen sets come in various sizes and shoppers should check if there is sufficient space within their home to accommodate one. While large sets may feature cabinetry, refrigerators, ovens, barbecue grills and dishwashers, the smaller ones may feature only a stove top and an oven.
If it is wooden, it is going to be heavy but durable and realistic-looking. A large wooden unit can be as bulky as 100 pounds. However, the plastic ones are more affordable, portable and easier to clean. Some of these also come in bright pink hues for girls, so gender of the child is also an important consideration when selecting a play kitchen.
Benefits of Best Play Kitchen
A play kitchen set boosts creativity and also helps children learn important life skills like cooperation, sharing, team work and keeping things clean & organized. It is an interactive way to teach kids about food, cooking, counting, shapes, colors and so much more. There are so many options in market but if you buy the best play kitchen, it will last for years and serve like an investment. Most kitchens are recommended for ages two and up.
So, at first, your toddler may be perfectly content just banging pots and pans but a few years later, he/she might be running a restaurant with friends. The little chef-to-be will imaginatively combine and create new toy food recipes and this in turn, will boost his/her self-confidence. Even during solo play, it will keep your little one busy. This educational toy is undoubtedly, a must-have in every home.
Just make sure that it is durable, easy to assemble, eco-friendly and non-toxic for best user experience. There is no point in buying a flimsy, low quality toy that may not be safe or very appealing to kids.
Downsides of Play Kitchens
Play kitchens, like most toys for younger kids, need adult supervision. They have small accessories and parts that can pose choking hazards to toddlers. For parents, the set can be very time consuming to assemble and in case, any accessory is lost, the replacement might be difficult as well as expensive. So, keep these points in mind before you buy a play kitchen.
10. Teamson Kids – Little Chef Wooden Toy Play Kitchen with Accessories – Burlywood
This is a cute, little wooden playset from Teamson. It has a safe and sturdy wooden structure that’s made of eco-friendly MDF. Also, the paints used are lead-free (CPSIA, EN71-1-2-3, ASTM F963 compliant). It includes cabinets, stove, microwave, oven and a removable sink for easy cleaning.
The stove opens up with a bright yellow handle and has ample space inside. The microwave has stick on numbers and a timer to provide the illusion that something is really being heated up. Also, the knobs on all equipments turn 360 degrees, giving a realistic feel. On top of the cupboards, there is a clock and some space to store knickknacks or flower plants for extra decorating.
All accessories are included in package, so there’s no need to buy anything separately. The unit measures 21.5″(L) x 11.625″(W) x 38″(H) and weighs 28 pounds. It takes around 30 minutes to assemble and can be quickly disassembled and packed away when not needed. The package includes a manual with step-by-step assembly instruction. It is meant for children aged 3 years and above but adult supervision is necessary for young kids. Overall, it is a great product and is worth buying.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly construction
- Includes a phone, spatula & 3 shakers as accessories
- Realistic look and feel
Cons:
- Assembly is time-consuming.
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9. Teamson Kids – Urban Adventure Play Kitchen with Ice Maker Function – Grey Playset
This is another beautiful Teamson playset on our list. It has a wooden structure made of eco-friendly MDF (CARB-P2) and is available in 5 other color options (pink, white, dark oak grain/silver, oak grain/silver and silver/white). All paints are lead-free (CPSIA, EN71-1-2-3, ASTM F963 compliant). It is a modern, two-piece set with a counter and a fridge.
The fridge has a smart screen and a water cooler on the door to make getting ice or a glass of water easy as a cinch. This pretend play ice maker comes equipped with a cup and 2 fake ice cubes to give drinks a frosty effect. The fridge door is easy to open and there is plenty of storage space inside. The counter is in farmhouse style and features a stove, an oven, a timer, a removable sink and gold faucet.
The stove has two burners the knobs of which can rotate and click to mimic the sounds of a real life kitchen. The fridge measures 13.75″(L) x 12.00″(W) x 31.75″(H) and the sink measures 27.75″(L) x 11.13″(W) x 24.00″(H). The counter is 20.08″ high. It is a large set that, in total, weighs 41 pounds.
It takes around 25 minutes to assemble and the step-by-step assembly instruction manual that comes with the package will make this task easier for you. Since it comes with small parts, it is not meant for children less than 3 years for safety reasons. The product is a bit costly but feature-rich and reliable.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly construction
- 6 color options
- Includes a cup & 2 ice cubes as accessories
- 30-day warranty
Cons:
- High price
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8. Hape Kitchen Play Set – Wooden Play Kitchen for Boys and Girls – Purple Playfully Delicious Gourmet Playset with 13 Deluxe Accessories – Great Gift for Toddlers and Kids Ages 3+
The Hape Kitchen Play Set is a vibrant colored wooden set for kids aged 3+. Other than purple, it comes in 2 other colors (orange and red). All parts are 100% safe and non-toxic. The set includes an oven, a stovetop, a removable sink and 13 fun accessories (2 plates, 2 forks, 2 knives, pan, pot & lid, mixing spoon, spatula and salt & pepper shakers).
It measures 21.6″(L) x 27.8″(W) x 12.6″(H) and weighs just 23.7 pounds because some of these parts are made of plastic. It is easy to assemble and does not require more than half an hour to do so. It is a great looking set from a reputed brand and is pretty affordable too.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly construction
- Light weight and portable
- 3 vibrant color options
- Includes 13 dishware accessories
- Low price
Cons:
- Limited features & functions
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7. KidKraft Large Kitchen
Kidkraft Large Kitchen is a beautiful, girly playset in shades of pink, blue and yellow. It is a high quality wooden set that weighs 88.2 pounds and can stand up to years of wear and tear. Measuring 42.2″(L) x 16.2″(W) x 42.9″(H), it is large enough for older kids and comprises of numerous gadgets. 3-4 kids can play together with it at the same time without feeling congested.
Thus, if your kid likes to play kitchen-kitchen with a group of friends, this is the best play kitchen to consider. Due to its size, a lot of assembly is required and this may take 3-4 hours. Using a powered screwdriver is advised to save time and frustration. Designed for children aged three and above, this solid kitchen has all the essentials including fridge, microwave, oven, cabinets, stove top and sink.
The pink fridge and freezer is finished with fresh water and ice dispensers. On the fridge door, there is a notepad and on the side panel, there is a phone with caller ID. The stove top has 4 realistic burners with rotating knobs.
The oven and the microwave have clear see-through windows and the sink is removable for easy cleaning. The sink also has two cute pink and blue knobs which instantly grab viewers’ attention. It is a colorful, large kitchen set that children of all ages can enjoy. And though it is bit expensive, you can get some really good discounts if you purchase it online.
Pros:
- Colorful, girly design
- Eco-friendly construction
- Extra-large size
- Incredible online discount
Cons:
- Assembly is challenging and time-consuming.
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6. Little Tikes Modern Kitchen
This tiny playset is perfect for small spaces. It measures 12″(L) x 25″(W) x 17″(H) and weighs just 10 pounds. The main structure is made of wood and it folds up easily for storage. The set features a fridge, an oven, ice maker, a microwave, a stove top with rotating knobs, 2 pegs to hang up utensils and multiple shelves to store knick-knacks.
Adding to this, it includes 40 play kitchen accessories such as small pretend food items, pans, plates, cups, baskets, etc. To give an illusion of reality, water running from faucet, cooking on stove top and clicking oven knobs-all produce cool sounds.
It is a modern and stylish looking kitchen with a pass-through play window and real LED lights. There is even a chalkboard and chalk for writing down the daily specials. It is meant for kids aged 24 months – 5 years but adult supervision is necessary. This kitchen is full of fun details and little chefs will surely love it.
Pros:
- Compact and light-weight
- Electronic cooking sounds from stove and sink
- Lots of storage space
- Includes 40 fun accessories
Cons:
- High price
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5. Step2 Upscale Party Time Kitchen
This one is a very detailed kitchen with numerous accessories and features to encourage multi-child play. The decor is beautiful but definitely not for the minimalist or modernist. It has lots of modern conveniences though. It features a microwave, a fridge, a stovetop, a phone, a stainless steel oven, an overhead light, 2 wicker baskets and lots of cabinetry for storage.
Also, there are 33 cooking accessories (plates, spatulas, ladles, etc) but no food items are included. The frying pan and the boiling pot in the accessories’ set have electronic lids that give realistic frying and boiling sounds when placed on the stove.
For this, it requires 5 AA batteries. The kitchen measures 32.2″(L) x 28.4″(W) x 19.6″(H) and weighs 33 pounds. It is easy to assemble and pack away when not in use. Considering the features, the price is not much, making it an attractive deal.
Pros:
- Traditional & detailed design
- Electronic cooking sounds
- Lots of storage space
- Includes 33 fun accessories
Cons:
- Some users complained that the cabinet doors do not open and close very well.
4. KidKraft Navy Vintage Kitchen Toy
This blue & white toy is solid, sturdy and tends to be especially appealing to boys due to its masculine color scheme. It is also available in a pure white model, in case you prefer a lighter color. It measures 33.5″(L) x 13.5″(W) x 35.5″(H) and is made primarily of wood. Weighing 39.8 pounds, it is not too heavy and can be easily moved around. It is a sturdy unit with a very practical layout.
There is fridge in left, stove top and oven in right and a spacious, removable sink in the middle section. There is also a storage cabinet below the sink and a microwave right above it. On the fridge, there is an ice/water dispenser and a cute removable cordless phone. The oven and the microwave – both have see through windows like the real ones.
The turn table and pretend buttons on the microwave make beep sounds, giving an illusion that food is really being heated up inside. There are plenty of click & turn knobs and handles, giving this playset a realistic feel. It is a fun toy designed for kids aged 3 and above.
It has so many parts that it is time-consuming to assemble. Set aside at least two hours to put it together. Also, since the assembly kit comes with a wall mount, it can be secured to a wall to prevent it from tipping over on the kid. It is a nice, reasonably priced set but includes no food or cooking gear, so you will need to purchase them separately.
Pros:
- Masculine color scheme
- Electronic cooking sounds
- Realistic look & feel
- 2 color options
- Includes a wall mount
Cons:
- Assembly is challenging and time-consuming even though it does not include any kitchen accessories.
3. Little Tikes Cook ‘n Learn Smart Kitchen
This is a unique play kitchen with faux granite countertop, a tiled backsplash and a small garden from where kids can pick fruits and vegetables. But what makes it really special is its educational Cook ‘n Learn app. This app is free and can be downloaded on any smart device which in turn can be paired with the playset via Bluetooth.
The app has 4 modes: free play, games, recipes and music. The app responds to designated food and cooking items (46 accessories) that come with the play set and elevate the traditional kitchen play to a magical interactive experience. For example, in the free play mode, the pretend food items with which kids are playing appear on the smart device’s screen.
In the games mode, kids are prompted to place food items on the cutting board and once they do so, the app displays those items on the screen to help them recognize different types of food. In the recipes mode, they are required to follow cooking directions. In the music mode, they can play a variety of songs in the background. These songs are mostly about letters, numbers, colors, kitchen tools and fun food facts.
Thus, addition of app makes kitchen role-play even more fun. Another feature that kids will love is its fun sound effects like sizzling when pan or pot is on stove or water flow when faucet is on or chopping when food is on the cutting board. The set measures 17″(L) x 22″(W) x 30″(H) and does not take much space. Also, due to heavy plastic use, it weighs just 10 pounds.
It features an oven, a fridge and lots of storage space. The oven and the fridge- both have lights which turn on when opened. For all these sound and light effects, it requires 4 x AA batteries which are not included and needs to be purchased separately. The playset is easy to assemble and use. It is definitely one of the best educational toys for kids aged 24 months-5 years.
Pros:
- Electronic cooking sounds
- Compact and light-weight
- Includes 46 accessories
- App is compatible with most phones & tablets
- App is available for iPhone and Android phones
- Adjustable holder that fits most smart devices
Cons:
- Low weight may cause instability.
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2. Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen
Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen includes everything that a little play kitchen needs in a very compact size. It measures 28″(L) x 14″(W) x 40″(H) and weighs only about 20 pounds. It is also very reasonably priced. In fact, this is the best play kitchen to consider if you are looking for the lowest price option.
The set features a fridge, a microwave, an oven, a removable sink, a stove with electric sounds, a coffee maker, a phone and lots more. There are 13 cooking accessories (plates, frying pans, coffee pots, etc) as well. The unit has ample of storage space for all these accessories. It has a blue-cream color scheme and an angled design due to which it looks great when placed in a room corner.
It also looks fine against flat wall though. Unlike most other play kitchens, it has little feet under its base which you can attach and detach as per convenience. The legs not only increase the height but also add to its aesthetic appeal. Assembly of the kitchen is straight forward and it shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
It requires 2 AA batteries for operation which are not included in the assembly kit. This toy is recommended for kids aged 36 months – 10 years. And thanks to its gender-neutral design, it works great for both boys and girls. Overall, it is a great play kitchen for a very good price.
Pros:
- Angled, compact design
- Detachable legs
- Electronic cooking sounds
- Includes 13 kitchen accessories
- Low price
Cons:
- It does not include any play food.
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1. KidKraft Vintage Kitchen – White
There is something about white appliances that makes them so elegant. This beautiful, white toy from KidKraft is no different as it instantly grabs kids’ attention. Made of composite wood products, molded plastic and some metal, it is safe and non-toxic. Yet, the price is low, especially if you avail the discount available on online purchase. Measuring 33″(L) x 11.7″(W) x 35.7″(H), it is big enough for more than one children to play.
It weighs 35.7 pounds and has a smart, sturdy construction. It features all elements of a modern kitchen such as a microwave, an oven, a stove top, a removable sink, a refrigerator with ice/water dispenser and a bottom-mount reach-in freezer. All the doors and knobs are fully functional, giving an illusion of reality.
Even the turntable in the microwave rotates 360°. The windows of both the microwave and the oven are see-through and there is ample of free space for storage. Hanging on the fridge is a cordless phone with stand, so kids can pretend calling mom for recipes or ordering from restaurant.
Assembly is easy but time-consuming and since it comprises of many small parts, it is not recommended for kids under the age of 3 years. Overall, it is a very realistic and interactive toy that’ll definitely add a lot of value to your kid’s play time.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly, sturdy construction
- Electronic cooking sounds
- Realistic look & feel
- Lots of storage space
- Incredible online discount
Cons:
- Assembly is time-consuming.
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Editors Choice of Best Play Kitchen
After analyzing all options, we found KidKraft Vintage Kitchen – White to be the best play kitchen. Kids should be able to cook up a lot of fun with it. It is beautifully designed with composite wood, metal and molded plastic. The size is kid-friendly and the layout is modern and minimalist. Since it is white in color, it appeals to both girls and boys.
It has all the modern kitchen equipments and these are completely non-toxic and safe for kids’ play. This item is so sturdy and durable that it can be passed on from older kids to younger siblings or even from one generation to the next. It is the best-selling play kitchen and is rated highly by both parents and kids. It is inventive, interactive, educational and also easily affordable for parents.
What do you think of these cute, little kitchens on our list? Do you have one at home? Which is the best play kitchen according to you? Share your views and experiences by leaving comments in the box below. For other interactive toys for kids keep browsing and click here if you want to be able to own a toy for kids and grown ups alike.
