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Best Kids' Kitchens

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Step2 Grand Walk-In Kitchen/Grill
Step2
Grand Walk-In Kitchen/Grill
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Well Equipped
Bottom Line

With a large accessories kit, the this is better equipped than a lot of real kitchens. It has sturdy plastic construction and tons of features.

Pros

The Step2 Grand Walk-In Kitchen is made from sturdy plastic. It has everything a young chef could possibly want in a play kitchen, including appliances that light up and make realistic noises. It even has a little bar for seating.

Cons

The kitchen may take a while to assemble - a power drill is almost a necessity. The kitchen also does not have a lot of storage space for the accessories.

Best Bang for the Buck
Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen
Little Tikes
Super Chef Kitchen
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This durable plastic kitchen from a trusted brand is a good, compact size and includes lots of extra features for a decent price.

Pros

With its corner-style design, the Little Tikes Super Kitchen doesn't take up a lot of space and is great for a child's bedroom. It includes a phone, so your little one can invite their dolls over for dinner. Also makes noises and lights up.

Cons

Some users have reported that the doors don't always fit properly.

Step2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents
Step2
Lifestyle Fresh Accents
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Although assembly may be problematic, the kitchen with its included accessories is attractive, compact and a great choice for the price.

Pros

The Step2 Lifestyle Fresh Accents Kitchen is compact and includes a two-burner cooktop, a refigerator with ice maker, a microwave, an oven and a sink. The appliances make noise and have lights, and it includes a 30-piece accessory kit.

Cons

Assembly may be difficult, although most users say a standard screwdriver will do the job. While there is enough storage for the included accessories, there isn't much space for extras.

KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen
KidKraft
Uptown Espresso Kitchen
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Best for Large Households
Bottom Line

With its large size and realistic features, this is a nice playset, especially for more than one child. However, parents will want to check into buying other accessories for the kitchen.

Pros

The KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen is large enough to allow more than one child to play at a time. It features a refrigerator/freezer, oven, four-burner stove, dishwasher, sink and microwave.

Cons

The assembly time is lengthy -- some users said four to six hours. The kitchen does not come with any cooking accessories, although kits are available online.

Hape Playfully Delicious
Hape
Playfully Delicious
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

While it is sturdy and neat, it may be better for very small toddlers since it is a basic set.

Pros

The Hape Playfully Delicious Gourmet Kitchen is a basic set that includes a stove, sink, oven and cabinet. It is made from plywood and MDF and the paint is child-safe. It is also compact and suitable for a smaller space.

Cons

Although assembly is easy, the Hape kitchen doesn't come with any accessories, and does not have as many features as other kitchen sets.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
30
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best kids’ kitchens

A kids’ kitchen is a great toy for imaginative children. Not only do these mini kitchens provide hours of play, but they also give children an opportunity to mimic the social behavior they see around them. Children can practice “cooking,” learn to negotiate with playmates, and develop fine motor skills while having fun.

Like other children’s toys, kids’ kitchens grow more sophisticated by the year. Wading through the options and features can be confusing and take more time than many parents have. So, how do you find the right kids’ kitchen for your child? Knowing a few key considerations can help you choose the right kids' kitchen for your family.

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A kids’ kitchen gives your children the chance to “cook” beside you safely. They can pretend to create the same dishes as you.

Types of kids’ kitchens

Countertop kids’ kitchens

These small compact kitchens sit on the counter or table. They usually have a sink, faucet, and one heating element. Some come with a few accessories.

Single-side stand-alone kids’ kitchens

This design has a solid back piece that stands against the wall. Some designs come in an L-shape to fit in a corner.

Double-side stand-alone kids’ kitchens

These models are double-sided. They may have a sink on one side and a stove on the other. They save space and offer a way for children to play across from one another rather than side by side.

Multiple piece stand-alone kids’ kitchens

These large kitchens have several stand-alone pieces. There may be a separate refrigerator and sink/stove combo or a refrigerator, stove, sink, and cupboards that are each their own piece. They take up a lot of space and are the most expensive option.

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Did you know?
Kids’ kitchens come in many different colors to blend in with your decor.
STAFF
BestReviews

What to look for when buying a kids’ kitchen

Size

A kids’ kitchen can take up a large amount of space. Many kitchens reach up to 44 inches in height and length and 11 to 20 inches in depth. Think about where you will place the kitchen.

Also, consider whether or not you want the kitchen to be accessible at all times. If you plan to store it, measure the dimensions of the space you have available.

Material

  • Plastic: Plastic is the most common material for kids’ kitchens. If you’ll be moving the kitchen around the house, a plastic model weighs less. Children can be rough with their toys, and plastic stands up well to throwing and pounding. Plastic kids’ kitchens are more intricate because their features and accessories are made in molds. They usually cost less, too.

  • Wood: These kids’ kitchens are increasingly popular as many parents turn to natural materials for their children’s toys. (Keep in mind that many wood kitchens are made of particleboard.) The design of wood kitchens tends to be simpler. Wood kitchens weigh more for their size, which makes them more difficult to move. They usually come with fewer included accessories and cost more than plastic kitchens.

  • Combination: Some kids’ kitchens combine wood and plastic. They have the durability and natural look and feel of wood and the design flexibility of plastic. Depending on the size and included accessories, combination models are usually comparable in price to wood kitchens, although some are more expensive.

Accessories

Kids’ kitchens can come with everything from pretend food to plates, silverware, and cookware. If the kitchen doesn’t include accessories, you’ll need to purchase them separately, which can get pricey.

Battery-powered features

Microwaves with digital displays, heating elements on the stove that light up, or a phone that rings are all battery-powered features. Batteries can quickly get expensive, however, and kids can go through them fast if they’re playing with the kitchen a lot. Decide if this is an extra expense you want to undertake.

"Double-sided kitchens allow play from either side. They not only save space but let children play across from one another, where they can make better eye contact."
STAFF
BestReviews

How much do kids’ kitchens cost?

Inexpensive

For less than $50, you’ll find small, plastic stand-alone kids’ kitchens and plastic or wood countertop models. The kitchen may come with a few accessories like cookware and a few food items. It may also have a few battery-powered extras like stove elements that light up. You will see a difference in construction, quality of the materials, and size compared to more expensive kitchens.

Mid-range

At $50 to $125, you’ll find larger stand-alone kitchens made of plastic, wood, or a combination of the two. The included accessories start to get more intricate in this price range, everything from pots and pans to cooking utensils and baskets. There is more size and color choice at this price point as well.

Expensive

From $125 to $250 are kitchen sets that include a separate fridge and stove. They gain height, width, and weight as the price goes up. Design elements are more complex, such as retro kitchens and models designed to fit in corners.

Premium

At $250 and up are kids’ kitchens with several stand-alone pieces like refrigerators, stoves, counters, and sinks. The kitchen may come with a matching table and chairs, along with a host of other accessories. These large kitchens come in plastic, wood, or a combination of both.

Kids’ kitchen safety tips

  • Clean your kids’ kitchen and accessories often. Many children chew on plastic food just like real food. Do a good cleaning to keep germs in check.

  • Used kitchens may be inexpensive, but older models could have paint or other materials that contain harmful substances. It’s safest to buy a new kitchen that you know has passed all the current safety regulations.

  • If you purchase a large kids’ kitchen, you may want to anchor it to a wall to prevent tipping. This is especially important for families with children who like to climb.

  • Be sure to check the age recommendation for the kitchen. Many kitchens that come with accessories are not intended for children younger than three.

  • Cups, plates, and other accessories need to be regularly washed. For cleaning ease, look for accessories that are dishwasher-safe.

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Turning dials, picking up utensils, and manipulating play food helps children develop fine motor skills.

FAQ

Q. Can a kids’ kitchen be stored in a closet, or will it have to be out all the time?

A. It depends on the size of the kitchen you purchase. There are many small models that can be stored out of sight without much trouble. They are usually lightweight, so they can be carried by one person. Some countertop kids’ kitchens are small enough to fit in a cupboard for easy storage. Be sure to check the kitchen’s dimensions before purchasing.

Q. Will I need to purchase food, cookware, and utensils separately?

A. There are some kitchens that come with accessories, but with some, you’ll need to purchase accessories separately. Usually, you can purchase accessory sets from the same manufacturer to match the kitchen.

Q. Is assembly required for kids’ kitchens?

A. Unless you’ve purchased a small model or countertop kitchen, there is usually some assembly required. The larger the kitchen, the more assembly you should expect.