Play Kitchens For Kids: These are some of the best!

Play Kitchens for Kids for open ended play

Play Kitchens For Kids will always be my #1 recommended toy for speech and language development! But the learning doesn’t stop there.

They are also fantastic for facilitating other skills such as problem solving, social skills and fine and gross motor development.

If you haven’t had a chance to browse around the site yet and you are really interested in a toy kitchen for your child here are a few articles you might enjoy.

How Kids Play Kitchens Promote Speech & Language Development
Play Kitchens Made of Cardboard – These are Portable & Eco-Friendly
10 Reasons Every Child Needs A Toy Kitchen
Build Your Own Kids Kitchen!
The Best Kitchen Sets of 2017
Older Children Can Benefit From Playing With A Kitchen Set Too!

You may be wondering “why is she writing another article about this toy?”

The thought also crossed my mind when I first got the idea for this article.

But I know that most people who have found this site have done so by searching for a play kitchen for their child.

I love that! And of course I want more people to find this information.

Creating another article in this topic area will allow me to be able to reach even more parents.

So, here is what you came for.

My top recommendations for play kitchens for 2020 and beyond!

These are kitchens I have not featured in any other article.

Since I have already written about the language and learning benefits here and here, I won’t go into all of that again.

I’ve also decided to feature some “kitchens” that aren’t really play kitchens, but they are quite unique and will still provide some of the learning opportunities that can be found with play kitchens.

I am including these at the end of the article.

If you decide to purchase one of them by clicking on one of my links, I will make a small commission (at no cost to you).

This is how I can continue to provide you the best information about child development and learning through play for FREE!

Top Pretend Play Kitchens For Kids – Open Ended Play Starts Here!

Step2 Espresso Bar Kitchen Play

This kitchen set is adorable!

There is a sink, stove, oven, fridge, shelves and even a pet nook.

But, what sets this kitchen apart is the espresso machine that comes with pods.

So if your child doesn’t feel like playing “house” or “restaurant” the kitchen can be transformed into a Starbucks drive through!

The Step2 Espresso Bar Kitchen set also comes with a 21 piece accessory set including utensils, salt & pepper shakers, frying pan, measuring spoons, 3 coffee pots, coffee pot, coffee cup and 2 storage baskets.

The stove top makes cooking sounds and lights up!

This is one of the smaller play kitchens but the counter height is 22 inches which is on the higher side.

My son and daughter are 8 and 10 and still love our Little Tikes play kitchen.

It’s about 50 inches tall (from the floor to the highest point) with the counter height being about 20 inches.

Both kids kneel on the floor and play away!

The majority of play kitchens have a counter height of anywhere between 18 and 23 inches.
Step2 Espresso Bar Play Kitchen

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Teamson Kids Little Chef Chelsea Modern Play Kitchen

This kitchen is available in a few different options.

There is the one pictured below plus 6 other color combinations.

This modern play kitchen features a 3 door fridge freezer combo with in door icemaker!

The ice maker comes with 2 “ice cubes”.

The fridge and stove are separate making this kitchen perfect for a variety of different spaces.

This is another small kitchen but as I mentioned above even older kids will probably still enjoy it.

Unfortunately this kitchen does not come with accessories or play food but these can be purchased separately.

The manufacturer suggests assembly time for this kitchen is about 30 minutes.  However, be prepared for it to take up to 2 hours.
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Step2 Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen & Island Play

This kitchen set allows for play all around it as there is no front and back.

And it’s a bit taller than other kitchens with the counter height coming in at 22 inches!

The Step2 Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen comes with a 10 piece accessory set, however it does not contain any play food.

This kitchen is recommended for children up to age 7 but can easily be used by older kids as well!

Take a look at how much fun kids can have with this kitchen set.

Step2 Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen & Island Play

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Step2 Elegant Edge Play Kitchen Playset

This is the Cadillac of play kitchens!

It features a large European style refrigerator and an oversized oven with working lights.

While this kitchen may be plastic it has a modern adult like feel.

This is one of the larger play kitchens out there.

It’s total height is about 65 inches however, the counter height is only about 20 inches.

It is the perfect kitchen for multiple children to play together at the same time.

The Step2 Elegant Edge Play Kitchen also comes with a 78 piece accessory set which includes play food.

So, there is no need to purchase anything else separately.

But be warned, this kitchen will take several hours to set up! It is also shipped in 3 large boxes.

It also requires 5 AA and 6 AAA batteries which are not included.
Step2 Elegant Edge Play Kitchen Playset

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Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Wooden Pretend Play Toy Kitchen

This is a compact kitchen perfect for a small space.

The counter height is about 21 inches, which is considerably high for a smaller kitchen.

Melissa & Doug’s Cook’s Corner Kitchen can also be personalized with your child’s name for about $8 more.

Unfortunately this kitchen does not come with any accessories so these will have to be purchased separately.

It does come with the timer (which works) that is seen in the picture.
Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Wooden Pretend Play Toy Kitchen

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Simplay3 Play Around Kitchen and Activity Table

This Simplay3 kitchen is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!

It allows for 3 sided play which makes it perfect for 2-3 kids.

And, it’s perfect for small spaces as the counter/table can be slid in to make it even smaller.

The slide out table is about 17.5 inches high and chairs for this can be purchased separately from Simplay3.

They come in a 2 pack and there are a variety colors.  You can take a look at them here.

This durable kitchen can be used indoors or out!

However, if you don’t cover it outside there is a good chance the blue color will fade when exposed to sunlight.
Simplay3 Play Around Kitchen and Activity Table

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Little Tikes 2-in-1 Food Truck

This is the perfect hybrid play kitchen!

From the front it looks just like a food truck, but from the back it looks like a play kitchen.

There is a sink, oven, microwave and fridge.

The serving counter that you see at the front pulls out or can be slid in.

It also features reversible signage which can either be ice cream or hot dogs.

The Little Tikes 2 in 1 Food Truck also has a chalkboard to feature daily specials, a cash register and notepad, bell, steering wheel with working horn, trash bin, play soda fountain and a 40 piece accessory set that comes with food and utensils.

See it in action!

Little Tikes 2-in-1 Food Truck

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Melissa & Doug Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart

I love all Melissa & Doug toys and this food cart is no exception.

It can actually be rolled around and has reversible signage so it can be both an ice cream stand or hot dog cart.

This cart features drawers, a working bell and sliding see through doors at the top of the cart.

There is also a double sided write on menu so kids can set their own prices!

The Melissa & Doug Wooden Food Cart also comes with a 40 piece accessory pack including wooden play food pieces such as pretzels, ice cream cones and toppings, hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks and more!

And it can be set up in under an hour which is a huge plus. Most play kitchens take anywhere from 2-6 hours to put together.

This food cart is perfect for 3-7 year olds.
Melissa & Doug Wooden Snacks and Sweets Food Cart

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Creativity and Imagination Cannot Be Stopped With These Play Kitchens

I wish that some of these amazing toys would have been available when I was a child.  

But now I get to see my kids enjoy them!

Which one of these do you think your child would like the best?

Play kitchens for kids

10 Comments

  1. Briana

    Awesome suggestions. My son is only 5 months old right now but I love getting good toy ideas for him as he grows. These toy kitchens seem like the perfect thing for the play room we plan on having. Thanks for putting in the time to find the best options.

    Reply
    1. Tanya (Post author)

      Hi Brianna,

      5 months is definitely too young for a play kitchen.  I would suggest waiting until he is closer to 2 and then get something that you know he can have for a few years.

      In the meantime here is a great list of toys for babies that you can use for skill building and learning through play!

      Reply
  2. Allie

    This is great! I have a 10 month old who is just starting to pull herself up on things and getting interested in everything! She loves watching us in the kitchen as we cook. So I am sure she will love this.
    What is the best age to start them with a play kitchen?

    Reply
    1. Tanya (Post author)

      Hi Allie,

      There are many small, toddler play kitchens that are ideal for children ages 12-36 months.   Here is an example.  Although the manufacturer recommends it for children 2-6, it is very small.  I doubt many 5 and 6 year old’s would enjoy it.

      However, I would suggest waiting until your daughter is between 18 and 24 months and then get a larger kitchen like the ones I described in the article.   My kids are 8 and 10 now and still play with their toy kitchen.  It is 8 years old.  We got it when my daughter was 2.

      Here is an article with some other kids kitchens.  If you scroll to the end, I share some language development and learning tips specific to play kitchens for kids!

      Reply
  3. Mara Lane

    Awesome! I never realized that a play kitchen can help with my toddlers development so well. Thank you for this info. I will definitely take it into consideration.

    Reply
    1. Tanya (Post author)

      Hi Mara,

      Yes, pretend play kitchen sets are a must have for child development! Here are 10 reasons why every child should have a toy kitchen.

      Reply
  4. Daniella

    Hi Tanya,

    Great article!

    My sister has a little girl, and she loves to play in the kitchen with all the utensils. Soon she is turning five years old, so I was thinking of buying her a play kitchen. I am sure she will love it. 

    I like the Step 2 Elegant Edge Play Kitchen Playset. I find it beautiful, and it looks like a real kitchen:) Also, all the accessories are included, which is fantastic!

    We never know, she may prefer another kitchen. We all have different tastes. So I would like to know if it’s possible to switch it to another kitchen if it doesn’t suit her?

    Thank you for this excellent post!

    Reply
    1. Tanya (Post author)

      Thanks Daniella!  The Elegant Edge Play Kitchen would be perfect for a 5 year old as it is one of the bigger ones.  I think your niece would love any kitchen.

      Unfortunately I do not personally sell these kitchens.  So I cannot speak about the return policy.  If something is wrong with the kitchen then I am sure it can be returned.   You would have to check with the seller of the kitchen you wish to purchase.

      Reply
  5. Auntie Jo

    Hi Tanya, I firstly wanted to say that I love this site!! It makes me want to be a kid again! You are right though, at least now I get to watch my kids play with all the stuff i couldn’t have when I was a kid. I especially love setting it all up in a new and different way when she goes to bed so it’s fresh and exciting for her to play with in the morning! My favorite Kitchen here is the Step2 Elegant Edge Play Kitchen Play set – it’s just so big and has so much to do in it, also – like you mentioned, it comes with an accessory set including food. I can’t imagine anything more disappointing than opening a play kitchen but having nothing to play with it! I haven’t the room for a big one like this but we are planning on sorting out our playroom so when we do I will be coming back to this page. Thanks so much.

    Reply
    1. Tanya (Post author)

      Thanks so much Auntie Jo!

      I know what you mean!  There are some great pretend play toys available for kids these days!  

      The Elegant Edge Kitchen really is one of a kind!  But as I mentioned in the article, just as much learning can occur with a smaller more basic kitchen.

      If space really is an issue, make sure you check out these awesome cardboard alternatives.

      Reply

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