We researched and reviewed top kitchen play sets for kids, evaluating important attributes like durability, educational elements, and included accessories. Based on those factors, we chose the KidKraft Homestyle 2-Piece Kitchen as our overall best pick for its stylish exterior, two-piece design, and additional laundry element. Here are the best kitchen sets for kids so that they can “cook” their own creations just like their parents. This kitchen set has a vintage style and isn’t just one piece, but two. The main compartment contains the sink, stove, and oven. The knobs on the oven turn and click to make them sound and feel more realistic for play. Combine with some play food for hours of pretend play on the stove or the accompanying two-toned fridge with plenty of storage space. For another type of pretend play, turn to the included washing machine and laundry basket perfect for filling up with toys or clothes to pretend to wash and fold. The parts being separate make this perfect for all playroom designs. It won’t take up as much room as other play kitchen, but still has all of the compartments and tools for plenty of play. And it helps that the design is aesthetically pleasing and adorable. Price at time of publish: $219 Price at time of publish: $125 Price at time of publish: $168 Price at time of publish: $175 Price at time of publish: $118 Price at time of publish: $147 This is also an affordable kitchen set compared to some of the heftier wooden versions. Just note that it is made of plastic and may tip easier than a heavier set. The stickers on the front can also become worn over time. If you want a budget-friendly kitchen set that doesn’t take up a lot of room but is still loads of fun, this is the top pick. Price at time of publish: $67 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $200 This is a plastic set and has stickers on the front for the design, which can make it harder to clean. The budget-friendly price reflects that, however, making it a good set to choose if you aren’t ready to invest in a wooden set or aren’t sure how much your child will use a play kitchen. Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $213 Price at time of publish: $70 Price at time of publish: $600
Accessories
Most kitchen sets for kids don’t come with a lot of accessories—usually just a few utensils, pots, or play food. You can find accessories that go with your kitchen set or purchase them from a different brand. Think about how much you want to spend on accessories, what kind of play food and tools your kids will enjoy, and how you plan to store them. Accessories are a must for Lamb. “Whether they come with the kitchen, or I have to curate them separately, accessories are also a must-have for any play kitchen. A nice range of kitchen items broadens the possibilities for play,” she says.
Interaction
One of the best aspects of a play kitchen is the way that your child can interact and use their imagination. Kitchen sets are a great way for kids to engage in their own make-believe world, whether that is cooking a meal for siblings and friends or creating their own play restaurant. Encourage your child to interact with their toys and friends, whether they are cooking, playing restaurant, or playing outdoors with a mud kitchen.
Sturdy Materials
Interaction also ties into the material of your play kitchen because study construction and high-quality material leads to more interaction for more years. " Kids play rough—at least my boys do—guided by very little sympathy for hands-on toys like this. I want a piece that’ll stand the test of time," says Lamb. Lamb often opts for a strong material like wood. “High-quality generally means a set won’t be made from thin, flaky fiberboard. So, unless a wooden example is cost-prohibitive, which they often are, that’s what I try to go with. As a bonus, they tend to look nicer, too, and are made from a renewable and sustainable resource,” she continues.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. As a mother of three, Katie regularly puts kids’ kitchen sets to the test. Additional research was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, expert-focused articles, and more. For wood kitchen sets, you have to be a bit more gentler. Opt for a gentle cleanser such as an environmentally friendly dish soap and some warm water, or your favorite non-toxic multi-purpose cleaner diluted with water. You never want to soak wooden, but similar to wooden cooking utensils, some may be easily cleaned with dish soap or placed in the dishwasher. Expert advice was provided by The Autism Cafe author Eileen Lamb.
