Next, we asked testers to make notes about setup, describing if the process was frustrating or simple (or somewhere in between), if testers needed any extra tools or hands, and asked them to ensure no pieces or parts could come off. A spacious refrigerator opens to keep play food fresh, and it comes equipped with an ice maker that dispenses pretend cubes (another hit with kiddos who played with this kitchen). The large farmhouse sink not only looks stylish but has enough space for washing tiny dishes and hands and rinsing veggies—complete with running water sounds and a light-up faucet. Overall, this children's play kitchen has a classic, beautiful design that fits in with any home decor.

Educational Toys | Montessori Toys | Mattel

These toy kitchen sets are a key ingredient in helping children engage in pretend play, also known as symbolic or imaginative play—a developmental milestone for children.KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen: The design of this kitchen looks modern and is large enough for multiple children; however, it took four hours to assemble and only had one accessory. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.

Verywell Family The 10 Best Play Kitchens of 2023 - Verywell Family

In addition to the working ice maker that dispenses plastic ice cubes, the refrigerator and top freezer doors are magnetic. Once assembled, though, everything felt sturdy and durable, and it held up well after multiple uses. Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. For example, the stove makes a bubbling noise when kiddos cook with the included pot or pan, while the built-in coffee station features a pod machine to feel like the grown-ups.Consider the play kitchen’s size for the space you’ll be putting it in and how it compares to your child’s height. Despite the initial assembly issue, everything was sturdy upon completion, and the play kitchen has proved its durability over time. Our 4-year-old kiddo used the island as a prep space before placing food in the oven, which opened like a real oven (pull down) rather than a door (to the side).

The one-time pain of assembly was worth the excited reaction of the four brothers (ages 3 to 8) who tested this kitchen for us. Plus, 18 accessories come with this play kitchen, including a cutting board and pretend knife to slice the “choppable” veggies from the pretend herb garden. The light and sounds of the microwave were a big hit with our kiddos, who loved pressing the buttons to watch the appliance light up and see their food heating up. Setting up the play kitchen was cumbersome with lots of parts and pieces, but we assembled everything in about an hour and a half by following instructions closely (in typical Ikea fashion, these have pictures only).Moreover, this type of play encourages the growth of language, communication, and complex negotiation skills.