10 Best Kitchen Playsets 2024 in the US

Play kitchens can have a great, positive impact on the social and mental cognition of your growing children. The type of playset and the features it offers can differ, and it may be hard to figure out which one will be the best for your child at the current moment. This buying guide will help you decide what type of play kitchen will be best for you and your family.

There are many different things to consider when purchasing a play kitchen for your child. It is important to pick one that is appropriate for not only their needs, but yours as well.

• Know the models​
  • Plastic: Plastic play kitchens are easy to clean and are lightweight, so they can be moved to different rooms. If you are worried about your child being supervised while at play, the play kitchen can simply be picked up and put into the room where you are. Another positive aspect of going with a plastic model is the fact that it will not splinter, as opposed to the wooden models, which carry this risk. If a piece is broken or misplaced—as happens often with kids toys—replacement pieces are readily available and affordable!  The colors used in these models tend to attract the attention of younger kids and stimulate their brain. Assembly of this product can also be very simple.
  • Wood: Wood play kitchens can give your child the feeling of being in an actual kitchen, as they have a very realistic look and feel. These models are highly durable and can last for years. This would be a great option for parents who are planning to build a big family, as the play kitchen will last and be able to provide lots of memories. While wooden models are not as easy to clean and move around as plastic models, they are well worth the investment.

• Size

  Would you prefer a wall unit or an all-in-one island play kitchen? The play space needed around the kitchen needs to be considered in order for the children to access it and play comfortably.

  • Compact play kitchens are designed to be space efficient and are ideal for those with a small amount of play space or want a set that fits in a small corner. Small play sets tend to have a width of 20 to 24 inches. However, there may be little room for storage space of additional kitchen features, such as dishes, pots and pans, and silverware.

  • Large playsets are going to be more expensive than the smaller ones, but sometimes the investment is worth it. There will be storage space for all the extra add-ons and therefore will keep your child’s play area cleaner.

• Features

  As your child grows older, they may want additional things to play with in their kitchen. Today, many kitchen play sets have everything that a real kitchen would have—a microwave, a fridge, a stove, a sink, and so on.  While the play kitchens that resemble most real kitchens may be pricier, they will provide hours of learning and fun for your kids. However, children will have fun with any kitchen that is provided, and things can always be added on later!

  • Lights and Sounds: Many play sets come with additional features, such as lights and sounds. For example, a microwave may have the capability to light up and make noise when the food is “finished.”  Another may have a narrator when certain pots or pans are placed on the stovetop. This feature will solely depend on your child’s interests and behavior. The Step2 Lifestyle Custom Kitchen has these features and has been a top seller.

  • Reconfiguration Options: Some kitchens have a feature that allow the counter height to be adjusted as your child grows taller and older. Other models, such as the Little Tikes Super Chef Kitchen, have legs that can be attached or detached from the base for your growing toddler.

Durability. You want your playset to be durable, especially if you are investing a lot of time and money. Make sure to carefully read and go through the instructions when setting it up, as well as look around for different types of materials used in making the product (especially for wooden models).

Assembly Time. This is an important topic for consumers because you will be the ones having to set it up or take it down for transport. Oftentimes sets will come with missing pieces, and it is important to know the return policy of the company or store you bought it from to save yourself a headache and be able to get more pieces. How long the model takes to set up will vary greatly, and will depend mostly on the size and complexity of the kitchen itself.

Safety. Many reviews have brought up the issue of safety. If you have a playset that is not very sturdy and is not against a wall, it is important to make sure you watch your children or let them know it is not safe to climb on.

• Make sure the kitchen is age-appropriate, especially for the younger kids. You don’t want to over-stimulate; it is better to start small and grow as your child does. This is especially important when adding in plastic food and silverware, as young children can easily choke on these things.

• You can find some great additions to your play kitchen, such as a toy cash register like the one shown here. It can enhance learning and social skills, as well as include more people if your child wants to pretend to be in a restaurant.

Kidkraft: This company has been a leader in children’s toys and furniture for over 40 years.

Step2: Since 1999, Step2 has been creating energy efficient and award-winning toys that your kids will be sure to love.

Little Tikes: Little Tikes was founded in 1970 and continues to make top-notch products. They even have video assembly instructions to help set up your child’s new favorite toy.