How much is a play kitchen?

The prices of play kitchens vary on several factors, like material, brand, and size. We tested play kitchens with price tags as low as $80 (the Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen , which didn’t make our list) and other kitchens costing as high as $430 (the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen ). It’s important to consider how many children will play with the kitchen, the material you prefer, and the brand. Toy brands such as Melissa & Doug, KidKraft, and Hape may hold a higher price due to their well-known names.

What age is best for a play kitchen?

“Children typically begin engaging in pretend play between the ages of 18 to 24 months,” explains Dr. Ross, which makes that a perfect time to introduce a play kitchen into a kid’s life. However, older and younger children can benefit from a play kitchen.

What do children learn from play kitchens?

Children who play with a pretend kitchen benefit from imaginative play, also known as symbolic play. Pretending to drink out of an empty cup inspires pretend play. “For the most part, I always tell parents to let the child imagine whatever they want, even if it’s unrealistic!” says Dr. Ross. “To always encourage any and every story without directing it. Allow your child to get as creative as they want, but always make sure the toys [and] furniture are safe and age-appropriate.”

Are there benefits to pretend play?

Children who entertain themselves in a pretend kitchen reap the benefits of pretend play in return. Imaginative play allows children to experiment with various social roles and learn to cooperate. Moreover, this type of play encourages the growth of language, communication, and complex negotiation skills. “Parents [and] caregivers can encourage this play but lead by example!” Dr. Ross tells Verywell Family. “Take some toys and start creating a story while encouraging your child to engage.”

The 10 Best Play Kitchens of 2023

When it comes to mimicking grown-ups and letting your little chef’s imagination run wild, nothing beats a play kitchen. 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.

With designs even you’ll be jealous of, made in durable wood or plastic, the best play kitchens effortlessly fit in with any home decor. To find the best options, we had parents and their children put 22 kitchens through multiple tests at home, evaluating their design, setup, accessories, durability, and overall value.

“Pretend play is known as symbolic play, and there are numerous benefits to symbolic play,” explains Tiorra Ross, MD, practicing urgent care pediatrician in Houston, Texas. “Some of the benefits of symbolic play is it encourages imagination, utilizes social interactions, and helps with communication skills.”

Consider the play kitchen’s size for the space you’ll be putting it in and how it compares to your child’s height. Toy kitchen sets are an investment, albeit one with a large return, so you’ll need one that fits into your budget. Moreover, take inventory of what play kitchen accessories come with the setup, or you may have to purchase them separately. We considered these criteria and more during testing in the real world before narrowing down our list of the best play kitchens.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Little Tikes Real Wood Kitchen at Littletikes.com

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Best for Small Spaces:

Hape Kid's Gourmet Wooden Play Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Sounds:

KidKraft Uptown Elite White Play Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Looking:

KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Food Accessories:

Fisher-Price Garden to Kitchen Playset at Amazon

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Best for Toddlers:

Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Refrigerator:

KidKraft Mosaic Magnetic Play Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Stove:

Ikea DUKTIG Play kitchen at Ikea

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Best Interactive Elements:

Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen at Amazon

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Best Ice Machine:

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Pretend Play Kitchen at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
We Also Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.8

Amazon

Pros

Two separate pieces
Easy/quick assembly
12+ accessories included

Cons

Only two food accessories

The Little Tikes Real Wood Kitchen with Island tops our list because of its 2-in-1 design that stood out among the other 21 play kitchens we tested. The design includes a wooden kitchen and island—both easy to assemble and durable. The only tools we needed for assembly were a pair of screwdrivers and pliers, and fitting it all together only took about an hour. Once finished, we introduced the kitchen to an ecstatic 4-year-old, who adored the kitchen’s vibrant blue color and accessories, like pots, pans, a butcher block, and pretend food—including a realistic turkey with removable legs to share with friends and fish you can cut in half.

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). With additional sounds and lights, like one in the oven to see food cooking and easy-to-use knobs for appliances, there’s no shortage of pretend play opportunities with this play kitchen.

Between the durable wooden material and separate kitchen pieces, the $180 price tag is about average compared to other play kitchens. Additionally, you’re paying for a trusted name brand (Little Tikes), so the play kitchen should last you through multiple years or kiddos—and, indeed, in long-term testing, this one held up like new.

Price at time of publication: $180

Verywell Family / Melissa Mills

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 30.50 x 14.00 x 35.00 inches (kitchen), 19.30 x 15 x 18 inches (island) | Product Weight: 52 pounds (play kitchen and island combined) | Material: Wood | Accessories Included: 12+ total (pots/pans, butcher block, play food)}

4.7

Amazon

Pros

Compact size
Clickable/turnable knobs
Sturdy design

Cons

No accessories included

If you’re working with a small space, choosing the Hape Gourmet Kitchen means you don’t have to sacrifice functionality or style. Coming in at fewer than 2 feet wide and less than 1 foot deep, it has a sink to wash the dishes, a double-rack oven with clickable and turnable knobs, a spice rack, and a two-burner stove to “cook” multiple dishes at once. It doesn’t have any additional accessories, but this is still enough to keep a child busy.

Assembly of the wooden design took only 30 to 45 minutes to complete—a fast construction time compared to other play kitchens we tested. Moreover, the entire setup felt sturdy once finished, and we appreciated the gender-neutral design for all children to enjoy.

Overall, this children's play kitchen has a classic, beautiful design that fits in with any home decor. In addition, its small footprint is simply a bonus for those working with limited space.

Price at time of publication: $116

Verywell Family / Meredith Worsham

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 21.7 x 12.6 x 27.8 inches | Product Weight: 17.7 pounds | Material: Wood | Accessories Included: None}

4.6

Amazon

Pros

Easy assembly
Microwave has buttons
Gender-neutral design

Cons

Sink has no sound
No counter for preparing food

Aspiring chefs will have a blast with this kid's play kitchen that features sounds and lights for a realistic cooking experience. The cooktop and griddle activate easily thanks to motion sensors that turn the burners red and play sounds to replicate a real stovetop. The knobs also turn and click. 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. Additionally, a functional ice maker dispensing plastic ice cubes completes the fun.

We were very grateful for the simple assembly of the KidKraft Uptown Elite Play Kitchen. The kitchen took an hour to assemble, and we only needed an additional screwdriver to finish the setup. Plus, the easy-to-understand directions were a nice bonus. Once completed, the play kitchen boasts a large refrigerator, dishwasher, shelf space, deep freezer, and sink.

Price at time of publication: $220

Verywell Family / Sugey Palomares

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 38.46 x 13.9 x 40.32 inches | Product Weight: 46.3 pounds | Material: MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and plastic | Accessories Included: 1 (plastic ice cubes)}

4.6

Amazon

Pros

18 accessories included
Herb garden
Design fits in with home decor

Cons

Long assembly time

“This is nicer than mommy’s kitchen,” said a 3-year-old tester when he encountered KidKraft’s impressive Farm to Table Play Kitchen (thanks, kid!). While the overall design of the play kitchen is sleek, the initial impression was anything but: It arrived in more than 30 pieces. However, the assembly process was simple. Thanks to its clear instructions, it took an hour and a half uninterrupted to assemble.

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. 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). Additional features include a fire-inspired light and sound cooktop, chalkboard (chalk not included), pot rack, and two collapsible storage bins with a wood print. 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.

After a month of testing, the play kitchen showed no wear and tear. Even when we accidentally spilled a cup of coffee on it, it wiped up easily.

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 44.2 x 13.6 x 43 inches | Product Weight: 49.5 pounds | Material: MDF, wood, metal, and plastic | Accessories Included: 18 total (cutting board, choppable veggies, and pots/pans/utensils)}

4.5

Walmart

Pros

Double-sided
30 play pieces
Fast assembly

Cons

Fridge door did not close properly

This two-sided play kitchen is double the fun for imaginative play. On one side, you’ll find a home garden where toddlers can plant flowers, turn lights on and off, spin plastic tomatoes, stir honey, and sort shapes using fruit and veggie pieces. On the kitchen side, you’ll find a blender to mix smoothies, a recipe book with flippable pages, a sink, and plenty of space to prep a meal. We loved the accessories included with the Fisher-Price garden-to-kitchen playset, like utensils, pretend food, an egg basket, and more—it really makes a kid’s cooking experience come to life.

While the setup was quick (only 30 minutes), the refrigerator portion on the kitchen side did not close properly. Otherwise, we appreciated the many sounds, lights, phrases, and songs the play kitchen features for children 18 months and up; it provides great value for what you spend.

Price at time of publication: $86

Verywell Family / Ni Yan

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 18 months and up | Dimensions: 17.40 x 22.72 x 30.00 inches | Product Weight: 13.78 pounds | Material: Plastic | Accessories Included: 30 total (egg basket, pan, meal tray)}

4.5

Amazon

Pros

Lots of accessories
Modern design despite plastic material
Bubbling noise for stovetop

Cons

Difficult to assemble

There are plenty of opportunities for imaginative play with this toddler play kitchen, which includes a coffee station, cooktop, sink, oven, and refrigerator. We loved the design of Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen because it wasn’t overly fancy, yet still had a modern style. However, the three-hour assembly of this kitchen was its biggest downfall, so it earned 2 out of 5 stars for setup. We struggled to get screws through the plastic with no holes, leaving us confused and with tired hands (we recommend an electric drill). Once assembled, though, everything felt sturdy and durable, and it held up well after multiple uses.

There aren’t too many sounds and lights in the kitchen, which can be a pro or con, depending on your family’s preference. 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. In addition, many other accessories come with this play kitchen for toddlers, such as condiment bottles, utensils, cups, coffee pods and cups, and more, to add to the kitchen experience.

Bonus: The kitchen is available in four color schemes, including pink!

Price at time of publication: $115

Verywell Family / Julia Warren

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 2 years and up | Dimensions: 35.75 x 12.5 x 40.88 inches | Product Weight: 24.25 pounds | Material: Plastic | Accessories Included: 37 total (condiment bottles, cell phone, coffee supplies)}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

Solid and durable
Sleek design
Lots of storage space

Cons

Not many accessories
Unclear instructions

The spacious refrigerator in the KidKraft Mosaic play kitchen is about as close as it gets to the real thing. In addition to the working ice maker that dispenses plastic ice cubes, the refrigerator and top freezer doors are magnetic. Nine accessories come with this kitchen, including various magnets such as a to-do list, numbers, shapes, and a picture frame (but you can add your own magnets, too). Children can cook meals for the family with the included pan and utensils, then add some seasoning with the salt and pepper shakers.

We loved the little details that added to this play kitchen’s overall character, like the mosaic backsplash and gold accents. In addition, it has plenty of storage space to hold the included accessories and more. However, our biggest flaw with this KidKraft kitchen was its assembly. Because the directions were confusing, we had to disassemble everything and start over again. We wish the directions were more precise, and we recommend an electric drill to do the job.

Despite the initial assembly issue, everything was sturdy upon completion, and the play kitchen has proved its durability over time. We’re happy to report that despite having to disassemble everything, there were no cracks to any pieces, and all screws survived the ordeal—even after contact with a high-powered drill. Plus, it's weathered well, even with an excited toddler who loved slamming doors.

Price at time of publication: $155

Verywell Family / Jessica Mahgerefteh

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 40.55 x 12.99 x 39.76 inches | Product Weight: 37.9 pounds | Material: Wood and MDF | Accessories Included: 9 total (pan/utensils, salt and pepper shaker, and magnets)}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

Easy assembly
Microwave has buttons
Gender-neutral design

Cons

Sink has no sound
No counter for preparing food

Price at time of publication: $220

Verywell Family / Dena Ogden

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: Not listed | Dimensions: 29 x 16 x 43 inches | Product Weight: Not listed | Material: Fiberboard and birch plywood | Accessories Included: None}

4.3

Amazon

Pros

78 accessories
Lights in/on oven, fridge, and stovetop
Great for multiple children

Cons

Heavy
Large size

Between the lights, sounds, and included accessories (dozens of them!), the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen is full of features to keep kiddos busy. It will also keep caretakers busy, especially initially: This play kitchen took four hours to assemble and included three boxes (see our picture below!) of pieces and parts to comb through. We realized the kitchen didn’t come with pre-drilled holes, so we had to break through the plastic ourselves to finish the job. 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. The kitchen's overall design is stunning, with features like faux granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, a frost effect on cabinet windows, and a farmhouse sink complete with a stylish gooseneck faucet you’ll wish was in your kitchen.

There are 78 accessories included with this Step2 play kitchen, from pretend food and pots and pans to utensils and condiment bottles. For example, when you put a pot or pan on the stovetop, children hear a sizzling sound to replicate real cooking noises. There’s also a light in the refrigerator that automatically turns on when the door opens and a light in the oven for visibility. A big hit with our testers? The realistic blender and popcorn maker stovetop attachment—the latter has tiny white balls that pop on the inside to mimic the real thing.

Price at time of publication: $430

Verywell Family / Jessica Fleming

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 65.75 x 14 x 50 inches | Product Weight: 69 pounds | Material: Plastic | Accessories Included: 78 pieces (blender, popcorn maker, coffee pot, and condiment bottles)}

4.2

Amazon

Pros

Three color options
Pieces/hardware labeled/organized nicely
Sturdy and durable

Cons

Only two accessories

Toymakers Melissa & Doug encourage kiddos to tap into their imaginations with this play kitchen. The design mimics a real kitchen with features like a stove, oven, microwave, storage space, and refrigerator with a working ice dispenser. The setup process was about average and took us about 90 minutes to complete. There were 26 steps to follow, but the company labeled all pieces and the hardware. The only additional tools we needed to finish assembling the play kitchen were screwdrivers, a wrench, and an extra pair of hands during the early steps.

A downside to this children’s kitchen was the lack of accessories. While it comes with two pretend ice cubes and a pretend grocery list, it doesn't have any pots, pans, food, utensils, or other play kitchen accessories. Otherwise, the Melissa & Doug toy kitchen set showed very little wear and tear after a month of use and remained sturdy and durable during many playtimes.

Price at time of publication: $255

Verywell Family / Abigail Moore

^{Key Specs:
Age Recommendation: 3 years and up | Dimensions: 42.5 x 19.5 x 8.5 inches | Product Weight: Not listed | Material: Wood | Accessories Included: Two ice cubes and pretend grocery list}

How We Rated the Best Play Kitchens

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best play kitchens we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
4.5 to 4.7 stars: These play kitchens are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.
4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great play kitchens, but others are better.
3.5 to 3.9 stars: These play kitchens are just average.
3.4 and below: We don't recommend play kitchens with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

How We Tested the Best Play Kitchens

Testers evaluated 22 play kitchens in the comfort of their homes, assessing each on setup, design, accessories, durability, and overall value. We also spoke with Tiorra Ross, MD, a practicing urgent care pediatrician in Houston, Texas, to determine what to look for in play kitchens and how to encourage pretend play in children.

First, testers unboxed the play kitchens and followed assembly instructions, if any. 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. Then, we asked parents and caregivers to introduce their children to the play kitchens and note their initial reactions and how they played with the setup. We wanted to know if children engaged in pretend play and role-playing, practiced sequencing, and how they manipulated the knobs, buttons, and accessories (if any).

Following a month of solid use, we asked testers to make notes of any wear and tear. We also had testers clean each play kitchen to determine if that was easy or difficult. Finally, we carefully considered all other attributes compared to the price of each step stool to assess overall value.

Play Kitchens We Also Tested

Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen: This play kitchen comes with many accessories and boasts a great price, but there aren’t many bells and whistles (only a button with bubble sound effects).
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.
Fat Brain Toys Cook, Bake, and Brew Modern Deluxe Kitchen: Although we loved this play kitchen's sleek and modern design, we didn’t love the difficult assembly and easily breakable texture of the accessories.
Pottery Barn My First Ultimate Smart Kitchen: We liked the clean, simple design of this play kitchen, but the assembly instructions left room for error, and the microwave light and sound stopped working after a month.

What to Look for in a Play Kitchen

Size & Assembly

Play kitchens take up more space than your average toy, so we recommend measuring where the play kitchen will be to ensure it fits properly. Aside from making sure it fits in the space, you’ll also want to consider the size compared to your child. Check the manufacturer’s dimensions and other measurements, as some companies provide the countertop height for you (and overall height in general). Some play kitchens might suggest you anchor your play kitchen to the wall; if so, you want to be sure the spot you choose is the right place.

Many large children’s toys, like play kitchens, require adult assembly before kiddos can play with them. Overall, you want to ensure you set aside the time needed to assemble the kitchen and read over instructions carefully. We assembled all 22 play kitchens we tested to determine how complicated or easy the setup would be. For example, the Hape Gourmet Kitchen was an easy build that took about 30 to 45 minutes, while the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen arrived in three separate boxes, which resulted in a four-and-a-half-hour setup time.

Materials

Most play kitchens on the market are plastic or wood, but depending on several factors, you should think twice about the material. Not all play kitchens are heavy, but those made of wood or for taller children may be heavier. If your play kitchen will likely stay in the same spot, wood might be the best choice.

However, if you want something easier to clean and move, a plastic play kitchen, like the Step2 Fun with Friends Kitchen, would be your best bet. You can simply wipe down the set or accessories for fast clean-up, whereas a wooden play kitchen may have special cleaning instructions.

Accessories

One of the final things to look for when shopping for a play kitchen is if the set comes with accessories. Many play kitchens include accessories, but some don’t. So, depending on your budget and what you’re comfortable spending, you’ll need to decide if you want accessories in the set or prefer to purchase them separately.

Some kitchen sets have basic necessities, like pots and pans, utensils, and plates. Others, such as the KidKraft Mosaic Magnetic Play Kitchen, have more unique play kitchen accessories, like magnets for the refrigerator and freezer.

Consider your child’s interests and development and if they’ll enjoy the extras. If you plan on more than one child playing with this kitchen set, buying an extra set of accessories like pretend food and utensils can head off potential fights before they even happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a play kitchen?

The prices of play kitchens vary on several factors, like material, brand, and size. We tested play kitchens with price tags as low as $80 (the Little Tikes Home Grown Kitchen, which didn’t make our list) and other kitchens costing as high as $430 (the Step2 Elegant Edge Kitchen). It’s important to consider how many children will play with the kitchen, the material you prefer, and the brand. Toy brands such as Melissa & Doug, KidKraft, and Hape may hold a higher price due to their well-known names.
What age is best for a play kitchen?

“Children typically begin engaging in pretend play between the ages of 18 to 24 months,” explains Dr. Ross, which makes that a perfect time to introduce a play kitchen into a kid’s life. However, older and younger children can benefit from a play kitchen.
What do children learn from play kitchens?

Children who play with a pretend kitchen benefit from imaginative play, also known as symbolic play. Pretending to drink out of an empty cup inspires pretend play.
“For the most part, I always tell parents to let the child imagine whatever they want, even if it’s unrealistic!” says Dr. Ross. “To always encourage any and every story without directing it. Allow your child to get as creative as they want, but always make sure the toys [and] furniture are safe and age-appropriate.”
Are there benefits to pretend play?

Children who entertain themselves in a pretend kitchen reap the benefits of pretend play in return. Imaginative play allows children to experiment with various social roles and learn to cooperate. Moreover, this type of play encourages the growth of language, communication, and complex negotiation skills.
“Parents [and] caregivers can encourage this play but lead by example!” Dr. Ross tells Verywell Family. “Take some toys and start creating a story while encouraging your child to engage.”

Why Trust Verywell Family

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer for Verywell Family with nearly eight years of experience. Katrina’s background in journalism began at an Emmy Award-winning news station in Oklahoma before she obtained her B.A. in professional media. Her love for service journalism, helping others, and becoming a parent led to her commerce writing role, which allows her to research and recommend the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. For example, she tested the KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen with the help of her 3-year-old son, who loved the light-up stovetop, clickable oven knobs, and microwave. On the other hand, Katrina was not a fan of the four-hour assembly time (but it was worth it in the end).

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce content for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to three nieces and two nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.