Anyone with kids will know that they have a downright obsession with play kitchens. Don’t ask us why, but little ones love a bit of culinary pretend play. So embrace your budding little Jamie Oliver and get cooking with these play kitchens. All on our list were made and assembled from flat pack by Mum and put through their paces by Freddy, 2, to find the true winner.
1. Tidlo Play Kitchen: £64.99, Amazon
This one is great if you have less space as it is smaller than the majority of the others, but still has just as many features. It also comes with loads of accessories including a cute wooden kettle, pan and utensils and even a tiny matching tea towel. It took a lot of concentration to put together, but was far from impossible.
2. Bosch Theo Klein Bosch Kitchen: £83.99, Amazon
Looking like it would belong to the Kardashians, this play kitchen is complete with all the mod cons. We love the attention to detail with all the (very many) extras, such as a coffee machine with sound effects and every utensil you could think of. However, being plastic and just slotting together it’s not hugely sturdy and feels ever so slightly flimsy. Although this does mean you don’t need a screwdriver to put this one together. It will take up a lot of room – it’s about the width of a small armchair.
3. The Great Little Trading Co Brighton Kitchen: £130, The Great Little Trading Co
Wooden toys will forever be a classic, and this play kitchen is no exception. It is adorable, with loads of cupboards to open and close and even a little washing machine. The taps on the sink turn and the microwave clicks open and closed. We think it will blend in with any modern home. The only problem is, it doesn’t come with any accessories. It was reasonably easy to put together, as long as you have the instruction manual handy.
4. Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Wooden Kitchen: £79.98, Amazon
If you’re on the hunt for something that looks a bit different to the norm then your search ends now. Its oval shape makes it stand out from the everyday square shapes available. It comes with a working timer and clicky turning buttons which make for even more imaginative play. It definitely feels sturdy and up to withstanding even the hardest of tugs. Assembled with no problems.
5. ELC Kitchen Walker: £57.50, Amazon
If you haven’t got room for a whole kitchen then this play kitchen walker could be just the alternative. It is really tiny, but we found it ideal for younger children who are still finding their feet – it was just the right size for two-year-old Freddy to push along. This does mean it might not work as a big present, like our other picks would.
6. Little Tikes Premium Cooking Creations: £144, Amazon
This reaches towards the top of our price range, but you definitely get what you pay for. Another one crafted out of wood, the fridge comes with its very own play ice dispenser – sadly, no real ice included – and serious attention to detail. We love the little clock with moving hands to help your child learn about telling the time. However, be warned: this is tricky to put together and an electric screwdriver will make your life a whole lot easier.
7. Kidkraft Country Kitchen: £163.83, Amazon
Even the biggest DIY novice will find this one easy to assemble – all parts are clearly numbered and instructions easy to follow. Once complete, it definitely looks and feels like a good quality product that children will play with day after day. It features some lovely touches such as the adorable gingham curtains, plate rack, detail on the microwave and cooker. Plus, all the knobs click and turn.
8. Future Foodie Play Kitchen Set: £524.31, The Land of Nod
The price tag might look high but don’t have a heart attack just yet. The Land of Nod designs some very cute furniture – this play kitchen being no exception – so we couldn’t help but put something from it on the list. But with a fridge, an oven complete with clicky buttons and a sink with moving taps, really, you’re getting three toys in one. You can also buy them separately if you don’t fancy the investment all in one go.
9. John Lewis Mini Kitchen: £50, John Lewis
Here’s another great option for those who have less space but want just as much fun. Your kids will love opening and closing the cupboards and putting things in and out. It’s compact but has everything a good play kitchen needs such as a hob, sink and lots of cupboards for accessories. The price seems high for the size but it was easy to put together and you can tell you are paying for a quality product.
10. Pintoy Red Kitchen Combo: £104.99, Amazon
Made from wood and not plastic, this is great quality and once put together it will stand up to lots of toddler wear and tear. While it features a hob, oven, sink and space for hanging kitchen utensils, the only downside is that it comes with no accessories, so don’t forget to buy some to add to it. Not too large and simple enough to assemble.
Verdict
Coming in under £100, the Tidlo Play Kitchen is great value for money. It’s well made, sturdy and will last years of play. And the cute, wooden accessories are a lovely touch and mean you won’t have to shop for any extras.
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