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Others, Merch, RecreationIf you're looking for a screen-free activity that will keep your little one occupied and entertained for a while, consider purchasing a play kitchen set for them. Aside from being a fun activity for your kid, a play kitchen can also nourish their imagination and foster their creativity.
Most play kitchen sets nowadays also come with realistic details, allowing them to capture your child’s attention and keep them engaged. To help you search for the perfect play kitchen set for your little one, this article will provide you with some guides, recommendations, and tips from Early Childhood Educator Och Gonzalez!
Och Gonzalez has been an early childhood educator in Manila for over 20 years. As a preschool teacher and grade school academic coach, she has worked with young children and their families to achieve learning goals and address developmental concerns. She has created reading programs that aim to develop literacy skills and a love for reading in young children. She holds an MA in Education from the Ateneo de Manila University and is also the author of the children’s book, “Every Sunday.”
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Before choosing a play kitchen set, make sure to consider the available space in your home. If you have limited floor space, go for smaller play kitchens that can squeeze in tighter areas. However, do note that smaller play kitchen sets tend to have less storage space and a lower counter height.
On the other hand, if floor space is not an issue, you can opt for more extensive play kitchen sets. These bigger ones usually have more features like ovens and under-the-sink cabinets that you can use as storage areas for all your kids' accessories and other toys.
It is vital to go over the product description to check the toy's size to ensure it corresponds to the available space inside your home. In the event that the dimensions are not available in the description, you can also turn to reviews and feedback of previous buyers.
The play kitchen set you're choosing must also match your child's height. Like with sizes, play kitchen sets can also have varying counter heights. Some are specifically made for younger and smaller kids, while others are designed for older children with taller statures.
If you're looking for the perfect one, it will help if you got a play kitchen with a counter height that is about the same height as your kid's hips. This way, they wouldn't have difficulty playing, as they don't have to slouch or tiptoe to reach it.
However, since little kids tend to grow quickly, your best bet is to get a play kitchen set with adjustable legs. Since they come with legs that let you adjust their height to match your child, you can use them for a long time, even until your little one gets taller.
You would get the best value if you choose a play kitchen set that is easily adjustable as your child grows. Go for one that has a sturdy base that is solid enough to put on a big block when your child becomes too tall for it. That way, you don't have to ditch the toy and buy a bigger one.
The material that the play kitchen set is made of is also a major deciding factor, as it has something to do with its durability and appearance. The majority of play kitchen sets you'll come across are made of wood or plastic. Learn more about each material's characteristics below.
If you want something that will last for a long time, play kitchen sets made of wood are your best bet. They usually have a sturdy and durable construction that can withstand daily use. Aside from that, wooden play kitchens also tend to look more realistic for your kids.
They also have a distinct weight and texture that gives off a sensory experience to kids. And in terms of appearance, wooden play kitchen sets often come in rustic and natural styles with a neutral and muted palette, allowing them to blend better with your home interior as well.
Aside from durability, wood also has the advantage of being recyclable and biodegradable. It also has a weight and tactile sensation that is more beneficial to developing brains, which artificial materials like plastic don't have. You can even repaint it when it becomes faded or if you want the toy to blend in with the rest of the room.
Compared to their wooden counterparts, play kitchens made of plastic usually come at a lower price point. They are also lightweight, and most of them come with many other accessories that your kids can use along with the play kitchen.
However, unlike wooden ones, most plastic play kitchens do not look realistic because of their bright colors and glossier finish. Also, when going for plastic play kitchens, make sure that it is indicated to be safe and non-toxic for children, like ABS plastic.
While plastic play kitchens might look more attractive because of their bright color, they are definitely more flimsy than wooden ones. Plastic is brittle and may break off in small parts and leave jagged edges. If you decide to get a plastic set, opt for the ones made of ABS plastic, which is hard and durable and is free of BPA as well.
Play kitchen sets may vary from one another. There are ones that you'll need to assemble from scratch. These types often come with assembly instructions and parts that you'll have to piece together. Some of them can be easily assembled in a few minutes, while others require drilling and can take time.
There are also ones that require no installation. These are usually delivered to you in one piece, allowing you to use and display them as is upon buying. Most shops would usually indicate whether a particular play kitchen requires assembling, so make sure to be keen on details to get the right one that will match your needs.
Play kitchens that require no assembly definitely have the edge because aside from being convenient for parents, they are also more solid and sturdy in the long run. You won't have to worry about small parts like screws coming out and turning into choking hazards.
Another thing you should look for in a play kitchen set is its safety features. To ensure that the toy won't harm your kid in any way, it is best to look for one that doesn't have any sharp corners. Instead, choose a play kitchen set that has rounded counter corners.
Since little kids tend to put objects in their mouths, it is also wise to ensure that the play kitchen set does not have tiny parts or loose accessories that may pose choking hazards. But always remember, no matter how safe a play kitchen set looks, parental supervision while your kids are playing is still important.
Play kitchens are normally designed for kids aged three years old and above, but it cannot be helped that sometimes younger siblings may want to join in the fun. If you have a toddler who wants to be in the "kitchen" with the older kids, it is important that there is an adult supervising to make sure that they do not put small objects in their mouth.
While most play kitchens already encourage pretend-play with their appearances that look similar to actual kitchens, some come with added features and lifelike details that make role plays even more interactive and realistic for your child.
Some play kitchen sets have knobs, controls, and buttons that your kid can calibrate. There are also ones that would require the use of batteries for you to use their extra features. Some of them have stoves that emit steam, while some come with a sink that can actually hold water. You can even find play kitchens that produce lights and sounds.
Extra features like knobs and buttons not only give the play kitchen a realistic look, but also hone fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, take care that the set is not overly detailed or intricate. When it comes to pretend play, a toy must be simple enough to inspire the use of creativity and imagination, which is, after all, the ultimate goal of the activity.
When choosing a play kitchen, you might also want to look for ones that come with at least a few accessories, such as pots, dishes, and toy food. These inclusions can make playtime more engaging and realistic for your little one.
However, keep in mind that the accessories should not be a significant deciding factor, as these can be bought separately later on. It will be better to focus on the quality of the play kitchen instead.
The great thing about getting your own accessories is that you can choose toys with more benefits, rather than just simple, one-dimensional pretend food. You can add value to your child's pretend play by getting toys that develop fine motor skills.
Some examples are play food pieces that they can slice and stack, and containers with screw-top lids. You can even opt for simple yet high-value materials like clay that they can mold into food shapes.
Here is another realistic-looking play kitchen set that will surely blend discreetly with every interior, so mama won't have to worry about the area looking "makalat at puro laruan." But apart from its lifelike appearance, it also has details that are accurate with real kitchens.
You can turn all its kitchen knobs, and all its cabinets can be opened and used as storage. Its burner also produces lights that look like real stove fire. On top of that, it also has another set of lights that you can use to illuminate the counter, which can be useful if it's a bit dark for your kid.
The oven also lights up, illuminating play food that your child is "baking." This set also comes with accessories, including three utensils, a pot, a pan, and a tumbler. Compared to other play kitchens, it has a slightly taller counter height, so your toddler can play with it while standing.
Gracing our top 10 list is this play kitchen set that looks like the real thing. This 65-piece set will surely make playtime more fun and engaging for your little one! Apart from having functional knobs, it produces sounds that mimic cooking sounds which will make your child's imaginative play more realistic.
The play kitchen's sink also comes with a flowing water function wherein they can pretend to wash the fruits and dishes. On top of that, it also produces steam, so it would look like your kid is really cooking. For it to fully operate and function, it requires 8 AA batteries.
You also get your money's worth with this play kitchen set, as it comes with many inclusions. It comes with a functional boiler, refrigerator, and oven. It also includes complimentary toy utensils, condiments, and play food. Plus, many reviewers noted that it is easy to assemble.
Armed with a Scandinavian style and muted palette, this play kitchen set can discreetly blend just about anywhere in your home. Since it is made of birch plywood and fiberboard, it looks and feels more realistic than other play kitchen sets. But apart from that, Duktig also has features that look similar to their real counterparts.
To make lutu-lutuan sessions more interactive, its cooktop lights can be switched on and off. But you don't have to worry about your kids' safety since they do not get warm. Apart from that, it has a detachable sink that you can easily clean. It also has an oven and microwave that you can use as toys storage.
This play kitchen set is also sturdy, and it has legs that can be adjusted to three positions, making it suitable for kids of various ages. Even if you only have one child at home, these adjustable legs will come in handy, as they can allow you to adjust the countertop's height as your little one grows taller, so they stay comfortable.
This play kitchen set is the best pick for imaginative kids. They can play with it from two directions. One side houses a complete kitchen setup, and another side has a blackboard where they can scribble and write. These two sides are only separated through draping curtains so kids can get creative with it.
Since it has an open window with curtains, they can utilize this play kitchen set as a restaurant or cafe where they can take orders, like a drive-thru. They can also turn the set around to use it as a puppet stage, with those same curtains adding more drama to their show. With this playset, their little imaginations can take flight.
Playtime's guaranteed to be interactive, too, as it comes with realistic details. Its stove's knob produces clicking sounds when they turn it on and off. They can freely close and open the curtains and the compartments as well. But aside from that, this play kitchen set is made of durable and sturdy material so your kids can use it for a long time.
Although this set is leaning on the pricier side, you'll surely get your money's worth with this play kitchen set. It is made of solid wood, so a sturdy and durable construction is guaranteed. It is also loaded with realistic details and features that allow your child to learn as they play.
It has an induction stove that produces lights and sizzling sounds to make your little one feel as if they're really cooking something. It also has a kitchen hood that makes ventilation sounds. Plus, it comes with buttons that they can press to operate the microwave.
The microwave also lights up and rings to signal that the food is ready. It also comes with an ice dispenser where your toddler can put in the toy ice blocks to dispense. All these details do not only make playtime more realistic but can also help teach them practical skills.
Made from wood and MDF, you can be assured that this play kitchen set is sturdy and durable. On top of that, it comes with features that can make pretend play sessions more realistic for your little one. It has functional oven and microwave doors, a sink with a tap, and rotating knobs.
This play kitchen set comes with 13 accessories, including pots, utensils, condiments, and a chopping board that makes play sessions more holistic. It also has small details like its plate rack organizer that make it appear similar to real kitchens. Another thing we love about it is that it has smooth surfaces with no sharp edges, making it safe for your little one to play with.
At first glance, you might think that this play kitchen set is a real one with its rustic appearance, from the wooden details to the neutral colors. Apart from its natural look, it also possesses extra features that make pretend play sessions more interactive.
It comes with stove knobs that turn and click, and it also produces cooking sounds and lights to make imaginative play more fun. This play kitchen also has little details that make it appear more true-to-life than others, like its tea towel rail and water dispenser.
Like most play kitchens, it also comes with cookware accessories, like pots and utensils. However, unlike many of them that are best to play with while seated, this one has a total height of 102 cm. This makes it more suitable to be played with while your child is standing.
If you're looking for a play kitchen set that won't break the bank, consider getting this product. Although it comes at a lower price point, its features, as well as the inclusions, are on par with others.
To utilize its extra features, this plastic play kitchen set requires 3 AA batteries to fully operate. Plus, it produces cooking sounds and releases steam to mimic real-like cooking. You can also use the knobs to switch the stove lights on and off.
It also has running water and drainage functions that can help teach your child how to use the sink. Aside from that, it comes with 42 pieces of complementary accessories such as food, plates, utensils, pans, and more. However, it has a low counter height, making it more suitable to be played while your child is seated on the floor.
For parents who put a lot of effort into home improvement, you might want to opt for this play kitchen set to match your interiors. It is constructed with wood and possesses a very minimalist yet aesthetic appearance.
It also comes in white, old rose, and green, perfect if your kid's playroom follows a muted palette theme. Plus, this wooden play kitchen comes with matching wooden accessories, including utensils, pots, pans, and condiments, to create a more holistic imaginative play for your little one.
If you're looking for a play kitchen set that permits multi-person play sessions, this one has got you covered. Unlike most play kitchens with a rectangular surface, it features an L-type counter, allowing it to accommodate two kids at a time without feeling too cramped.
It also has additional features that can make playtime more exciting for your children. For one, it has a running water feature wherein you simply have to fill up the tank to make the water circulate. However, do note that the tap might not dispense water the first time you use it.
It also comes with an induction-style stove that has lights. For your kids to feel as if they're really cooking, it also makes frying and boiling sounds. The only downside is that it has a low counter height, so you might want to use chairs for your children to comfortably play with it.
Below, Early Childhood Educator Och Gonzalez, answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that add-to-cart button, have a read to make sure you choose a good play kitchen set for your child!
Kitchen playtime is great for language development, so remember to talk to your child as he plays to increase vocabulary. You can expand the activity into restaurant-style play so that you have the added component of order-taking and serving food, which enhances social development, listening skills, teamwork, problem-solving.
On the other hand, letting them decide what to “serve” you help with planning, decision-making, and independence. Lastly, do teach them how to clean up and organize their toys after playing.
Don’t direct your child’s play too much. But at the same time, don’t let your child over-direct, too. This is tricky to balance, but basically, the idea is to leave your child with enough room to play the way they like, but also help them to be flexible if the situation calls for it.
For example, if your child is playing restaurant with other kids, and she wants to take on the same role all the time, you can step in and teach her how to compromise and take turns.
Yes, but be prepared for a mess! Real food is actually richer in every way in terms of learning because of the differences in texture and smell. Plus, they get to eat it, too! Just remember to clean all surfaces first to ensure sanitation, and also wipe down everything afterward to prevent attracting insects and pests.
Want to know which play kitchen sets Och Gonzalez recommends? See some of them below and know why they are her top picks!
If you have the space to spare, this product is a great choice. It’s made of environmentally-friendly wood and is built to last a long time. You can see quality craftsmanship in the smooth surfaces and child-safe rounded edges. It comes with a few pieces of realistic metal cookware that your child will definitely enjoy using.
Among its features are a microwave, a stove, a sink, an oven, and a dishwasher, all of which have knobs and buttons that will be so much fun to manipulate. There’s even a realistic range hood above the stove and working lights! Because of its size and inclusions, it can be difficult to assemble, but the real-life look makes it all worth it.
What I love about this play kitchen is that its simple and clean lines will go well with any home interior. The white color is also gender-neutral, so it's a set that will work for both boys and girls. The height is just right for preschool-age kids, and the counter has a wide working surface that's great for "food prepping" activities.
Because of its open-ended style, you can easily incorporate other materials that your child can play with, like clay and bowls of pasta or beans. The knobs are very friendly and easy to manipulate for young kids, and it comes with lovely accessories like cookware, bottles, plates, and a chopping board, all done in a clean minimalist style as well. I also love the inclusion of a clock at the top of the structure, which you can eventually use to teach your child about time.
The little perks include lights and sound effects, a steam effect, and running water in the sink. These additions make playing more fun and realistic for children. There are also several colors to choose from, so maybe your child can take part in the buying process and choose the color he or she wants. However, it is smaller in height, so this is best recommended for younger kids. Alternatively, you can prop it up on a box or riser if you find that it is too low for your child.
Aside from a play kitchen set, there are various toys and interactive activities that you can introduce to your child to hone their development. Go over these articles featuring various toys and activities that your little one will surely enjoy.
Author: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageBanking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation