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10 of the best play kitchens for mini chefs in the making
A great toy kitchen can keep kids busy playing house for hours. From budding chefs to tea parties with teddies, here's our pick of the best play kitchens recommended by parents.
By Gemma Wilcock | Last updated Apr 14, 2023
Children love to play pretend, and a toy kitchen can offer much fun and variety. From creating meals for their best teddy bears or dolls in a make-believe café to copying Mum and Dad, the best play kitchens can help with social development and expand a child’s imagination. Although they’re not the cheapest toys, and with the cost of living crisis shrinking our gift budgets, we've thought carefully about ensuring we've got a range of low-price options.
Consistently recommended in the Mumsnet forums as one of the best toddler toys out there, play kitchens make for hours of independent fun. Plus, because of their design, they take up relatively little floor space and can be left in-situ - which saves on tidying up.
Toy kitchens come in all sizes and tend to be plastic or wooden, and while some are bright and colourful with light-up hobs and realistic cooking sounds, others are more simple and neutral in design. It’s worth checking what extras you get, too, as some kitchens have a whole host of accessories, such as pots and pans, to keep your child busy. Regardless, a high-quality play kitchen can keep your child entertained for hours; most should last for years, so they can be well worth the investment.
However, we know that for such a pricey purchase, you want to know which ones are built to last. That's why every toy kitchen on our list is triple-checked using our verification process, which includes Mumsnetter recommendations, expert opinions and previous customer reviews to ensure every toy kitchen is durable, safe and great value for money.
Whatever your budget, here are the ten best play kitchens in 2023.
Best play kitchens: editor's pick
1. Best overall play kitchen: Tidlo Wooden Country Toy Kitchen
Price on writing: £149.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 35cm x 77cm x 92cm| Weight: 20.2 kg| Material: Wood and plastic | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: No
What we love
- Durable
- A taller work surface that will last years
- Realistic features
- Includes accessories
- High-quality materials
What to know
- Expensive
- Assembly is tricky
What Mumsnet users say
“We have the Tidlo Country Kitchen and love it. It has a sink oven cupboard and wooden washing up liquid and utensils.”(Recommended by Mumsnetter Loyaultemelie)
"I got the tidlo country kitchen for my boy aged 2 and it's still going strong over 2 years later and lots of abuse." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user ThedementedPenguin)
Our verdict
Favourite features? Tidlo's country kitchen won our top spot for its stylish but durable design, great value features, and included accessories. We'd rate this expensive but worth every penny.
Made from responsibly sourced materials, this gorgeous and timeless country-style play kitchen features a realistic hob, oven and in-built Belfast sink that every parent would love for their own kitchen. Available in pink or blue, depending on your child's personal preference. Tidlo's toy kitchen has clicking dials, storage cupboards and a clock with moveable hands perfect for learning to tell the time, not forgetting that it comes with accessories, including three kitchen utensils, a plastic sink bowl, salt and pepper and washing up liquid! Designed with a taller work surface than other play kitchens, your child can get years of play out of it, and it’s big enough for them to play with a sibling or a friend. This product combines style and fun to make a fantastic all-round play kitchen that we think parents and children will love.
2. Best budget play kitchen: Asda Triple Kitchen
Price on writing: £70 | Buy now from Asda
Key specs
Dimensions: W87cm x D31.2cm x H93.5cm| Weight: 18.5kg | Material: MDF/Resin/Plastic/Wood | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: No
What we love
- Highly recommended by Mumsnetters
- Previous customers love it
- Affordably priced
- Good size
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
What to know
- Some said the colour is dark grey, not blue like the picture
- Some previous customers said that it takes quite a bit of time to build
What Mumsnet users say
"We've got the Asda "Ultimate" one for DD's Christmas - they recently had a deal making it only £64 which is a total bargain compared to all the other wooden ones I've seen." (Recommended by Mumsnetter ContadoraExplorer)
"We've got the asda one. Some reviews call it flimsy but ours has been played with every day for 2 years by 2 children and is still in great condition." (Loved by Mumsnet user PotteringAlong)
"Mine got one at 18 months but probably didn’t really use it until 2; since then she’s used it loads and loves it and my 10 month old DS likes playing with it all too. We have a wooden Asda one that is really good and not expensive" (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter user1493413286)
Our verdict
Favourite features? Asda's toy kitchen comes highly-recommended by Mumsnetters and has a tonne of 4* and 5* reviews from previous customers to boot. Affordably priced, their new and improved design is rated for being sturdy, durable and value for money.
Although there aren't any included accessories like Tidlo's toy kitchen, there is still plenty to love. Featuring a microwave, oven, hob, sink and washing machine, you get a lot of bang for your buck. The kitchen is made from FSC sustainable wood and has moving parts, such as a detergent draw that opens, for realistic pretend play. Available to buy in pink, the most reported issue is that the colour of the blue toy kitchen is actually more of a dark grey. There is also some disagreement about whether it is easy or hard to assemble; we suppose it depends on whether you are the kind of person who loves to put together Ikea furniture!
3. Best play kitchen with sounds and lights: Theo Klein Miele Wooden Kitchen
Price on writing: £67.35 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 70cm x 30cm x 91cm | Weight: 7.8kg | Material: Wood and stainless steel | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: 2 x R6-AA
What we love
- Realistic features
- Fun gas stove light and sound
- Removable sink
- High-quality
What to know
- Doesn’t come with many accessories
- Assembly is tricky
What Mumsnet users say
"Theo Klein or Casdon make them" (Recommended by Mumsnetter LovelyWeatherForDucks)
"Definitely a good purchase, kids get so much from imaginative sensory play and a toy kitchen is fantastic for this." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SingingSands)
Our verdict
Favourite features? Theo Klein's Miele Kitchen makes little chefs feel like they’re cooking up a storm in a real kitchen with its realistic design straight out of a Gordan Ramsey reality cooking show.
Arriving with all the usual features, such as an authentic-looking oven, microwave and sink, children will especially love the gas hobs, which light up red and make exciting cooking sounds. Made from wood, this kitchen set comes with cookware – two pans, a whisk and spatulas – and provides plenty of shelf space to store any accessories. It’s pretty compact, too, so it shouldn’t take up too much space in your home.
4. Best large play kitchen for toddlers: Smoby Grey Tefal Large Play Kitchen
Price on writing: £100.10 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 118cm x 44cm x 101cm | Weight: 7.6kg | Material: Plastic | Age: 3 months to 3 years | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: Yes - 1 x A battery
What we love
- Comes with 40 accessories
- Includes magic bubble hob function
- Adjustable height
- Detailed
- Sturdy
What to know
- Larger design that may not fit smaller spaces
- Small niggles: pot can leak, hard to empty the sink
What Mumsnet users say
"Sounds awesome. We had a Smoby one that did the water and light up hob." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user NinaGonk)
"I got ds a Smoby kitchen, ordered it direct from them a few years ago because I couldn't get one anywhere but Argos now have one in the same all but the colours... It's pretty sturdy (miles better than the ELC one) and well worth its money, I think I did pay about £100 when I ordered mine so its a bargain at £80. My ds has had his for about three years and it's still like brand new." (Loved by Mumsnetter DLI)
Our verdict
Favourite features? If you’re looking for a large kitchen for your toddler that comes with plenty of accessories, this Smoby Tefal is the perfect choice. Designed to look to mimic a real-life kitchen, it has a range of fun extras including a Magic Bubble function on the hob which boils water and pasta that changes colour in the water.
It has all the standard features you’d expect plus a fridge, table, espresso machine and recipe book, as well as 40 accessories, including pots and pans, sauce bottles, salt and pepper shakers, cups, and food items – more than enough to keep your child busy for hours! The kitchen is large enough for two children to play with and the worktop can be adjusted to suit children as old as eight. Although, it is pretty hefty so make sure you have the space prior to buying!
5. Most recommended play kitchen: IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen
Price on writing: £89 | Buy now from Ikea
Key specs
Dimensions: W72cm x D40cm x H109cm | Weight: 18kg| Material: Wood | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: Yes - 4 x AA
What we love
- Most recommended play kitchen
- Adjustable height that can grow with your child
- Hobs light up red
- Compact
- Easy to assemble
What to know
- Doesn’t come with accessories
- Some found that the holes didn't line up
What Mumsnet users say
"Dd loves her kitchen that's she's had for years. It was from Ikea.When my great-nieces and nephews come over they all make a beeline for it." (Recommended by Mumsnetter ParkheadParadise)
"Ikea duktig - you’ll never regret it!" (Loved by Mumsnet user Dora26)
"6 years later, I bought the Ikea one for son no.2 2nd birthday. Also loved. Much preferred this one, it was quiet and looked nicer. We had it in the kitchen diner and it was played with loads.He outgrew it at around 5 and a half, and it sold in seconds on a preloved site." (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter winesolveseverything)
"Another recommendation for the ikea one, we've had ours for 6 years and it's withstood my 3, and a couple of years worth of childminding. It's still in great condition and as its not garish fits nicely anywhere in the house. The ikea kitchen accessories are also fab, much more like real kitchen equipment than others." (Recommended by Mumsnetter lisaneedsarest)
Our verdict
Favourite features? The most popular choice among parents on our forums for its excellent value, the IKEA Duktig Play Kitchen has a neutral Scandi design that will blend beautifully into your home.
This Ikea toy kitchen is smaller than others but still includes all of the standard features, with the addition of realistic light-up hob rings and utensils rail that gives it an authentic look. As the legs can be adjusted to three positions, this kitchen can grow with your child and it’s a simple, compact design that won’t take up too much space in your home. You’ll need to buy accessories separately, but IKEA sells plenty of fun extras such as utensils, a cinnamon roll set and pretend food. A great all-rounder for those on a tighter budget. Make sure you or someone you know is an Ikea furniture pro, or you might find yourself using glue the night before!
6. Best wooden play kitchen: KidKraft Farm to Table
Price on writing: £162.93 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 112.27cm x 34.54cm x 109.22cm | Weight: 22.5kg | Material: Wood and plastic | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: Yes - 3 x LR44 batteries
What we love
- Mumsnetter recommended brand
- Unique design
- Lights and sounds
- Includes accessories
- Built-in ice-maker
- Chalkboard
What to know
- Previous customers said assembly is hard
- Some previous customers reported theirs arrived damaged
What Mumsnet users say
“We bought our eldest daughter a KidKraft wooden kitchen and loads of Melissa and Doug wooden food playsets for her third birthday. It has all lasted and still gets played with now by her and her younger sisters." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Kidsrulethishouse)
"We bought a wooden Kidkraft kitchen for my daughters 2nd birthday from GLTC. She is now 4 and it still gets played with everyday. All the kids that come over love it." (Recommended by Mumsnetter buzzgirly)
Our verdict
Favourite features? The KidKraft Farm to Table has a unique design and features that outdo every other option on this list. A Mumsnetter-recommended brand, this toy kitchen is stunning, modern and will delight any future master chef in the making.
Kids will adore its window planter boxes, useable chalkboard, large farmhouse sink, fridge and ice dispenser. Parents will love the storage, too, with its two pull-out draws, perfect for putting away any toy food or utensils. Oh, did we mention that it comes complete with 18 wooden accessories, including a knife, chopping board, choppable carrots and onions, ice cubes, pots, pans and spatulas! Not to mention, it lights up and has realistic sound effects, perfect for high-quality pretend play. All we'd recommend is that when it arrives, you set aside a good chunk of time for assembly, as some previous customers reported that it took them 4 hours!
7. Best wooden play kitchen for toddlers: Little Tikes First Wooden Kitchen
Price on writing: £90 | Buy now from Argos
Key specs
Dimensions: 60cm x 30cm x 99.4cm | Weight: 12.16kg | Material: Wood | Age: 3 years+| Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: Yes - 4 x AAA batteries
What we love
- Great for toddlers
- Lights up and has interactive sounds
- Stylish design
- Detailed
- Accessories included
- Plenty of storage
What to know
- Assembly takes quite a bit of time
What Mumsnet users say
"We have a little tykes wooden kitchen. Was about £180. Ds got it for xmas when he was 18m he is now 6.5 and doesnt really play with it but its stll loved by his 4yo sister. Its held its condition really well so worth the investment." (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter IamChipmunk)
Our verdict
Favourite features? Little Tikes' wooden toy kitchen is designed to withstand toddlers and impress parents with its realistic design. Including all of the standard features, they've gone one step further by adding an extractor hood, clock, modern serving tray storage and interactive sounds and lights.
Like most toys that require assembly, this may take you a while to put together, but it'll be well worth it. Aside from picking up some toy food, Little Tikes' has included a whole host of accessories, including an apron, an oven globe, cooking utensils and a serving tray. Watch them learn to cook, bake and tell the time with this wonderful toy kitchen for hours of authentic pretend play!
8. Best classic play kitchen: Teamson Kids Burlywood Wooden Play Kitchen
Price on writing: £75.70 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 90.17cm x 54.61cm x 29.54cm | Weight: 12.7kg | Material: Wood | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes| Batteries required: No
What we love
- Traditional design
- Sturdy wooden kitchen
- Great features included
- Compact
What to know
- Doesn’t come with many accessories
What Mumsnet users say
"I'd go for one of these: Teamson Kids Wooden Little Chef Play KitchenChad Valley Wooden Kitchen with Breakfast Bar" (Tried and tested by Mumsnetter Ricekrispie22)
Our verdict
Favourite features? This country-style play kitchen from Teamson Kids will appeal to parents looking for a more traditional design to complement their home and keep their children entertained.
Made with high-quality MDF, this is a sturdy unit with touches of colour that will appeal to all children aged three and up. It has all the usual features, a toy clock, turning dials that click, a cordless phone, a spatula and plastic shakers. With shelves, a cupboard and two drawers, there’s plenty of space for children to explore during play and store all the accessories when they’re not in use. It’s not too big either so it won’t take up much space in your home, but you’ll likely want to buy some extra accessories, such as pots and pans.
9. Best play kitchen for small spaces: Tidlo Wooden Toy Cooker
Price on writing: £79.99 | Buy now from Debenhams
Key specs
Dimensions: W40cm x H54cm x L35cm | Material: Wood | Age: 3 years+ | Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: No
What we love
- Compact
- Can add additional BigJig appliances
- Carry handles
- High-quality
- Durable
- Well designed
What to know
- Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
"We got wooden separates (Big Jigs) for DS1 for his 2nd birthday - washing machine, sink unit and oven with hob. They were played with loads and loads, in the garden and in the house, by him and any visiting children. We kept the play food in the oven (melissa & doug birthday cake and pizza) and under the sink (fruit & veg, eggs and breakfast things). They were pricey but I never regretted it, they were amazing. As he got older, he would put trays of play-doh cut and decorated cookies or pizzas in the oven to cook" (Recommended by Mumsnetter WellTidy)
Our verdict
Favourite features? If you're looking to buy a toy kitchen, but have limited space, then the Tidlo Wooden Toy Cooker is a great place to start.
Made from high-quality materials, it is durable, easy to assemble and built to last. There are fewer features than other options on the list. However, it does have clicking dials, hob detailing, carry handles and a removable oven tray. Admittedly, it is pricey but worth it if durability is important to you, as these are built to withstand a classroom. You can add to this cooker, too, with their range of other separate wooden appliances like their washing machine, sink and microwave.
10. Best outdoor play kitchen: TP Deluxe Wooden Mud Kitchen
Price on writing: £134.99 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Dimensions: 96cm x 40cm x 96cm | Weight: 16.26kg | Material: Wood | Age: 3 years+| Assembly required: Yes | Batteries required: No
What we love
- Sturdy outdoor kitchen for messy play
- Can be used with water and sand
- Great features
- Good storage
- Sturdy
- Built to last
- No power tools needed
What to know
- At the higher end of the price range
What Mumsnet users say
"We bought a wooden mud kitchen for outside but put it in the playroom to get more use from it. Dc play with it every day. I wouldn't have one in my lounge though." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user espressomartiniweeny)
“The TP Mud kitchens are really sturdy and they do them in different sizes and prices.” (Recommended by Mumsnetter TorysSuckRevokeArticle50)
Our verdict
Favourite features? Kids love messy play, and with this outdoor kitchen from TP, they can create all sorts of pretend meals using dirt and sand. No play food is required!
It features an oven, a splash tub, a hob, a refillable water butt, and a tap for mixing those messy creations. It also comes with stainless steel pots and a whisk. Made from FSC-certified wood designed to cope with all types of weather, it’s more than big enough for two siblings or friends to play side-by-side, with an extendable worktop to make even more room. Children will love the blackboard for writing the day’s specials, which is also great for encouraging reading and writing skills. Built to last for many years, though expensive, you'll see that it is worth every penny!
Are play kitchens worth it?
Pretend play is great for a child’s development and toys like play kitchens can help to expand their imagination and encourage role play, while also aiding their learning.
From pretending to be chefs and waitresses to copying Mum or Dad in the kitchen, they can imitate everyday tasks like chopping food, cooking and cleaning up. Accessories like chalkboards can also encourage reading and writing.
As it’s a toy that children can share with others, a play kitchen can help to enhance their social skills and communication skills, which makes them more than worth the investment.
Most designs are built to last throughout the preschool years and beyond so a good toy kitchen can keep entertaining your child as they grow. They’re also really handy for keeping your child busy while you get on with making their dinner, which is a good reason as any to buy one.
What is the best age for a play kitchen?
Most play kitchens are suitable for ages three and above, but both younger and older children can enjoy playing with them. Children as young as 18 months can start by playing with the pots and pans, moving things around the kitchen and pretending to cut food.
By age two or three, most children will start to enjoy imaginative play and will pretend to cook dinner and put on tea parties for family members. A play kitchen can be a great way to encourage this type of play and will grow with your child so that, even at age six, they can enjoy playing cafes, writing lists and creating menus.
If you want a kitchen that will last, make sure it’s not too small. Look for one that can be adjusted as your child gets bigger.
How to choose the best toy kitchen
Size
Kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, including mini tabletop designs and large lifelike kitchens with corner units. Think about how big you want it to be – if space is an issue, some kitchens can be folded away at the end of the day.
Longevity
Also, think about how long you want it to last. A smaller toy kitchen may not last long or be suitable for more than one child to play with at a time, but some toy kitchens can be altered as they grow. A larger design will be a safer bet if you’re hoping to get a few years play out of it.
Design
When it comes to picking a big toy like this, think about where it will go – will it be in your child’s bedroom or in the kitchen? Do you want a neutral play kitchen that will compliment your home or do you want something bright and colourful that your kids will love?
You’ll also be able to choose between wood or plastic. There’s a range of kitchens you can pick to suit your home – country-style, bright retro designs, modern units and colourful plastic kitchens. If you want one that can be used by multiple siblings, be sure to look at how sturdy it is. Wood may be a better option here.
Accessories
Simple designs may only come with an oven, hob and sink, with the option to add accessories like pots, pans and utensils. Others may have a washing machine, microwave, illuminating hob rings and cooking sounds, and some even boil water.
They can also come with a variety of accessories such as food, cutlery and plates, with some designs even including a clock, a chalkboard or a phone. Check what your kitchen comes with before you buy – even if you choose a simple design, you can easily add more accessories over time.
Cost
You’ll be hard-pressed to find many kitchens under £50 and they can cost up to around £200. But while that’s nothing short of expensive for a toy, a good play kitchen can last even after your child starts school, so it could be worth the investment – especially if you plan to pass it on to other siblings.
What’s the best toy kitchen?
The Tidlo Wooden Country Play Kitchen manages to combine both style and fun. A beautifully designed wooden kitchen, it offers fun extras such as lifelike clicking hob dials, a toy clock and fun wooden salt and pepper shakers. It also has a taller work surface allowing for years of play, making it the best toy kitchen to buy right now.
How we chose our recommendations
Mumsnetter recommendations
All Mumsnet articles begin with extensive research of Mumsnet forums, looking for top recommended toys trusted by parents and loved by their kids. In particular, we paid attention to those with the most positive mentions, excellent write-ups and any specific feedback.
Expert opinion
Using this long list, we cross-referenced it with expert opinions from print media and toy comparison websites. We searched for any that had won awards, were regularly featured and had high safety standards.
Verified customer reviews
Finally, we were left with our short list of the best toy kitchens, which we whittled down to our top ten by analysing their verified customer reviews. We looked for those with more pros than cons, with the highest percentage of 5* ratings. We made sure to note down any issues to ensure our write-ups were balanced and honest.
Award-winning toys
This left us with our guide on the top ten best toy kitchens in 2023, with options to suit every budget and every house size.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide unbiased, independent advice you can trust. We do sometimes earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. This helps us fund more helpful articles like this one.