Set up your toddler for plenty of imaginative play and help foster their love of food and cooking from a young age with toddler kitchen sets just for them. Here you’ll find my top picks for kids kitchen sets, play kitchens, and accessories for a range of budgets.

kids kitchen sets in grid of 6.

Both of my girls have always loved to play pretend, and I know that this sort of dramatic play is important for helping them learn social and emotional skills. And though I enjoy helping kids cook in a real kitchen, I just love watching kids go fully into the land of creativity and imaginary cooking!

Using play food in a toddler kitchen is a super fun activity to do together, and it can open up a dialogue for talking about real food. Win, win!

Toddler kitchen sets and play kitchens make a wonderful toddler gift for our little ones, and I have a collection of my favorite ones to share today.

(You may also like Toddler Stocking Stuffers, Play Kitchen Accessories, Toddler Shopping Carts, and Toddler Tea Sets.)

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Best Toddler Play Kitchen Sets

When looking for the best play kitchens, I aimed to keep things as affordable as possible. I prioritized high-quality materials and an assortment of styles. (I admit, I do naturally steer toward neutral colors though!)

Since I know many of us are dealing with smaller spaces, I’ve tried to include play kitchens that are slightly smaller in scale, too.

NOTE: Prices are accurate as of publication date. All of these were available at the time of writing, but that may change.

kidskraft-kids-kitchen-set

KidKraft Vintage Kitchen

I love the clean, modern lines of this retro-look toddler kitchen set. Priced at under $120, it would fit into almost any decor style. It even has a removable sink for easy cleanup should the kids get carried away!

(Add some play pots and pans for more fun.)

Shop here
Hape kitchen set red

Hape Gourmet Kitchen Kid’s Wooden Play Kitchen

If you want something with a burst of color without being too bright and flashy, this compact toddler play kitchen is a good option. We have a dollhouse from this brand, and it’s super durable, made of nice wood, and has held up to a lot of toddler love over the years. And at less than $40, it’s a great price!

(Add a collection of play food for endless pretend cooking options.)

Shop here
Hape kitchen playset.

Hape Gourmet Wooden Pretend Play Kitchen

This is a sweet and simple toddler play kitchen complete with an oven. It’s compact but has enough going on to keep the kids entertained. (I love how the kitchen utensils have a spot to hang!) And it’s priced less than $80.

And you can add a set of 13 wooden accessories (2 plates, 2 forks, 2 knives, a pan, a pot with a lid, a mixing spoon, a spatula, and salt and pepper shakers) for $22.

Shop here
Teamson Play Kitchen.

Teamson Kids Little Chef Boston Kids Play Kitchen

With knobs that click and clack, doors that open and close, and accessories including a phone (so fun!), I love this beautiful kids kitchen set. I also really love that it has subway tile and it’s under $100!

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kidskraft corner play kitchen in white

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen Set

For those with a little more space to play, this kitchen set is seriously fun— the burners light up and the ice maker makes noise! This one also has a phone and fits nicely into a corner of a playroom. Priced at about $250, this is a lot of bang for the buck.

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Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Playset

Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Playset

With 25 accessories, including a recycling bin and coffee pot, this durable play set will last through many kids and many hours of play. The burners light up, the coffeepot makes noise (if you have batteries installed), and there’s endless opportunity for pretend play, all for under $90.

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kidskraft farm to table play kitchen

KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen Set

With a modern design and farm-to-table concept, this is a fun play kitchen for kids who might also want to pretend to garden. Priced at under $200, this kitchen has unique features like the pretend ice cubes that come with the ice maker and the cute window boxes.

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melissa-and-doug-compact-play-kitchen

Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Wooden Toy Kitchen

With a low profile, fun accessories, and a size great for kids aged 3-5 years old, this is a compact toddler play kitchen that will get loads of use over the years, even if you don’t have a ton of space.

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kidkraft tall kitchen play set.

KidKraft Large Wooden Play Kitchen

This is the play kitchen we have in our house, which is great since it’s taller than most so can be used for a longer span of time. My kids both use this regularly and love the drawers, elements, and the microwave. And it’s under $140!

Shop here
What is the best kitchen set for a toddler?

It may depend on factors including how much space you have in your house, the age and height of your child, the design aesthetic you prefer, and your budget. From there, you can narrow down your options.

Why are kitchen sets good for toddlers?

Allowing kids the chance to play pretend and explore food away from the real table can be a way to let them engage without pressure to eat anything. And it can let kids feel in control of an experience and direct their own play. Letting them have their imagination is so great for a child’s development, too.

At what age do kids play with a kitchen set?

Often kids are ready for introductory pretend play by about age 18 months, though many may not be really interested until closer to age 3. They may continue to use the play kitchen for years after that.

Best Tips for Success

  • Have a dedicated spot (like a basket or bin) to store any play kitchen accessories.
  • Choose a tall kitchen option if you want the kids to use it past the toddler years.
  • Check out my play kitchen accessories for items to stock your play kitchen with.
  • Find more toys and gifts for toddler holiday gifts and birthdays.

This post was first published November 2020.

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Comments

  1. Great.

    I see many parents are still unaware of the huge benefits their kids stand to gain from play kitchens.

    Reply

  2. Awesome! Toy kitchen is most favorite play in childhood. In my childhood, I had spent most of the time with my toy kitchen. My 2 years girls also like it so much. I think this kind of pretend play kitchen also helpful for child mental growth. So I want to buy the best toy kitchen play for my baby. Thank for sharing collection kitchen sets to choose the right one for my kids.

    Reply

  3. Amazing collection! Pretend play kitchen helps kids mental growth. Its essential for kids skill development. Kids can learn many things through play. I am searching best play kitchen for my kids. Thanks for such a helpful guideline sharing with us.

    Reply

  4. Amazing collection! kids must loved it. Pretend play really helpful for kids mental development. I am searching best play kitchen for my little girl. Thanks for sharing such a nice guideline.

    Reply