Buying Guide: Kids Kitchen Playset

Buying a kitchen playset can feel a little like a Goldilocks story. You’re searching for the one that’s just right – the design to make you and your little chef happy, the quality to last through the years, and all the features to enable fun, immersive pretend play. 

To help you find your perfect play kitchen fast, our friends at KidKraft have laid out all the factors you’ll want to consider before making the big purchase!

Size & Counter Height

First, be sure to measure the space where you plan to put your new play kitchen – eyeballing it is not the way to go here! Even if space is tight, smaller play kitchens or even corner kitchens can squeeze into little spaces and are ideal for toddlers.

Bigger kids will still enjoy playing with smaller play kitchen sets, and little ones will always grow into larger kitchens but as far as finding the right size play kitchen for your child (if you’re looking for that perfect fit), go for a play kitchen with counter tops that are about the height of their hips.

Materials

Most kid’s kitchen playsets are made of either wood or plastic. Plastic play kitchens often come in at a lower price point, but often at the cost of quality.

Wooden children’s play kitchens tend to last longer, look more realistic to your kids, and as they won’t be packed away at the end of the day they do tend to look better in your home.

Colour and Design

Speaking of looking better in your home… there’s no reason you have to settle for a bright plastic eyesore in the middle of your playroom. Our selection of wooden play kitchens come in just about every style and colour you could hope for which means you can pick the perfect play kitchen to vibe with your home’s aesthetic.

Your Child’s Interests

Another thing you’ll want to match? Your kiddo’s interests and preferences! Maybe you want a gender-neutral design like the Farm to Table Play Kitchen so your little guy doesn’t think of play kitchens as a “girl’s” toy.

Maybe you’re looking to recreate your child’s favourite parts about a real kitchen like using the ice machine or looking through the window above the sink. 

Whatever the case, only you know the features that will make a play kitchen the perfect fit for your little chef. If you’re buying the play kitchen as a gift for someone else, be sure to ask their parents what special touches they would love to have!

Accessories

Most play kitchens come with at least a few accessories like pots, pans, dishes and play food. While those cute little fake cupcakes are something to consider, they shouldn’t make or break your decision. You can always add additional play kitchen accessories later.

Extra Features

Of course, the best thing about play kitchens is that they encourage good old-fashioned pretend play, but a few extra features like working light and sounds can make that imaginative play even more immersive. Beeping microwaves, working ice machines, and stovetop sound effects can add realism to your kids’ kitchen playset and make it even more engaging, though some parents prefer noiseless kitchen playsets (hey, we get it).

From large corner kitchens to smaller toddler kitchens, from pretty pinks to calming neutrals, Nest’s hand picked range of kids play kitchens has something for every little sous chef out there. Browse our full collection of wooden toy kitchens and play food to find the very best in pretend play that checks off your wishlist!

KidKraft is exclusive to Nest in South Africa. You won’t find these products anywhere else.

Shop our full KidKraft range here:

https://www.nestdesigns.co.za/products/kidkraft/