13 play kitchens that are actually aesthetically pleasing (and still super fun)

One of our favorite Montessori takeaways is that when kids have easy access to just the right amount of toys, their play can thrive. This beautifully appointed kitchen set takes that idea into account with an easy access storage area and transparent doors that encourage them to organize, sort and even clean up after themselves. In addition, it also comes with a collection of pots, utensils and hooks to get to work on all that cooking!

Size: 30″ x 40″ x 11″

The kitchen of your dreams, but make it mini. Seriously, the Pottery Barn Kids My First Chelsea All-in-1 Play Kitchen is almost too attractive. (I mean, as if naps and the license to say whatever you want isn’t reason enough to be jealous of your toddler.) There’s the oven with two burners and three knobs that turn, a refrigerator with top and bottom shelf, and enviable farmhouse sink with a storage cabinet underneath. And since it’s from Pottery Barn, you can trust that it’s made to last from quality materials. The only thing it needs is an amber bottle of overpriced hand soap perched on the sink–they’ll be on their way to Instagram influencer status in no time.

Size: 36″ x 33″x 12″

With its stylish backsplash and “marble” countertop the Uptown Elite Espresso Play Kitchen from KidKraft is like a scaled down version of the real deal. But more importantly, this play kitchen’s features are so fun! It comes with ice cubes for the dispensable ice machine, the stovetop makes a heating noise and lights when you turn the knobs (which is nice to teach kids that stoves get HOT!) and the sink makes noise when you turn the knobs! My 1.5 year-old does not get tired of the paper towel rack or opening the myriad of cabinets. This kitchen has led to more independent-play, which I’m so thankful for.

Hayli Craig, Editorial Operations Manager

Size: 38 1/2″ x 42″ x 13 1/2″

The Little Tikes Classic Cooks Kitchen With Island is a true standout for a number of reasons. The durable wooden set is comprised of two separate parts: the kitchen, complete with a sink, two burner stove top, dishwasher and oven (with a door that opens down, just like the real thing) and a standalone island with built-in refrigerator and food prep counter space. Parents of multiples, rejoice in the fact two kids can play at the same time just a little more peacefully. They’ll love the realistic lights and sounds, and the 12 fun accessories that come along with it. You’ll love the easy assembly via the free Bilt app!

Size: 10.24 x 30.71 x 18.70 inches

This one has found a home with multiple Motherly editors who all agree that it’s a terrific bang for the buck, and aesthetically pleasing as well. Not only does it feature all the standard amenities, it also includes two planter boxes behind the sink to grow their own play veggies which can be chopped up for soups and snacks. The ice maker really works and they can write the specials of the day on the chalkboard behind the counter. It also comes with a pot, sautee pan and spatula!

Size: 44″ x 13 1/2″ x 43″

With a look so fresh and modern you might be tempted to use it as inspo for your real kitchen, the Teamson Kids Little Chef Berlin Play Kitchen Set pleases kids and parents alike. The functional and interactive design features and oven and microwave with openable doors, three oven knobs that really turn, two oven burners, two shelves, a sink with a gold faucet, and an under-sink cabinet. There’s also plenty of space to chop those veggies as well! You’ll have to provide those, but it does include a cordless phone, spatula, pot, pan, lid, and chopping board to get them cooking right out of the gate. And we totally dig the pop of royal blue, which is a welcome departure from pink being the only color option in this category for ages (insert eye roll here).

Size: 37” x 34” x 11.75”

The wooden toys from Hape have been a staple for decades, so it’s no surprise this adorable play kitchen came recommended to us time and time again. Like everything they offer it’s durable and well made, opting for solid wood over the particle board construction you usually see for such products. The compact size and just enough accessories to entertain without overwhelming makes it an all-in-one toy toddlers and even bigger kids will come back to again and again. It comes with two plates, two forks, two knives, a pan, a pot with a lid, a mixing spoon, a spatula, and salt and pepper shakers–all you need to add is food!

Size: 21.6 x 27.8 x 12.6 inches

As one of the tallest play kitchens on our list, the KidKraft Uptown Kitchen Set is a favorite among parents of older and taller kiddos. Not to mention, there’s so much to do! Four burners and an oven offer a place to cook up some Michelin Star meals, there’s a refrigerator and freezer to stock and organize as well as a microwave and cabinet to stash their dishes and supplies. We also love the removable sink for easy cleaning. Reviewers note that it’s not difficult to assemble, but it is a bit tedious. Lots of pieces that take time to put together, so don’t try to play Santa and start unboxing it after bedtime. You’ll be in for a late night!

Size: 41″ x 43″ x 17 3/4″

When is a kitchen set more than a kitchen set? When it’s a Wundernook! The collection of wooden panels and connectors can be assembled into seven different configurations including a puppet theater, lemonade stand, kitchen set and even kid-sized furniture depending on the whims of the day. It’s simple enough for kids to ideate and build on their own and engaging enough to keep their interest for years. As a parent, you know that’s a rare occurrence! Even better, when they do outgrow it, it can become a bookshelf to keep it in the mix even longer.

We just love the look of the Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen from KidKraft! Rocking some cute retro vibes, this petite toy kitchen set packs a lot of play into a compact design. It’s got all the essentials (oven, two burner stove top, refrigerator and freezer, a sink, microwave and cabinet) along with some fun features like a phone and ice maker. It’s also impressively sturdy but note that the height makes it most appropriate for littles age 3 and under.

Size: 33″ x 35.7″ x 11.7

There are a few Ikea products that are the stuff of legend. Their super affordable high chair, their meatballs (obvs) and rightfully so, the Dutkig Mini Kitchen. It’s simple and sturdy with plenty of play space despite its compact footprint. If you ask our kids, they’d probably tell you their favorite part is the cool light up cook top. But if you ask us? Definitely the adjustable leg heights which keep it in play for years. What’s more, according to Motherly’s Senior Health and Wellness Editor, Jessica Waller, it’s endlessly customizable. “My kids have transformed it into a bakery, espresso bar, car wash or secret spot for hiding pirate treasure, depending on the day.”

Size: 28 3/8″ x  42 7/8″ x 15 3/4″

While many play kitchens require separate purchases to get them stocked, this one comes with everything they’ll need to get cooking. The eco-friendly wood play kitchen includes a chef hat and apron, ice cubes, a cup, stockpot and skillet, a spoon and spatula, knife and plate and a few plastic veggies to chop. There are also a host of lights and sounds to keep them entertained, from a sizzling and popping stove top to whooshing water in the sink. Most conveniently, the legs can be adjusted to three different heights as they grow!

Size: 30.3″ x 11.8″ x 40″

If you’ve got multiple kiddos and enough space, Amazon’s top-rated kitchen set for toddlers is one to seriously consider. The action-packed corner design has plenty of space to play and includes an oven, microwave, refrigerator and freezer and even a washing machine to tackle the laundry. The burners and ice maker have realistic lights and sounds that any kid will love and there’s tons of storage for all the accoutrements.