10 Best Wooden Play Kitchens for Imaginative Pretend Play

If you’re looking to buy the best wooden play kitchen for your child, you want one one that is well-crafted, non-toxic and durable enough to last several years.

I prefer wooden play kitchen sets over plastic because they are nicer looking, more durable and hold their appearance longer than plastic kitchen sets.

More important than anything else, though, you want the best play kitchen that will inspire your child to engage in pretend play. Playing “house” in a toy kitchen helps kids develop important skills:

  • Fine motor skills (washing dishes, stirring pots, etc)
  • Reasoning (which is first, setting the table or eating?)
  • Language and social skills as they play pretend with other kids

Here’s our picks of the best wooden toy kitchens that will inspire the young homemaker or would-be weekend chef in your life.

Before you browse the list, just a few things to note:

  • Most of these have some plastic parts on them, like handles, knobs and faucets
  • Most contain some pressed wood or particle board
  • I’ve included assembled measurements and counter height to help you make sure it will fit in your space and is the right size for your child
  • Measurements are from the item description or seller answers so please verify for accuracy
  • All are durable and have very good reviews
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Best Wooden Play Kitchens

Here’s our picks (based on dimensions) for taller kids, smaller kids and small spaces. Scroll down for more details about these and also for the rest of our best wooden toy kitchen picks!

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Toy Kitchen

M&D Wooden Chef's Play KitchenM&D Wooden Chef’s Play KitchenM&D Wooden Chef's Play Kitchen

First off, I have to say, this thing is sleeker than my real kitchen! (#Jealous)

This Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Toy Kitchen features stainless steel looking appliances and a modern back splash. And now I sound like a real estate agent. 😀

Here’s some other reasons I added this set to my list of the best play kitchens:

  • Easy to assemble!
  • Large enough for multiple kids
  • Realistic, working “ice” cube dispenser
  • Loads of storage space
  • Attractive enough to place in a family room
  • Dimensions 43.25″(L) x 15.5″(W) x 39″(H)
  • Counter height 20.5″

It also comes in a lovely, clean-looking white.

Melissa & Doug are known for their high-quality wood toys, so it’s no surprise that they make some of the best wooden toy kitchens on the market. And their customer service is excellent so if there is a problem with their products, they work hard to make it right.

Age 3+

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef Play Kitchen is one of the best wooden play kitchens for kids

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This wooden play kitchen does not come with any play food or accessories, which is the only downside. Below are a couple nice wooden play food sets from Melissa & Doug to help get that beautiful kitchen stocked.

Melissa & Doug 21 Pc Wooden Play FoodMelissa & Doug 21 Pc Wooden Play FoodMelissa & Doug 21 Pc Wooden Play FoodMelissa & Doug Wooden Pantry Food SetMelissa & Doug Wooden Pantry Food SetMelissa & Doug Wooden Pantry Food Set

 


KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen

KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner KitchenKidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner KitchenKidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen

The Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen is my kid dream kitchen! I love the country charm of this one and it’s PINK! *SQUEAL!*

Okay, I’m done being 5-years-old again.

Seriously, this adorable play kitchen has lots to offer:

  • Fits in a corner
  • Roomy enough for multiple kids
  • Includes a washing machine!
  • Hooks for hanging storage
  • Removable sink for easy cleaning
  • Comes with pot, pan, potholder and two spatulas
  • It’s stinkin’ CUTE!
  • Dimensions Fridge side 32.5″ (L) Stove side 34.5″(L) x 36″(H)
  • Counter height 21″

In case you couldn’t tell, this is my favorite toy kitchen on our list of the best wooden play kitchen sets, because it has so many fun features and is a-DOR-able.

The only downside to this one is that, although it is relatively easy to assemble, there are LOTS of pieces, so it does take a while. Despite that, it’s a huge seller with great reviews.

The pink isn’t exactly gender neutral, but this adorable wooden play kitchen also comes in lime green and red and both are just as cute as this one! It’s also noteworthy that the Melissa & Doug cooking sets, such as the make and bake cookies and pizza making set will fit inside this oven. Score!

Age 2-4

KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen is one of the best wooden toy kitchens

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I can’t resist showing you this pastel (non-wood) cookware set and apron set to go with this play kitchen!

KidKraft Pastel 27pc SetKidKraft Pastel 27pc SetKidKraft Pastel 27pc Set15pc Apron and Baking Set15pc Apron and Baking Set15pc Apron and Baking Set

 


Hape Wooden Play Kitchen and Accessories

Hape Play Kitchen With AccessoriesHape Play Kitchen With AccessoriesHape Play Kitchen With Accessories

Hape is known for their outstanding quality wooden toys.

The Hape Playfully Delicious Wooden Kitchen has more actual solid wood pieces (rather than particle board) than other wooden kitchen sets we’ve seen, making it an extremely durable playset.

Here’s some more reasons this one makes our list of the best wooden play kitchen sets:

  • Nice for small spaces
  • Listing includes 13 pc dishes and cookware!
  • Removable sink
  • Easy assembly
  • Great deal for both kitchen and dishes!
  • Dimensions 22″(L) x 12.6″(W) x 28″(H)
  • Counter height 19.5″

This Hape kitchen set and dishes also comes in  red and white. If you’re looking for the best wooden play kitchen set for an older toddler, this is a good choice due to its smaller size. And its still entertaining enough for kids up to about age 5 or so. Older kids may do better with one that has a higher counter and a little more room.

Age 3+

Hape Wooden Play Kitchen is a top wooden toy kitchen for kids

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Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Wooden Kitchen Play Set

Melissa & Doug Cook's Corner Play KitchenMelissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Play KitchenMelissa & Doug Cook's Corner Play Kitchen

Your budding chef will love the Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Kitchen playset. It’s not very large, but because of its curvature, 2-3 kids can play comfortably at the same time.

Here’s some more fun features of this cheery play kitchen:

  • Working timer
  • Includes a cutting board for realistic “chef” play
  • Extra shelves on the sides
  • Removable sink
  • Dimensions 36″(L) x 16″(W) x 26″(H)
  • Counter height 21.5″

The downsides to this set are that it doesn’t come with dishes either (more common than not) and it is more challenging to put together.

But it’s on our list of the best wooden toy kitchens because of it’s other great features and because it’s solidly made and will last for years. Great for families with multiple kids!

Age  3-5

Melissa & Doug Corner Wooden Kitchen is a high quality wood play kitchen toy for kids

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You can encourage your would-be chef to make use of that cutting board with these cute wooden play food sets below, also from Melissa & Doug.

Wooden Cutting Fruit SetWooden Cutting Fruit SetWooden Cutting Fruit SetWooden Cookie Play Food SetWooden Cookie Play Food SetWooden Cookie Play Food Set

 


Teamson Kids Florence Wooden Toy Kitchen

Teamson Kids Florence Wooden Play KitchenTeamson Kids Florence Wooden Play KitchenTeamson Kids Florence Wooden Play Kitchen

This Teamson Kids Florence Kitchen packs a ton of features in a compact space. It’s even a little narrower than the Hape Playfully Delicious kitchen I mentioned earlier, so it’s one of the best play kitchen sets for a smaller space.

Here’s some other unique features of this little wooden kitchen for kids:

  • Comes with 3 play spices, spatula and phone
  • 2 slide-out bins for storage
  • Lots of nooks to hold accessories
  • Clock teaches kids to tell time
  • Good for narrow spaces
  • Dimensions 21.5″(L) x 11.625″(W) x 38″(H)
  • Counter height 19.5″

Like many others, this one took some time to build, which seems to just come with the territory for even the best wooden play kitchen sets. I love the gender neutral colors of this toy kitchen – it’s a great choice for boys and girls both!

Age 3+

Teamson Kids Florence Wooden play Kitchen is a high quality play kitchen for kids

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For a great selection of play dishes and food to go in these top toy kitchen sets, check out the top selling kitchen play accessories here!


Hape My Creative Cookery Club Kid’s Wooden Play Kitchen

Hape My Creative Cookery Club Play KitchenHape My Creative Cookery Club Play KitchenHape My Creative Cookery Club Play Kitchen

I mentioned earlier how the great craftmanship of Hape kitchen toys makes them some of the best wooden play kitchen sets on the market.

The Hape Creative Cookery Club Kitchen is almost entirely solid wood, including the accessories! It’s a simple wooden toy kitchen set, but there are still reasons to love it:

  • Well crafted and durable
  • Easy assembly
  • Rustic, natural look
  • Great for small spaces
  • Comes with all pictured food and accessories (appx 24 pcs!)
  • Food velcros together so kids can “cut” it
  • Dimensions 20″(L) x 32″(H)
  • Counter height 20″

This is the narrowest play kitchen on our list, so it’s great for small spaces and also an excellent deal because of the craftsmanship and all the accessories!

Age 3+

Hape My Creative Cookery Wooden Kitchen is the best wood play kitchen for small spaces

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KidKraft Pink Vintage Kitchen

Kidkraft Vintage KitchenKidkraft Vintage KitchenKidkraft Vintage Kitchen

One of the cutest wooden play kitchens on our list is the KidKraft Vintage Kitchen in Pink. I just LOVE the retro look, so this one is my second favorite (after the KidKraft Grand Gourmet above).

This kitchen also comes in a lovely retro aqua-blue and a modern gold and white. if you want a more gender neutral color. Here’s a few reasons this wooden play kitchen is a big seller:

  • Charming retro look
  • Removable sink
  • Lots of storage
  • Large enough for multiple kids
  • Dimensions 33″(L) x 13″(W) x 35.70″(H)
  • Counter Height 17.75″

Alas, the downside is, of course, the assembly but most reviewers agreed once it’s all assembled, it’s perfectly charming. Also, it does not come with any accessories, other than the phone.

UPDATE: The new modern gold and white kitchen, which looks very similar to this one, DOES come with a 27 piece cookware set! You can check it out below.

The only other downside to the Vintage Kitchen is that the counter height is a little low. A 5 or 6-year-old may be a little tall to play with it comfortably. But, it’s perfect for young preschoolers or shorter kids. It’s our top pick for small kids due to the low counter height.

One suggestion to remedy that (and you can do this for any of the best play kitchens) is to place something steady under the kitchen to raise it up as your child grows taller. I haven’t tried it, but bed risers might work. Or some simple wood blocks.

Despite the smaller size, the Vintage Kitchen is very popular and just too darn cute to not be on our list of the best wooden play kitchens!

KidKraft Vintage Kitchen is the best wooden play kitchen for smaller kids

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Age 3-6

The Vintage Kitchen reminds me of a 50’s diner, so I can’t resist showing you these two sets below that would be fun additions to it!

Melissa & Doug Diner SetMelissa & Doug Diner SetMelissa & Doug Diner SetDiner Server CostumeDiner Server CostumeDiner Server Costume

 

Speaking of diners, you might like the Melissa & Doug Star Diner. It’s like two playsets in one, with a wooden play kitchen on one side and a booth on the other.

On Sale!
Melissa & Doug Double-Sided Wooden Star Diner Restaurant Play...
  • Your purchase includes One Melissa & Doug Star Diner Restaurant with Sign...
  • Adult Assembly required | Product dimensions: 35" H x 43.5" L x 23" W |...
  • Melissa & Doug’s Star Diner Restaurant is a full-service diner play set...

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play KitchenKidKraft Ultimate Corner Play KitchenKidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen

Next on our list of the best wooden play kitchens for kids is this beautiful Ultimate Corner Kitchen, also from KidKraft.

Check out all the bells and whistles on this thing!

  • Space-saving corner design
  • Has lights and sounds for more play value
  • Includes a laundry center
  • Lots of storage!
  • Dimensions 42.4″(L) x 32.67″(W) x 36.61″(H)
  • Counter height 21″

This kitchen does not come with any dishes or play food. Despite that, consumers love it for it’s modern look and all it’s entertaining features!

Age 3+

KidKraft Ultimate Corner Play Kitchen is one of the best wooden toy kitchens for kids

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Here’s a couple of good quality pans and food sets from Melissa & Doug that would work great with this kitchen.

M&D Stainless Steel Pots & PansM&D Stainless Steel Pots & PansM&D Stainless Steel Pots & PansM&D Fill & Fold Taco SetM&D Fill & Fold Taco SetM&D Fill & Fold Taco Set


Wooden Play Kitchens for Taller or Older Kids

Below are the three wooden play kitchens we found with the highest counter height. This is important if your child is a taller preschooler or an older child. It’s also a good thing to consider if you have multiple ages that will play with their kitchen set together.

KidKraft Large Play Kitchen for Older Kids

KidKraft Large KitchenKidKraft Large KitchenKidKraft Large Kitchen

I love the checkered backsplash in the KidKraft Large Kitchen. This is another big selling wooden play kitchen from the KidKraft brand.

This play kitchen has the tallest counter height (a little over 23 inches) of the wooden play kitchens on our list, so if you’re looking for a kitchen for a child older than preschool age, this is a good one to consider.

In addition to the eye-catching color scheme, here’s a few more things I like about this one:

  • Large enough for multiple kids
  • Knobs to hang accessories
  • Shelves inside appliances
  • Comes with spatula, spoon, potholder and phone
  • Removable sink
  • Dimensions 42.3″(L) x 17.6″(W) x 43″(H)
  • Counter height 23″

You’ll have to check out the reviews on this one – aside from the assemble time, kids and parents seem to adore it!

Age 3+

KidKraft Large Kitchen is the best wooden play kitchen for taller kids

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Below is the KidKraft Big and Bright Kitchen, which has the same counter height and nearly the same dimensions as the KidKraft Large Play Kitchen.

You’ll want some play food and dishes that are just as bright and cheery as this kitchen, so below are a couple great choices from KidKraft. These pieces are non-wood, by the way.

KidKraft 115pc Play Food SetKidKraft 115pc Play Food SetKidKraft 115pc Play Food SetKidKraft 27pc Cookware SetKidKraft 27pc Cookware SetKidKraft 27pc Cookware Set

 


KidKraft Kensington Market Wooden Play Kitchen

KidKraft Kensington Market Wooden KitchenKidKraft Kensington Market Wooden KitchenKidKraft Kensington Market Wooden Kitchen

The KidKraft Kensington Play Kitchen is a new to the market wooden kitchen. I love the boho look of it.

Here’s some great features of this little play kitchen for kids that is garnering top ratings so far.

  • Easier to assemble than other wood play kitchens
  • Has lights and sounds
  • Side table provides extra storage
  • Comes with a few accessories (including a little chalkboard)
  • Dimensions 32.2″(L) x 13.2″(W) x 40.5″(H)
  • Counter height 23″

This is a great choice for taller kids, as the counter height is one of the highest on our list.

Age 3-10

KidKraft Kensington Wooden Play Kitchen is one of the best wooden play kitchen for older kids

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KidKraft Farm To Table Play Kitchen

KidKraft Farm to Table Play KitchenKidKraft Farm to Table Play KitchenKidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen

The KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen is a modern farmhouse style kitchen with some unique features that really add to the play value of this little kitchen.

  • Cooktop has lights and sounds
  • Fridge has ice maker
  • Chalkboard for kids to write on
  • Storage drawers and bins
  • Comes with pot, pan, spatula, carrots, beets and cutting board
  • Dimensions 44.2″(L) x 13.6″(W) x 43″(H)
  • Counter height 22.5″

There’s really much to love about this little wooden play kitchen and it’s nice-looking enough to put in a family or living room.

The only downsides are a few reviewers complained about the instructions and the quality of the sink but despite that, it has overall excellent reviews.

Age 3-10

KidKraft Farm To Table Wooden Play Kitchen is a top wooden play kitchen set for kids

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KidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen

KidKraft Uptown Espresso KitchenKidKraft Uptown Espresso KitchenKidKraft Uptown Espresso Kitchen

I really love the look of this KidKraft Uptown Expresso Kitchen. It has that “modern renovated” kind of vibe to it.

This play kitchen has the second tallest counter heights (22 inches) of the wooden play kitchens on our list.

Here are some other features I love about this one:

  • Room for multiple kids
  • Fun features like pegs to hang things and a wall phone (remember those?)
  • Great price!
  • Lots of storage
  • Nice looking enough to go in family room
  • Dimensions 43″(L) x 17.75″(W) x 41″(H)
  • Counter height 22″

KidKraft also makes some of the best wooden play kitchens out there and you know you’re getting a quality toy with their brand.

A downside to this wooden play kitchen set is that it is a bit challenging to assemble (you’ll need a power screwdriver or drill). Also, it doesn’t come with accessories or play food. But other than that, it got rave reviews and is a big seller. 

Age 3+

KidKraft Uptown Expresso Kitchen is a top selling play wooden kitchen for kids

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Best Wooden Toy Kitchen Cooktops

I love all of these kitchens, but even the smallest of the best play kitchen sets does need some room to place it and for kids to play comfortably.

If you have a very small space, but still want to give your kids the experience of kitchen pretend play, there are wooden toy cooktop options that might work for you.

Below are a few of the best wooden toy kitchen cooktops I found. They are inexpensive, have good reviews and all of them come with accessories, which is nice.

M & D Deluxe Wooden CooktopM & D Deluxe Wooden CooktopM & D Deluxe Wooden CooktopHape Tabletop Cook and GrillHape Tabletop Cook and GrillHape Tabletop Cook and GrillM & D Wooden Pizza OvenM & D Wooden Pizza OvenM & D Wooden Pizza OvenImagination Generation CooktopImagination Generation CooktopImagination Generation Cooktop

 


best play kitchens

I hope our collection of the best wooden play kitchens helps you find the best toy kitchen for your child or the budding chef on your gift list. Any of these will inspire fun imaginative play that is so important to a toddler and preschooler’s growth and learning.

For more toy suggestions for preschoolers, check out our best toys for preschool boys and best toys for preschool girls gift guides!

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Best wooden play kitchen sets for kids
Best wooden play kitchen sets that kids will love

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2 thoughts on “10 Best Wooden Play Kitchens for Imaginative Pretend Play”

  1. Thank you so very much for this detailed review of kid’s play kitchens. I especially appreciated the measurements of each and every one!! This article helped me to make my (almost) final decision on which play kitchen to purchase. It’s either the KidKraft farm-to-table or large pastel kitchen.

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