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 (except for one which is new and has no reviews yet)

In a hurry? >>>> Check out our top choice for the best wooden play kitchen right here on Amazon!

Best Wooden Play Kitchens

The links below take you to Amazon, where you can view current prices and reviews for each toy.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Toy Kitchen With “Ice” Cube Dispenser

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Toy Kitchen With “Ice” Cube Dispenser

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
• 43.25″(L) x 15.5″(W) x 39″(H)
• Counter height 20.5″

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.

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.

Age 3+

 Melissa & Doug 21 Hand-Painted Wooden Food Pieces and 4 Crates Melissa & Doug 9 Piece Wooden Pantry Products Play Food Set

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KidKraft Uptown Natural Kitchen

KidKraft Uptown Natural Kitchen

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

This play kitchen has one of the tallest counter heights (22 inches) of the wooden play kitchens on our list. If you’re looking for a play kitchen for an older or taller child, scroll down a bit to see the tallest play kitchen set 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
• 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+

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KidKraft Grand Gourmet Corner Kitchen

KidKraft 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!
• 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.

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 awesome 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 cookies (pictured further down) and pizza will fit inside this oven. Score!

Age 3+

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

 KidKraft Pastel 27pc Cookware Set KidKraft Tasty Treats Chef Accessory Set

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Hape Playfully Delicious Wooden Play Kitchen Set + 13 Pc Dishes

Hape Playfully Delicious Wooden Kitchen with 13 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!
• 22″(L) x 12.6″(W) x 28″(H)
• Counter height 19.5″

This Hape kitchen set and dishes also comes in 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+

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Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Wooden Kitchen Play Set

Melissa & Doug Cook’s Corner Wooden Pretend 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
• 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

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.

 Melissa & Doug Wooden Play Cutting Fruit Set Melissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Cookie Play Food Set

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Teamson Kids Little Chef Wooden Toy Kitchen

Teamson Kids Little Chef Wooden Play Kitchen with Accessories

This Teamson Kids Little Chef 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
• 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 natural wood look of this toy kitchen – it’s a great choice for boys!

Age 3+

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!

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KidKraft Deluxe Big & Bright Kitchen

KidKraft Deluxe Big & Bright Kitchen

They weren’t kidding when they named this Big & Bright! How fun are those colors? This KidKraft Deluxe Kitchen is another big selling wooden play kitchen from the KidKraft brand.

This play kitchen has the tallest counter height (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
• Lots of storage space
• Comes with pictured accessories and phone
• Removable sink
• 42.25″(L) x 17.25(W) x 43″(H)
• Counter height 23.25″

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+

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

 KidKraft Tasty Treats Play Food Set (115 pcs.) KidKraft Brights Cookware Set (27 pcs.)

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Step2 Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen & Island Play

Step2 Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen & Island Play

The Step2 brand is known for their quality kids toys for toddlers on up to grade-school age kids and they make some of the best play kitchens for kids.

The Uptown Urban Wood Kitchen and Island is brand new to their line, so there aren’t many reviews out there yet. I did find one excellent review from a woman who bought it for her home daycare center, so that’s a good sign.

I’m still including it on our list of the best wooden play kitchens because its made by a well-known brand and it has a unique look and features that I love. Here are a few of them:

• Modern, industrial look for realistic play
• Attractive enough to go in family room
• 2-sided play great for multiple kids
• Loads of shelves and hanging storage
• Frosted inset on oven door and fridge
• Stovetop has a grill
• Includes 10 accessories (pan, plate, fork, knife, spoon, spatula and 3 stirring spoons)
• 40″(L) x 12″(W) x 33.5(H)

Since this wooden play kitchen is a new release, I could not find the counter height on it. I was able to find the other dimensions from the Step2 website directly.

I love that kids can play from both sides of this and the realistic look will inspire lots of other pretend play, like “restaurant chef”!

Age 3+

A proper chef needs to be stocked up on good cookware and produce, so below are a couple playsets that would add to the fun of this play kitchen. If you pick up a few more S hooks, you could hang the pots on the rack, which would save space and look adorable!

 Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots and Pans for Kids (8 pcs) Joyin Toy Wooden Produce (Kids can pretend slice it!)

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Hape My Creative Cookery Club Kid’s Wooden Play Kitchen

Hape My Creative Cookery Club Kid’s Wooden 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
• 20″(L) x 32″(H)
• Counter height 20″

All of these wooden toy kitchens  specify they are for kids age 3 and up. But the smaller ones, like this one, are really great for toddlers because of their low counter height. I imagine the age recommendation is just in case a knob or other part comes loose and could be a choking hazard. Many reviewers bought this for toddlers and supervised their play to make sure the kiddos were safe.

This little play kitchen set is a great deal due to its craftmanship and all the accessories it comes with! 

Age 3+

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KidKraft Red Retro Kitchen

KidKraft Vintage Red Retro Kitchen

We end our list of the best wooden play kitchens with the KidKraft Red Retro Kitchen. I just LOVE the retro look, so this one is my second favorite (after the KidKraft Grand Gourmet above).

This kitchen also comes in pink, aqua and white. In those colors, it’s called the KidKraft Vintage Kitchen, instead of Retro, but it’s the same one.

The pink kitchen has the most reviews, so be sure and browse through them so you can see how happy parents are with this wooden play kitchen set. Here’s a few reasons it’s a big seller:

• Charming retro look
• Removable sink
• Lots of storage
• Large enough for multiple kids
• 33″(L) x 13″(W) x 35.70″(H)
• Counter Height 18.75″

Alas, the downside (you guessed it) is 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. The only other downside is that the counter height is a little low. That’s great for older toddlers and young preschoolers, but a 4 or 5 year old may be a little tall to play with it comfortably.

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 that, the KidKraft Retro and Vintage sets are just too darn cute to not be on our list of the best wooden play kitchens!

Age 3-6

The Red Retro 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 Star Diner Restaurant Play Set (41 Piece) Melissa & Doug Server Role Play Costume with Accessories

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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.

 Melissa & Doug 17-Piece Deluxe Wooden Cooktop Set Hape Tabletop Kid’s Wooden Grill Play Set Wooden Tabletop Cooktop Kitchenette Set ALEX Toys Wooden Cook Top

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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!

Search below for more of the best play kitchens for kids!