Ariel Dunlap
10 min readApr 10, 2024

Welcome to our roundup of the best cooking toys! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these fantastic additions to your kitchen will make cooking fun, entertaining, and oh-so-delicious. Dive in and discover the perfect tool to spice up your culinary adventures.

The Top 5 Best Cooking Toys

  1. My Life as Kitchen Appliance Play Set: Multi-Function 18-Inch Doll Toys — Bring the magic of cooking to life for your child with the My Life As Kitchen Appliance Play Set, designed for 18-inch dolls and loved by users, ages 5 and up.
  2. Ultimate Baking Fun Bundle — Skill-Boosting Cooking Toys for Kids — Indulge your child’s passion for baking with the Handstand Kitchen 75 Piece Ultimate Baker Set, a comprehensive and safe baker’s toolkit, suitable for ages 6 and above, designed for hours of fun and creativity in the kitchen.
  3. Ultimate Kids’ Baking and Cooking Set — For Ages 6 and Up — Baketivity 31 Piece Kids Cooking and Baking Set — Foster a lifelong love for baking and create unforgettable family memories with this ultimate baking toy for kids ages 6 and up!
  4. Magnolia Hearth & Hand Cooking Set for Little Chefs — Bring every mealtime to life with the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Toy Cooking Set, featuring a classic wooden design and playful, plaid-styled utensils, inspiring creativity and imaginative play for little chefs and their families.
  5. Playful Chef Deluxe Charcuterie Kitchen Set — Transform your little chef into a charcuterie master with the MindWare Deluxe Toy Charcuterie Kit, complete with kid-safe knives, utensils, and festive recipes!

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Reviews

My Life as Kitchen Appliance Play Set: Multi-Function 18-Inch Doll Toys

My Life as Kitchen Appliance Play Set: Multi-Function 18-Inch Doll Toys | Image

As a mom, I’m always looking for products that combine fun and learning for my child. The My Life as Kitchen Appliance Playset for 18-inch Dolls has been a gamechanger in our household. The set includes an air fryer, blender, coffee maker, toaster, and a host of other kitchen utensils and pots and pans. The attention to detail in each appliance is impressive, making playtime feel like real-world cooking.

One feature I particularly appreciate is the sound effects on some of the appliances. The coffee maker doesn’t just look like it’s brewing, it also makes realistic beeping sounds when you press the button. Similarly, the toaster pops up the bread just like the real thing. It’s these interactive elements that make the playset more than just a toy; it’s a tool for imaginative learning.

The quality of the items is top-notch. The paintwork on the food items is vibrant and the utensils are sturdy, made to withstand curious little hands. It’s clear that the manufacturers have put a lot of thought into the design and construction of this playset.

However, there is one downside. Some of the smaller parts may pose a choking hazard for children under a certain age. It’s crucial to supervise playtime and ensure the pieces are put away when not in use.

Overall, the My Life as Kitchen Appliance Playset has become a staple in our household. My child loves playing with it and it’s been a fantastic companion during playtime. The realistic features enhance the interactive play experience and make it more than just a toy. Despite the size-related concern, I would wholeheartedly recommend this playset to other parents.

Ultimate Baking Fun Bundle — Skill-Boosting Cooking Toys for Kids

Ultimate Baking Fun Bundle - Skill-Boosting Cooking Toys for Kids | Image

As a reviewer who recently used the Handstand Kitchen 75 Piece Ultimate Baker Set, I must say, it’s a game-changer for kids who love to bake. The set comes with a variety of colorful tools and molds that make baking easy and fun for young ones.

The high-quality silicone, plastic, and polypropylene materials make this set safe and durable, perfect for the oven or dishwasher. I enjoyed helping my little one decorate Super Fun sugar cookies and even learned a thing or two about measuring ingredients. The 75-piece set offers endless possibilities, and the included recipe booklet is a great bonus for those who need some inspirations.

Overall, I’m very pleased with this product and will continue using it in our baking adventures.

Ultimate Kids’ Baking and Cooking Set — For Ages 6 and Up

Ultimate Kids' Baking and Cooking Set - For Ages 6 and Up | Image

Over the past week, I’ve been using the 31-piece Baketivity Kids Cooking and Baking Set as a fun way to bond with my kids and introduce them to the world of baking. This set stands out because it feels like a real baking set. The utensils have an adult-sized look, and it even comes with a kid-friendly apron.

The variety of items in the set, from measuring cups to cookie sheets, made it feel like a comprehensive toolkit for little bakers. It’s a great way for parents to teach their kids about the basics of cooking and baking.

The only downside: the set is a bit too small for my 8-year-old to use effectively, and the plastic knives need to be replaced. Nonetheless, this set is still a fantastic gift for kids from ages 6 and up.

Magnolia Hearth & Hand Cooking Set for Little Chefs

Magnolia Hearth & Hand Cooking Set for Little Chefs | Image

As a parent or caregiver, I believe that encouraging imaginative play is crucial for a child’s development. I recently got the Toy Cooking Set from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia for my little one, and it instantly became one of their favorite playthings. The painted and plaid designs offer a clean look and feel, while the wooden construction gives it a classic appeal.

One of the features I loved is the sturdiness of the pot and pan. They have held up well even during some rough playtime. The utensils are the perfect size for small hands and fit nicely in the little kitchen’s pegs. However, I noticed that the pan and pot are quite shallow — it doesn’t allow for much pretend cooking, but that might not be a big issue for younger children just starting to play with these toys.

Although I appreciated the overall design and durability, I did find that the quality could be better. The painted surface on the pot and pan seems a bit flimsy and might not hold up as well as I hoped. Another concern I have is the potential for choking hazards due to some of the small parts, such as the lid and the utensils.

Despite these minor issues, the Toy Cooking Set from Hearth and Hand with Magnolia has been a great addition to our playtime routine. It encourages creativity and imaginative play, and I’m glad I made the purchase. With proper care, it should last and continue to bring joy to my little one’s playtime.

Playful Chef Deluxe Charcuterie Kitchen Set

Playful Chef Deluxe Charcuterie Kitchen Set | Image

As a young chef learning the ropes from her grandmother, I was thrilled to receive the MindWare Playful Chef Deluxe Charcuterie Kit. With its wide range of kid-friendly utensils, including three safe knives, I quickly became confident in my newfound culinary skills. The full-color recipe cards and pamphlet with holiday-themed ideas provided endless inspiration for creating delicious and adorable charcuterie boards.

One of my favorite features was the wooden charcuterie board, shaped cutters, and other wooden tools that allowed me to create intricate designs on my boards. The kit also included a variety of utensils, perfect for scooping up and serving the delectable treats I prepared. Safe and well-made, the Playful Chef Deluxe Charcuterie Kit has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, as I eagerly anticipate sharing my creations with family and friends.

Buyer’s Guide

Welcome to the Buyer’s Guide for Cooking Toys! This section will provide you with important information, considerations, and advice to help you make the best purchase for your child’s culinary adventures. While our focus is on general aspects of cooking toys, we hope this guide will assist you in choosing the perfect toy for your little chef.

Important Features to Consider

When selecting a cooking toy, consider the following features to ensure your child gets the most out of their playtime experience. These features include: safety, durability, age appropriateness, and educational value. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure your child’s cooking toy is both safe and stimulating.

Safety Considerations

Ensuring a toy’s safety is paramount, especially when it involves food-related play. Look for toys that meet industry safety standards and are made from non-toxic, food-grade materials. Additionally, consider the toy’s design and whether it contains any small parts that may pose a choking hazard. Select toys with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to minimize the risk of injury.

Durability and Longevity

A well-constructed cooking toy should be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily play. Consider toys made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand frequent use. Additionally, look for toys that are easy to clean, so your child can continue to enjoy their culinary playtime without interruption.

Age Appropriateness

Cooking toys come in various sizes and styles, designed for different age groups. Ensure the toy you choose is appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage. Look for toys that are easy for young children to grip and maneuver, while also providing a challenge for older children with more complex features.

FAQ

What are Cooking Toys?

Cooking Toys are a fun and interactive way for children to learn about cooking and food preparation. These toys often include play ovens, stoves, utensils, and ingredients that allow kids to role-play and simulate real-life cooking activities in a safe and engaging environment. They provide educational value as well as entertainment for children of all ages.

Cooking Toys are also great for fostering creativity and imagination, as children can use their imagination to create their own dishes and scenarios. Additionally, they can help to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in younger children, making them a valuable addition to any toy collection.

What age range are Cooking Toys suitable for?

Cooking Toys come in various sizes and designs, making them suitable for a wide range of ages. Some are best suited for younger children, with larger pieces and simple operation, while others may be more complex and appropriate for older children. It’s essential to choose the right Cooking Toy depending on the age and skill level of the child in question.

For example, younger children may enjoy play kitchen sets, with large plastic utensils and play food, while older children might prefer more intricate and detailed Cooking Toys, such as miniature ovens and stoves, complete with realistic knobs and controls. Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range before purchasing a Cooking Toy, to ensure it is the right fit for your child.

What materials are Cooking Toys typically made from?

The materials used in Cooking Toys can vary depending on the brand and model. Most are made from plastic, as it is durable, lightweight, and safe for children to play with. Some toys may also incorporate metal components, such as stainless steel knobs or dials on stoves or ovens, but these are usually made from a child-safe alloy to minimize the risk of injury.

Additionally, some Cooking Toys may be made from Wood or Bamboo, providing a more eco-friendly and sustainable option. These toys can often be identified by their natural finish and texture, and may have a more rustic or vintage aesthetic compared to plastic alternatives. Whichever material you choose, ensure that it is safe and durable, and well-suited to withstand regular play.

Can Cooking Toys be used as educational tools?

Absolutely! Cooking Toys are an excellent way to introduce children to the world of cooking and food preparation. Through play, kids can learn about different ingredients, cooking techniques, and even basic nutrition. They can also practice counting, measuring, and following instructions, as they pretend to prepare and serve meals to friends and family.

Parents can further enhance the educational value of Cooking Toys by using them as teaching tools. For example, you can teach your child about healthy eating habits by encouraging them to create balanced meals with their toys, or even engage in simple food-related science experiments, such as making “sausages” with play dough and baking soda.

What should I look for when buying Cooking Toys?

When purchasing Cooking Toys, there are several factors you should consider, to ensure that you are getting a safe and high-quality product for your child. Firstly, make sure that the toy is suitable for your child’s age and skill level, as indicated by the manufacturer’s recommended age range. This will help to ensure that the toy is both enjoyable and safe to use.

Next, check the materials used in the toy, ensuring that they are durable and safe for your child to play with. Look for toys made from non-toxic materials, and avoid those with sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, consider the size and weight of the toy, as you want something that is large and light enough for younger children to easily handle and manipulate.

What are some popular Cooking Toys on the market today?

There are a variety of Cooking Toys available in the market today, catering to a range of ages and interests. Some popular examples include: play kitchen sets, complete with plastic ovens, stoves, and utensils; miniature food items, such as play fruits and vegetables, which can be used to create play meals; and more complex toys, such as electronic play grills, which simulate the sizzling and heating sounds of real cooking appliances.

Another popular option is the Lehmann Waldorf Natural Kitchen, which is made from sustainably sourced wood and features a realistic oven, stove, and utensils. Similarly, the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Chef’s Set comes with a wooden oven, stove, and accessories, and has a more vintage aesthetic, ideal for children who prefer a traditional or rustic theme.

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