When it comes to nurturing creativity and imagination, few toys are as versatile and engaging as pretend play kitchens and accessories. From cooking up a storm in a fully-equipped play kitchen to setting up a pretend grocery store, these toys offer endless opportunities for children to explore the world of cooking, role-playing, and social interaction.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best kids’ kitchen playsets and accessories available, perfect for sparking hours of fun, learning, and pretend play. Whether you’re looking for a realistic kitchen set, a grocery store setup, or fun food-themed accessories, these top picks are sure to inspire your child’s culinary creativity.
Step2 Best Chefs Kids Kitchen Playset– $89.98
This set offers an interactive and realistic cooking experience for young children, featuring a variety of pretend appliances, cookware, and utensils (complete with a recycling bin).
Melissa & Doug Freestanding Wooden Fresh Mart Grocery Store– $160.99
Sturdy, hand-crafted design with shelves, a countertop, and a built-in cash register, making it perfect for hours of pretend play. Children can role-play as shopkeepers or customers, developing social and math skills while engaging in imaginative scenarios. This grocery store offers endless fun for little entrepreneurs.
Pretend Play Kitchen Sink Toys with Play Cooking Stove– $34.99
Kids will love the real working faucet, drying rack, and pots that really give off steam. Made from non-toxic, durable materials, this set encourages imaginative play while helping kids develop fine motor skills and an understanding of everyday kitchen tasks.
Melissa & Doug Top and Bake Wooden Pizza Counter Play Set– $29.50
Kids love eating pizza, and that always carries over into play. This Melissa & Doug Top & Bake Wooden Pizza Counter Play Set lets kids create their own custom pizzas with a variety of toppings, a pizza cutter, and a wooden oven for baking.
Melissa & Doug Chef Role Play Costume Set With Accessories– $28.80
You can’t be a chef in the kitchen without a chef’s jacket, hat, and apron!
Step2 Sizzle and Smoke BBQ Grill Kids Playset– $84.99
Bring the fun of outdoor cooking to your child’s playtime, featuring realistic grilling sounds, smoke effects, and a variety of interactive accessories like pretend food, tongs, and a spatula.
Melissa & Doug Felt Food Sandwich Play Food Set– $9.99
We have this set and absolutely love it! From bologna and peanut butter & jelly to pita bread and pickles, the pieces it comes with are adorable and the soft felt pieces are perfect for little hands.
Pretend Play Kitchen Wooden Toy in Sage with Gold Fixtures– $99.99
For those looking for a more stylish play kitchen, this one features a beautifully crafted, realistic design that includes a sink, oven, microwave, telephone, and a variety of utensils. It’s charming and perfect for placing in almost any room in the house!
Melissa & Doug Prepare and Serve Pasta Play Food Set– $26.99
We got this one last Chanukah and it does not disappoint. Complete with a variety of pasta shapes, ravioli fillings, sauces, and a velcro fork that swirls the felt spaghetti perfectly.
Melissa & Doug Play-Time Produce Fruit– $35.50
You know those flimsy plastic fruits and vegetables that always get dented? That won’t happen with this set. It’s durable, realistic, and helps children learn about healthy foods through play—whether they’re running a farmer’s market, shopping at a grocery store, or picking from their pretend garden.
Learning Resources New Sprouts Classroom Kitchen Set– $89.99
Utensils are a must-have in any play kitchen, and this set delivers! Vibrant, durable, and designed for group play, it’s perfect for playdates or sharing with siblings.
Toy Shopping Cart with Basket– $34.99
This adorable floral-themed shopping cart for kids comes with a folding design, making it easy to store and carry. Complete with a 24-piece food set, AND a basket for a baby doll!
From my own experience, I bought the Melissa and Doug Freestanding Wooden Fresh Mart Grocery Set two years ago, hoping it would entertain my children (aged 1-12). It was a non-success from the start. It took up a lot of space in my playroom, the food they provided was pithy, the ‘refrigerator’ door came off pretty fast and couldn’t be replaced, the conveyor belt needs to be moved manually, the scanner wasn’t half as exciting as the cheap cash register we have for many years now…
Overall, it was a disappointment. It was durable, and wouldn’t complete break, leaving me with guilt when I threw it out a year after we bought it.
In contrast to that, my mother has the Step 2 Best Chef’s kitchen playset for years and years now, and it’s a winner- all the time! Better price than the grocery set, and much better use. Between the two- definitely go for the kitchen!
Hi Raizy,
This feedback is so important! We appreciate you leaving this review from your own personal experience. This will help others find the best kitchen playsets for their budding young chefs!
-Chana Tzirel from Kosher.com