Remember the Easy Bake Oven ? We do! Kitchen Sets have been a mainstay of cool kids toys since 1963 when Hasbro introduced the first Easy Bake. As Kitchen sets go, this one is certainly the leader of the pack.
So funny - during our research we saw the way that Easy Bake Oven had changed with the times...In 1969 the oven has a BEAUTIFUL avocado green color. Then in 70 got a "harvest gold" color - what were we thinking?! And then, with a marketing move never to be rivaled, the addition of an orange, white, and brown microwave in 1978. The New Easy Bake Oven has certainly evolved...
We've come a long way.
Today, there are some very well equiped kitchen play kits. You'll find working clocks, accessory kits, even bay windows and faux granite! (Even I don;t have a granite counter-top!)
So our kids have a better kitchen set than we do. At least they don't cost as much!!
Shopping for a Kitchen Set
When you begin looking, know what's out there. There are definitley a few considerations to make before you begin your search...
- Is it for only a girl? Or are there brothers in the mix? Some of the sets that we looked at are definitely less "girly."
- How old are your kids? Some of the kitchen sets have so much reality built in, they are a little much for a 3 year old
- How much space do you have? This is a toy best placed in a playroom. Many are over four feet high and 2 or 3 feet deep - make sure you look closely at the specs!
- Furniture or toy? Some of these sets get really complex. for example, the Lifestyle Custom Kitchen and the Kidcraft Kitchen are both heavily constructed and more closely resemble "fun furniture" than a kitchen play set.
- How much do you want to spend? You should be able to get into a nice, fun play set for around $65-$70, but for some of the upscale models, don't be suprised to see $140+.
Our Favorites
During our testing we found that our youngest staff members often had a much different view of what was cool and what wasn't. For example, every single one of our "non-child" testers gave the Kidcraft Kitchen the highest overall marks. While Josie and Sara (5 and 4, respectively) both thought that Dora's Talking Kitchen was the be-all-end-all play set. The feature set couldn't have mattered less! Jingles the Elf put it best...
"A kitchen set gift makes your kid a great baker, unless she has more fun with the wrapping paper!"
For girls who are a little older, say 5-6, there are some very "real" looking sets - the step2, LifeStyle Custom Kitchen . This comes complete with stainless steel appliances, granite=like counter tops, electric cooking sounds and more. Very nice set. This one is also noteworthy because it is not huge. It's footprint is 28x14x41 (LxWxH) so it will fit in a corner or bedroom pretty easily.
Have a look at all the other kitchen sets available - there are many to choose from. Those that we couldn't get our hands on were thoroughly researched for spec and safety. Have a look around - don't forget to keep an eye out for featured discounts on some of the items!
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