https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:03:05 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855843 Fri, 09 Nov 2018 02:38:36 +0000 SugarplumsMom 2855843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I remember spending way too much time deciding on a play kitchen. A few years later, my advice is to buy the cheaper one if you like both of them anyway. I special ordered my Kidkraft kitchen (because back then, they weren't available in my country) and it took awhile to find a retailer. </p> <p>DD kitchen is still nice to look at, and she does play with it. But it doesn't get as much interest as a normal ol' IKEA play kitchen whenever we're at the store 😪 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855840 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 23:46:02 +0000 PinkElephant 2855840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: that particular PBK model doesn’t have nearly enough storage, IMO. We’ve got a larger KidKraft one (I chose it because it’s taller, not necessarily wider, and my six year old can still play with it and doesn’t tower over it. Some of the kitchens are ridiculously short!)...and we really use the fridge to keep food toys put away when it isn’t being played with. If we had open shelves and limited storage like the PBK one, it wouldn’t look nice like the stock photos; it would just always look disorganized. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855714 Thu, 08 Nov 2018 10:16:35 +0000 krispi 2855714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@merriment: We have this Kidkraft kitchen as well. It's in our actual kitchen, so I wanted something white and neutral that would blend in. Storage was also important to me, and I love how much stuff we can fit in the refrigerator. My daughter plays with it pretty often, and it's help up well. I've been really happy with it so far. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855265 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:35:07 +0000 agold 2855265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: I just saw that one! And one set is available for pick up at my local target. It doesn't seem to have any "buttons" so I'm not totally sure. </p> <p>@erinbaderin: Thanks. And yes... i really need to stop worrying about it so much. I just realized that I have thought about it so much, that now I missed the PB sale. Soooooo..... that may just change things. Ugh. FML. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855264 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 13:32:16 +0000 peachykeen 2855264@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have Kidkraft Uptown Kitchen in espresso and have had it about 2.5 years so far. I'm also annoyed by the oven/cabinet thing but they all seem to be like that. Our kitchen has held up super well - looks and works like brand-new despite lots of use and abuse. My 15mo loves to bang the cabinet doors open and shut over and over and over and no issues so far :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855226 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 12:21:41 +0000 erinbaderin 2855226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: I wouldn’t worry about this too much- either it won’t be an issue or they’ll figure something out. We have a different KidCraft one that we got for my older son and he was never really that into it, but my younger son plays with it a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855206 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:25:06 +0000 catgirl 2855206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a different play kitchen from kidkraft that we love. DD has played with it daily for 2.5 years now and it is in great shape. A few minor paint scuffs but I think that is to be expected </p> <p>I also noticed a new one from target from the hearth and hand line that looks really cute and has a similar vibe to the ones you posted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855205 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 11:22:49 +0000 lindseykaye 2855205@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Just chiming in because our KidKraft kitchen is smaller than both of these options and two kids play just fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855055 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 18:59:43 +0000 Calibee 2855055@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a pbk all in one kitchen. Not the retro...the other one. I can’t remember what it’s called. It’s gorgeous and super high quality and has survived several years of almost daily use. Including a destructive toddler boy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855040 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 18:10:43 +0000 agold 2855040@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JCCovi: @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Interesting how you mention about two kids playing at the kitchen. I have a 26 month old and a 6 month old. So I intend for this play kitchen to be used by both soon enough. OMG. Am I going to have to consider something else? I really don't want anything bigger than these two. But I have also considered going super small and cheap, and replacing with something bigger better in a year or two when I can move this all upstairs. Just right now we play more downstairs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855023 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 17:02:08 +0000 snowjewelz 2855023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love that KidKraft one! I don't know what brand mine is, but it's wood and I've had it for probably 3 years now and holding up great! I mean, some paint has chipped here &amp; there, but overall still in great shape for my girls to use years to come. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855004 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:33:17 +0000 JCCovi 2855004@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the PB one. It’s gotten some good use over the years and has held up through several moves. It’s great quality but mostly functional for one kid to play at a time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2855002 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:27:21 +0000 Madison43 2855002@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like I got a KidCraft lemon! We had to replace ours after a year because it was falling apart. But my kidcraft craft table has held up awesome. Anyways, we replaced our kitchen with a two piece set from PBk and love it. One word of caution - check the height of all sets you are considering. Some are much shorter and aimed at younger kids, while others are tall and will grow with you. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854995 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:08:03 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2854995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don’t know which is which, but the one with the gold handles and plant holder is adorable! </p> <p>My LO has an IKEA kitchen an it has enough books and shelving to keep his kitchen items stored. I could see two kids needing more counter space to play, but not that much since the stove becomes the counter and meals extend to his table and chairs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854988 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:49:34 +0000 Iced Tea 2854988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't have either of these; we have an old Ikea model. I wanted to chime in about counter space. Ours doesn't have any, but my kids happily use a stool next to it as counter space. I don't keep all the food items in the unit all at once, as it just seems to be too much. I rotate things in and out occasionally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854987 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:43:54 +0000 merriment 2854987@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@AGOLD My kids have the Vintage Wooden Play Kitchen in White. It was in our living room while we were in an apartment, and I really liked that you could totally close it up (so it looked much neater, even if the inside was a giant jumble). The additional shelf and cabinet were helpful for keeping everything contained. Lack of counter space was never an issue...they work on the "stove" and on the floor around the kitchen. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854984 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:40:27 +0000 EBSC 2854984@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a slightly different kidkraft one (this one:https://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-53298-Uptown-Natural-Kitchen/dp/B00ELRFLZM/ref=sr_1_11?s=toys-and-games&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1541446719&amp;sr=1-11&amp;keywords=kidkraft+kitchen) and it's only a year old, but looks like new.</p> <p>Agree with PP though, the big issue is always storage -- where do all those cans &amp; pots &amp; the food go? I like that the one we have allows a LOT of storage in the 'pantry' and we store dishes on the top part. DS (almost 3) is good about cleaning up, but hanging on a rail would be harder for him than piling in different sections :)</p> <p>I don't know that the PB one would be worth the $$, to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854973 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 14:11:13 +0000 Mrsbells 2854973@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a kidcraft kitcheb similar to this one<br /> .we have had it for years and love it. If you have ths space for it I would definitely get that over the pottery barn one which is more expensive and smaller </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854968 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:49:53 +0000 nana87 2854968@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: it doesn’t have counter space but that’s never really mattered, my los just sit on the floor or move to a nearby table. We live in an apartment though so I wouldn’t want it to take up any more space </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854967 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:49:09 +0000 lindseykaye 2854967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Ours has held up beautifully with lots of play and it was purchased over 4 years ago. </p> <p>I would say that the extra side space is really going to be helpful once you add all the accessories that go with a kitchen so if you have the footprint allowance for it and don't want to supplement with some other storage it will be a noticeable benefit. Basically the issue we run into is that when she is actually playing with the oven, where does all the stuff we keep in the oven go?! On the floor. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854966 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:47:59 +0000 agold 2854966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nana87: I really do want a solid piece of furniture. I also like that it's fairly simple looking so it won't be too much of an eyesore. Does your kitchen set have a counter space? Do you think it is necessary? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854964 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:47:04 +0000 agold 2854964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: Thank you! Yes, I saw that kitchen at Target yesterday and its what now has me stuck with making a decision! Re: price.. my mom is going to buy it. I would love to have her buy the lesser expensive one to save her money, but she is willing to buy the PB one as well. </p> <p>@merriment: Thank you for letting me know! Do you think having counter space is a deal breaker? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854963 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:46:58 +0000 nana87 2854963@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Weve had the pbk one for 3.5 years now and it’s still In great condition even with a ton of use. I can’t compare it with kid kraft since I don’t have experience with it, but the pbk one is a solid piece of furniture </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854962 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:44:47 +0000 merriment 2854962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a kidkraft kitchen (though a different version) and it continues to hold up super well after almost 5 years of near-daily use. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854961 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:42:22 +0000 agold 2854961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lindseykaye: Thank you for weighing in with such specific opinions! Do you think the extra side work space is a big deal? Also, how has your kid kraft kitchen held up? Does it seem like good quality? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854960 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:32:27 +0000 lindseykaye 2854960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I didn't vote but I wanted to chime in as someone who has a KidKraft play kitchen in a more public area of our house and the things we enjoy/don't enjoy so hopefully it helps when you consider your options.<br /> (Edited because I had the kitchens mixed up!)</p> <p>1) Both ovens open like doors vs. ovens. Ours also opens like a door and it's one of my peeves about the set because it's just not realistic! I thought one of these might be more accurate but they are the same so just pointing this out I guess :)</p> <p>2) The side shelving storage on the KidKraft one will be helpful for dishes and food accessories. We have a small kitchen that fits in a specific footprint/nook and it lacks storage so we end up putting all her dishes and utensils in the oven. The PB one looks like it also has plenty of storage under the sink and with the fridge being larger, you will likely put play food in there.</p> <p>3) The hooks on the rail of the KidKraft kitchen look pretty wide and like they fit the tools that come with the set, but likely are too big to fit other play tools (we have this issue). The PB kitchen has a nice rail with slim hooks and it looks like you can add plenty more hooks to expand and use that part of the kitchen. </p> <p>It's a pretty big cost difference, so that also would weigh heavily in my decision. That difference would go a long way in play food and accessories. Either way - these are both adorable and look high qualilty.</p> <p>(and for reference, this is what we have <a href="https://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-Toddler-Kitchen-Right-Exclusive/dp/B00GCRHX0A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_3?ie=UTF8&#038;refRID=0SSB67T8P249QEVZDGV2" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/KidKraft-Toddler-Kitchen-Right-Exclusive/dp/B00GCRHX0A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_t_3?ie=UTF8&#038;refRID=0SSB67T8P249QEVZDGV2</a> )</p> <p>Oh and Target has your KidKraft kitchen for $109 right now <a href="https://www.target.com/p/kidkraft-boho-bungalow-play-kitchen/-/A-53511588?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&#038;AFID=google_pla_df&#038;fndsrc=tgtao&#038;CPNG=PLA_Toys_Priority%2BShopping&#038;adgroup=Toys_Priority+TCINs&#038;LID=700000001170770pgs&#038;network=g&#038;device=c&#038;location=1015033&#038;ds_rl=1246978&#038;ds_rl=1248099&#038;ds_rl=1246978&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo86RhvO93gIVELjACh2eTQ9MEAQYASABEgIHH_D_BwE&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/kidkraft-boho-bungalow-play-kitchen/-/A-53511588?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&#038;AFID=google_pla_df&#038;fndsrc=tgtao&#038;CPNG=PLA_Toys_Priority%2BShopping&#038;adgroup=Toys_Priority+TCINs&#038;LID=700000001170770pgs&#038;network=g&#038;device=c&#038;location=1015033&#038;ds_rl=1246978&#038;ds_rl=1248099&#038;ds_rl=1246978&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo86RhvO93gIVELjACh2eTQ9MEAQYASABEgIHH_D_BwE&#038;gclsrc=aw.ds</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/please-help-me-pick-a-play-kitchen#post-2854946 Mon, 05 Nov 2018 13:03:35 +0000 agold 2854946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Please let me know if you have experience with either of these two play kitchens or can recommend one over the other:</p> <p>Pottery Barn Kids All-In-One Retro Kitchen: $279 on sale<br /> KidKraft Boho Kitchen at Target: $110 </p> <p>I will have it for quite a few years (so I want it to be good quality); it will likely be downstairs in the family room for the next couple of years (so I want it to look nice); and, most importantly, I want my girls to have fun playing with it. Does the lack of counterspace on the PB kitchen make it less functional than the KidKraft? Is KidKraft good quality? Is there another kitchen you can recommend? Thank you for your help! Its a big and exciting purchase by my mom for my kids. </p> [attach=6320/18/phqfi0.600x600.GUEST_33d6f581-af4e-424a-899d-84738a8f12d0.jpg] [attach=6320/18/phqfi1.600x529.all-in-1-retro-kitchen-o.jpg]