Lets talk play kitchens

In the toys for 18-24 month thread, many of you recommended play kitchens. My girls are on their way to 16 months, and I'm wondering if they might enjoy a little kitchen now, or if I should wait. When did you all get them and when were they a hit?

Also, what brands or varieties do you have that you'd recommend? Plastic versus wood? Fancy versus very basic? A few other twin moms have told me their play kitchens are the frequent scenes of meltdowns because there's only one sink and only one oven and both twins want to use whatever favorite part at the same time. Has that been a problem for any of you?

Thanks!

 

I got my girls the Little Tikes Indoor/Outdoor Cook 'n Grill kitchen for Christmas last year, so they were 3 months shy of two years old. They played with it then, and every day since then. The older they get, the more they pretend with it, but it's been a hug hit. I like that it has two sides, a little less fighting that way.

 

I found an awesome wooden set at a consignment shop when the babies were only a couple months old. Sink, stove & fridge and it came stocked with tons of play food (the Melissa & Doug kind), etc.....all for $125, so I couldn't pass it up!

I can't really remember when they started playing with it. I know at least by 14 mos; they were fascinated by opening & closing the doors. Now they're really into it and "cook" me birthday cakes & coffees all the time. Mine fight like crazy over most toys, but not usually the kitchen set; seems like they play better together with that one. Dh & I both prefer wooden toys in general, and we just love this set. It looks like it'll last forever. Another benefit to being wood is that we're able to screw them to the wall.

 

I got one for my boys (yes, boys!) when they were 17 months and the loved it! They still pay with it now just as much as when they first got it. I got the little tikes one that 'talks'. It was $100. I kind of wished I got a bigger one. Here it is.

 

We got a cheap, little play kitchen when they were just shy of two. The love that thing and play with it all the time.

 

We got one at 26 months (Xmas gift) on clearance from Sams (the walk in kitchen), we almost got the indoor/outdoor Little Tikes. Both of them had EXTRA space for 2+ kids. The walk-in was cheaper due to clearance item.....but that said it takes up a lot of room and the inddor/outdoor may have been worth the extra $.

It has been a hit since we opened the box!! We really dont get many fights...only the play phone & a birthday cake we have!! They knda move around a lot and there is a lot of counter space so it all works out.
KC

 

Last week (or maybe two weeks ago) I posted about the absolute blood bath it was when I bought a $40 play kitchen for my boys (they are 14 months). Frankly, I think the fighting factor is probably reliant on what the temperment your kids have. If I have 2 of one toy, each boy will want both of them. If I had a 6 foot long play kitchen, they would both want to be in the same square foot of it.

Lucky me.

But they do absolutely love putting things in all the compartments and opening and closing the doors.

 

We have the step 2 deluxe kitchen and we love it!! I got it for them on their 2nd b-day. ( I found it on Craigslist for a great price!)

 

We played with one at my aunt's house this past weekend. There was no fighting and we're actually getting one (handed down) from a friend. Griffin was very excited with how things worked while Ella wanted the food and pots and pans!! They absolutely loved it!!! How ironic this just came up!!!!