The Best Kids Cooking Sets for Your Child’s Culinary Fun
Over the years, the landscape of toys has seen numerous exciting additions, notably in the realm of kids' cooking set products. These playsets have been making a significant impact, capturing the attention of children and adults alike for their innovative approach to creative play. Consider for a moment the thrill of your child preparing their "first meal," or the joy you feel witnessing their culinary creativity thrive. These top-rated kids cooking sets are making these precious moments possible, combining fun and learning in one interactive package. Their versatility caters to various abilities, from developing motor skills to nurturing an early interest in cooking. In this review guide, we'll share the scoop on these noteworthy products and provide you with important factors to consider to help you select the perfect cooking set for your little budding chef.
A Buying Guide To Finding the Best Kids' Cooking Sets
If you’ve been wondering how to get your children interested in the culinary world, a kids cooking set could be the perfect solution. These sets not only encourage creativity but also teach essential life skills like patience and following instructions. But how do you find the best kids cooking set? This buying guide is here to help you navigate this decision with the top factors to consider before you make a purchase.
Material
When buying a kids cooking set, the first factor you should consider is the material of the set. Make sure the set is made from sturdy, non-toxic materials that can handle the occasional drops and rough handling and are safe to use. Plastic is a common choice for younger kids as it’s durable and safe. However, as your child grows older, you might want to transition to sets made of metal or silicone, which are more similar to actual cookware.
Age Appropriateness
Not all kids cooking sets are suitable for all ages. Some are meant for toddlers who are just beginning to explore, while others are designed for older children who can handle more intricate tasks. Check the manufacturer’s age recommendation to ensure the set is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. Remember, the best kids cooking set is the one your child can use safely and enjoy.
Variety
A good kids cooking set should not just consist of pots and pans. It should have a variety of items to help stir their imagination and culinary interest. Look for sets that include a variety of utensils, ingredients, and even recipe cards. Little chefs will relish the opportunity to ‘prepare’ a meal from start to finish.
Play vs. Real Cooking
There are two main types of kids cooking sets: play cooking sets and real cooking sets. Play cooking sets are designed for pretend play and often include plastic food, pots, and pans. On the other hand, real cooking sets are designed for children to help out in the kitchen with real food. Both types of sets offer different benefits, so consider what kind of cooking set would best suit your child’s interests and your comfort level.
Educational Value
Aside from the fun factor, consider the educational value of the kids cooking set. The best kids cooking sets can help children learn basic math skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even science. Look for sets that come with recipe cards or cookbooks designed for kids. These can provide an excellent opportunity to introduce your child to basic cooking techniques and nutritional information.
Ease of Cleaning
Let’s face it – cooking can be messy, and more so when kids are involved. When choosing a kids cooking set, consider how easy it is to clean. Dishwasher-safe pieces can save a lot of hassle. After all, you want to encourage your child to love cooking, not dread the cleanup.
Durability
Last but not least, consider the durability of the kids cooking set. Kids can be rough with their toys, and a cooking set is no exception. Investing in a durable set that can withstand some wear and tear is crucial. It may cost a bit more, but it will last longer, providing your child with endless hours of cooking fun.
Conclusion
Selecting the best kids cooking set involves more than just choosing the one with the most attractive colors or designs. With considerations like the factors above, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your little chef. With the right cooking set, you’ll not only provide your child with hours of fun but also lay the foundation for a lifelong love of cooking.
Our Top Kids Cooking Set of 2023
I’m The Chef Too! Kids Cooking Set – Best Overall
Embark on an educational and delicious journey with the I’m The Chef Too! Kids Cooking Set — an engaging blend of food, STEM, and the Arts designed for ages 4-14. This kids’ cooking set transforms baking into an exciting adventure, inviting little ones to create galaxy donuts with brightly-colored galactic glaze. Not only that, but they will be educated about the universe, determine their weight on other planets, and point out constellations — an enticing fusion of science they can eat and learn about.
This kids cooking set includes a recipe, activity guide, and pre-measured, non-perishable ingredients, offering hours of educational fun. It’s a gift of knowledge that is perfect for birthdays, play dates, holidays, and family events, and it makes six delicious galaxy donuts for sharing and learning together. Because of its unique recipe and educational aspects, this kit has been chosen as the best kids’ cooking set on this list.
Pros
- Unique donut recipe
- Educational and fun
- Ideal for holidays or events
Cons
- May be overpriced
Tovla Jr. Kids Cooking Set – Most Gender-Neutral Set
Introducing the Tovla Jr. Kids Cooking Set — the ultimate cooking companion for aspiring young chefs. Packed in a portable and reusable toolbox, this set includes a unisex apron, cookbook, kitchen timer, measuring cups and spoons, rolling pin, tongs, serving spoon, spatula, three nylon knives, three cookie cutters, whisk, and a cutting board. All of the accessories and cooking utensils are non-toxic and made from food-grade materials, ensuring safety and confidence in the kitchen.
This kids cooking set sparks creativity with its gender-neutral cooking supplies, perfect for both boys and girls. The set’s stylish colors are aesthetically pleasing, and the unisex apron allows your little chef to unleash their culinary talents without the worry of a mess. Additionally, this set helps your child develop fine motor skills as well as improve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Pros
- Ideal for boys and girls
- Comes with a storage case
- Has non-toxic accessories
Cons
- Timer does not ding
Baketivity Kids Cooking Set – Most Realistic Utensils
Get ready to ignite the culinary spark in your young ones with the Baketivity Kids Cooking Set With its real yet safe utensils that are perfectly sized for their tiny hands, it will be like your child has their own professional kitchen! This kids’ cooking set includes two collapsible mixing bowls, a cutting board, a knife, a potato masher, a pizza cutter, a peeler, tongs, a chef’s hat, an apron, basic kitchen utensils, and an informative kitchen tool guide.
Each utensil in this kids cooking set is designed to be safe and easy to handle for young chefs, as they feature easy-grip handles and smooth edges. They are non-toxic, BPA-free, and are built to last, and can withstand heat up to 200° F. Moreover, maintenance is a breeze, since the utensils are dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- High-quality, real-feel utensils
- Non-toxic and BPA-free
- Tools are easy to clean
Cons
- Knives are a little dull
PERLLI Kids Cooking Set – Best Size for Little Hands
Introduce your little chef to the joy of cooking with the PERLLI Kids Cooking Set. These cooking tools are the perfect size for little hands, are crafted from non-toxic food-grade materials, and contain no sharp edges, ensuring the utmost safety for your child. This complete cooking and baking ensemble includes an apron, recipe cards, cookie cutters, a cutting board, a knife set, measuring cups and spoons, a kitchen timer, and more real utensils, all neatly packed in a convenient storage container.
Designed in a fun and friendly orange and white coloring, this gender-neutral kids cooking set adds excitement in the kitchen for both girls and boys. This set also comes with five delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, encouraging independent culinary adventures with just a bit of assistance. It’s a delightful gift that sparks creativity and a love for cooking!
Pros
- Perfectly sized for little hands
- Contains real, non-toxic utensils
- Includes a storage container
Cons
- Container may crack easily
MasterChef Junior Kids Cooking Set – Best for Budding Young Chefs
Ignite the culinary passion in your young chef with the MasterChef Junior Kids Cooking Set. This 9-piece kids’ cooking set offers real cookware for kids, ensuring safety with its non-toxic materials and kid-friendly, non-slip silicone grips. The set includes an apron, mixing bowl, cutting board, measuring spoon, measuring cups, tongs, spatula, and serving spoon — everything needed for your child’s cooking adventure!
Three unique recipe cards are also included, accommodating all skill levels, and there’s even a blank card for your little one’s personalized creations. Ideal for ages 6 and up, this kids cooking set makes a fantastic gift for your little chef (food not included).
Pros
- Inspires young chefs’ interest
- Includes utensils and recipe cards
- Non-toxic with silicone grips
Cons
- Apron may not fit older kids
Kids Cooking Set FAQs
A: A kids cooking set typically includes child-friendly versions of common kitchen utensils such as spatulas, whisks, measuring cups, and bowls, and may include items like aprons, chef hats, and recipe cards. The exact contents can vary between sets.
A: Most kids cooking sets are recommended for children ages 3 and up, as they may include small parts that could be a choking hazard for younger children. Always check the age recommendation on the specific set you are considering before finalizing your purchase.
A: Cleaning methods can vary depending on the materials of the items in the set. Most plastic and metal components can be cleaned with warm soapy water and left to dry, while other items may be dishwasher safe. However, always check the manufacturer's instructions for the proper cleaning guidelines.
A: Yes, most kids cooking sets are designed to be used with real food. However, they are intended for use under adult supervision. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for further guidance.
A: The type of meals your child can prepare would depend on their skill level and the items included in the set. They might start with simple tasks like mixing ingredients, and progress to preparing simple meals like scrambled eggs or sandwiches.
A: Most manufacturers offer replacement parts for their products. If a piece is lost or broken, contact the manufacturer's customer service for assistance.
A: Kids cooking sets are often made from durable, child-friendly materials like plastic, silicone, or stainless steel. Some sets may also include wood or fabric items. It is crucial to opt for materials that are non-toxic, BPA-free, and do not contain harmful ingredients.
A: While most kids cooking sets are designed with safety in mind, adult supervision is always recommended when children are cooking. Some sets may include items with sharp edges or pointy ends and could pose a risk if not used properly. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe use.
