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*UPDATED FOR THE 2011 HOLIDAY SEASON
Eco-friendly play kitchen sets are, in my opinion one of those must have childhood toys. Kids LOVE them and they serve multiple fun and educational purposes. When I was a kid I incorporated menu making, dolls, clay, and more into my play kitchen and used it for years.
Safety Update:
Each year, as I update this play kitchen guide and my ultimate green dollhouse guide I get tons of questions from readers surrounding materials used to make the products I share. Most readers say they want zero plywood and zero lead in products – even if the rest of the product is eco-friendly. Being that this is what readers are talking about, I made a guide about play kitchen safety – how to choose a safe and eco-friendly play kitchen set or dollhouse that discusses these issues.
Secondly, this year, I’m attempting to post only ply-wood free play kitchen sets in this guide, or sets that use eco-ply. If it has any eco-ply though, I’ll point it out, as some people don’t like it. Lastly, if you really want a play kitchen set that’s perfectly eco-friendly according to your standards, you may want to consider making one. Then you can include (or not) any materials you see fit.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING AN ECO-FRIENDLY PLAY KITCHEN SET:
- Look for sustainable wood not plastic.
- Look for child-safe non-toxic, lead-free finishes.
- If you can buy local it’s better for your carbon footprint than having a very large kitchen set sent to you. You can check with companies to see how they package and ship as well. Many green companies will flat-ship.
- Most play kitchens will need to be assembled, so make sure you have some basic building skills and tools around.
- Play kitchens can be costly, but one you get what you pay for and two, kids can be tough on toys. Going with a cheap play kitchen set will cost you more in the long run. An heirloom quality kitchen can also be resold or passed down in the family.
- When considering your budget, also leave some space for goodies like play food and play dishes. Most play kitchen don’t come with this stuff, and your child will want accessories.
If a green kitchen play set is on your child’s wish list this holiday season, following are the best of the best green and safe options. *Note – I’ll be adding to this list as companies get back to me about their materials.
Camden Rose Play Kitchen Set with Accessories
Camden Rose Eco-friendly Wooden Play Kitchen Sets $249 – $575
Camden Rose is king when it comes to gorgeous green play kitchen sets. All of their sets are eco-friendly, safe and full of fun features kids love.
One good deal, if you’ve got the cash to spare is the kitchen plus accessory set (shown above) offered by Rosie Hippo. This kitchen set comes with a bunch of goodies, including Sweet Set, Linen Bag, Apples, Pears, Cucumbers, Eggs, Tangerines in a Mesh Bag, Carrots, Grapes, Cherries, Cooking Utensils, Tableware Set, Assorting Cutting Fruits and Veggies on a Tray, Canned Food Set, Towel Set and Wooden Bowl.
+ $575 – Kitchen with Full Accessories
Camden Rose Affordable Little Stove
Camden Rose Affordable Sets $100 – $210
Camden Rose makes the bling kitchen sets above, but now they also have a few more affordable options as well, such as the little stove (shown above) and the table top kitchen (shown below), that are just as safe and beautiful, but smaller and more budget-friendly. The Little Stove is made with cherry and ash wood, with birch knobs.
Camden Rose Table Top Kitchen
The Table Top Kitchen features a counter top walnut sink bowl, faucet and stove-top burners packed into a simple, contemporary modular design, available in Curly Maple w/Walnut accents or Cherry w/Walnut accents
+ $99.99 – Table Top Kitchen Cherry w/Walnut
+ $99.99 – Table Top Kitchen Curly Maple w/Walnut
Colorful & Affordable PlanToys Play Kitchen Set
Affordable Green Play Kitchen Sets by PlanToy $40 – $550
I recently wrote a post about all the cute and affordable play kitchen sets offered by PlanToys. They have so many options to choose from and they’re a great green company.
+ $40 – $550 PlanToys Play Kitchens Set Options
Squirrel Kitchen
Tree Blocks Adorable Squirrel Kitchen & Bunny Fridge $200 – $210
Tree Blocks told me that this cute kitchen set is usually made with, “Neem or Cinnamon wood.” They note that the wood used changes from time to time but wood used at Tree Blocks is “Always taken from sustainable sources.” Overall, Tree Blocks uses 95% sustainable materials and non-toxic, child safe finishes. Plus, how adorable are these sets!?
Bunny Fridge - available in pink or blue bunny
The Rabbit Refrigerator has a roomy interior with 2 shelves. The Squirrel Sink/Stove Combo features “tree branch” burners and knobs, a round stainless steel “sink,” a spacious storage cabinet below and curio shelf above for dishes or knickknacks. Both appliances have bungee-cord safety hinges for your child’s protection. Both are terribly cute and affordable, plus eco-friendly, so what more could you ask for?
Recycled Cocorico Cooker
Recycled Cocorico Cooker $25.99
This is a great little test kitchen – meaning, if your child like this kitchen you’ll know it’s fine to spend more on a longer-lasting play kitchen set. Eco-friendly, inexpensive and cute! Learn more.
Chef's Kitchen by Natural Pod
Chef’s Kitchen by Natural Pod $630
While expensive, this is truly a wonderful play kitchen, made locally and safely with real materials and awesome features. I wrote all about this kitchen a while back so check out the link below to learn more.
+ $630 – Chef’s Kitchen by Natural Pod
Haba Play Cooker
Haba Play Cooker $40
Made with real beach wood and child safe paints in Germany, this little table top kitchen is easy on space and your budget. The kitchen top can be set on a table edges or steps or taken to a play date.
Less Expensive Green Play Kitchens
You’ve got some various options for less expensive play kitchens. Look on Craigslist or eBay for sellers or check out child consignment shops and thrift store. Consider looking in your local newspaper. This time of year it’s easier to find folks who are selling an item like this. If you’re buying used, make sure the kitchen is in good working order. Painting a kitchen to freshen it up is easy, but if doors aren’t working, the wood is splintered, or it’s unsteady, it can be an unsafe purchase.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m interested in getting the Pretend Kitchen stove and sink you have listed above. But when I went to the link it said it was out of stock. Do you know the name of the manufacturer? Thanks, I found this list to be super helpful!
Which one exactly are you interested in – is it the $308.00 – Pretend Kitchen Furniture?
Hi Jennifer!
I was so excited to see this article – we have been looking everywhere for a reasonably priced eco friendly kid safe play kitchen. I was thrilled to find the Maxim that you suggested…. but when I hit the link, it comes up at $239! Help!
Heather
Hi Heather – I think the price is up because it’s now seemingly sold out everywhere – like here http://www.mychildplayhouses.com/maxim-wooden-kitchen-center.html it’s $117 but sold out. Amazon is now only selling third party sets. Here http://www.littlepeoplescove.com/mawokice.html it’s less but on back order. The only place I’ve seen where it may not be sold out it http://blocksfortots.net/pro1380987.html and it’s only $108.
Just wanted to say I had already read this list, so when I saw a Little Colorado Kitchenette pop up on Craigslist I was able to recognize the unique burner style and know it was good stuff! I was the first responder and went home with it for $50. It’s the PERFECT size for my 15 month old, she’s going to go crazy on Christmas. Before that I was thinking about the newest Educo model – the gourmet chef kitchen with accessories. This saved me 140 bucks! When my daughter gets a little bigger I’ll have to go for the All-in-one kitchen island, thats pretty awesome. Thanks
@Jennifer I’m glad the list helped! You totally got a deal too. That’s so awesome. I hope your little one loves the kitchen and that you both have a very merry holiday
Hi,
Check your local thrift stores, mommies. I just scored the Pretend Kitchen red sink and stove combo at Goodwill for $14.99 (plus tax). Now that’s double eco-friendly!!!
thanks for the list – there were some here that i hadn’t come across. one quick thing – do you know if the plan toys or pretend furniture have ‘clicking’ knobs? this is a feature my daughter LOVES on his friends (non eco friendly) kitchen. i may end up choosing the all in one island for just this reason!
As for little points on all the sets, I’m not sure. However you could easily contact Plan Toys and ask. I’m guessing no, because most of the Plan Toys I’ve seen are basic – i.e. no noise, but I could be wrong.
Are all of these kitchens you recommend lead free? I see some that are formaldehyde free, some lead free but not both. I am having a hard time finding decently priced non-toxic kitchen. Also, does “non-toxic paints” mean lead free? I am assuming so since lead is toxic. Is the Wonderworld Eco Kitchen lead free? Is the Maxim Kitchen formaldehyde free?
Well, any toy company has the capacity to lie – but Wonderworld does claim certification by both the ASTM F963-96A of the USA, as well as EN-71 of the EU. The American Standard Toy Safety Standard (ASTM-963) requires children toys to be phthalates free and contain none to very low levels of lead. I’ve seen various resources (such as this one – http://www.safbaby.com/lead-free-pvc-free-and-fire-retardant-free-toy-manufacturers) that list Wonderworld as a totally PVC-Free, Phthalates-Free, Lead-Free and Fire Retardant-Free manufacturer.
The Maxim Kitchen I’ve gotten mixed reviews on. When I first heard about this, I was told it was hardwood. However, after seeing your question, I looked into it more and other sources say it’s made of MDF. Which actually could be okay if they’re using a formaldehyde-free MDF like Medex or Medite. BUT I can’t find that info, so I’m taking this kitchen off the list until I contact them. Which I may not even do as Maxim has a really lame, not well-done website with very little info on their products. They may not be worth it – too bad though because their new EverEarth line is rubberwood and seems nice. Thanks for your question.
Hello, I have 1 little girl, 20 mos, and I live in a very small town so can’t get out and shop and see things in person…I do a fair amount of shopping online, and am having difficulties picking out a kitchen for her. First of all, I realize most of the time you get the measurements, but it doesn’t seem to show the measurement of the actual shelf, or stove height. Seems they just give the overall height of the top of the toy. My concern is how high the shelf/stove/sink, etc is, so I can measure it to her and see if it’s too tall.
Secondly, I’m having a difficult time finding one that actually has “all of the above”, shelves/racks in both the oven and fridge, an actual sink (really want to buy the wonderworld creative cookery but see that the sink is shallow and has fake water diplay), an oven that’s acutally under the stove, AND counter space to put a toy toaster and/or blender. Also, I would love one with a microwave and dishwasher…but that may be too good to be true to find…realize I may just have to purchase those seperate.
Other questions you might be able to help with, have you researched KidKraft and Guidecraft? I’m hesitant with these companies (as well as Educo and Melissa and Doug. Actually, can’t even find a website for Educo) as their websites don’t really inform of their paint qualities and environmental standards. Also, I’ve seen cute looking kitchen items by Color Bright (Guidecraft). They LOOK like wood, but again, not sure on their paint, finishes, glues, etc.
Sorry to have so many questions…I figured you may know a lot more than what I’ve been able to gather from various places…so hopefully you can shed some light. Thank you for your time and reading!
Re measurements, I’d contact the company. That’s something I don’t know off the top of my head.
My favorite all-of-the-above kitchen sets that I’ve seen this season is the Camden Rose fridge/kitchen combo – http://www.palumba.com/product/a_simple_kitchen_combination/310/?catID=68 BUT it’s expensive (as in almost $700). Overall, it’s the best forever heirloom set you could get though. Steffy makes a combo kitchen that’s less expensive $375 but I know little about them. I do know they’re 100% greenguard compliant. http://www.steffywood.com/index.html
I rarely see total combo kitchens with say a microwave, dishwasher, etc. Usually those are add ons. Steffy, linked above makes some combos with all that, but I don’t love their kitchens styles as much as some others, plus, as noted, I don’t know much about them. I’m guessing they use plywood for some.
I’ve been planning on calling up all those companies you ask about above, because my own research on companies like Educo and especially KidKraft and Guidecraft have been sketchy at best. Some folks say, “Oh they’re using real wood” but then when I look up some stuff by them it appears to be plywood. On that note, you’re not going to get a good AND inexpensive play kitchen that’s real wood. If you want quality, you’ll pay for it. In my opinion wood is best, greener plywood is second best, plywood next and last plastic.
All this said, calling all these companies, then writing about them all, is going to be an ordeal, and something I likely won’t do until closer to next year. There are no laws (barely) about non-toxic toys, so companies mainly make stuff up. Like they’ll say something made of plywood is “wood” or they’ll say non-toxic because they use non-toxic paints, but don’t use sustainably sourced wood. It’d be useful for parents if there were laws about this stuff but there’s not.
If I was in your situation, and sort of wanting it all for a semi-decent price, I’d get the following:
Either the http://www.amazon.com/GuideCraft-97258-Kitchenette-Center-Natural/dp/B000FI6ZN8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1292190252&sr=8-5 ($165) OR the Plan Toys Kitchen Center http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-Kitchen-Center/dp/B001CMOXW6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1292190252&sr=8-8 (around $224)
Then add the plan toys fridge – http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-0278900-PlanToys-Dishwasher/dp/B003NE5GXQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1292190614&sr=1-6 ($129)
Then maybe add the plan toys dishwasher for a birthday later on http://www.amazon.com/Plan-Toys-0344100-PlanToys-Washer/dp/B000I8WCMI/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1292190494&sr=8-7 ($179)
That’s a bunch of kitchen for just about $450-500 – less if you shop around. Hopefully, this is somewhat helpful.
I am so frustrated ..trying to find a real solid wood kitchen is very difficult. i have searched and emailed so may companies and have had no luck so far. So many are made of MDF or have MDF parts. One on this list does
The Marvel All In One Kitchen Island Features:
Solid Rubberwood Outer Construction – (shelves and middle inside divider is MDF)
Built-in “draining” surface
A hanging bar for utensils or pots and pans
A clock with moveable hands and a telephone
Deluxe features include: See-thru oven with rack
Microwave
Refrigerator with inner shelf
Cook top with turning and clicking knobs
Sink with removable Pan
Stands 46″ H x 31 1/4″ W x 23″ D
Work Surface is 24″ H
. My search will continue.
Dana I feel your pain. I am looking for a solid wood kitchen set for my daughter’s birthday in May. I too am/ was interested in the marvel kitchen island. Reading your comment might have saved me some time. I was going to call them n find out the details of the product. I guess I am not going with that one anymore. I don’t want that mdf wood crap! For the price it should be all wood. I’m so disappointed that its next to impossible to find a cute, modern looking kitchen playset with some detail that is 100% wood and non toxic and not over $300. This is crazy. Please anyone let me know if you find any kitchen with in my criteria. Help!!!!!! I only have 3 weeks to find one. Please help!
So by the way. I called guidecraft and their kitchen sets are part fiberboard, like mdf. The lady said any of the parts that are a colored or dyed/ stained, that is the fake toxic wood. Melissa and dougs is the same. I just want to find something cool and non toxic for my precious child. This is ridiculous! Help anyone. I want a cute, fun, non toxic, all wood, kitchen set for around $250. Under $300. Help!!!!!!
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