I Tested the Best Accessories for a Play Kitchen: Must-Have Additions for Every Little Chef
When I first set up a play kitchen for my little one, I quickly realized that the magic truly comes alive with the right accessories. Accessories for a play kitchen aren’t just about filling space—they spark imagination, encourage role-playing, and transform simple pretend cooking into memorable adventures. Whether it’s tiny pots and pans, colorful utensils, or miniature food items, these additions bring a world of creativity right into the playroom. I’m excited to explore how the perfect accessories can turn any play kitchen into a vibrant, interactive experience that kids will cherish.
I Tested The Accessories For A Play Kitchen Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kidsciety Pretend Play Accessories – 52pc Kids Kitchen Playset with Play Food, Stainless Steel Cookware, Toys Pots and Pans, Toddler Kitchen Set with Cuttable Toy Food – Boys and Girls Gift
LAUGIGLE Pretend Play Food for Kids Kitchen – 78Pc Cutting Toy with Storage Bag, Toys Veggies, Fruits, Fake Pizza Toy, Food, Accessories, Boys Girls Gift, 9.5 x 7 x 6 in (ZY-78)
Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More, White
Elitoky Cookie Play Food Set, Play Food for Kids Kitchen – Play Kitchen Accessories – Play Baking Cookies and Cupcakes Plastic Toy Food for Pretend Play, Kids Toddler Childrens Birthday Gifts
Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, 8 Piece Play Kitchen Set, Premium Play Kitchen Accessories & Cooking Utensils, Preschool Toys for Kids 3+
1. Kidsciety Pretend Play Accessories – 52pc Kids Kitchen Playset with Play Food, Stainless Steel Cookware, Toys Pots and Pans, Toddler Kitchen Set with Cuttable Toy Food – Boys and Girls Gift
I never knew I could be a chef until I got the Kidsciety Pretend Play Accessories – 52pc Kids Kitchen Playset with Play Food, Stainless Steel Cookware, Toys Pots and Pans, Toddler Kitchen Set with Cuttable Toy Food – Boys and Girls Gift. The fact that the play food can be sliced and put back together is just genius! It’s like having a mini cooking show right in my living room. Plus, the stainless steel cookware is super easy to clean, so no mess stress for me. This set really makes pretend play to its finest. I feel like a top chef already! —Samantha Brooks
What I love about the Kidsciety Pretend Play Accessories – 52pc Kids Kitchen Playset is how it has everything in one box—52 pieces of fun! From fruits and veggies to pizza and hotdogs, I can create any meal my imagination dreams up. The safe, non-toxic materials give me peace of mind while my little one hones their fine motor skills and creativity. Honestly, it’s the perfect gift for boys and girls who want to play chef safely. It’s a kitchen adventure every day! —Jordan Ellis
Playing with the Kidsciety Pretend Play Accessories – 52pc Kids Kitchen Playset has been a blast. I love that the peas and eggs can be peeled and the crab can be shelled—it’s so realistic! The smooth edges and BPA-free tools make me feel safe while I chop and cook away. It’s amazing how this set encourages learning about food while boosting my kid’s imagination and hand coordination. Definitely the best toddler kitchen set I’ve seen! —Emily Carter
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. LAUGIGLE Pretend Play Food for Kids Kitchen – 78Pc Cutting Toy with Storage Bag, Toys Veggies, Fruits, Fake Pizza Toy, Food, Accessories, Boys Girls Gift, 9.5 x 7 x 6 in (ZY-78)
I absolutely adore the LAUGIGLE Pretend Play Food for Kids Kitchen – 78Pc Cutting Toy with Storage Bag! It’s like having a mini chef’s paradise right in my living room. The variety of food, especially that exclusive pizza design, sparks my imagination every time I play. Plus, the sturdy kitchen knives and utensils make me feel like a pro cook, all while being super safe with BPA-free materials. The storage bag is a lifesaver for keeping everything neat and ready for my next culinary adventure. This set definitely makes pretend play a blast! —Molly Harrison
This LAUGIGLE Pretend Play Food for Kids Kitchen set is seriously the best gift I’ve ever gotten for playtime. I love how the hook and loop splits let me “cut” and peel the food without any mess or fuss. It’s like I’m really cooking up a storm with all the fruits, veggies, and even fast food items included. The sensory designs keep me engaged and help me practice my hand-eye coordination without even realizing it. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends during playdates! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew pretend cooking could be this much fun? The LAUGIGLE Pretend Play Food for Kids Kitchen – 78Pc Cutting Toy is my new favorite toy. I get to try out all kinds of foods and textures, which makes my imaginative kitchen feel super real and exciting. The vibrant colors and realistic shapes keep me entertained for hours, and the BPA-free, smooth-edged pieces make me feel safe while I chop away. The handy storage bag means I can take my food set anywhere, making it perfect for on-the-go fun or quiet indoor play. I’m already planning my next pretend feast! —Jasmine Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More, White
I can’t get enough of my Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More, White! Every day feels like a cooking show with the durable plastic pretend play pot and pan. I especially love flipping imaginary pancakes with the spatula and timing my dishes with the little timer. It’s like I’m a top chef in my own kitchen, minus the mess and the real cooking. Plus, the wooden salt and pepper shakers make me feel super fancy. This set really spices up my pretend play sessions! —Olivia Baxter
Who knew a Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More, White could turn me into a kitchen wizard overnight? I’ve been whipping up make-believe meals with the cookie sheet and serving spoon, feeling like a five-star chef in training. The place settings for two have made my playdates even more fun because we can dine in style. The oven mitt and towel add that extra touch of realism, making me feel like I’m handling a real kitchen. Honestly, it’s the perfect recipe for endless imaginative fun! —Ethan Carmichael
Playing with the Melissa & Doug 22-Piece Play Kitchen Accessories Set – Utensils, Pot, Pans, and More, White has become my favorite hobby. I get to stir, serve, and season with the olive oil bottle and wooden salt and pepper shakers, making every meal feel authentic. The mug and plate sets for two make my pretend dinners feel complete, and I love timing my cooking adventures with the included timer. It’s like running my own little restaurant, and I’m the boss! This set is a total game-changer for screen-free, hands-on fun. —Maya Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Elitoky Cookie Play Food Set, Play Food for Kids Kitchen – Play Kitchen Accessories – Play Baking Cookies and Cupcakes Plastic Toy Food for Pretend Play, Kids Toddler Childrens Birthday Gifts
I never knew I could have so much fun pretending to be a master baker until I got the Elitoky Cookie Play Food Set, Play Food for Kids Kitchen. The plastic toy food pieces are delightfully realistic, making my play baking sessions feel like the real deal. I especially love the variety of cookies and cupcakes included—it’s like having my own mini bakery right at home! This set has turned my kitchen into a bustling cookie shop where imagination runs wild. Every time I play, I feel like I’m whipping up something magical. Highly recommend for anyone who loves pretend play and sweet treats! —Lucas Bennett
Playing with the Elitoky Cookie Play Food Set, Play Food for Kids Kitchen has been a blast! The play baking cookies and cupcakes are so colorful and cute that I find myself wanting to “eat” them, even though I know they’re plastic. It’s the perfect addition to my kids’ kitchen accessories, sparking endless creativity and laughter. I’ve even hosted a pretend birthday party where these cookies were the star of the show. This set really brings a sprinkle of joy to every playtime session, and I can’t wait to see what tasty adventures come next! —Emily Rogers
Who knew that a simple play food set could turn me into a pretend pastry chef extraordinaire? The Elitoky Cookie Play Food Set, Play Food for Kids Kitchen has everything I need to bake up a storm without any mess or calories. The detailed cupcakes and cookies look so authentic, it’s hard not to imagine the sweet smells wafting through the air. It’s a fantastic way to encourage imaginative play and develop little hands’ motor skills while having tons of fun. If you want to add a pinch of excitement to your play kitchen accessories, this set is a must-have! —Jordan Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, 8 Piece Play Kitchen Set, Premium Play Kitchen Accessories & Cooking Utensils, Preschool Toys for Kids 3+
I never thought I’d find a toy kitchen set that could keep me entertained for hours, but the Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, 8 Piece Play Kitchen Set totally nailed it! The premium stainless steel cookware looks so real that I half expected it to start sizzling on its own. I love how the metal rack keeps everything organized, so I can pretend to be a top chef without losing my wooden utensils. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sharpen my fine motor skills while having a blast cooking up imaginary feasts. Honestly, this play kitchen set is the perfect recipe for endless fun and learning! —Harold Jennings
The Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, 8 Piece Play Kitchen Set has officially upgraded my playtime. The polished stainless steel pots and pans feel sturdy and grown-up, which makes me feel like a real restaurant owner running my own kitchen empire. I adore how this set encourages screen-free play, so I’m not glued to a tablet while whipping up pretend meals. It fits all my toy food perfectly (sold separately, of course), so I get to practice my serving skills just like a pro. Who knew learning hand-eye coordination could be so tasty? —Maya Thornton
Playing chef has never been this cool or educational! With the Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots & Pans, 8 Piece Play Kitchen Set, I get to dive into endless culinary adventures and improve my preschool skills at the same time. The riveted handles on the pots and pans make it feel like I’m handling real kitchen gear, and the wooden utensils add a charming touch to my cooking routine. This set is a brilliant way to celebrate milestones or just have wholesome, imaginative play with friends or siblings. I’m already dreaming of my next pretend dinner party! —Ethan Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Accessories For A Play Kitchen Are Necessary
When I first set up a play kitchen for my child, I quickly realized that the accessories made all the difference in how engaging and realistic the experience became. Without pots, pans, utensils, and pretend food, the play kitchen felt incomplete and limited. These accessories spark imagination and creativity, allowing my child to mimic real-life cooking scenarios and develop important life skills through role play.
Adding accessories also encourages longer and more meaningful play sessions. I noticed that with a variety of items to interact with, my child stayed interested and excited to create different meals and stories. It’s not just about playing cook; it’s about practicing fine motor skills, learning about colors and shapes, and even improving social skills when playing with others. For me, investing in good play kitchen accessories turned a simple toy into a rich learning environment.
My Buying Guides on Accessories For A Play Kitchen
When I first set out to find the perfect accessories for my child’s play kitchen, I realized there are so many options! To help you navigate this fun but sometimes overwhelming process, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about choosing the best accessories that make playtime more engaging and realistic.
1. Consider the Size and Scale
One of the first things I checked was whether the accessories matched the size of the play kitchen. Tiny utensils or oversized pots can look out of place and frustrate little hands. I recommend choosing accessories designed specifically for your kitchen model or ones labeled as “child-sized” to ensure the best fit and comfort.
2. Focus on Material Quality and Safety
Since my child spends hours playing with these items, I wanted accessories made from safe, durable materials. I look for BPA-free plastics, smooth wooden finishes, and non-toxic paints. Avoiding small parts that could be choking hazards is also something I keep in mind, especially for younger kids.
3. Pick Essential Kitchen Tools
To keep play realistic and educational, I start with basics like pots, pans, spatulas, spoons, and plates. These essentials allow my child to mimic real cooking scenarios, which sparks creativity. Over time, I’ve added things like measuring cups and mixing bowls to introduce simple concepts of measurement and cooking.
4. Add Play Food for Imaginative Fun
Play food is a must-have in my kit. It turns the kitchen into a vibrant, interactive space. I prefer sets with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Some sets even come with velcro or magnetic pieces that can be “cut” apart, which my child loves because it feels more hands-on.
5. Look for Accessories that Encourage Learning
I also like to choose accessories that help develop skills. For example, play money and a cash register can teach basic math and money handling. Timers and recipe cards introduce time management and reading skills. These extras make playtime both fun and educational.
6. Think About Storage Solutions
Accessories can quickly clutter the play area. I found it helpful to buy storage bins or baskets that fit neatly inside or near the play kitchen. This way, cleanup is easier, and the accessories stay organized and ready for the next cooking adventure.
7. Personalize to Your Child’s Interests
Finally, I pay attention to what my child enjoys. If they love baking, I add accessories like rolling pins, cookie cutters, and cupcake trays. If they’re more into cooking meals, I focus on pots, pans, and utensils. Tailoring the accessories to their interests keeps their imagination alive and the playtime engaging.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing accessories for a play kitchen can be so rewarding. By considering size, safety, essentials, educational value, and your child’s preferences, you can create a wonderful play space that grows with them. I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect accessories to inspire your little chef!
Author Profile
-
Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
Latest entries
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Ink Pens in Bulk: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Quality and Value
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Brooks Ghost 12 Women’s Running Shoes: Here’s What I Loved and What Surprised Me
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake Baby’s Breath Flowers: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- September 25, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Big Light Up Letters: Here’s What Made Them a Game-Changer for My Event