This is a high-quality, sturdy and well-built kitchen that comes in two separate units – perfect if you need a flexible layout. The height of kitchens can vary, so if you have a taller or older child, check that they won’t have to bend to use the worktop or open the oven. Will you match it to your style or do you want to let the kid’s love of brightly coloured plastic lead your choice?

Toomies Bubble and Bake Bathtime Kitchen Bath Toy - Argos Toomies Bubble and Bake Bathtime Kitchen Bath Toy - Argos

This is a dream kitchen for Peppa Pig fans – regardless of gender – and will keep them entertained for hours. It’s possible to use real kitchen equipment in play kitchens, but their size will restrict what’s appropriate. The Peppa Pig kitchen made our mini testers squeal with delight and dance – the hob plays the beloved show’s theme music. Our reviewer’s dad, armed with drill and screwdrivers, saved the day when it came to putting some of the bigger kitchens together.There is a handy chalkboard, water cooler and an ice machine that dispenses play ice cubes, plus a working thermometer. Having fun while learning in a play kitchen can help children develop valuable life skills and spark a passion for food and cooking.

Toy Oven - Etsy UK Toy Oven - Etsy UK

We did wonder whether this feature was slightly out of the age range for this type of toy, but the concept is fun and combines technology and traditional play to encourage creativity and learning. It has a microwave, hob with light-up rings, an oven, a removable sink with mixer tap, shelf and rail with hooks for hanging pans and utensils. Simple designs can encourage more imaginative play, and it’s cute listening to interpretations of chopping, cooking and pouring sounds. Look out for opportunities for your child to practice counting and adding up, problem-solving, creativity, building vocabulary, planning and organising. It’s compact, so won’t be intrusive in a small home, but still has all the necessary features, such as an oven with a see-through door, two hob rings with twistable knobs and a metal sink with wooden mixer taps.The colours are bright and bold and it can be noisy and annoying (our reviewer kept it locked in the playroom! We preferred the wooden kitchens in terms of design, robustness and environmental impact, but have included a couple of plastic options that appealed to the mini testers. Kids can choose between two backdrops: a daily specials board or tiles with a mini chalkboard for listing ingredients. An adjustable smartphone holder above the hob offers tech-savvy kids the opportunity to film or photograph their masterpieces while cooking.

Oven Playset - Smyths Toys UK Cookeez Makery Oven Playset - Smyths Toys UK

If you have multiple children or host play dates, it’s worth investing in a larger kitchen with access to multiple worktops (island-style or attached breakfast bars help). It’s the perfect play kitchen to keep in shared living areas, rather than being banished to a playroom. It’s a complete kitchen with oven, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, microwave, hob, stainless steel sink with hot and cold mixer taps, adjustable clock and phone.

The realistic-looking gas hob rings have adjustable knobs to allow for lots of dishes to cook at the same time.