Wood vs. Plastic Play Kitchen?

bump54321

I've been looking at play kitchens.  Originally I thought I'd do a DIY play kitchen and convert a tv stand or something.  But, I haven't been able to find a tv stand that would work, or the ones I find, I wouldn't really be saving money after buying the stand to convert, supplies, paint, etc.  Plus, factor in the time....  So, it was a super cute idea, but I'm thinking now I'll probably just end up buying one.  So.....

 

My first inclination was to get a wooden play kitchen.  They're pretty expensive, though, and most don't seem very realistic.  The plastic ones seem to have more bells an whistles for the money you spend, though I guess plastic isn't very realistic either.  So, wdyt?  Wood or plastic? 

 

ETA:  I left this out of the original post, and it's actually my main consideration besides price :-  All the wood play kitchens say they're for 3+ years.  The plastic ones say 2-4 or 2+ years.  I wanted to get one for Christmas or DS's 2nd Bday, which is right after Christmas...so, I'm thinking plastic would be better for that reason, too. 

kegallagh

I was also hoping to do the TV stand conversation, but then reality kicked in and, well, yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a wooden play kitchen. I just prefer the way they look, and they tend to be more durable. 

bump54321

kegallagh:

I was also hoping to do the TV stand conversation, but then reality kicked in and, well, yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a wooden play kitchen. I just prefer the way they look, and they tend to be more durable. 

 

See that was my exact thought too.  Plus, Kidcraft has a really cute wooden red retro kitchen that I LOVE.  But they all say 3+ years.  I'm assuming because of all the parts needed to put it together?  Or maybe the knobs can come off or something?

Shell24

I got a wood kitchen only because I think it looks nicer than another plastic crap toy.  My DD has had it since she was 19 months old and I don't think it would have been any different had it been plastic.  

bump54321

Shell24:

I got a wood kitchen only because I think it looks nicer than another plastic crap toy.  My DD has had it since she was 19 months old and I don't think it would have been any different had it been plastic.  

 

I agree with it looking nicer if it's wood.  Plus, I think maybe it would hold up better.  I was really concerned about the 3+ thing, though.  So, it's good to know that your DD had a wooden kitchen at 19 months and survived a toy that was supposed to be for older kids   

AGmomof3

what about seeing what you can find used on craigslist?

bump54321

amiegamache:

what about seeing what you can find used on craigslist?

 

That's a good idea.  I looked for tv stands on CL, but forgot to look for play kitchens.  

 

Unless you meant to look for tv stands, in which case I did and couldn't find anything that was nearby, would work for a conversion or was in the price range I had in mind.

julie1408

jsmott76:

kegallagh:

I was also hoping to do the TV stand conversation, but then reality kicked in and, well, yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a wooden play kitchen. I just prefer the way they look, and they tend to be more durable. 

 

See that was my exact thought too.  Plus, Kidcraft has a really cute wooden red retro kitchen that I LOVE.  But they all say 3+ years.  I'm assuming because of all the parts needed to put it together?  Or maybe the knobs can come off or something?

We have the kidkraft red kitchen and got it for DD #1 when she turned 2.  I would say that the only thing that wasn't age appropriate about it then was opening and closing the doors.  Even now it takes a little strength .  The only parts that come off are the sink (which you could glue down) and the phone, which is suppose to.  It was a great buy.  It gets played with every day and still looks new.

bump54321

julie1408:

jsmott76:

kegallagh:

I was also hoping to do the TV stand conversation, but then reality kicked in and, well, yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a wooden play kitchen. I just prefer the way they look, and they tend to be more durable. 

 

See that was my exact thought too.  Plus, Kidcraft has a really cute wooden red retro kitchen that I LOVE.  But they all say 3+ years.  I'm assuming because of all the parts needed to put it together?  Or maybe the knobs can come off or something?

We have the kidkraft red kitchen and got it for DD #1 when she turned 2.  I would say that the only thing that wasn't age appropriate about it then was opening and closing the doors.  Even now it takes a little strength .  The only parts that come off are the sink (which you could glue down) and the phone, which is suppose to.  It was a great buy.  It gets played with every day and still looks new.

 

I saw that one and it's my favorite by far!!!!  So, it's good to get a positive "review"  

bump54321

Ambsies:

We're planning on getting the white KidKraft kitchen for DD for Christmas.  I like how durable wooden toys are.  Plus the play kitchen is a big item- I really want it to look nice in my house and not be a big hunk of cheap looking plastic.

 

Yup!  Exactly my thought too.  Plus, I plan to put it in or near my kitchen, so it will be out for everyone to see...not just in DS's room.  KWIM? 

ryry1977

I got Cedric a wood kitchen for Christmas last year, he was just 15 months old (it was also 3+).  He has done great with it and loves it!

MCC1010

julie1408:

jsmott76:

kegallagh:

I was also hoping to do the TV stand conversation, but then reality kicked in and, well, yeah.

Anyway, I'm planning on doing a wooden play kitchen. I just prefer the way they look, and they tend to be more durable. 

 

See that was my exact thought too.  Plus, Kidcraft has a really cute wooden red retro kitchen that I LOVE.  But they all say 3+ years.  I'm assuming because of all the parts needed to put it together?  Or maybe the knobs can come off or something?

We have the kidkraft red kitchen and got it for DD #1 when she turned 2.  I would say that the only thing that wasn't age appropriate about it then was opening and closing the doors.  Even now it takes a little strength .  The only parts that come off are the sink (which you could glue down) and the phone, which is suppose to.  It was a great buy.  It gets played with every day and still looks new.

Oh I love that kitchen! I want one to play with....for DS of course.

Kitiara5512

I like the plastic for the bells and whistles part for now, and they are pretty cheap so if it only gets used for a couple of years, I wont feel so bad. A friend has seen some at Kid to Kid here for under $10. However, as C gets older and starts role playing a bit, we will get the more real looking wood and metal ones.