The play kitchens from IKEA and KidKraft serve the same purpose but cater to very different tastes, spaces, and budgets. IKEA kitchens are known for their modern, minimalist design, compact size, and budget-friendly price, appealing to parents with contemporary home decor and tighter spaces. In contrast, KidKraft kitchens are larger, more detailed, and constructed with more premium materials, offering a charming, feature-rich experience for families willing to invest more for longevity.
Here's a detailed look at both options to help you decide which play kitchen is the right fit for your family and home.
IKEA Play Kitchens
IKEA play kitchens are iconic for their simple, Scandinavian aesthetic that blends seamlessly into most modern homes. They are designed to be functional and affordable, providing a fantastic blank canvas for imaginative play without overwhelming a room. Their popularity is also fueled by a massive online community dedicated to customizing "hacking" them with paint, decals, and hardware.
- What it is: A line of minimalist, compact play kitchens designed for functionality and affordability, often with a simple wood or white finish.
- Key features: Clean lines, functional doors and knobs, a simple sink and stovetop setup. Some models, like the DUKTIG, feature height-adjustable legs to grow with your child.
- Price: Typically ranges from $70 to $150.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and Scandinavian-inspired with neutral color palettes.
- Materials/Construction: Generally made from engineered wood (like fiberboard and particleboard) and plastic components. Built to be sturdy enough for play but optimized for flat-pack shipping and easy assembly.
- Pros: Very budget-friendly. Compact footprint is great for small apartments and play areas. Modern design fits well with contemporary adult decor. Huge "hacking" community for easy customization. Easy to find and buy.
- Cons: Less detailed and feature-rich compared to competitors. Engineered wood may not withstand very rough play over many years. Limited model variety and color options.
An IKEA play kitchen is ideal for families in smaller homes who appreciate modern design and want a functional, affordable base for imaginative play that can be easily customized.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/cat/play-kitchens-cooking-toys-20677/
KidKraft Play Kitchens
KidKraft specializes in creating high-quality, imaginative children's toys, and their play kitchens are a perfect example. These kitchens are known for their charming, detailed designs that often mimic real farmhouse or vintage kitchens. Offering a more immersive and feature-packed experience, they are built to be a durable centerpiece in any playroom.
- What it is: A diverse range of detailed, often large-scale play kitchens with traditional, charming aesthetics and numerous interactive features.
- Key features: Realistic appliances like refrigerators and microwaves, working ice-makers, clicking knobs, telephones, and ample shelving. Many models come with accessory sets.
- Price: Ranges from $150 to over $300.
- Style: Varies widely from modern farmhouse and retro vintage to classic and grand cafe styles, often in a variety of vibrant colors.
- Materials/Construction: Constructed from solid wood and high-quality MDF, with metal and durable plastic fixtures. This focus on premium materials makes them heavier and generally more durable.
- Pros: Highly detailed with numerous realistic and interactive features. Superior durability due to solid wood and MDF construction. Wide variety of styles and colors to choose from. Larger size can accommodate multiple children playing at once.
- Cons: Significantly more expensive than IKEA. Larger footprint requires a dedicated space. Assembly can be more time-consuming due to the number of parts and details.
KidKraft kitchens are perfect for families with a dedicated playroom who are willing to invest in a more durable, feature-rich set that provides a deeply immersive world for their kids.
Shop this product: kidkraft.com/us_en/kitchens-play-food.html
IKEA Play Kitchen vs. KidKraft Play Kitchen Comparison
Dimensions & Scale
The most immediate difference is size. IKEA kitchens are designed with space efficiency in mind, typically measuring between 20 and 30 inches wide. This compact design is perfect for apartments, smaller bedrooms, or corners of a living room where it won't dominate the space. It’s an ideal choice for integrating play into everyday living areas.
KidKraft kitchens are substantially larger, often spanning 30 to over 40 inches in width and featuring more components like full-sized refrigerators and upper cabinets. Their generous scale makes them feel like a real piece of furniture and provides enough space for a dedicated playroom or basement space where a larger play item is desirable.
Materials & Construction
IKEA uses engineered wood and plastic to keep its kitchens lightweight and affordable. While durable enough for most toddlers and young children, the materials can be more susceptible to scratches and wear over time, especially with very active play. The hardware is functional but simple.
KidKraft prioritizes sturdiness by using solid wood and higher-quality, thicker MDF. This results in a heavier, more-resilient play structure that can often be passed down. Their attention to detail extends to the hardware, with realistic metal fixtures, turning faucet handles, and satisfyingly "clicky" oven knobs that enhance the sensory experience for kids.
Price & Value
With a price tag usually under $150, IKEA offers incredible value. It delivers a quality, functional play kitchen at a price point that is accessible to almost any budget, making it an excellent entry-level choice.
KidKraft's pricing, starting around $150 and going up, reflects its premium materials and extensive features. The value here comes from longevity and a richer play experience. For families who see a play kitchen as a long-term investment that will endure years of play from multiple children, the higher initial cost is often justified by its durability and immersive design.
Style & Versatility
IKEA's style is quintessentially modern and minimal. Its clean lines and neutral palette (usually birch or white) allow it to blend into an adult-centric living space without screaming "TOY." This also makes it a perfect canvas for parents who enjoy DIY projects and want to customize it to match their specific decor.
KidKraft offers a far broader range of aesthetics. You can find everything from a charming pink vintage kitchen to a rustic farmhouse design or a modern corner kitchen with a "tile" backsplash. Their designs have more built-in character, making them a decorative statement piece for a child's room or playroom.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer fantastic play kitchens, but they are built for different homes, budgets, and priorities.
Choose an IKEA play kitchen if:
- You're on a tighter budget and want the best value for under $150.
- You live in a smaller apartment or have limited play space.
- You prefer a modern, minimalist aesthetic that blends with your home decor.
- You love the idea of a DIY project and plan to customize or "hack" the kitchen.
Choose a KidKraft play kitchen if:
- You are looking for a more detailed, realistic, and feature-rich play experience.
- Durability and a sturdy build are your top priorities.
- You have a dedicated playroom or a larger area for the kitchen to live.
- You prefer a more traditional, charming, or colorful design with more character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between IKEA and KidKraft play kitchens?
The main difference comes down to design philosophy and price. IKEA focuses on affordability, modern simplicity, and a compact footprint. KidKraft focuses on detailed realism, premium materials for durability, and a larger, more feature-rich experience at a higher price.
Which one is easier to assemble?
IKEA is famous for its visual, diagram-based instructions and generally has fewer parts, making its assembly process quite straightforward for most people. KidKraft kitchens are more detailed and often have many more components, so assembly can be more time-consuming and complex.
Which kitchen is better for a small apartment?
The IKEA play kitchen is the clear winner for small apartments. Its compact, space-efficient design allows it to fit neatly in tight corners or small rooms without taking over the space.
Is KidKraft worth the extra money?
If longevity, sturdiness, and a high level of interactive detail are important to you, then yes. KidKraft's use of solid wood and high-quality parts often means it will hold up better to years of enthusiastic play and could even be a hand-me-down item.
Which brand is more durable for rough toddlers?
KidKraft kitchens generally offer superior durability due to their heavier construction with solid wood and premium MDF. They are better equipped to handle the rigors of very active play over a longer period.
Can you customize an IKEA play kitchen?
Absolutely. There's a huge online community devoted to "IKEA hacks," and the DUKTIG kitchen is one of the most popular items to customize. You can find endless inspiration for adding paint, contact paper backsplashes, new hardware, and custom decals.
What age group are these kitchens for?
Both are generally recommended for children ages 3 and up. An IKEA kitchen with adjustable legs can grow with a child for a few years, while a larger KidKraft model may feel more appropriately scaled for older children up to ages 7 or 8.
Are accessories like play food included?
This varies. IKEA kitchens do not typically come with accessories - they are sold separately. Many KidKraft kitchen models come with a starter set of accessories like pots, pans, or play food, adding to their overall value.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
