Baby & Family · Head-to-head
Melissa & Doug Chef's Kitchen - Cloud vs Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Play Kitchens: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Melissa & Doug kitchen is the roomiest and most furniture-like here, with more appliances than the rest and nothing that needs batteries. The Step2 costs far less and arrives with a full accessory kit and electronic burner, so play starts the day it is built.
Melissa & Doug Chef's Kitchen - Cloud
Buy itA large wooden kitchen with every appliance a child expects, sized for more than one cook at a time.
- It includes an oven, stove, microwave, sink, refrigerator and freezer, with an ice maker that dispenses two included play ice cubes.
- Melissa & Doug lists it at 43.25 by 39 by 15.5 inches assembled and describes it as roomy enough for multiple kids to play at once.
- It needs no batteries, and the maker states it is made with FSC-certified materials (FSC C156584, new inventory only).
- It is the most expensive kitchen here by a wide margin.
- Beyond the two ice cubes, a grocery checklist and hooks, there are no pots, dishes or play food in the box.
- The stated age is 3+, so it is not aimed at younger toddlers.
Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen
Buy itA molded kitchen that comes ready to play, with a 25-piece accessory kit and a burner that lights up and sizzles.
- A 25-piece accessory kit with plates, cups, silverware, pots and pans is included, so you do not need to buy a cookware set.
- The electronic stove burner lights up and makes bubbling and sizzling noises.
- Pass-through windows and a large open area are designed for several kids playing together.
- Step2 warns of small parts and sharp points, and adult assembly is required.
- The page lists a molded-in sink, fridge and oven but no microwave or ice dispenser.
- The product page does not state the battery type or whether batteries are included for the burner.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Melissa & Doug Chef's Kitchen - Cloud Our pick | Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Families who want one kitchen that looks good in a living room and lasts from preschool into the early school years. | Siblings, playdates and anyone who wants a complete kitchen with accessories at a mid-range price. |
| Price tier | $$$ · premium | $$ · mid-range |
| Stated age | 3+ | 2+ |
| Main material | Wood (FSC-certified materials) | Molded (material not stated) |
| Listed size | 43.25 x 39 x 15.5 in assembled | 35.8 H x 34.4 W x 11.5 D in assembled |
| Accessories in the box | Two ice cubes, grocery checklist, hooks | 25-piece accessory kit |
| Lights and sounds | No (no batteries needed) | Burner lights up and sizzles |
| Appliances | Oven, stove, microwave, sink, fridge, freezer, ice maker | Sink, fridge, oven, cabinets |
| Assembly | Illustrated instructions, no time given | Adult assembly required |
| Verdict | Buy | Buy |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Melissa & Doug Chef's Kitchen - Cloud if
families who want one kitchen that looks good in a living room and lasts from preschool into the early school years.
Know before buying: it is the most expensive kitchen here by a wide margin.
Pick the Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen if
siblings, playdates and anyone who wants a complete kitchen with accessories at a mid-range price.
Know before buying: step2 warns of small parts and sharp points, and adult assembly is required.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Melissa & Doug Chef's Kitchen - Cloud - A large wooden kitchen with every appliance a child expects, sized for more than one cook at a time. Choose the Step2 Best Chef's Kitchen instead if siblings, playdates and anyone who wants a complete kitchen with accessories at a mid-range price.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Play Kitchens: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).