Videos
We've summarized all the details we have for you. In the post body we'll include some relevant photos and links. If you've received your kitchen already, let us know what you think in this thread!
Gravity Fed Sink - no batteries required. No tubing that could mold
Safety lock on water catch basin with a push down lock
Mold and water resistant. All food surfaces are food grade
Dishwasher safe water dispenser and catch basin
Food safe food prep tools. All dishwasher safe except the wooden knife
Backsplash is a decal that can be removed and replaced. New patterns are coming, including a pink option
Extension ideas will be added to the app
Can double as a self care station - independently washing hands, brushing teeth, wiping face
Can double as a sensory table using the sustainable sink base and beaker tray
In testing, many kids also washed their toy cars etc in the sink
Fits the sustainable sink for recirculating water play
In testing, height was manageable for kids 1-5
Deep countertop - 18” vs the typical 12”
The utensils are the same as the ones in the Montessori Placemat set. The mat fits perfectly in the cabinet under the sink
Use vs kitchen tower - set up for independent play - can move freely around the space, use a sink without worrying about access to hot water, and work and play in a space that's designed for them
Comes with a pamphlet with tips for advancing water play as they age up, as well as ways to incorporate items from The Play Kits over time.
Includes a unique wall mounted tether that is easy to install and detach
Cabinets are 13” 1/16 h x 9” w x 16” 1/8 d
Accessories are coming. Potential ideas: Visual cookbook, pots and pans, snack containers, towels and aprons
A Hedley and Bennett apron collab is in the works
Here’s a quick link to see it for yourself! Real Life Play Kitchen
I saw an ad for the lovevery real life kitchen and I’m now daydreaming about it. LO is 2.5. We have a learning tower, but it mostly stays in the bathroom.
Does anyone have a working kitchen and can share if that was helpful, beyond what the learning tower provided?
(I searched the sub and most kitchen posts are for play kitchens, not functional ones)
Thank you
It‘s finally here! Check out Jess’ video in the page links below and let us know what you think. Are you planning to purchase?
https://lovevery.com/products/the-real-life-play-kitchen
https://lovevery.eu/products/the-real-life-play-kitchen
https://lovevery.com.au/products/the-real-life-play-kitchen
https://lovevery.co.uk/products/the-real-life-play-kitchen
With the play kitchen having been released about a year ago, and (hopefully!) some sales in the near future, I thought I would post a review of the kitchen.
We have been using it since last December, and my children are currently 3.5 and 9. It is still the perfect size for my 3.5 year old, and has been used by a variety of friends ranging from 18 months to 5 without issue.
When it first arrived, my 9 year old took the lead, showing her brother how to use the various features. While she’s never really “played” with it by herself, she will help him make snacks, engage in pretend play, or lead science experiments with him.
My son has gradually learned to take on tasks on his own. Initially he would fill a cup for a drink, rinse berries and plate a simple snack. He can now wash/dry/put away his own dishes, and rinse/chop/plate snacks.
We keep all of his dishes, snack containers and some shelf stable snacks in the cupboards, so he will pick a snack or two to add to his bag when we are heading out. He also sets his own place at the table for meals.
We’ve branched out to use the kitchen for science/sensory play, and found the sink and water tank to be great for both enhancing play, and with semi-independent cleanup. The basin is deep and prevents mess from falling outside the kitchen, though I do wish there was a way to plug it for sensory play (I understand the risk with water play however). Ikea Trofast trays fit inside the sink basin, so I am able to easily switch these out from our toy shelf.
More recently, we have been using it as a self care station to prepare my son for starting kindergarten. We keep his personal hygiene supplies in the cutlery drawer, and a change of clothes in the cupboards for when he soils his clothes or has an accident (we are in the midst of toileting). He’s been loving the independence, and it’s nice for him to have access at his level instead of perched atop a stool in our bathroom.
We only fill up the tank once a day, so once it is empty, it’s done for that day. My son has learned to ration his water, and if he ever wants the sustainable sink, it fits inside the real kitchen sink for unlimited water play.
In terms of durability and care, it’s withstood some heavy use! My kids have spilled water, soap, sand and playdough, left a squished berry on the counter overnight, or water with food colouring under a cup that was sitting on the counter. I was able to clean everything up without stains, but my son once spilled a cup of water in one of the cupboards. The next morning the wood had absorbed some of it, so there were small lines in the wood at that spot. Once it dried up the wood went back to normal.
There are two small spots where the top surface chipped off, but we had it sitting in the main doorway in/out of our kitchen where that corner was getting a lot of traffic.
I wash out the dirty water basin each night, and set it out to dry. Once a week I give it a deep clean in the dishwasher, and give the clean water tank a thorough wash, including the faucet. If you leave the dirty water tank in overnight (or two … oops!), the water gets gross and slimy, but it’s been used to wash dirty hands and faces, food, etc all day so that’s to be expected. I’ve had no issues with mold, and the ring around the sink has stayed mildew free (though it does have slight remnants of paint/sand etc against the edge, they aren’t able to go under due to the gasket).
We haven’t had a chance to try the new kitchen extension set yet (it’s not available in Canada), but I am very much looking forward to adding it to our home!
Curious what the experience of others have been. Please share, especially if you have some new ideas for extensions that we haven’t thought of yet!