Ahh! My head is going to explode-need kitchen advice

[Bug-a-boo's mom]

We are buying a Killian a kitchen for his second birthday. A local play place had this kitchen-
http://www.kidsfurnituremart.com/playtime/play-kitchens/deluxepastelplaykitchen.cfm . I loved that it was a taller kitchen (room to grow and use as K get taller), has a microwave and refrigerator. I don't love the pink so much, but a lot of the wood ones are more girly than GN. I discovered TRU has it online. So we went to a local one to see if they had it in stock-of course not. But on the way out they had the large Step2 kitchen on display. http://step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1402 I would never buy this one because it is HUGE. But I let K play in it for a few minutes. He loves opening drawers, cabinets, pulling out the baskets, etc. So now I am wondering if I should get this one- http://www.step2.com/product.cfm?product_id=1218 ? But my concern for this one is will it get as much use as he gets taller. He is about 33" now. Reviews say older kidlets love it too. We even went back to the play at the play place today that has the Kidcraft kitchen (I really needed to see it again-but K also got to play :giggle: ). At his current height, it might actually be a bit too tall. I am not sure if he could easily get something out of the microwave.

Anyone have any tips, advice or anything? A decision needs to be made immediately so it will be here by his birthday. Sidenote for those concerned about MIC-Step2 items (not all though) are made in the US. Although I am not so sure that there aren't parts on it MIC.

Thank you bunches for any help or advice at all!!!
:lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit: :lostit:

[masonite]

I like the wood ones, I feel like you will get many more years of play out of them, as opposed to plastic kitchens. (Just my opinion.)

If you don't like the pink, what about this one?? http://allplaykitchens.com/retro_blue_play_kitchen.htm

[geckoed]

heh. I like the unpainted wood myself. We had a plastic one, it lost its appeal quickly. Our wooden one gets a LOT more use. My 8yr old says she likes the "weight" of it, that its "more real" and "not for babies" like the plastic ones.

For a totally guy-friendly colorful one try the kidkraft grill-n-bake

heres the link (had to fix my mouse)
http://store.platinumgalleria.com/kidkraft-grill-n-bake-kitchen-53131-large-pastel-53101.html

(also you can make your kitchen taller by adding a trundle-type drawer underneath it and then storing pots/pans in it)

[OneFabMama]

I like the wood ones, I feel like you will get many more years of play out of them, as opposed to plastic kitchens. (Just my opinion.)

If you don't like the pink, what about this one?? http://allplaykitchens.com/retro_blue_play_kitchen.htm

Love that. We almost got that in red for DD -- from One Step Ahead it's about 250 + shipping.

She got a pink metal retro one from Costco instead. I'd go metal or wood for sure. Plastic seems to go down the crapper so much faster.

[mommy020507]

i actually have the step two, it was good until now, it starting to breaking apart.. so i suggest to get wood that can be strong for kids to knock it over, stand on it, open and close the cabient so many times, theres so many useage in our kitchen set and will have to get rid of them soon.. as the top and bottom attach part is so weak and will come off shorty which my kids wont be thrilled

[Bug-a-boo's mom]

Thank you Mama's!

I like the wood ones, I feel like you will get many more years of play out of them, as opposed to plastic kitchens. (Just my opinion.)

If you don't like the pink, what about this one?? http://allplaykitchens.com/retro_blue_play_kitchen.htm

I had seen this one. But hadn't seen this site before. More stuff to consider. I love the Colorado set. :banghead: ...now my head hurts more.

heh. I like the unpainted wood myself. We had a plastic one, it lost its appeal quickly. Our wooden one gets a LOT more use. My 8yr old says she likes the "weight" of it, that its "more real" and "not for babies" like the plastic ones.

For a totally guy-friendly colorful one try the kidkraft grill-n-bake

heres the link (had to fix my mouse)
http://store.platinumgalleria.com/kidkraft-grill-n-bake-kitchen-53131-large-pastel-53101.html

(also you can make your kitchen taller by adding a trundle-type drawer underneath it and then storing pots/pans in it)

I have seen the Grill n Bake, but we don't have the space for it. The spot we have for it is next to our kitchen (I cook hoping he cooks and stays our of my way :giggle: ) and the kitchen needs to be flat against the wall. It is really cute though!

And I never thought of adding a trundle underneath. That is an awesome idea! Bonus points for you :cheer: :clapclap: :bow: !

Love that. We almost got that in red for DD -- from One Step Ahead it's about 250 + shipping.

She got a pink metal retro one from Costco instead. I'd go metal or wood for sure. Plastic seems to go down the crapper so much faster.

That set is super cute! Wish it came in red or any color other than pink :giggle: .

i actually have the step two, it was good until now, it starting to breaking apart.. so i suggest to get wood that can be strong for kids to knock it over, stand on it, open and close the cabient so many times, theres so many useage in our kitchen set and will have to get rid of them soon.. as the top and bottom attach part is so weak and will come off shorty which my kids wont be thrilled

See my theory was also that it wouldn't hold up as well. But then DH nicely mentioned that our outdoor toys, which have been there a year, are still in excellent condition. :banghead:

:thankyou:
:thanks:
:thankyou:

[benjason]

Do you have a Target nearby? We got this wooden kitchen from Target for Christmas for my almost 2 year old DS. http://www.target.com/Play-Wonder-Big-Kitchen-Center/dp/B000R05W92/sr=1-1/qid=1195074370/ref=sr_1_1/601-9533174-2353758?ie=UTF8&index=target&field-browse=1038620&rh=k%3Aplay%20kitchens&page=1