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The most helpful favorable review
The most helpful critical review
408 of 415 people found the following review helpful:
The best child's play kitchen.
I purchased the deluxe model about four months ago and am still thrilled with the kitchen. I use it in my home day care (age ranges from 15 months to 6 years old) and have found it to be very durable and well worth the money. The kids love it. With the deluxe model, there is plenty of room for multiple children to play together. And there are plenty of accessories to go...
Published on November 6, 2003
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
tiny drawers
although kitchen looks cute and realistic the storage compartments (fridge stove drawers cabinets microwave)are very tiny and barely hold a dish or cup. I was very disappointed as the description and packaging are very deceiving.
Published on August 19, 2003
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408 of 415 people found the following review helpful:
The best child's play kitchen., November 6, 2003
By A Customer
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
I purchased the deluxe model about four months ago and am still thrilled with the kitchen. I use it in my home day care (age ranges from 15 months to 6 years old) and have found it to be very durable and well worth the money. The kids love it. With the deluxe model, there is plenty of room for multiple children to play together. And there are plenty of accessories to go around (pot/frying pan, lids, salt pepper shaker, electronic phone, spatula, forks and knives, cups, pitcher, plates). You can purchase additional fake food from step 2 that works really well with this kitchen, also.
The kids love it when they sit a pan on the "burner" and it sizzles...then they can turn around and put a pot on it and it will sound like it is boiling/bubbling. Each appliance has a keypad next to it that has the same simple sounds like a kids toy phone. There is an additional phone that has its own "base" on the counter top. There are a couple of knobs to turn and a plastic pretend water sprayer.
I find it very useful as it addresses so many developmental items at one time. It is very attractive and more realistic than other kitchen sets out there.
The only word of warning I have is when it comes to assembly. If you take it slow and very careful (read directions twice and then read again before you set the screw...LOL), you should have no problems. Two people are needed to assemble the deluxe version. It goes a lot easier when you assemble it according to the directions and lay all your pieces out first to make sure you have them all. There is also an endless supply of stickers that go on this thing, so be aware you may need extra time to really put it all together right. If you organize yourself and the parts before you begin, it will be a cinch to assemble. I know, I tried it both ways <wink>.
***edited to add***after two years and countless day care kids, this kitchen still looks great! I have had other kitchen sets (from other manufacturers)that just died after a few months-stickers peeled off, sounds not work, the entire piece faded, etc-but this one works like the day I bought it and still looks fantastic. It does not eat up batteries either-like other sets I have owned. I am so satisfied. This was worth the money I paid for it. (I am referring to the deluxe set which is larger).
I also feel the need to mention that my kitchen set was kept indoors. As with any of these products, if you need to clean them up-the customer service rep told me to use soft scrub WITHOUT bleach. Bleach will apparently cause the product to fade and degrade over time.
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223 of 226 people found the following review helpful:
A Great Toy for the Little Ones! Minor Probs Though, October 25, 2004
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
This is probably the best kitchen out there right now. The attention to detail is great, the sound effects, the light above the sink, the endless little compartments and cabinets will keep kids occupied for hours. Another great thing is the gender-neutral colors which may keep dads from getting in a huff if they were to see junior playing in a pink and purple kitchen.
The only items worth noting are:
1) Do not try to assemble this thing with your kids around. Even if you think your kids are the patient kind that can calmly wait for you to finish you are wrong! This thing takes forever to put together, especially if you do not have an electrical screwdriver (see point 2). Wait until the kids are napping before you even open the box.
2) Use an electrical screwdriver.
3) SAFETY ISSUE: some of the screws have plastic covers that you need to snap down to close. Half of them don't close properly and they are a choking hazard! Small children can easily rip off the plastic covers and ingest them.
4) There is a back panel that is meant to be screwed into (supposedly) existing holes. However there are no such holes, and you cannot screw them in manually (like another reviewer said). Use an electrical screwdriver to make your own holes.
5) The cabinet doors may not close fully. Three words: MADE IN CHINA.
6) It's better to affix the stickers while the kitchen is still on the floor. Don't wait until you've put it all together and it's upright.
7) You need 12 AA batteries!
8) You should buy play food separately. The food that comes with the toy is not that exciting.
My only other complaint is the instruction manual. It's probably economical for the company to print instructions in English and Spanish for the same picture but it is extremely confusing to have to work on a stage of the assembly, refer back to the instructions and have to look around for the text you need in the language you need it. It would be better if there were separate sections for each language.
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48 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
Dont choose any other!, July 16, 2005
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
I purchased this kitchen for my (at the time) 4 and 1 year old daughters... They are now 5.5, 2, and I have a 7 month old as well...
This kitchen is SPECTACULAR, without being as huge as the other model... Its very durable, realistic looking, interactive, and the perfect size for multiple kids...
(1) stock up on batteries because this set needs A LOT (12?) of them (check info to see what size)... It also goes through the batteries in like 6 months, and for quite a while my kids played with it WITHOUT the sounds, and they loved it...
(2) If you dont have an electric screw driver, borrow one! There are MANY parts that dont have holes large enough, or that would take forever to use manually, trust me... use an electric one!
(3) When putting on the stickers, make sure the kitchen is flat on the floor, or in pieces... because once its upright, this will be impossible!
(4) DO NOT put this together at 10:00 on Christmas Eve!!! It took us a good 1.5 hours to put together, and it barely made it without waking the kids! With kids around, it will most likely take you twice the time, and loose the patience 2x faster! Wait until they are at Grandmas or something!
(5) If your stickers are wearing off (as were ours) call Step2, and ask for them to ship you extra stickers... we paid about $20 including shipping, and they sent TWO of every sticker, and a few coupons, good service Step2!
(6) The food that comes with the kitchen is minimal, as are the dishes... When we purchased the toy we didnt buy any extras, but soon rushed back to TRU to purchase about a 100 piece food set, and a 20 piece dish set (about $20 in all... or maybe even $15) And by the way, with cabinets, counter space, and apliences this kitchen has STORAGE!
(7) I have been able to fit this kitchen in MY kitchen, and the kids LOVE making dinner, or whatever... its not too ubstructive, and its not too large...
(8) It is very durable! My kids have thrown things on it, stood/climbed on it, and have even drawn on it! The crayon/marker comes off with average cleaner, while there isnt ONE dent or knick in our kitchen!
All in all this kitchen will surely last us a lifetime, its durable, fun, and is just the perfect kitchen, not too interactive, and lets them have soaring imaginations... I highly recomend it!
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32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
Watch out Emeril! Future Gourmet Chef at work!, July 13, 2004
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
We got this for our daughter's 2nd birthday after reading ALL the reviews, and even wrote to Step 2 FIRST to inquire about some common problems. The dishrack HAS been fixed and the dishes don't fall out. The instructions don't seem to be in a logical order: we put the decals on FIRST while the pieces are easier to get to(which are very forgiving: you can remove if not lined up right!); make SURE you have batteries (12 AA for the Dream kitchen); put spindles and door/drawer knobs on before assembling big pieces together. Just seems to make more sense that way. Took about an hour for the 2 of us to assemble. Some holes are NOT drilled, so have a drill on hand. The fridge door is fine on ours, but the keypad next to the microwave is not quite centered, so the microwave door catches on it and is hard to open and close. Maybe can remedy by redrilling the top hole for keypad. Also like the idea of taping a string behind keypad for ease of removing to change batteries. Lots of FUN sounds and "boiling/sizzling" sounds also stop on their own after about a minute. Daughter LOVES it so far! Well Worth the money, but shop around: found $15 difference in shipping cost from here to Target.com. VERY durable: 20lb cat jumped up on it - didn't tip or move at all! After the assembly, you'll love it! Hope/expect to have many years of fun play out of it!
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45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
Best Kitchen, October 31, 2003
By A Customer
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
This Kitchen and the other two like it are the best. My husband and I had a fun time assembling it. We wish a little more had been previously assembled so that we were not doing it for so long. There were two problems with this toy. The refrigerator door on ours does not want to shut. There is to be a small gap at the bottom which we have but in the picture the door is to fit snug next to the cabinet, it does not fit behind it. Also the screw for the phone was very easily stripped. We called Step 2 and they are sending us a new phone, but said the door for the refrigerator is meant to be snug and a little difficult to open and shut. We got this for my sons 2nd Birthday. He loves it. He plays with everything on it. We also bought the Lil' Chefs food set. Also give your child an old or small oven mitt. It makes the playing more real for them. We love this toy. We did allot of research about it and other kitchen sets. This one is very sturdy and very fun. No problems getting on the floor and playing along with our son. You must buy.
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24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:
Son loves his kitchen, August 29, 2003
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
Hi,My wife and I bought this for our 20 month old son and he just loves it. He loves pushing the oven and microwave oven buttons and hearing them beep. He likes also the 'boiling water' and 'frying pan' sounds. Also, the green and biege color is very nice and not so girly. The boys and the girls in the neighborhood love it as well. It is so realistic that the older kids love playing with it as well. My wife took about 1 1/2 hours to put together. She had a little problem securing the 'burner' on the stove. Also, although she had enough screw remaining in the constructing of this in the end, they were different sizes than specified...so some of the attachment electronic items had to be secured by 2 inch screws rather than the smaller screws specified in the directions.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
I wish my kitchen was this nice, October 7, 2003
By A Customer
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
Two things about this kitchen attracted me. First, it looks real. Second, it's not made in "girly" colors like so many other toy kitchens, a plus for my two boys. The cooking sounds are great and not overly loud. Other reviewers mentioned the small cupboards and drawers -- true, but they are sized right for the dishes and utensils that are included.
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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
Dream Kitchen truly a dream, September 2, 2004
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
I want to thank all those who left reviews on this dream kitchen!! It helped us make the decision to purchase this for our 2 year old daughter. I must say the review about putting stickers on first was on target - do it!! It works!! Also, we took one night and put the stickers on, put batteries in and attached door knobs and the other little things- then the next night we put it together - we didn't necessarily go in the order to assemble but it didn't matter. It tooks us a total of 2 hours and the reviews about having 4 hands is true too. You don't need 2 people but it does help! Also, the review about the doors up top not staying closed are acurate too. I am going to take stick on magnets and fix that problem though!! Also, the plate holder on mine does fine although you will find some reviews say no!! You will need to have a drill handy even though the instructions don't mention it - we had to drill some holes that were not there!. Both my son and daughter have already had hours of fun - plus it works for entertainment for all. My 2 kids plus my 2 nephews all stood in front of the kitchen playing so it is big enough for all. Thanks once again for the helpful reviews and enjoy!!
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
Lifestyle Custom Kitchen, November 18, 2003
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
I just purchased the "Lifestyle Custom Kitchen" from Wal-Mart yesterday. I'd like to think of myself as being mechanically inclined but I now question that after the 2 hours it took me to complete this project. I suggest getting a partner because attaching the countertop to the base is quite a challenge. You'll need someone to hold it in place while you install the very long screws. Aside from the challenge of assembling the kitchen, I think it's wonderful, very realistic looking and very much worth the price. This is an upscale kitchen designed to match the modern home and it looks great and functions very well. There are others, which cost a lot less but are inferior by my standards (i.e. oven doors that do not stay shut... just read the reviews). There are also several Lifestyle Kitchens available which are all great depending on the age of your child(Custom, Dream or Deluxe).The suggested age range for this product is from age 2 to about 8 years. I suggest purchasing more accessories like the "Play Food Assortment" (not the one on this site, check out step2.com) and "The Lifestyle Table and Chairs" on Amazon and step2.com. If you buy the "Custom Kitchen" you'll also want to purchase the "Little Helpers Dining Room Pots & Pans" set, because the "Custom Kitchen" comes with only 2 of each: cups, plates, bowls, sporks, knives 1 Stock Pot w/lid, 1 frying pan and salt & pepper shaker. It sounds like a lot but it isn't. If you purchase the "Dream Kitchen" as pictured here you should be fine, this model includes a larger selection of kitchenware. What a wonderful way to encourage imaginative play. My 19 month old absolutely loves it! She cooked pasta this morning for breakfast and pretends to get juice from the refrigerator. I have only one complaint, which is apparently very typical of Step2 after reading reviews on some of their other products. Missing Parts!! Ours was packed without the silverware drawer. Make sure you check before assembling, especially for those of you who are purchasing the larger models with even more parts. Making another trip to the store was not an option for me so I called the Cust. Svc. line (800) 347-8372 and they're mailing it to me within the next 10 days or so. It wouldn't hurt to also check out step2.com they appear to have a larger selection of preschool items, like the "Kick Backer Activity Seat" which is the smaller kid version of the "Rock 'N Fold Chair". Happy Shopping!
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
Truly a Dream - Step 2 listens!, October 4, 2004
Durability: Fun: Educational:
This review is from: Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen (Toy)
My 20 month old daughter cannot get enough of this toy. She plays with this everyday, making us muffins and macaroni, and even warms up her milk in her own microwave. She loves the light that she can turn on herself, as well as the boiling and frying sounds that she can make while cooking. I think that one of the things that really sets this apart is the attention to detail on this kitchen. Everything makes the right sounds, but nothing is too obnoxios.
About the assembly, it does seem odd that the holes aren't there for the backsplash. However, you don't need a drill to make it work. Although it's not easy, the screws will go into the plastic all by themselves without drilling a hole first. Other than that, there were no problems with the assembly and it was a fun toy to put together. We have not experienced the problems of the doors staying closed. It also seems like the problem with the dish rack has been fixed.
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