Best Play Dishes

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 7, 2024
Our children are little explorers who learn through play. So, games help kiddies develop and practice new skills. And what could ...Read more
Best Pick
Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots and Pans Playset for Kids
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on Amazon
PROS
Stainless steel pieces with hand-polished mirror finish look luxurious. All the handles feature sturdy riveted joints that won't wear, ensuring a long lifespan. Convenient storage rack provides ample space for the whole set.
CONS
Steel elements are a bit heavy.
OUR VERDICT
Melissa and Doug play dishes will be a fantastic present for 3+ children who want to cook just "like mommy". The set is extremely realistic and will surely encourage little chefs to cook more.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Pots and pans set/ Pots and pans set + Cooking Utensils
KIT CONTENT
8 pieces: 1 colander, 1 pot with 1 lid, 2 pans, 2 wooden utensils, 1 rack
AGE
3+
MATERIAL
Hand-polished stainless steel and wood
SIZE
Children size / Colander, Pot, and Pan are 5" in diameter
CLEANUP
Dishwasher safe
Green Toys TEA01R Tea Set
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PROS
The whole Green Toys Tea Set for girls consists of 100% recycled curbside-collected milk containers and comes in the recycled cardboard packaging. All this adds to the safe and eco-friendly environment for your kid.
CONS
Teapot might leak if the water level is too high.
OUR VERDICT
A great play dishes for girls and boys to throw everyday tea parties. The smallest 2+ kids and their friends will be over the moon drinking REAL tea from this FDA-approved teapot!
detailed parameters
TYPE
Tea set
KIT CONTENT
17 pieces: 1 teapot with 1 lid, 1 sugar bowl with 1 lid, 1 creamer, 4 cups, 4 saucers, 4 teaspoons
AGE
2+
MATERIAL
100% recycled plastic (no BPA, phthalates or PVC)
SIZE
Children size / Teapot: 4.5" in diameter, 3.5" H, Sugar bowl: 3" in diameter, 1.25" H, Tea cups and creamer: 2.25" in diameter, 1.75" H, Saucer: 4" in diameter, Utensils: 4.25" L
CLEANUP
Dishwasher safe
Reasonable Price
Kidzlane Durable Kids Play Dishes
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PROS
The huge number of various colorful dishes allows your child to throw a party for all his/her toys, relatives, and friends. After the play, kids can wash their dishes and place them back into the plastic dish drainer.
CONS
The thin cutlery might fall through the drainer.
OUR VERDICT
These attractive plastic play dishes for 3+ children will provide your little ones with an exciting and useful cooking experience. This set is intended for up to 4 kids to play.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Dish set
KIT CONTENT
29 pieces: 4 plates, 4 saucers, 4 bowls, 4 cups, 4 knives, 4 spoons, 4 forks, 1 dish drainer
AGE
3+
MATERIAL
BPA-free plastic
SIZE
Children size / Plates: 6" in diameter, Saucers: 5" in diameter, Bowls: 5" in diameter
CLEANUP
Hand cleaning
KidKraft Bright Cookware Set
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PROS
This lovely play dishes set is available in 2 color options: Bright and Pastel. It matches perfectly all KidKraft play kitchens and guarantees total immersion into the cooking process.
CONS
Pan and pot are rather small.
OUR VERDICT
KidKraft will please both kids and parents not only with crockery and cutlery but also with toy pots and pans. Thus, your kiddy can even "cook" dishes for guests.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Cookware set and Dish set
KIT CONTENT
27 pieces: 4 knives, 4 spoons, 4 forks, 4 plates, 4 cups, 4 bowls, 1 pot, 1 pan, 1 lid
AGE
3+
MATERIAL
Plastic
SIZE
Children size / Plates: 6.5" in diameter, Bowls: 4" in diameter
CLEANUP
Hand cleaning
Small World Toys Living - Young Chef Cookware Playset
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on Amazon
PROS
The set contains a great number of different cooking utensils, which will become excellent helpers for your loved one. The large stockpot comes with a lid that has an interlock function, which significantly adds to the versatility and realistic effect.
CONS
No plastic food is included.
OUR VERDICT
This cookware set will be perfect for 3+ chefs. It is very lightweight and safe in use. So, parents can relax while their kiddies are playing with the set.
detailed parameters
TYPE
Cookware set
KIT CONTENT
11 pieces: 1 large stockpot with 1 lid, 1 small stockpot with 1 lid, 1 frying pan with 1 lid, 1 large spoon, 1 knife, 1 skimmer, 1 spatula, 1 ladle
AGE
3+
MATERIAL
Plastic
SIZE
Children size / Larger stock pot: 6" wide, Smaller stock pot: 4" wide, Frying pan: 3.5" wide
CLEANUP
Hand cleaning

Melissa & Doug Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

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Type and Kit Content

Melissa & Doug is an excellent set for cooking, which will surely be of great interest for your kid. This set will allow your child to experience the ultimate reality of cooking in the kitchen. Due to the colander, pots and two pans (one of which can be used as a skillet), the child will be able to cook almost all dishes that he/she can find in mom's recipe book. Spatula and spoon will be excellent assistants while preparing these dishes. All pieces of the set can be stored conveniently on a special rack that is also included in the set. So, when the kitchen is closed, all the elements can be comfortably stored there. For sure - this set will never be one of those toys that go on the shelf the next day. This is also an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their child all the necessary skills for good and safe behavior in the kitchen. In order to further expand capabilities of your little chef, you can also purchase an extended set with additional cooking utensils. This is truly a top shelf set!

Age and Material

These realistic Melissa and Doug play dishes can be used by 3+ kids. It features shiny stainless steel pots, pans, lids, and colander. What's more, all these pieces are polished to a gorgeous mirror-finish providing such a modern look that every mom and dad might envy! And just like real ones, a spoon and spatula are made of high-quality solid wood. Note that all knobs and handles boast sturdy riveted joints that won't wear and weaken like welding or glue. Because of all these, you can be sure that the dish set will provide your kiddy with fun games and good mood. The last but not the least, all the pieces are absolutely safe for children.

Size and Cleanup

The size of the pieces may seem a little smaller than expected. But, parents, don't forget that despite its realistic look, it is still a toy dish set. The dimensions of each element are perfect for small, gentle hands of your kid. You can be sure - your child will hold dishes comfortably while implementing his/her culinary ideas. And what is even more exciting, Melissa and Doug play dishes are dishwasher-safe. So, your little ones can delightfully observe how you load all their dishes into a dishwasher. What could be more entertaining for every child than doing something together with their parents?

Last updated price $24.84
Stock In stock
ASIN B00CPHX6YI
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Green Toys TEA01R

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Type and Kit Content

As our happy customers report, their first play set among plenty of different models, was still a tea set. What could be more fun for any child than throwing a real tea party for friends or dolls? So, if you are looking for the first play dishes for girls, Green Toys TEA01R Tea Set is a perfect choice. It consists of 17 pieces, which is surely enough to provide your little princess with all the necessary things for meetings with friends over a cup of tea or coffee. We would like to stress that the set contains not only cups, saucers, and teaspoons for 4 persons, but also a teapot, a sugar bowl, and, of course, a creamer. Parents need to understand that on purchasing this tea set, they will also get an opportunity to teach their child the niceties of table manners and, perhaps, even explain the whole procedure of the tea ceremony.

Age and Material

If you are a fan of environmentally-friendly items, this fantastic set is a great alternative to all those wooden play dishes! Green Toys TEA01R Tea Set is marked 2+, so it's an excellent choice if you are looking for a safe set for the smallest children. But its benefits are not limited only to this. A distinctive feature of this tea set is the materials used in its manufacturing. At the first glance, you might think that it is just an ordinary plastic. However, in this very case, the plastic tea set is fully made from recycled milk jugs. This material is completely BPA-, phthalates-, PVC- free and is FDA-approved. Therefore, with this eco-friendly set, your child can eat and drink not only imaginary food but have a "real" cup of tea with a cake. This feature makes this set even more attractive for both children and their parents. It is worth noting that even the packaging in this set is made of 100% recycled cardboard.

Size and Cleanup

Green Toys TEA01R Tea Set is presented in so-called "child-size". Needless to say that such size is perfect for girls' tea parties. Having served all pieces of the tea set on the table, your child with friends can cosily sit around the table, chatting and drinking real or imaginary tea. Undoubtedly such tea parties will touch the heart of any mom or dad! Parents will also be pleased to know that all the items are totally dishwasher safe. So, after tea parties, you and your little one can wash this play dishes set in a dishwasher. Perhaps, this will be his/her first meeting with a very important kitchen appliance - the dishwasher. If you want your little princess to be happy, get this fantastic tea set for girls!
Last updated price $27.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B001543YEY
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Kidzlane Durable Kids

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Type and Kit Content

Kidzlane set contains a large number of pieces- 29! This colorful set of dishes is perfect for 4 children to have a play. So, at any moment your child will be able to arrange a dinner party for friends that will surely captivate them for a long time. Needless to say, this set ensures that your child, naturally with your help, can learn more about a table etiquette and play a hospitable host. For extra convenience, the manufacturer fitted this set with a solid dryer which can be used as a storage place for plates, cups, forks, spoons and so on.

Age and Material

Kidzlane Durable Kids Play Dishes are perfect for kids older than 3 years. All dishes are made of high-quality bright plastic which contains no BPA. You can be sure that it is extremely safe in use and will no way harm your kid. Attractive colors and plastic strength guarantee that playing with this set is always going to be interesting for your kid. Be it a dinner with parents or pastime with friends at kindergarten, the plastic play dishes will withstand all of those "games" and please your child for a long time. If you are looking for something more special than all those usual Disney Princess play dishes or Hello Kitty play dishes, don't hesitate and opt for Kidzlane Durable kids play dishes!

Size and Cleanup

This set of toy dishes has an ideal size for your kid to set a beautiful dining table and to spend a fun lunchtime with friends. As the play set contains a tea set, your child will be able to hold small parties over a cup of tea. After lunch, your little one will be able to clean all dishes by hands or place them at the top of a dishwasher, just like parents do. So, in addition to the table manners, your kid will get acquainted with a dishwasher. By getting more and more kitchenware, you can teach your daughter all little things and prepare her for the adulthood.
Last updated price $24.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00Q788QPK

KidKraft Bright

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Type and Kit Content

KidKraft has combined so many different types of dishes in this set. Of course, it is not the largest set in the world but, thanks to the cookware along with different dishes, you can help your child acquire all the skills that will be useful in the kitchen and dining room. To be exact, using toy pots and pans, your kid can acquire the initial skills of cooking; other elements of the set will provide your loved one with an opportunity to serve the table for 4 persons. KidKraft play dishes are available in two colors, Pastel and Bright, so you can pick the suitable one according to the preferences of your own child. KidKraft manufacturer has also got a Play Kitchen on offer, so if you'd like to match your dishes with little kitchen, make sure to have a look at one of them.

Age and Material

KidKraft Bright Cookware Set is designed for children aged 3+. As these play dishes for girls are made of high-quality plastic, they will lay gently in the little hands of your princess. The set is also totally safe in use, and even if your little one drops it accidentally, it will not break and injure your child, what is the most important. Since the plastic has one more indisputable advantage - low weight, this set will be an excellent option to take it to a grandma's house. Be sure - wise granny will share some of her favorite recipes that your kiddy can "cook" in her toy pots and pans.

Size and Cleanup

KidKraft play dishes boast a superb size which makes them ideal for use as children's dishes. In order to clean the set, you just have to wipe it with a damp sponge or wash manually under running water. The play dishes are perfectly suitable for children's parties or picnics and are also an excellent addition to the big Play Kitchen by KidKraft. A great choice of various dishes will allow you to make an ideal kitchen for your kid where he/she will be able to acquire all the skills and knowledge that will come in handy several years later.

Last updated price $13.40
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BTTBM9E
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Small World Toys Living - Young Chef Cookware

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Type and Kit Content

Small World Toys Living presents this set as the one that almost fully reflects "the real" dish set. 11 different kitchen utensils guarantee that your kid will be able to cook almost all recipes using this set. Your little one can cook, fry, and stew; the large spoon, knife, skimmer, spatula, and ladle will definitely come in handy. So, no matter what your little chef is going to cook - you will be able to show him/her and teach cooking while using this play dishes set. And who knows, perhaps it will be the first cooking steps of the future world-famous chef.

Age and Material

Small World Toys Living - Young Chef Cookware Playset is best for 3+ years children. High-strength plastic makes this set an excellent and durable companion for your kid in any kitchen games. Since the dishes are made of plastic, they are lightweight and cannot do any harm to your child, even if he/she accidentally drops one. We would like to emphasize that wonderful bright colors will certainly attract attention of all your kid's friends. It is likely that one day you will see how a little restaurant kitchen with plenty of cooks works. In any case, use the opportunity to teach the children correct behavior in the kitchen. Buy this fantastic cookware plastic play dishes set!

Size and Cleanup

The size of all the pieces in this set is perfect for children. The dishes lay comfortably in small children's hands and, at the same time, have a very realistic design - they are beautifully manufactured and look exactly like their full-sized versions. As for convenience of use, the cleanup is a snap as it does not require much effort! All you have to do is simply wipe this play dishes set with a damp sponge or rinse it under running water. Hurry up. Sale ends soon!
Last updated price $19.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0009PAMXQ

What is are Play Dishes

Most children have a large number of sophisticated toys nowadays. However, simple play dishes will always be popular. They can be represented by tea sets, dish sets, and cookware sets. Any of these play sets allows your child to acquire the necessary etiquette skills and good manners. In addition, your little one will also get a fun cooking experience, acting just like "mommy". In fact, the choice of such play dishes set is quite simple, but there are certain features that should be taken into account. Our review will help you with that!

If you want your little one to feel like a real chef, we recommend you to read our play kitchen review. Hopefully, you will be able to make your kid totally happy!

What Features to Compare

Type and Kit Content

First of all, when choosing a play dishes set, you should decide what type you want to get for your child and, therefore, pay attention to the kit content. Now the market is full of different options, although just like "real dishes", play dishes have certain sets of pieces.

  • For example, a dish set for 4, 6 or even 10 kids consists of 4, 6, 10 plates, bowls, cups, and saucers accordingly. As for the cutlery (forks, knives, spoons), it also comes in as many numbers (4, 6, 10 pcs).
  • Tea sets in addition to traditional cups and saucers also contain a teapot, a sugar bowl, and a creamer.
  • Cookware sets mainly contain pots and pans of a various size. Also, there may come with knives, skimmers, spatulas, ladles, etc.

Some kits include extra pieces that make games even more realistic: special racks, drainers, etc. So, the choice of play dishes is pretty wide, and we suggest choosing the one according to skills you want to cultivate in your child. Yet if it's possible, get all available types of sets so that your child can bring into life all situations that usually happen in the kitchen or in the dining room.

Age and Material

The second point worth your attention is the children's age. Naturally, like any other toys, play dishes should be age-appropriate. To be exact, play sets consisting of small parts should not be purchased for children under 3 years old. Since your kid will (we are sure he/she will!) spend much time "cooking" or "serving", dish materials are also of great importance! As a rule, play sets are made of plastic or metal. You can also find porcelain models but they are fragile and, consequently, are not so widespread. Of course, your child will try to eat real food from toy plates (or drink beverages from toy cups), so the material must meet all safety standards. Thus, plastic sets should be at least labeled "BPA-free". Concerning steel sets, they are absolutely safe and contain no chemicals. Such sets are pretty interesting to older children as when "cooking" they may play just "like a real chef".

Size and Cleanup

Well, the last feature you ought to pay attention to is the size and cleanup. The sets should be chosen depending on the purpose. For example, kids might need dishes for themselves (children's size) or for their dolls (dolls' size). Note that if you already have a play kitchen, it is advisable to pick the play dishes to fit it. Like all "adult" utensils, toy ones should also be easy-to-clean. So, it is very convenient when dishes are dishwasher safe, especially if your kid has just had a "real" tea and cake for lunch.

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