Guidecraft Hideaway Country Kitchen Review

The kids were ecstatic when this was dropped off on our front porch.  I have always wanted a play kitchen like this for the kids, and since we are short on space in our house, what better thing than a kitchen that folds to only 6 inches deep for easy storage. 

I warn you ahead of time.  If you have small children or "helpful" ones like we do, please save construction for nap time or after they have gone to bed.  It took us over 2 hours to put this together.  My poor hubby was very frustrated at a couple steps in the directions that were not as clear as he would've liked.  Because of that he had to take apart a section and fix it.  We chose after dinner for construction and the kids all wanted to help.  Even though that was great, it was hard to follow the directions and let the kids help.  That is why we recommend while they are asleep to put this together.

Everyone was pretty exhausted after that, so even though they were really wanting to play with this awesome new toy....it had to wait until morning.

But the next day....Everyone had a blast.  Age recommendation is 3 and up, but even our 11 year old loves this kitchen. 

This kitchen features a sink, stove, working front knobs, oven, clock with movable hands, and even a spot for pot holders.  There's a cute little shelf on the top that the kids have used to put their tea pots on or even display their fruit.  I like the color of this kitchen, because the boys do not want to play with a pink kitchen and this was gender neutral.

The amount of dramatic play that this toy has opened up has been unreal.  We have had smaller play kitchens in the past, but they have pretended daily with this.  One day they are just making snacks and lunch for daddy and I.  Another day they play restaurant and pretend to take our order with a little notepad (the shelf holds their open/close sign).

A really cool feature of this particular kitchen is it's ability to fold up for easy storage.  There is a small screw that holds the top down secure.  But easily removed when you want to fold this up.

 There are safety latches also on the inside.

The same screw then fits underneath the shelf by Joe's thumb to hold the kitchen counter top in place.

It actually stands on it's own, but would not recommend this, as this is very heavy and if a child was to knock it over on itself....there could be an injury.  But this would easily fit underneath a bed or even behind a sofa to give extra space or allow for switching of toys.

This toy is a great addition to any household.  It is sturdy....and that is saying alot with our group!!!  I like the durability that we can use this for many, many years.  The kids will outgrow this before it wears out.  So we can pack it up for future generations...what a possible heirloom!!!

If you are interested in purchasing this kitchen and seeing what else this wonderful company has to offer, please visit Guidecraft for hundreds of dramatic play ideas.

Age Recommendation:  Ages 3 and up
Adult Assembly Required.
Price:  About $200.00


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Now for the legal jargon....
****I received this product free from Guidecraft. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”