With a real working sink and a design built for hands-on learning, Lovevery’s Real Life Play Kitchen takes playtime to the next level—without becoming just another forgotten toy. But is it worth the splurge? We put it to the test.
Every parent knows the dilemma. You invest in a beautiful wooden play kitchen, only to watch your child spend five minutes enthusiastically turning the knobs before abandoning it in favour of the actual kitchen sink.
By now, you’ve probably seen Lovevery products all over your social feeds—those beautifully crafted, Montessori-inspired toys that promise to be as educational as they are aesthetically pleasing. Their latest release, the Real Life Play Kitchen, is no exception. Designed to bridge the gap between pretend play and practical life skills, it features a real, working water system and high-quality accessories to keep little hands busy (and hopefully away from your taps).
But at $500, is it worth the investment? We put it to the test with a real toddler—here’s how it held up.
Read more: 12 Best Play Kitchens for Kids in New Zealand
We tested out the Lovevery Real Life Play Kitchen – here’s what we thought:
The Setup: Straightforward, But Expect Excitement Levels to Peak Early
Unboxing was easy, and assembling the kitchen took less time than expected. The pieces felt sturdy, well-made, and thoughtfully designed—no flimsy plastic here. But fair warning: the moment your toddler sees that water tank, all patience for the setup process will evaporate. Ours was practically vibrating with excitement, eager to test out the running water feature.
The Main Event: Water Play Without the Chaos
Let’s be honest—most kids don’t want to “pretend” to wash dishes. They want to actually fill, scrub, rinse, and repeat. Lovevery delivers on that craving with a real, functioning sink that cycles fresh water, keeping play contained and (mostly) mess-free. The water pressure is gentle, the basin is wide enough to avoid major splashes, and the used water tank is cleverly designed to prevent overflows.
And for parents worried about water spills, the sink’s used water tank has a clever indicator that tells you when it’s full—so no unexpected overflows. It’s basically the holy grail of water play: engaging, confidence-boosting, and—most importantly—not a total disaster for your floors.
Accessories That Make a Difference
Many play kitchens come with cheap plastic food and flimsy utensils that end up lost under the couch. Lovevery, however, includes beautifully crafted accessories that add to the experience. A wooden chopper lets kids safely practise cutting soft foods, a colander is perfect for rinsing fruit (or just pouring water back and forth endlessly), and real stainless steel utensils make them feel like they’re using “grown-up” tools. There’s even a drying rack and towel hooks, encouraging kids to clean up after themselves—a novelty that we can only hope translates to the real kitchen one day.
The Montessori Factor: Play That Grows With Them
What sets this kitchen apart is how well it adapts to different ages. Our 15-month-old tester was mostly fascinated by filling and emptying the sink, while our 3-year-old was eager to try out the real kitchen tools and mimic what “mummy and daddy do.” But as they get older, the kitchen encourages more complex play—prepping snacks, setting the table, even learning basic cleaning skills. Lovevery also includes over 20 activity ideas, making it more than just a toy; it’s a learning tool disguised as play (yay!).
The real standout feature? This kitchen is designed for real-life activities. Kids aren’t just pretending to cook—they’re encouraged to cut real fruit and vegetables with the included wooden chopper and board. And because Lovevery knows toddlers plus water equals chaos, the wood has been specially treated to prevent mould and withstand daily splashes. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference in durability. The only element we miss is having a stove to pretend to cook on and an oven. We love the concept and the countertops for chopping and washing, but our older toddler seemed to miss the “cooking” element. Perhaps heading to the eco shop to find some old burner rings could work. So, if your kiddo is mostly fascinated by actually cooking rather than just prepping, this may not be the best choice.
The Verdict: Pricey, But Worth It
Is $500 a lot for a play kitchen? Absolutely. But does this one justify the price tag? For us, yes. The quality, functionality, and ability to keep a toddler engaged for longer than five minutes make it a winner. The real water feature alone is a game-changer, turning a standard play setup into an interactive, skill-building experience.
That said, kids don’t need the fanciest play kitchen to be happy. Give them a cardboard box and some plastic cups, and they’ll still whip up a five-star imaginary meal. But if it’s in the budget and you’re after a play kitchen that goes beyond the usual knobs-and-doors setup, this one stands out. It’s well-built, engaging, and grows with them—so at least you know it won’t end up forgotten in the corner after a week.
Just be prepared for the inevitable request: “Can I have a real oven next?”
The Lovevery Real Life Play Kitchen costs AUD485 (approx NZD 537). Click here for all the details.
