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by: Sian Babish, BestReviews Staff
by: Sian Babish, BestReviews Staff
Play-Doh reigns supreme as one of the most-loved toys since the mid-20th century. While it began as a simple tub of modeling compound, today, there are dozens of Play-Doh playsets on the market — including several featuring kitchen themes.
Play-Doh kitchen sets include miniature tools, including pizza wheels and cookie presses, to cut and shape the compound into realistic forms. The top choice, Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Noodle Makin’ Mania, even comes with a ravioli mold.
Play-Doh kitchen sets are themed playsets centered around cooking, baking and meal preparation. The accessories allow kids to shape and create food items that run the gamut from pizza to sushi to cookies. Some sets include tiny molds or cutters, whereas others feature pared-down versions of popular kitchen appliances, like countertop ovens or juicers.
Play-Doh’s official recipe is kept under wraps, but Hasbro, the toy’s parent company, states it contains a mixture of salt, flour and water. While the compound is non-toxic and kid-safe, it should not be eaten. Play-Doh is made without common allergens like peanuts, peanut products, nuts or milk byproducts; however, it contains wheat.
Most Play-Doh sets are designed for children ages three and older. Regardless of their age-appropriateness, it’s still recommended to supervise children while they play with the compound and playset pieces.
No matter which comforts foods children love, or what type of cooking they enjoy, there’s a Play-Doh kitchen set to entertain them.
Play-Doh extruders are essentially manual molding machines that create various shapes or designs by pressing the compound through different molds. Some extruders have simple squeeze mechanisms, such as shredded cheese presses. Others are more involved with crank mechanisms, like pasta makers. Most midrange and premium Play-Doh kitchen sets come with extrudes; however, they may not be present in more affordable sets.
Play-Doh kitchen sets include both classic and specialty tools. Classic cutting tools, seen in most sets, include simple slicers, press molds and cookie cutters. Specialty cutting and shaping tools are often unique to specific Play-Doh kitchen sets. Some of the most popular ones seen in Play-Doh kitchen sets include pizza wheels, patterned rolling pins and stamps.
Most Play-Doh kitchen sets come with three to 10 jars of Play-Doh compound. Some sets only include one-ounce miniature jars, whereas others include larger jars that are 2 ounces or larger. The playset’s packaging usually indicates which sizes, colors and varieties of Play-Doh are included.
Smaller Play-Doh kitchen sets start at $8. More involved playsets, which usually have a wealth of classic and specialty tools, cost closer to $15. Deluxe Play-Doh kitchen sets, many of which feature electric miniature appliances or a wealth of accessories, run $18-$35.
A. Play-Doh can be removed from carpets, upholstery and clothing once it has completely dried. After that, it can be scraped off with a brush or butter knife. If the Play-Doh has left a stain, soak then wash the material in gentle detergent and water to remove it.
A. Some people store Play-Doh kitchen sets in their original boxes; however, others prefer keeping the playsets in storage totes. At the very least, they invest in smaller totes to store the playset’s smaller accessories. If you have several Play-Doh playsets, consider investing in a larger toy bin to store them all in one place.
Play-Doh Kitchen Creations Noodle Makin’ Mania
What you need to know: This nifty noodle maker set lets children choose among four unique pasta shapes.
What you’ll love: The set includes a pasta machine and several accessories so kids can experiment with popular pasta varieties. It comes with six compounds whose colors are true-to-life for pasta and other foods. While it’s an involved playset, it’s fairly compact.
What you should consider: Some users reported that the pasta press requires considerable strength for operation.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Play-Doh Sweet Shoppe Cookie Creations
What you need to know: A colorful option for cookie aficionados, this affordable Play-Doh kitchen set remains a favorite.
What you’ll love: The set features a variety of tools that press cookies and create unique toppings. The textured rolling pin is a favorite accessory for its unique designs and ease of use. The pieces and compounds feature vibrant, engaging colors.
What you should consider: The set includes smaller jars of Play-Doh, which surprised some buyers.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Play-Doh Stamp ‘N Top Pizza Oven Toy
What you need to know: A well-developed set with plenty of engaging features, this pizza oven set lets children create the pies of their dreams.
What you’ll love: The pizza oven and accessories have traditional rustic details seen in classic pizzerias, right down to the pizza peel and brick oven. There are several types of hand tools and movable parts, which may help develop motor skills and coordination.
What you should consider: If your Play-Doh pie is too thick or has too many toppings, it can get jammed in the oven.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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