What\’s great about this:
The Guidecraft Kitchen Helper rates an average 4.5 out of 5 stars!
- 20.25″ W 36.75″D 20.75″H
- Kids & Youth
- Kids & Youth->Table and Chair Sets
- Some assembly may be required. Please see product details.
Product Description
Kid’s Easy Fold Counter Height Maple Finish Wood Kitchen Helper Dimensions: 20.25″ W 36.75″D 20.75″H Finish: Natural Material: Wood Kid’s Easy Fold Counter Height Natural Finish Wood Kitchen Helper Lightweight (weight under 18lbs), easy to move and easier to store Folds FLAT for easy storages – less than 7″ wide. Our kitchen helper safely and securely allows children to reach countertop height. Adjust to 3 heights to grow with a ch… More >>
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What\’s great about this:
The Guidecraft Kitchen Helper rates an average 4.5 out of 5 stars!
20.25″ W 36.75″D 20.75″HKids & YouthKids & Yout…
5 replies on “Guidecraft Kitchen Helper”
We were excited about the idea of our two-year-old being included in out kitchen activities (instead of parked in front of a computer or TV screen), so this item and the Learning Tower both seemed to be the answer. The foldaway feature and white-/chalk-boards, as well as the lower price, led us to the Kitchen Helper. While it’s been very popular and used frequently each day, it’s not wearing well after just 4-5 weeks. Workmanship is poor, with some hinges installed in positions where they block the panels from opening fully, which in turn prevent one of the two security latches from closing, to keep the structure locked open for safety. With use, ALL of the allen-wrench bolts used require tightening about once a week. The simple assembly originally seemed a blessing, but now we’ve learned that pieces can turn slightly out of place, which makes the Kitchen Helper appear to be sloppily constructed/assembled. We’ve also had problems with water affecting the wood finish (if it’s been sealed, I can’t tell); my son spends much time using it at the kitchen sink and water spills have darkened the wood in places and seem to absorb into it, which will shorten its life. We’ve also had some of the plywood veneer chip off of the platform with only gentle (shoeless) use). Last, the “feet” that attach to each of the legs just aren’t big or strong enough to truly prevent toppling of the tower. A child who pushes away from a countertop or work surface could easily knock it over if the legs snagged on carpet or caught on an uneven wood floor.
The concept is great…anything that keeps kids engaged with kitchen activities and involved with mom or dad is a winning idea. But the design, construction and materials of the Kitchen Helper make it a purchase that has only disappointed us.
2
This is a great concept for little chefs! My 21 month old loves to help me in the kitchen and this step stool is a great way to raise him up to counter level. There is another similar stool on the market and I really struggled with which one to purchase and settled on this one because of the foldability factor and I thought it was a little more clever with the shape cutouts, chalkboard and dry erase board. As it turns out, the shape cutouts are the only reason I’m not giving 5 stars. My child is a climber and the very first thing he did when he got into this stool was to stick his foot through the star cutout and got it stuck. So, what seemed cute and clever is actually somewhat of a design flaw if being used with younger children, in my opinion. He hasn’t used the cutouts as climbers since, but it’s something to think about if you have an active, younger child. Other than that, it seems very safe, sturdy and was very easy to put together.
3
We have both the Kitchen Helper and the Learning Tower — you basically get what you pay for. We highly recommend having one in the kitchen regardless of whichever you choose.
However, there are good reasons for choosing the Kitchen Helper:
* goes right up to the counter even if there is no toekick space
* more lightweight and possibly a smaller footprint
* becomes transportable by removing a screw and folding it down
* lower cost
There is still room for improvement though. Unlike the Learning Tower, there is no “lip” at the back of the slippery platform so a toddler could have a few scary surprises sliding around in her socks until she gets used to it. A bump during manufacturing has already caused some minor chipping/crack/peel on one of the panels. An out-of-control child could probably tip it over by pushing and leaning hard… but this probably doesn’t apply to the average child.
Anyways, this is our second Guidecraft product so we weren’t surprised when the screws stripped easily or when we had to drill a new hole because one of the predrilled holes for the feet was so far off the mark. The plywood paneling is attractive with a smooth finish. Unfortunately, there are some alignment issues common to run-of-the-mill carpentry.
4
It is a good product for the price. I use it to help my 1 1/2 years old wash her hands before and after meals. It is pretty stable, much safer than step stools. Most of the step stools won’t give her enough height that she needs at this point. BUT be aware–YES, it can be folded if you are MOVING! There is a screw that you have remove before the base board can be lift up for folding. So, it is NOT designed to be folded if you plan to use it several times a day on a regular basis, and it will take out a good chunck of space in your kitchen. BTW, I believe both the Learning Tower and Kitchen Helper are in fact manufactured by the same company.
4
I bought this stool for my 18 month old granddaughter (who is now 2). She loves “helping” prepare breakfast and lunch and this stool puts her safely at counter height. I love the smaller size of the stool and that it folds easily when not in use. She also plays at the sink “helping” Granna wash the dishes and I haven’t seen any water spotting problems. The stool seems sturdy and I have not worried about it tipping over.
The one problem I have seen recently is that she puts her feet in the cut outs and climbs. I would prefer that all four side were open for this reason.
Overall we love the stool and her parents have gotten one for their home also. I didn’t give it 5 stars because of the climbing problem.
4