Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools and Knives
In our online cooking classes and in our home, we use a variety of kid-sized and kid-friendly knives and kitchen tools. We’ve tested and sorted through many, and have curated a list of our favorites for you.
Use the links below to skip down to a category:
Knives | Cutting & Peeling | Misc Kitchen Tools | General Items | Cookware | Bakeware | Small Appliances | Recipe Ingredients | Cookbooks
I also have a short list of just my top 10 favorite kitchen tools for kids.
If you’re looking for kid-friendly kitchen knives, cookware, and tools you’ve come to the right place!
Katie Kimball here – my 4 kids and I created the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse to help bring real food and independence to families all over. [kcrf_member_count] families have joined us so far, and we’d love to invite you along for the adventure!
Kid-Friendly Knives
Very small chef’s knife, paring knife, peeler, scissors and holder. Makes a great gift!
*Opinel le Petit Chef Knife and Guard
3-piece set available from Opinel or Food52
Really interesting format to help kids hold knives correctly and safely.
*Victorinox Classic 4-Inch Paring Knife
This knife is a good fit for children’s hands, sharp and sturdy enough to make an impact, and America’s Test Kitchen #1 economical pick (after Wusthof brand).
All six knives pictured above are demonstrated in this video:
Kid-Friendly Knife Video Review
If you can’t see the video above, click Best Kitchen Knives for Kids to view it directly on YouTube.
- More Kid-Friendly Knives
- Kids 3-Piece Nylon Knife Set (recommended by many members, although I want to get real knives, not plastic, into kids’ hands as soon as possible)
- SMÅBIT knife set from IKEA designed especially for children
- More Wusthof Knives ($$$):
- Classic 8-Inch Cook’s Knife (only for big kids! I don’t recommend over a 6-inch knife for anyone under 12)
- 3-Inch Paring Knife
- More Victorinox Knives ($):
- Fibrox 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, for the adults
- Fibrox 6-Inch Chef’s Knife, better for little kid hands!
- Victorinox Classic Paring Knives (good ergonomic handles that are colorful and fun)
Kid-Friendly Cutting & Peeling Tools
Here’s the same one at For Small Hands, or a larger one for big kids.
Or this one, if the other is out of stock, or this 3-pack.
Budget-friendly and our personal favorite! We also have this one. American’s Test Kitchen recommends this one.
This is the style we use in the Thematic SkillLab video lessons.
(or buy direct from OXO)
This small Kuhn Rikon peeler matches the little one in the eCourse video lessons.
This knife tears the lettuce so that it can last almost an entire week in the fridge.
I don’t advocate wearing cut-resistant safety gloves because they seem cumbersome, BUT if they’ll help you allow your child to use a real metal knife, this one and this one are child-sized.
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Tools
This tool is the easiest we’ve found for turning veggies while sautéing and not burning fingers, and the ring lock is awesome!! (Here’s another option)
When you have to “pour” from a spice jar into a spoon, even adults sometimes make a mess. With little ones’ small motor skills still developing, a little “shake-a-shake-a” can turn into a big dump. I love that these spoons will go right into the spice jar!
Or purchase direct from OXO here. For a budget-friendly option, here’s a 2-pack of silicone whisks.
This tool is a game changer for browning ground beef – find here on Amazon or compare with a similar idea from a different brand (members tell me you can also get a similar shape at Walmart)
You’ll see a similar metal spatula on cast iron in the eCourse videos, and I LOVE using it! Necessary for cast iron and eggs IMO. Here’s a similar one, but longer.
OXO 5-Quart Stainless Steel Colander
(Or get at OXO.) For draining beans and pasta, and washing produce.
- More Cutting Boards:
- Maple Wood Cutting Board
- Marble Board with Cheese Slicer (easy for kids to control)
- Bamboo Nonslip Cutting Board
- Another Cheese Grater Option:
- Everyone recognizes a basic box grater! This one looks sturdy and I like the slip-free base and comfy handle. I also like how the OXO one has the non-slip pieces and an optional container to gather what you’re shredding!
- Other Gadgets:
- Onion Holder (to safely hold foods while slicing)
- Apple slicer (be sure your kids know to keep fingers on TOP, but until they can use a knife on their own, this little tool is great for kids!)
- Onion goggles
- More Spatulas & Turners:
- OXO Good Grips Spatula (Amazon)(OXO) flexible and great for cookies!
- Narrow Spatula
- OXO Good Grips Nylon Turner (Amazon)(OXO) for your cookware you don’t want to scratch
- Chef Series Flexible Turner
- OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Turner (Amazon)(OXO)
- OXO Stainless Steel Locking Tongs
- Salad Spinners:
- Progressive 2.5 Quart Salad Spinner (handle to turn; plus has a handle for ease of use!)
- OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner (Amazon)(OXO) (three sizes; push button operation; nonslip base)
- Cuisinart 3qt Wash, Spin, and Dry salad spinner (lets the water run through)
- Another Colander Option:
- Pyrex Liquid Measuring Cups are helpful to have a range of sizes in your kitchen, and are also nice for pouring practice for little ones.
Kitchen Equipment Especially for the Youngest Children
If you have very young children, instead of having them stand on a chair to help in the kitchen, consider getting a “learning tower” or “toddler tower” to make it safer for them to be up at counter height. If you have a handyman around, you can also DIY one as a family heirloom.
Toddler Tower from Sprout Kids
Use the code kidscookrealfood for 10% off the Toddler Tower from Sprout Kids!
These are great kitchen aids that will grow with your child, and most are quickly and easily adjusted for multiple children in one day.
Mini-Tongs for Fine Motor Skills
For small children to move cut items to a plate or to serve – good for finger dexterity and pencil grasp!
More Mini-Tongs:
Mini tongs are for small children (Beginner Level) to move cut items to a plate or to serve – good for finger dexterity and pencil grasp!
- Mini Silicone Tongs
- Progressive Appetizer Tongs have funky shapes
- Truly the best tongs for little hands that I’ve ever seen are found at a dollar store though!
Adaptable Tools for Kids with Disabilities
This accessory is mostly to adapt knife skills for people with disabilities, but also some other unique uses to that could help people with limited abilities.
The Slice N Fun is made to safely hold food so you can chop and prep easily and safely and can even be used with one hand. This makes it ideal for seniors, anyone with arthritis or any hand injury, and those with other special needs. No longer available on Amazon, but here are some similar options.
This cool idea came from a member family with a chef dad – it’s a super safe way to let kids get involved with cutting!
Here’s our review and demo of the Slice N Fun!
Recommended Cookware
Lodge 20″ x 16″ Cast Iron Grill/Griddle
This griddle my ultimate favorite kitchen item, this thing never leaves my stove – you’ll see it in the eCourse being used for pancakes and tortillas.
I think every kitchen should be equipped with a good cast iron skillet. Twelve inches is a nice size.
Cuisinart 5 1/2 Qt. Stainless Steel Pot
This pot is nice because it’s fairly lightweight for kids but it is a little thinner and will scorch more easily than a very heavy-bottomed pot.
This pan is non-stick and non-toxic, and can even make scrambled eggs without them sticking! Here’s my video review. I’m delighted to have found a non-stick pan that’s also non-toxic, and it *actually* is easy to clean! Make sure to use a silicone spatula with this pan so you don’t scratch the surface!
or something similar from Amazon. This (or some other silicone spatula) is necessary when cooking with the Caraway Fry Pan so you don’t scratch the non-stick, non-toxic coating. Trust me, it’s worth taking care of that great pan, so get the right kind of spatula so you don’t damage the surface!
It’s this set with colorful silicone handles pretty?! I love Rachael Ray and the silicone handles on these pots and pans are the best of both worlds – easy to grab but also oven-safe!
- More Skillets & Griddles:
- Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
- Lodge 12″ Square Cast Iron Griddle Pan
- Bella Electric Griddle (I haven’t tested this one, but it’s the only non-teflon coated one I could find!)
- Pots:
I feel like choosing a pot set for someone else is like telling them what mattress is perfect, so personal! But for safety, I prefer stainless steel only, no non-stick, and heatproof non-metal handles. If you’re thinking kids, think lighter weight and lids that are easy to get off. Here are a few sets that caught my eye since the old standard Revereware seems to have gone out of business (sniff, sniff!).- Revereware (my site editor’s mom has had her set over 30 years!) If you can find these used they are amazing! As of 2019, they aren’t being made at all anymore.
- Very affordable set with easy-to-grab handles
- A simple set that’s oven-safe too which can reduce dishes!
- Large Stockpot with Steamer and Pasta Insert
- Steamer Baskets:
Recommended Bakeware
The French rolling pin is the fav in our house for rolling dough, but something like this rolling pin with adjustable guides is also great for kids.
One or two muffins pans are a must for people who love to bake! Here is a silicone muffin pan we love as well.
These are THE BEST as releasing muffins without taking a layer of muffin with them. Available in mini, large, and jumbo. “Large” is the standard sized muffin. See how well they work in this reel!
To protect small hands from getting burnt, I prefer an Ove Glove (or any other easy-grip, heat resistant glove) over a regular pot holder.
An instant read thermometer can be a big help in the kitchen to make sure food is really done and safe!
- Parchment Paper & Baking Mats
Small Appliances for Kid-Chefs
We use this model in our Thematic SkillLab and it does great for a family of 4-6 people. Newer ones are out with a few more features and “Smart” technology, if you dig that kind of thing.
More Appliances:
- Ovente Hand Blender
- Cuisinart Elite 12-Cup Food Processor
- Black & Decker 8-Cup Food Processor
- Proctor-Silex Mini 1 1/2 Cup Food Chopper
- Bread Machine
- There is a HUGE range of prices here. Zojirushi is the cream of the crop and on down to your familiar kitchen brands. This is one item that is great to check for at thrift stores. People often send them off in perfect working order!
- Bella Electric Griddle (I haven’t tested this one yet)
- Other Electric Pressure Cookers
- Instant Pot 8-qt: For a bigger family or freezer cooking, this size is awesome (but much bigger footprint)
- Get this glass lid to use the IP as a slow cooker.
- Get an extra sealing ring if you’d like to make sweet things too – the ring does hold some flavor/aroma from savory dishes.
- Slow Cookers
- Keep in mind that an Instant Pot can also be used as a slow cooker…but sometimes you need both!
- Hamilton Beach is a very good brand yet inexpensive and what I’d buy if I needed a new one. They have a couple that are good for taking away from home, and even a fancy programmable model and a 10-quart!
- Of course Crock-Pot brand is good too! They offer a basic 6-quart with locking lid, a 7-quart no frills model, and a fancier programmable one.
General Kitchen Items for Kids
When we talk about kids eating well, striking that 90/90/90 posture with an adjustable chair can make a huge impact but somewhat difficult for a child in an adult chair. Not sure what 90/90/90 posture is? Learn that and more about why chair height is so important in my interview with Dr. Kay Toomey.
- Here another adjustable chair option recommended by a reader.
- If you’re piecing together your own “homemade version” of an adjustable chair, this chair height-increaser plus this cushion along with stools and shipping boxes and rolled blankets might be part of your arsenal.
Need a kid-sized apron? How about this one from Amazon, or these Custom Aprons from Zazzle are the ones worn in the Kids Cook Real Food eCourse – I just had them put ‘Kids Cook Real Food’ on them instead of a name, so you could do that too if your kids want aprons that look like the ones in the videos.
Recipe Ingredients we Use in the Cooking Classes
- Seasonings:
- Real Salt: Not only do I LOVE Redmond as a company, this is the only salt I use in my house, and I buy it by the bucket! It’s high-quality at an affordable price, and available in mainstream grocery stores.
- Whole Bay Leaves
- Paprika (my Executive Assistant is particularly fond of these from Spain)
- Grassfed Gelatin
- Perfect Beef Gelatin (Use the code KS10 for 10% off any order, which can be stacked with the savings for ordering multiple Perfect Supplements brand products!) (also on Amazon, or check your local grocery store)
- Bernard Jensen Gelatin at Radiant Life or Amazon
- Note: Be sure to only use GELATIN in the class 6 recipe – not collagen. It won’t gel, although it has many health benefits and goes great in smoothies.
- Rice and Beans
- Other:
- Arrowroot powder from Amazon
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use the code STEWARDSHIP for 10% off at that site!)
Kids Cookbooks, Recipes and Kid-Friendly Cooking Classes
Chef Junior: 100+ Super Delicious Recipes by KIDS for KIDS!
My oldest son is one of the co-authors of this book — all written by kids ages 12-15!
Our community raves about it and loves cooking these healthy, real food recipes.
Super allergy-friendly, gorgeous photos, and multiple skill levels so there’s something for everyone inside.
Your kids will love recipes for homemade pizza, pesto pasta, mac and cheese, and burgers, along with Texas Style Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Chicken Salad, Pizza Cauliflower Soup, Pineapple Lemon Ice Pops, and even some healthy-ish desserts.
It’s our family’s most-used cookbook by far, and I know your family will be blessed by it as well!
Learn more about the authors and grab fabulous digital bonuses with the book right here: https://raisinghealthyfamilies.com/chefjr
This cookbook is written by a chef who is the founder of Charlie Carts, an amazing real food cooking program for kids. I love that there are 50 recipes, all real food, and every one we have tried has been incredibly delicious!!
A kid’s picture book about a little boy who loves to draw and his sister who loves to cook, so perfect for Kids Cook Real Food! Leah has made almost every recipe in the book, we love it so much!
The International Cookbook for Kids
Stepping up to some harder recipes for ages 8+, and all made from scratch. It gets incredible reviews on Amazon and looks like a great resource for kids to not only cook, but learn something about other cultures at the same time. Our homeschoolers love connecting cooking with geography and social studies!
Little Passports: Kitchen Adventures
Savor a global culinary adventure with recipes from America’s Test Kitchen Kids and activities from Little Passports!
Explore cooking traditions, cultures, and new flavors from around the world and get a kid-friendly kitchen tool every month!Savor a global culinary adventure with recipes from America’s Test Kitchen Kids and activities from Little Passports!
Fix it and Forget it: Cooking with Kids
This was a recommendation from a reader: a slow cooker cookbook that is probably not 100% real food but looks like it has some good options.
Books and Classes for Big Kids or Adults
This has been helping us get more vegetables in our diet, and these recipes are so unique and flavorful, plus gorgeous photos make us want to eat every one!
100 Days of Real Food on a Budget
This one is a favorite, especially because Lisa’s girls have recipes in the book! She’s a big proponent of kids cooking and yours will be inspired by these photos and simple recipes (and you’ll be happy to save a few bucks per meal!).
As a mom of 6, my friend Katie (the author) includes a ton of kid-friendly recipes, all real food stuff, and plenty of things I know that her own kids make. We’ve been cooking from it regularly and have yet to find a recipe we didn’t love!
Real Food Nutrition & Health Curriculum
A textbook that is written at a high school level that teaches nutrition and health based on WAPF (Weston A Price) principles.
Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking
For the more advanced students. When you know a culinary ratio, it’s not like knowing a single recipe, it’s instantly knowing a thousand.
The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease – in children!
Dr. Madiha Saeed spent years compiling this incredible resource using FOOD (and lifestyle) to truly heal over 70 diseases that haunt children and families. I’ve met Dr. Saeed, and she is one of the most genuine, helpful, and positive people you can imagine. I highly recommend her book.
Mark Bittman Recipes Free for Kindle Fire Tablet/ Phone HDX HD
Free Cooking Mini-Series Classes by Craftsy
Cookbooks Our Cooking Class Students Love:
- Honest Pretzels: And 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up
- Salad People and More Real Recipes: A New Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up
- Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschoolers and Up
- Start to Cook an Usborne book
- Junk Food Dude’s Yummy Healthy Recipes
- The Forest Feast for Kids: Colorful Vegetarian Recipes That Are Simple to Make
- The Cookbook for Kids (Williams-Sonoma): Great Recipes for Kids Who Love to Cook a Williams Sonoma book
- Fanny at Chez Panisse: A Child’s Restaurant Adventures with 46 Recipes
- Chop Chop: The Kids’ Guide to Cooking Real Food With Your Family
- The Silver Spoon for Children: Favorite Italian Recipes
- Grow It, Cook It
- The Nourishing Traditions Cookbook for Children: Teaching Children to Cook the Nourishing Traditions Way