Product Description

Lightweight, easy to move and easier to store; our kitchen helper safely and securely allows children to reach countertop height so that they can take part in many learning and sharing activities that are normally not accessible to them. Wood construction with a rich maple toned finish.

Features:

• Childproof folding design
• Folds for easy storage
• Lightweight
• Sturdy wooden construction
• Attractive Maple toned finish
• 20.25" x 36.75" x 20.75"

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4046 in Toys & Games
• Color: maple
• Brand: GuideCraft
• Model: G97325
• Dimensions: 36.75" h x 20.75" w x 20.25" l, 20.00 pounds

Features

• Safely elevates children into family activities and chores
• Features an anti-pinch locking mechanism and an adjustable platform
• Maple finish and solid wood construction.
• Cutout shapes, chalkboard, and dry-erase board on sides add to the fun!
• Weight capacity 100 lbs

Customer Reviews

Great Concept, Lousy Execution
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.

Great concept
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.

Good enough but cheaply built
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.