UPDATE 5/22/2013: MY 4 YR OLD DAUGHTER LOVES IT! After looking at all the plastic junk at the big box stores I decided to do some research online for a better quality kitchen and found Kidkraft. Their website showed a number of good quality wood products, and after looking at the prices I decided to go with the PVK (Pink Vintage Kitchen). Although still a few weeks away from her birthday, I am positive my daughter will love this kitchen. The style, color, features and quality should ensure this will get a lot of use. My wife thinks its a bit short for a 4 year old and wishes we had gotten this for her 2nd or 3rd ...but I think raising it on a platform or getting some cool vintage retro sofa legs would help raise it 3" or 4 when/if required, but not yet. I purchased this via Amazon from DiscountgiantUSA. Total price was $132 shipped! For what I got I am very happy with the value. The 50lb. box took about a week to arrive. Be sure to go through the entire contents of the box first, and double check with the parts list before starting assembly to make sure you have all the parts and in good condition. There are a lot of pieces and its advisable to have everything you need before starting. As luck would have it one of the larger pieces (part #1) had a small chip at a corner in a noticeable spot. I called up Kidkraft and without hesitation they sent me a replacement panel. Although it took a few days to ship the replacement panel, the customer service was really good ...just call them and they will send you whatever you need. Assembly Notes: My part #1 was damaged at the corner out of the box, but Kidkraft replaced it asap via fedex that week. I also experienced a slight de-lamination damage on top edge of the fridge backing (that I had not noticed on initial inspection), and had to trim a bit off with a box knife so that top panel slot would fit over the backing. Not an issue if you're handy with tools, but a pain for beginners. Hardware "C" nuts require a slot screwdriver as a philips cannot grip the shallow screw head. You will need a stubby slot screwdriver (or penny) to screw the two "C" nuts from inside the microwave area. The feet build feels a bit thin and delicate, so be very careful not to over-tighten as they look like they could crack if turned more than an 1/8th of a turn tight. The instructions are very basic, and some steps take a bit of thought (ie. which way do the vertical panels align, how to slide the backing panels in), but overall the steps work. Build Time: (more if you need a part from KidKraft) 0.5 hr part checklist & inspection 2.5 ht assembly 3.0 hr total time Design: Overall pretty good, a few minor rubbing marks but nothing really that noticeable. I'm a bit disappointed that the oven door does not swing down, but that's being picky. It would be really nice to trick out the PVK with SS (stainless steel) door handles, adjustable feet, SS sink, and SS faucet (ie to match the right hand dowel shelf supports), and a real clock too. I would be happy to pay more $$'s for the above, or an "upgrade kit", but that may be overkill ;-) Summary: At $132 delivered, the PVK is a really great kitchen, and much nicer than the plastic junk from the big box stores that you pay $100+ for. This is more like furniture, a nice heirloom or hand-down, and likely to have a good resale once outgrown. Part inspection and check-listing is critical ..so don't skip this step. The 2.5 hr assembly is pretty intense and non-stop, very ikea'esq. If you have no problems with furniture assembly then this is not too difficult a project, but beginners may need an extra pair of hands and a weekend ;-) Design: 9/10 (cute-cool-retro, functional, stainless steel hardware/adjustable legs would be nice) Quality: 8/10 (pretty good, a few of the plastics seem cheap, but inline with price) Service: 10/10 (Kidkraft are awesome!) Value: 9/10 (good price, wood build is always better than plastic) Overall: 9/10 (highly recommended)
