Cooking Tools for Kids (That You’ll Actually Use Together)

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Since I’ve had a number of people ask me recently what cooking tools for kids are the best, I thought a full blog post would be the best way to answer. If you’ve ever handed your kid a too-big spoon or hovered while they wielded a sharp peeler, you know: cooking with kids is equal parts joy, chaos, and learning. Or maybe mostly chaos 😉

👉 Want my full shopping list with links and age suggestions? View my suggested tools here!

My answer? Tools that:

✅ Build confidence
✅ Actually help—not frustrate
✅ Grow with them
✅ Make your life easier, too

Whether you have a toddler who loves stirring or a tween ready to sauté, this guide covers my top kid-friendly cooking tools—plus tips on how to use them in real, everyday family meals.

Why Cook with Kids?

Before we get to the gear, here’s your quick pep talk:
Cooking is one of the best ways to expose your kids to new foods, build life skills, and spend real time together.

Even small jobs like washing veggies or pouring ingredients give your kids a role at mealtime—and that role can help reduce picky eating, increase curiosity, and boost their confidence. It can also help lessen dinnertime battles when paired with a calmer approach to mealtimes.

My Favorite Cooking Tools for Kids (By Age Group)

You don’t need a drawer full of specialty gear—just a few practical tools that make kitchen time safe, successful, and fun. BUT I do think a special location for their equipment whether it’s the tools to cook are the plate ware is extremely helpful. It gives them more autonomy and autonomy is everything when it comes to feeding kids.

For Toddlers (Ages 2–4)

At this age, it’s all about exploration and safe involvement. My daughter, P, is currently 2.5 years old and get’s extremely excited to help. I try to have a way that she can help ready so I’m not scrambling in the middle of cooking.

Top Tools:

• Step stool or kitchen helper tower
• Nylon knives or crinkle cutters
• Silicone spatula
• Mini prep bowls
• Large mixing bowl
• Silicone pastry brush

Real Meal Jobs:
Tearing lettuce, pouring pre-measured ingredients, brushing melted butter on toast, smashing bananas for muffins. You can also let them cut softer foods like berries or cooked vegetables. The cutting is easier and it boosts their confidence.

The large mixing bowl can be used anytime you want them to stir something, even if it’s just one egg! You won’t regret them having more room for tornado level whisking.

For Early Elementary (Ages 5–7)

This age loves independence, and their fine motor skills are catching up. My son is five now and he is eager to do more in the kitchen. He’s also been doing a lot with me since he was a toddler so even though I don’t list sautéing foods here, he’s scrambling eggs all by himself!

It’s important to know your kid and start small. Build excitement and be proud of them not matter how small the step my seem to you. Take deep breaths and try not to worry about the messes that happen.

Top Tools:

• Child-safe serrated knife
• Box grater with safety handle
• Mixing bowls with a non-slip base
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Fun vegetable peelers
• Cutting board in fun colors or shapes (if it’s not silicone on the corners, place a damp towel under it to prevent it from sliding)

Real Meal Jobs:
Grating cheese for tacos, measuring and mixing for muffins, chopping strawberries for yogurt bowls, making their own snack plate.

For Bigger Kids & Tweens (Ages 8–12+)

They’re ready for real responsibility in the kitchen—so give them the tools to rise to the occasion. No, I don’t have a kid in this age category but I teach them all the time in my cooking business, MI Little Cooks!

Top Tools:

• Small chef’s knife (with guidance)
• Mini nonstick skillet or kid-safe pan
• Kitchen timer
• Dishwashing gloves or drying rack
• Patience 😏
• Can openers
• Colanders

Real Meal Jobs:
Making a simple pasta dish, prepping a salad, flipping pancakes, baking muffins from start to finish, or even planning and cooking a full meal with you.

Jessi’s Tips for Success

• Start small. A job that takes you 10 seconds might take them 3 minutes. That’s okay.
• Be patient. Expect spills, extra messes, and lots of laughs. If you’re worried about something getting dirty, move it out of the way before you get started
• Let go of perfection. Crooked cuts still taste great.
• Repeat jobs often. Repetition builds skills and confidence.

Bonus: My Favorite Starter Kit (Minimalist Edition)

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s a basic kit that works for almost any age:

• Sturdy step stool or tower
• Kid-safe knife set (nylon or plastic to start)
• Mini silicone spatula
• Non-slip mixing bowls
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Crinkle cutter
• Cutting board with grip

👉 Want my full shopping list with links and age suggestions? View my suggested tools here!

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect kitchen or fancy tools to cook with your kids. What they’ll remember most is doing it with you.

Whether they stir the sauce, shape the meatballs, or just sprinkle cheese on top, your kitchen is meant to me their safe space to learn.

So invite them in, hand them a tool, and let the mess (and memories) begin.

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Need a simple recipe to try with your kids? Check out [my four-ingredient guacamole] or browse the blog for family-friendly meals anyone can help make.

Let me know what your kids are cooking up below in the comments!