27 Best Kids Cooking Tools (That You’ll Love Too) in 2025
A great grater
Top pick
This wider version of the popular Microplane grater with a nonslip foot gives kids a safer introduction to knifework.
For years I’ve used the Microplane Professional Fine Grater to grate parmesan, citrus, ginger, and cinnamon sticks — all foods with big flavor, even in tiny form. When I first showed the grater to my then preschool-age kids, I explained the difference between the sharp side and the smooth side, and I still stay close by when they use it.
This Microplane grater is similar to the Microplane Premium Classic Series Zester, a pick in Wirecutter’s guide to graters, but I like this model because the base of the frame has a nonslip foot that can cling to the outside edge of a bowl, which then catches the finely ground powder or zest underneath. The nonslip function is not foolproof, but it offers a measure of security that everyone can appreciate. Supervising editor Marilyn Ong uses a similar plastic-handle version at home with her kids.
A safe, cute intro to chopping
Top pick
This cute little chopper is worth investing in for toddlers and preschoolers as they learn the basics of chopping.
Though the Kuhn Rikon Kinderkitchen Chopper Cat is more targeted at kids than our other picks, it’s a worthwhile purchase because it safely introduces even really young kids to chopping and cutting. It has a completely dull blade reminiscent of a bench scraper, but it’s smaller and designed without sharp corners.
Despite the blunt blade, this chopper cuts through cucumbers, strawberries, and cold butter, for example. The adorable cat-design handle won over both my 5-year-old and senior editor Marguerite Preston’s 2-year-old. A similar but sharper option is the Joie Crinkle Cutter Wavy Knife, which our respective kids also love.
We like these choppers better than the popular Opinel Le Petit Chef knife, mainly because they’re more comfortable and intuitive to use for a range of small hands. The finger ring on the Opinel knife is almost too prescriptive, and we found that the grip wasn’t always a good fit for younger kids.
Meanwhile, slightly older kids who are ready to use a cutting tool with a more traditionally shaped handle might be better served by a sharper knife — such as one of our following picks — with which they can begin to build some real knife skills.
An introductory knife
Top pick
This small, serrated knife with a rounded tip is a great blade for young cooks (and is beloved among adults, too).
When your kids are ready to tackle a blade sharper than a butter knife, begin with a small serrated knife like the Victorinox Swiss Classic 4.5 Inch Tomato and Table Knife. This lightweight, oblong knife can easily slice tomatoes, bread, or even little pieces of raw meat.
I’m not too concerned when my 8-year-old uses this knife because it has a rounded tip, and it’s not as sharp as a paring knife or a larger chef’s knife. We tested this knife against other, comparable utility knives and found it to be the most durable and the best all-around size for kids of many ages — and adults loved using it, too.
A chef’s knife for young cooks
Top pick
This is a smaller, lighter version of our budget-pick chef’s knife that our adult testers reached for, too.
When your kids are ready to graduate to a serious cooking knife, this one is worth the investment.
Once your kid has had some experience chopping and slicing with a serrated blade, they may be ready to hone their skills on sharper tools. These are not starter knives by any means — but for kids with enough skill and maturity to handle them safely, they can be good options. Above all, comfort and fit are crucial. Your kid should feel confident holding a knife. (And you should feel confident handing one over to them.)
Our kid testers loved the Victorinox Swiss Classic 5 Inch Chef’s Knife because it’s much smaller and lighter than most chef’s knives but remains effective at slicing and chopping. We love it because it’s inexpensive yet well made (we recommend a larger version in our guide to chef’s knives).
If the Victorinox 5-inch knife seems too tiny for your adult-size teen — or if you’d prefer a less pointy tip — consider the Wüsthof Gourmet 5″ Hollow Edge Santoku. It’s easy to handle, nicely balanced, and made with a high-quality blade. It’s pricey, but it’s a worthwhile investment that your kid (or any adult in the household) can use for years to come, if not a lifetime — though you’ll need to sharpen it at some point.
If you like the santoku shape but aren’t ready to spend that much, an inexpensive alternative is the OXO 4″ Mini Santoku Knife, which we also like for its comfy handle, unique shape, and deft maneuverability. One of our testers said the OXO knife was his favorite.
No matter what, we can’t stress this enough: Be sure to give your kids clear instructions before they start slicing and dicing, and always stay close to supervise. Teach them to curl their fingers on their opposite hand away from the knife blade, never cut or slice toward any part of their body, and always set the knife down before moving anywhere else.
Sara Kate Gillingham, co-founder of The Dynamite Shop, a cooking school for kids where participants use chef’s knives regularly, notes that whether you’re cutting a carrot or a cauliflower, “make a flat side first” to lay on your cutting board. Also, be sure to set your kids up with a nonslip cutting board, such as this OXO cutting board.
