Cara Mia Chef Toddler Tower review

from Cara Mia Chef
RRP  £129.99
young child in the Cara Mia Chef toddler tower at the kitchen counter

by Lorna White |
Published on

Offering a stylish solution for toddler parents to safely involve their little ones in the kitchen, the Cara Mia Chef Toddler Tower is built in a natural wood finish with a choice of two popular colours: white or grey. Helping little ones develop a sense of self-confidence, this toddler tower provides a safe space to observe, imitate, and engage in various activities.

Find out how dad tester Tom found this toddler tower when testing with his two little ones.

As a dad of a very curious and energetic 18-month-old and a nearly 4 year old, having a toddler tower in the kitchen has been a game-changer. We tested one recently, and here’s my honest take on it, based on how it performed in different areas.

Expert rating:
4.0
©MOTHER&BABY

Pros

  • Adjustable to allow for use by a range of ages
  • Allows younger children to help out or be involved in the kitchen safely
  • Spacious enough for children to move around in comfortably
  • Easy to wipe down
  • Neutral colour and design should work in most kitchens

Cons

  • Takes up quite a lot of space in the kitchen
  • Less stable when it’s not against a cabinet
  • Value for money
    3.0
  • Safety and stability
    4.0
  • Height adjustability
    5.0
  • Durability
    5.0
  • Design and comfort
    5.0
  • Ease of cleaning
    5.0
  • Ease of assembly
    5.0
  • Size
    3.0
  • Age suitability
    4.0
  • Versatility
    4.0
Made from:Wood, no plastic
Dimensions:90cm H x 40cm W x 27cm D
  • 3 removable safety bars
  • No sharp edges
  • 10 minute, easy assembly
  • Versatile use in kitchen, bathroom, and more

Testing the Cara Mia Chef Toddler Tower

If you’ve assembled flat-pack furniture before, putting this tower together won’t be much of a challenge. It took me about 30 minutes to assemble on my own, and the instructions were fairly straightforward. Just be ready to use some patience, as with most flat-pack items. The tower is a good size but takes up a fair bit of space in the kitchen. However, that seems unavoidable with any toddler tower since they need to be big enough to safely hold a child. We don’t have a huge kitchen, so it’s a bit bulky, but we’ve found a way to make it fit. If space is tight, just keep in mind that it will need a dedicated corner.

When the tower is up against the kitchen counter, it feels rock solid, and I don’t worry about my daughter’s safety. However, the design clearly assumes you’ll always be using it against a surface. We sometimes need to use it standalone (like when doing crafts at the dining table), and in those situations, it feels a little less stable. If you’re planning to use it away from counters, you’ll need to be extra cautious.

One of the things I like most about this tower’s design is its adjustability. There are three height levels so it can grow with your child. The bars can be removed for older kids who don’t need as much “fencing in,” which is great for transitioning from a toddler to a more independent child. We use it for our 3 year old and our 18 month old and they both use it on the same height setting, which is great and makes it really versatile without having to adjust it. But having the potential to adjust the height means it will grow with them and offer greater longevity.

The build quality is solid. It’s made from sturdy materials, and I feel like it’s durable enough to last through multiple kids. After a couple of months of heavy use, it still looks as good as new, with no signs of wear and tear. I expect this will last us a long time.

young child in the Cara Mia Chef toddler tower at the kitchen counter
©MOTHER&BABY

The design is functional and well thought out. It’s easy to adjust the height, and the overall structure feels very secure. It’s also aesthetically pleasing—it fits nicely with the kitchen decor without being an eyesore. Plus, it’s practical for multiple uses beyond just cooking, like crafts or other activities that require a higher surface.

With kids, messes are a given. Luckily, this tower is easy to clean—all the parts are wipeable, and I haven’t found any nooks or crannies where food or dirt gets stuck. A quick wipe-down after a messy baking session, and it’s good as new. Both of my children are very happy in the toddler tower. They seem perfectly comfortable standing in the tower for extended periods, whether it’s helping in the kitchen or working on crafts. The platform is spacious enough for them to move around a little, and they’re happy to climb in and out on they own (with supervision for the littlest one, of course).

Final verdict

At the original price of £200, this is more expensive than many on the market. It’s currently on sale at £120 which seems more reasonable but I didn’t notice any standout features that would justify the higher price tag at full RRP. It does the job well, but if you're budget-conscious, there may be cheaper options that are just as effective.

Overall, I’m really happy with the toddler tower, especially at the reduced price. It’s sturdy, versatile, and well-designed, though I’d hesitate to pay the full RRP given the other options out there. It’s been a lifesaver in keeping my daughter involved in daily activities safely, and it’s clear that it will grow with her. If you’re looking for a durable, adjustable tower that can serve multiple purposes, this one is definitely worth considering—just make sure you have the space for it!

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