Well built and the instructions are as easy as they could possibly be. You definitely want a drill to speed up the assembly because as you've likely read there are a ton of parts. Put aside a couple hours plus or minus 30 depending on how motivated you are. My 2 year old daughter LOVES this and it's the only thing that she plays with every single day. Definitely worth the money. That being said, my only knock is that it had a strong musty smell coming out of the box that 2 months later has gotten better but it's still noticeable. There was no damage to the packaging so not sure if it was something with just the one we received for whatever reason or that's how they all are.

*Update 5.10.17 We've had this for well over a year now and it gets used on a daily basis. It has held up nicely. I will say that depending on how well lit the room is that you have this kitchen, the counter space is pretty dark. I have seen a few other reviews that point this out as well. I found a bar light that fits perfectly under the top shelf / microwave that can either turn on and off with a hand wave or will turn on and then off automatically via motion sensor. It can be mounted with double sided tape that is included which is more than sufficient to hold the light as weighs next to nothing. You can also feed the power cord through a slot that exists for the cup holders which is immediately under the shelf so no need to drill a hole. I've attached a picture with the room lights off in an attempt to demonstrate how bright the light is. Here is the information to the light found also here on Amazon:

Lux Light 18 Inch 3000K 2-Pack Super Slim Linear Neutral White LED Under Cabinet Lighting System with IR sensor and 12V Adapter - Ultra Bright and Light (18" 3000K 2-Pack)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTW0MQN/ref=cfb_at_prodpg

It comes with two light strips whereas you only need one. I went with this though because of the motion sensor option. You walk up to the kitchen and the light pops on and once you walk away it shuts off after a minute or two. It's made a big difference and our daughter thinks it's the coolest thing which in itself makes it all worth it. I did check out the hand wave attachment (you plug one or the other into the end of the light strip for which function you wish to have) and it seemed to be a little too sensitive where the light would flicker on and off several times with a single hand wave.

*Update 12.19.17 - my daughter is now 3 and she still plays with this kitchen almost every single day. My 10 month old son now loves standing at the sink and playing with the toy food and dishware. Of all the things we have purchased or received for our kids this by far has had the most longevity.

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So realistic! This set is so adorable. This would have been my everything as a little girl. The entire time my husband was putting it together he kept marveling at its 'luxuriousness', he was impressed with all the details and up to date styling. Set up was under an hour, it wasn't so bad really. We did break the microwave turn table knob..seems like this piece is a common issue with the assembly, you only get one shot to get the knob on.

I took the advice of another reviewer and added a motion sensor light under the shelf and inside the refrigerator and used a tension rod to hang a curtain over the open space below the sink to hide clutter. That was my one pause in this set is that it didn't have the extra door under the sink for the 'dishwasher' however the set up was so easy, it went together simply and the reviews on a similar set regarding the hours of assembly time and parts and pieces just sounded like such a nightmare. We are very happy with it. My little one and I have the best time playing "kitchen" together. It's so sturdy I think it will hold up well over time when my 8 month old is old enough to play with it.

Update: My youngest is almost two now and she cooks up a storm in it. Holding up well and gets played with regularly.

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This was a hit. It took my husband about 40 minutes to put together with no problems. I wanted something that looked real. It's in our living room, so I was it to look nice and not so bright and colorful. The ice cubes come out of the ice maker. That's my daughter's favorite part. She's already made play dough peas for me. We love all of our Melissa and Doug toys. I did a lot of research before I purchased this and I think I made the right decision.

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We purchased this kitchen months ago in December-January time frame. I have purchased a play kitchen years ago when my oldest were younger. When this kitchen arrived my two youngest loved it, playing with it, having the ice come out, etc. A few months after some play the fridge door broke off. It was upsetting since I thought this would be more durable and my kids were just playing with it, normal wear and tear. A few days ago the microwave door broke off when my daughter opened it. Mind you these doors are not simple to put back on and will take some work since it's a pressed wood. I love Melissa and Doug products and usually have no complaints, but the amount of money spent on this kitchen, it should not keep breaking. Adorable kitchen, does not hold up well. I should have just bought another plastic kitchen. Not as cute but at least it wouldnt keep breaking.

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The quality of this kitchen is fantastic! The instructions were simple and easy to follow. I did find a few hiccups during assembly, but the updated instructions remedied this perfectly (photos). The corners of the shipping box were nicely reinforced with hard plastic (photos). Not a single piece had damage. When assembled, the kitchen has a very sturdy, quality feel. The doors close securely and function more realistically than plastic kitchens. I'm very happy with this purchase and expect many years of great use.

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My 2 year old loves this kitchen! It took about 1-2 hours to assemble (my husband did it who works in construction). He said it wasn’t difficult, just cumbersome. But, it was worth it because this thing is sturdy! I love how modern the design is and how the parts actually move and simulate real appliances. I added a curtain to the bottom shelf and motion sensored LED lights in the refrigerator and over the sink which really adds to the interaction of the set. I got the M&D food set and pots/pans set to go with it and it works perfectly!

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Melissa and Doug always makes great toys, and this kitchen is no exception. It was time consuming to put together (2 hours), but very easy due to the great instructions. Love the rotating microwave plate and ice dispenser.

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This product was SUPER EASY to put together. I did it myself in about an hour. The instruction manual has been the clearest manual I've ever come across. Pictures were great, the discription of each step was on point. The overall product looks and feels fantastic. It comes with two options to secure the kitchen. A strap from behind to attach to the wall or leg stands for the bottom for a free standing kitchen. Its all put together and ready for Christmas!

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The kids love it but the door to the microwave is broken and the thing isn’t very sturdy even with the legs installed. I have a 2 and 4 year old playing with it and the 2 year old broke the door.

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I love everything about it it's perfect. There was no damage at all on mine and the directions were straight forward it just takes a little while to put together as any ikea type thing would. I did break a sweat putting it together. But its worth it.

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Came with one scratch but it very good quality. My husband and father-in-law had no issues putting it together. The instructions were easy to follow and our daughter loves it. Especially the ice cubes.

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Great kitchen! Our son absolutely loves it