Learning Resources New Sprouts Grill It! Barbecue Set - Pretend Play

In this review of the New Sprouts Grill It! Barbecue Set, the bottom line is simple: it is an engaging pretend-play kit best for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy hands-on role play and simple food-matching activities. The set's biggest strength is its combination of a soft, durable kettle-style grill and a varied assortment of play food that stores inside the grill, making it easy to set up, play, and tidy away. For caregivers looking for a low-mess, educational toy that builds fine motor skills, this set delivers consistent value.

Key Features

• Soft, durable grill: The kettle-style grill is finger-friendly and easy for small hands to lift, carry, and manipulate which encourages independent play.
• Removable grate: The grill includes a removable grate so children can place food on and take food off the cooking surface, reinforcing cause-and-effect play.
• 22-piece assortment: The set contains burgers, buns, chicken, steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, corn, asparagus and tongs to create varied meal combinations and imaginative scenes.
• Fine motor practice: Using the included tongs to pick up and move foods helps toddlers develop fine motor control and hand-eye coordination.
• Compact storage: All play food stores inside the grill for easy cleanup and simple organization after play sessions.
• Indoor or outdoor play: The durable materials and simple design make it suitable for pretend grilling in playrooms, classrooms, or outdoor spaces.

Who It's For

The New Sprouts Grill It! set is ideal for toddlers aged 18+ months through preschool age who are exploring pretend food, kitchen role play, and basic manipulation tasks; it also works well in daycare and early learning settings where multiple children can share the pieces. Parents and caregivers who value toys that combine imaginative play with motor-skill practice will appreciate this set.

Families looking for highly detailed, realistic plastic food for older children or collectors may want a different, more intricate set; likewise, if you need an electronic or sound-enabled toy to capture attention, this simple manual grill is not built for that purpose.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable construction that stands up to repeated play and handling by toddlers.
• Realistic-looking food pieces that spark imagination and longer play sessions.
• Promotes fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through tong use and food placement.
• Compact storage design keeps pieces contained and makes cleanup easy.

Cons

• Not electronic or highly detailed, so older children may outgrow the simplicity faster.
• A limited number of tongs (one pair) can be restrictive for group play without supervision.

Specifications

Brand	Learning Resources
Piece count	22-piece set
Recommended age	Ages 18+ months
Grill size	4 1/2 in H x 8 in diameter
Includes	Grill with removable grate, tongs, burgers, buns, chicken, steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, corn, asparagus
Play types	Pretend play, fine motor skill practice, role play

Our Verdict

The New Sprouts Grill It! Barbecue Set is a smart choice for parents and early educators who want a durable, low-mess pretend play option that encourages fine motor development and imaginative cooking scenarios. Its thoughtful storage and realistic food pieces offer good value for toddlers and preschoolers, though families seeking advanced features or multiple utensil sets may need to supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this set safe for toddlers?
Yes, it is designed for children 18+ months with child-friendly, durable pieces intended for early play.

Does the grill store the food?
Yes, all play food stores inside the kettle-style grill for easy cleanup and storage.

How many eating pieces are included?
The 22-piece set includes a mix of burgers, buns, chicken, steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato slices, corn, asparagus bundles and one pair of tongs.