5 Best Montessori Learning Towers For Independent Kids

Best Montessori learning tower

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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These are the 5 best Montessori learning towers we recommend based on quality, ease of use, storage, and educational value.

Your little one is eager to help you prepare some meals, but the kitchen counter is too high! The learning tower gives your child a boost so they can be involved in daily kitchen tasks like cooking.

We spent hours researching various toddler learning towers that align with the Montessori philosophy and selected the best ones for your child.

Our top choice is the Little Partners Chef Series Learning Tower because it is foldable, adjustable, and grows with your child from toddler years to childhood! 

If you are looking for other options, then see our full review below of the best learning towers that provide educational and developmental value to your child.

Our top picks:

  1. Little Partners Chef Series Learning Tower. Best learning tower overall. 

  2. Dadada Toddler Tower. Best learning tower that grows with your child.

  3. All Circles Montessori Wooden Play Tower. Best for its simplicity.

  4. Little Partners Explore N Store Learning Tower. Best affordable learning tower.

  5. Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper. Best learning tower for small spaces.

Best Montessori learning towers for toddlers and kids

The learning towers listed below provide developmental benefits to your child and will make cooking and meal-prepping a memorable experience!

Image: Little Partners

1. Little Partners Chef Series Learning Tower

What makes this the best learning tower? First, we’ve never seen a learning tower that can be adjusted without tools. Normally, you have to unscrew the standing platform to raise it up and down.

But not with the Chef Series Learning Tower. You do not need tools to adjust the standing platform! Simply slide it up and down to the desired height.

Although it is designed for one child, two children may be able to use this learning tower at the same time. This is perfect if you have two children.

Compared to other learning towers we researched, the Chef Series Learning Tower can be used for children up to 8 years old. So a small investment can go a long way.

Helpful review: “This is a 5-star product. The best-of-the-best. I have loved and would pay any price for the memories but most of all EASE of having a safe, independent space for my toddler and preschooler to work with me in the kitchen… best product ever!”

  • Max weight capacity of 250 lbs
  • Adjustable to 4 heights
  • Comes with a plexiglass panel for writing recipes
  • Easy for children to climb up and down
  • Very safe and sturdy
  • It’s big for small spaces
  • Side openings are big, use caution with small children

Image: The Baby Cubby

2. Dadada Toddler Tower

I think I speak for many parents when I say that items that grow with your child are a great investment. And this learning tower fits right in if you want something that will last for many years.

Dadada is known for its GREENGUARD Gold-certified products. The Toddler Tower is made of high-quality beechwood and coated with a baby-safe finish, so you know your child will be safe. 

The standing platform can be adjusted to accommodate your child’s growing needs. Compared to other learning towers we researched, an infant or young toddler will fully benefit from it when you install the standing platform to its highest setting.

When it comes to assembly, you will not have any trouble. The learning tower comes with one kind of screw and a wrench which makes assembly a breeze.

Helpful review: “This tower has been absolutely amazing. I love the adjustability of the step and standing platform and it cleans up VERY easily. So far we’ve had blueberries on it and I wiped it up with just a wet rag. I definitely recommend this product.”

  • 4 adjustable heights (standing platform)
  • meets strict JPMA standards
  • Comes in 6 colors
  • Max weight limit 100 lbs
  • Lead-free and phthalate-free
  • Does not fold for easy storage

Image: All Circles

3. All Circles Montessori Wooden Play Tower

We love All Circles because all of their products are made of high-quality materials, and the Montessori Wooden Play tower is no exception. Plus, this is one of the few learning towers that align with the Montessori philosophy.

We like how simple this learning tower is, unlike other options that are bulky and heavy. It is light enough that your child may be able to push it on their own and set it in the desired place.

One thing to note is that the space between the standing platform and the top bar might be too small and an older child may find it awkward to get in. 

All in all, this is a great minimalist option if you want something simple, yet sturdy and stable.

Helpful review: “It’s just what we hoped for. My grandson took to it right away. I know they will get tons of use for it. It’s not bulky but very heavy and stable. I recommend it.”

  • 2 adjustable heights 
  • Simple and lightweight
  • Designed to ASTM safety standards 
  • Available in White and Natural Wood
  • Holds up to 120 lbs
  • Does not fold for easy storage

Image: Little Partners

4. Little Partners Explore N Store Learning Tower

This is a simple and budget-friendly learning tower that still gets the job done. If you are looking for an affordable learning tower for your little one, then this is the best option.

What we immediately liked about this Montessori-inspired learning tower is the step stool. If you have a small space, you can fold the step stool for easy storage and it might fit right under your kitchen counter or island.

With the stepping stool folded, the depth of this learning tower is smaller than most learning towers. This makes your kitchen area more accessible and reduces the risk of tripping on the step stool.

The railings on all four sides provide security, and the space between the standing platform and upper rail is big enough to allow your child to climb up and down independently. 

Similar to other Little Partners learning towers, the height of this learning tower is easy to adjust and requires no tools (this will make your life a lot easier!).

Helpful review: “The quality of this stand is perfect. My 35 lb grandson is very comfortable standing and helping back cakes and cookies. I am so glad we bought this. It’s a great way to involve our grandson in meal prep!”

  • Adjustable to 4 heights
  • The foldable step stool makes storage easier
  • Max weight of 150 lbs!
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Although it is very safe, small children may fall through the back opening
  • Screws on the step stool may loosen up from continuous folding and unfolding

Image: Guidecraft

5. Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper

This is the best foldable learning tower on the market! If you worry about space, then look no further. 

This Guidecraft learning tower is going to save you a lot of space. What we love about this learning tower is that it folds into a compact size of about 22” x 9” for easy storage. 

The sturdiness of this learning tower will make your child feel safe and secure. Its base is wide and stable which provides a lot of support.

The standing platform of this kitchen helper can be adjusted to two heights, 15 and 18 inches which are low compared to other kitchen helpers we researched. Also, a young toddler or infant may need help getting on.

Helpful review: “I purchased one of the kitchen helper stools for my granddaughter. She is 19 months and loves it. She does want to use it each time she visits. I can fold it up and store it out of the way when she is not visiting.”

  • Foldable for easy storage!
  • Comes with a non-slip mat
  • Max weight limit is 125 lbs
  • Comes almost fully assembled
  • Only 2 height adjustments
  • Can be hard for kids to climb on their own

Why we love our learning tower (and you will too!)

A Montessori learning tower has been one of the best investments we’ve made. Our daughter is fully involved in our daily lives, especially during cooking.

Before having a learning tower, we had to carry her so she could see how we prepared meals. But there is only so much we could do with one hand, so buying a learning tower was a smart decision.

This is how we all have benefited from using a learning tower:

  1. We can bond as a family: Our child participates in cooking and meal preparation alongside us, which strengthens our family bond and promotes a sense of togetherness.

  2. We can develop important life skills: We can help our child learn valuable skills such as measuring, chopping, stirring, and following recipes.

  3. We can foster healthy eating habits: Our child is not a picky eater, she will eat anything. This is because she is excited to eat the meal she helped prepare!

  4. We can build self-confidence and independence: Our child gets the opportunity to create something from scratch and experiment with new ingredients.

  5. We can promote creativity: We like to make juices with our daughter. We simply give her ingredients to choose from and she adds them to the blender.

  6. We can teach responsibility: By giving our child tasks such as washing vegetables, setting the table, or cleaning up, we help her learn about the importance of responsibility and contributing to the family.

  7. We can encourage learning: Cooking is a great way to introduce our child to new concepts, such as nutrition, science, and math, in a fun way.

The benefits are endless and you will realize that the biggest benefit is the bond and memories you create with your child.

More things to consider about Montessori learning towers

I’d like to share a few pointers that I feel are important when you buy a learning tower.

Consider the safety of using a learning tower

Cooking or working on other activities are fun for the entire family. But as fun as it may be, there is always potential for injuries. 

Look for a sturdy and stable learning tower with a wide base to prevent tipping over. Ensure that the tower has safety rails and that your child does not fit easily through the side or rear openings. 

Since your child will have access to items on the counter, always place sharp objects away from your child. Also, be careful if you allow your child near the stove because they can get hurt if they touch hot foods or the stove.

Always supervise your child while they are using the learning tower and ensure that they are using it appropriately.

When can my child start using a learning tower?

Most children can start using a learning tower at about 18 months old, assuming they are walking or standing on their own. My daughter used her learning tower when she was about 14 months (she was an early walker).

Wait until your child is able to stand and walk independently before introducing them to a learning tower. 

Learning towers are designed with safety in mind, and some accidents can be caused by human error. A small child may fall through the rear or side openings of the learning tower.

Use your best judgment when you use a kitchen helper with your child.

What you should look for in a Montessori learning tower

These are the same things we considered before we bought our learning tower and I am sure they will help you make your final decision:

  1. Natural and non-toxic materials: Put your child’s safety first! Look for a learning tower made from materials like wood, which are safe and eco-friendly. Avoid plastics and other synthetic materials that may be harmful to your child’s health.

  2. Adjustable height: Look for a learning tower that adjusts to accommodate your child’s height to allow your child to reach the counter or table comfortably.

  3. Sturdiness and stability: A sturdy and stable learning tower with a wide base and secure attachments will prevent tipping over. Safety rails and small rear and side openings will prevent your child from falling off the kitchen helper.

  4. Size and weight capacity: Your child is only getting older and heavier. The learning tower should last you for several years. This is why we recommend the Chef Series Learning Tower because it has a weight capacity of 250 pounds.

  5. Ease of cleaning and storage: Choose a learning tower that is easy to clean and maintain, with surfaces that can be wiped down easily. If you want to save space, a learning tower like the Guidecraft Contemporary Kitchen Helper folds for easy storage.

  6. Variety of activities: Look for a learning tower that allows for a variety of activities, such as cooking, crafting, and reading. Some learning towers come with add-ons like chalkboards or art easels to further enhance your child’s learning experience.

  7. Montessori principles: A learning tower that is in line with Montessori principles may be a great choice because they are designed to support your child’s independence and self-directed learning.

Learning towers FAQs

It’s OK to still have questions, this is why I created a list of FAQs to help you learn more about learning towers.

A learning tower is a type of step stool designed for young children to safely stand at the kitchen counter, sink, or kitchen table. It helps promote independence, skill development, and self-esteem in children because children help with daily activities like cleaning or cooking.

A learning tower helps your child participate in activities like cooking or cleaning. The purpose of a learning tower is to allow your child to safely stand at counter height so that they can see what is happening and participate in the activity.

Learning tower vs kitchen helper… this is not the first time I get asked this question.

A learning tower and a kitchen helper are essentially the same thing, but “kitchen helper” is often associated with Guidecraft’s Kitchen Helper, which is a learning tower. 

Both are designed to help your child participate in activities by allowing them to safely stand at your kitchen counter.

Absolutely! Children love to help, and involving them in our daily lives is priceless. Your child will become more independent and confident every time they help prepare delicious meals!

What to do next?

Choosing a learning tower is no easy task, this is why I spent hours researching and selecting the 5 best Montessori learning towers.

Setting up the right environment for your child will help them thrive. Go ahead and learn more about how to set up a Montessori environment to help your child become resilient and independent. 

About Leslie - Latinx Montessori

Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.

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