We just got a question about the durability of the white board and chalkboard side panels on the new Kitchen Helper. While we only have a prototype at this point, we have a pretty good idea what they will look like in final production. The two boards are inlaid into the wood on either side of the Kitchen Helper, and appear to be made of plastic. They have no edges exposed, so there is no worry of getting them snagged and pulled off.
The side panels look like fun, and should add to the Kitchen Helper. However, we thought that maybe a magnate board would be fun too. Which combination of panels would YOU like?
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Buy The Kitchen Helper by Guidecraft at HeirloomWoodenToys.com
We just got a great question about the folded width of the new Kitchen Helper. Folding is one of the greatest new features that the Kitchen Helper brings to the kitchen, and we completely overlooked giving out the dimensions!! Please understand that these are the dimensions for the prototype, and may vary from the final production model. However, I don’t expect that they will. The top folds to 3 1/2″, and the bottom’s final width is 7″. Please refer to the picture to the left for how those dimensions translate to the actual shape.
While we’re on the topic of how this will fit into a kitchen, and where, I’d like to mention that the “feet” fit neatly under the kick space on cabinets which are generally about 4″ high. When you push this up to the counter, it will fit snuggly against the counter top.
When the Kitchen Helper is folded, it does stand up fairly easily. It could be knoocked over, I suppose, but the one pictured to the left is still folded and standing on it’s own one day after this picture was taken, even with a constant traffic of dog/kids through our kitchen.
Buy The Kitchen Helper by Guidecraft at HeirloomWoodenToys.com
The Kitchen Helper shipping date has been moved back to September from August. As we get closer, it will firm up more. Also, I couldn’t resist adding a couple of pictures of the KH prototype in action! Here’s my 21 month old daughter making lasagna 
Buy The Kitchen Helper by Guidecraft at HeirloomWoodenToys.com
The Kitchen Helper will now be shipping in early August! The timeline has been moved up from “sometime in September”. This is great news. Also, The Kitchen Helper has met all requirements for ASTM F963-03 labeling and ASTM F963-03 mechanical hazard requirements for “Standard consumer safety specification for toy safety.”
ASTM stand for American Society for Testing and Materials. More can be read at the Toy Industry Association website.
Buy The Kitchen Helper by Guidecraft at HeirloomWoodenToys.com
The Up-n-Down steps are a new offering from Jonti-craft, a company that is a well know manufacturer of high end school furniture. When designing this stool, Jonti-Craft really had in mind getting children up to drinking fountain or up to counter height for quick tasks. This safety stool can also have home applications where children need to have relatively quick access to adult level activities, but a full four sided safety stool would be too bulky or cumbersome to use. Due to it’s height, it will be more easily stashed away, but offers more protection than a simple step stool. Uses where you might want to choose this step stool would include at the bathroom sink, in front of a fish tank, or where older (ages 5-8 yo) need an extra step up for extended periods of time, such as for art projects, cooking, etc. This step stool is a great addition to any household environment and will quickly allow children to enter the “above countertop” world of adults while adding more safety than a regular small step stool.
