Step 2 LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen Review

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(More customer reviews)For the reviewer who asked if the faucet makes noise, it doesn't. The noise makers are the stovetop, the oven, dishwasher, microwave, and phone. I first saw this kitchen at Sam's Club last year before my daughter was born. I fell in love with it but like always before I purchase something I do my homework. In my opinion this is by far the BEST kitchen out there. I would have gotten the Dream or Custom but we're planning on having at least 3 kids, another girl on the way, so I knew this was the one to get. I also did my homework on where to buy. I didn't want to pay shipping, but my local Toys 'R Us was having problems getting the 50 that they ordered. So again I did my homework and found that toysandhome.com offers FREE shipping on this item, saves $$ but the price is higher at $212 I believe. While it was being shipped I read the reviews on assembly and prepared for the worst. When I opened the box I laughed at the other whining reviewers, hardly any assembly. It was so easy and fast, I assembled this 5 months pregnant. It took me 45 mins altogether from the time it took me to unbox it and stock it with food. If you have assembled your babies crib or changing table or anything from Ikea for that matter, this is a cake walk. I would recommend using a cordless drill. Yes, there are predrilled holes on the top pieces but the bottom pieces that get attached don't have holes, this is because of the plastic material used if both were predrilled it wouldn't stay secure. It's very sturdy. I don't have any problems with the dish rack or doors/drawers not opening, I think they solved that. I also got the 101 playfood set by Step2, which I recommend, it has tons more veggies/fruits in it than junk food like the other sets. I covered the boxed food and also the food with labels with clear contact paper to protect them from saliva and make them a little more ridged. I'm thinking of getting the 11 piece stainless steel pot set but not a big deal. My daughter is 12 months old and won't understand much. I'm giving this to her for Christmas and I can't wait to see her reaction! I think that this is appropriate for that age, no small items, but I think an older child can pretend and be more creative with this. Great item to grow with your child and a great babysitter for stay-at-home moms! I also got the matching storage chest, which is really big! I just wish that Step2 would make a matching pantry for the kitchens for tons of storage. There is a lot more storage in this kitchen than the others.

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The perfect play center for your domestic-minded little ones, the LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen provides your children with role-play possibilities sure to please. The "stainless steel like" oven, dishwasher, microwave, stovetop and phone all make realistic electronic sounds. Plus, there's tons of storage space for the pretend food items. The included 38-piece accessory set features a Little Helper's Dining Room and Pots and Pans Set, two baskets, a special frying pan and boiling pot with a lid, plus a 10-piece play food set. The special frying pan and boiling pot with lid activate electronic frying and boiling water sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. Kitchen also features framed window with overhead light, "granite like" countertop and sink with pretend faucet and pull-out sprayer. Minimal adult assembly required. Measures approximately 49" x 18" x 48.5". Requires 14 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included).
Awards: Named #1 Toy for Pre-Schoolers on Today Show's Toy Test 2002

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Sunforce 11240 1000-Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Remote Control Review

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(More customer reviews)Bought this off Amazon a month or two ago. I was looking for an inexpensive pure sine wave inverter to replace my Duracell (Xantrex) modified sine wave inverter. I was expecting to have issues from the get go (due to the cheap price!) but this inverter is working out quite nicely. I have it hooked up to 4 Trojan T-105 batteries which is charged up with an 85 watt Kyocera solar panel and Xantrex C35 charge controller.
Being pure sine wave, I can run anything now that my old modified sine couldn't. No more annoying buzzing sounds from CFL's or TV's. certain appliances that wouldn't power up on the old inverter now work flawlessly. Some things I run on the Sunforce: Samsung 22" LCD TV, CFL's of all sizes, Playstation 2, battery chargers, laptops, electric cooler.
I haven't tripped the over current protection yet at all, not even when using items that typically surge, such as a large power drill.
No fan issues like the other review mentioned.. in fact I haven't heard it come on at all yet; then again it's winter time here in Missouri so I assume it truly is thermal controlled.
The remote keychain that was provided with the unit works great. Since I'm doing the electrical work on our new cabin, I can turn off and on when working on the electrical. Then turn it off when we leave for the week.
The only issue I've had so far is once I came back on the weekend and the inverter turned itself back on sometime during the week. This normally wouldn't be a big issue except we're limited on battery capacity and can be a nuisance if kept happening. This has only happened the one time so no biggie.
The LCD readout on the front of the inverter is a nice feature, more expensive inverters don't have this by default, though I rarely look at it.
I would like to determine how much power the inverter uses when it's powered on and in idle mode. The documentation doesn't mention this anywhere and would expect that would be a major selling point. (or, disadvantage if it's too much of a power draw). I don't have an amp meter to test what it is, if you find out please post a review.
The only other downsides is:
1) this inverter has no permanent mounting brackets. only rubber feet on the bottom. luckily the thick DC cabling keeps it well secured within the battery box.
2) the DC hookups are HAND TIGHTEN only. This can be an issue if you, like me, use the proper gauge wiring. in my case I'm using 6 gauge, which is actually borderline of being too small but the batteries are close by. I ended up using pliers to tighten the hand lugs. With thicker wiring, I imagine this would be a huge pain.
PROS:
inexpensive! I noticed the price just went up though :(
LCD readout on front panel
Keychain remote, I haven't seen any other inverters include this with the inverter itself
CONS:
no mounting brackets? I'm sure you could finagle some aluminum straps around it, instead.
hand tightened DC connections
no mention of idle power usage.

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The Sunforce 11240 1000-Watt Pro Series Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts DC power into clean, stable AC power that is ideal for running home appliances, pumps, and motors. It provides 2000 Watts of peak surge power to get your gear started, and 1000 Watts of continuous power to keep it running. Pure Sine Wave inversion guarantees optimum compatibility with sensitive equipment, computers, motors, televisions and more. Compact and portable, this inverter is perfect for use at worksites, on boats, or for permanent use in a solar power setup. Sunforce Power Inverters can provide clean, free poweras part of a solar power setup.

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Step 2 LifeStyle Dream Kitchen Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the deluxe model about four months ago and am still thrilled with the kitchen. I use it in my home day care (age ranges from 15 months to 6 years old) and have found it to be very durable and well worth the money. The kids love it. With the deluxe model, there is plenty of room for multiple children to play together. And there are plenty of accessories to go around (pot/frying pan, lids, salt pepper shaker, electronic phone, spatula, forks and knives, cups, pitcher, plates). You can purchase additional fake food from step 2 that works really well with this kitchen, also.The kids love it when they sit a pan on the "burner" and it sizzles...then they can turn around and put a pot on it and it will sound like it is boiling/bubbling. Each appliance has a keypad next to it that has the same simple sounds like a kids toy phone. There is an additional phone that has its own "base" on the counter top. There are a couple of knobs to turn and a plastic pretend water sprayer. I find it very useful as it addresses so many developmental items at one time. It is very attractive and more realistic than other kitchen sets out there. The only word of warning I have is when it comes to assembly. If you take it slow and very careful (read directions twice and then read again before you set the screw...LOL), you should have no problems. Two people are needed to assemble the deluxe version. It goes a lot easier when you assemble it according to the directions and lay all your pieces out first to make sure you have them all. There is also an endless supply of stickers that go on this thing, so be aware you may need extra time to really put it all together right. If you organize yourself and the parts before you begin, it will be a cinch to assemble. I know, I tried it both ways .
***edited to add***after two years and countless day care kids, this kitchen still looks great! I have had other kitchen sets (from other manufacturers)that just died after a few months-stickers peeled off, sounds not work, the entire piece faded, etc-but this one works like the day I bought it and still looks fantastic. It does not eat up batteries either-like other sets I have owned. I am so satisfied. This was worth the money I paid for it. (I am referring to the deluxe set which is larger).
I also feel the need to mention that my kitchen set was kept indoors. As with any of these products, if you need to clean them up-the customer service rep told me to use soft scrub WITHOUT bleach. Bleach will apparently cause the product to fade and degrade over time.

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The perfect play center for your domestic-minded little ones, the Lifestyle Dream Kitchen provides kids with endless make-believe play possibilities. The "stainless steel" oven, microwave, stove top and phone all make realistic electronic sounds. Also includes a refrigerator, multiple storage drawers and cabinets and a sink with a faucet. Plus, there's loads of storage space for the included 28-piece Dining Room and Pots and Pans Set. Your little chef can cook up a feast using a special frying pan and boiling pot that make electronic frying and boiling water sounds when placed on the stove's front burner. This Dream Kitchen also features a framed window with an overhead light, a granite-styled countertop and a make-believe sink with a modern faucet and pull-out sprayer. Minimal adult assembly required. Measures approximately 35.5" x 15.25" x 44.75". Requires 12 "AA" alkaline batteries (not included).

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