Learning Towers and Step Stools – Bringing Your Child Into Everyday Life at Their Own Height
A learning tower, also called a kitchen tower, kitchen helper or Montessori tower, is a piece of children's furniture with a raised standing platform and a protective rail around it. It lifts a child safely to adult counter height so they can take part in cooking, baking and hand washing rather than watching from the floor.
Step stools are the lighter alternative. They have no rail and lift a child 15–35 cm — enough for a tap, a toilet or a mirror. A stool suits a child who already stands steadily, generally from around three years.
Which one? The rail decides. A child under four who stands at the counter for longer stretches needs a tower. An older child with a short, specific need manages with a stool. We wrote about the decision at length in our guide to choosing between a step stool and a learning tower.
Our range includes folding models for small kitchens, convertible models that turn into a table and chair as the child grows, and high chair combinations for families with a baby and a toddler at the same time. All in birch plywood, made in Europe.
Not sure which model suits you? Compare our four most popular learning towers: price, age, dimensions, max load and safety in one table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kitchen helper?
A kitchen helper is another name for a learning tower: a safe standing platform with a rail that brings a child up to counter height. Kitchen helper, kitchen tower, learning tower and Montessori tower all describe the same piece of furniture.
What is the difference between a learning tower and a step stool?
A learning tower has a protective rail and lifts a child to roughly 40–50 cm. A step stool has no rail and lifts 15–35 cm. The rail is the difference, and it is what makes a tower suitable for a younger child.
What age is a learning tower suitable for?
Most learning towers suit children from around 18 months, once the child walks confidently. Use typically continues to five or six years.
What age is a step stool suitable for?
From around three years, once a child stands steadily unsupported. Use often continues into school age.
Are learning towers safe?
A stable structure, a wide base and a protective rail help a child take part safely under adult supervision. A tower does not replace supervision, and the counter above needs clearing of knives, hot pans and cables.
How much space does a learning tower take?
Typically around 40–50 cm square and 90 cm tall. Folding models flatten against a wall to roughly the depth of a chair.
