I'm always on the lookout for insteresting items to use in my dioramas and photo stories. So when I saw that KB Toys had the Barbie Light-up Kitchen on sale for $12.99, how could I resist? The photo on the box showed appliances that weren't pink, which is a plus when dealing when Barbie stuff. Also, Barbie's name wasn't written all over everything, another constant problem with the Barbie stuff. Even though the items often differ in color from what's shown on the box, I decided to take a chance. The team needed a kitchen, if only to have a place to keep their beer cold...

The items all snapped together pretty easily. The set comes with an oven/range, a refridgerator, and a sink. With the exception of the doors on the fridge and oven, none of the cabinets actually open. But they do look pretty nice.

The range is well-done. The turkey is on a turntable that rotates when you open the door. In addition, you can press a button to illuminate the oven with a red light. I'm not sure how useful that last feature will be, but you never know...

There's pleny of counter space and places to hold the plates and cooking utensels that come with the set. The backdrop is a cardboard piece that you slide in there. It would be pretty easy to make a custom one to change the look of the kitchen. The range top is simulated by a sticker and has good detail.

The sink doesn't have anything special to it, but again, it looks pretty good. You can just see General Patton in an apron, washing the dishes after a big meal. Or maybe not...

As I mentioned before, the 'fridge and freezer both open, and you can store stuff in there. The set comes with various 1/6th scale food packages, which have a lot of possibilities. The ice makes does not work, of course; it's another sticker on the front of the door. There are also various notes and pictures you can stick on there, but I'm going to make some 1/6th scale Wanted posters for my refridgerator door.

Here's a look at some of the items that come with the set. More than enough for most kitchens. However, if you want spoons or knives, you'll have to look elsewhere. I guess Barbie and her friends live on nothing but salads.

One last comment about scale: The 'frige is just a little too short. As you can see, it comes up to about Lonestar's shoulder. I'd rather itcame up to his chin, or his nose. It's not a major problem, but I thought I'd point it out.

Well, that about wraps it up. At $12.99, I think these things are a great bargain.

Uh oh... anyone know where I can find some 1/6th scale beer... fast?