Step2 Sizzle & Smoke Grill Review

***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way. ***

Spring is finally here! I think. Maybe. Here in Ohio, you never really can be sure. In fact, the forecast is calling for possible snow tomorrow. How does that even happen in mid-April?! I'm not sure I'll ever get used to Ohio weather patterns! 

Anyway, regardless of what drugs Mother Nature seems to be on this year, spring is technically here. To celebrate, we have already started cooking out. We absolutely love grilling season, and spend a ton of time on our deck when the weather permits. 

We actually had our first official cookout of the year yesterday, and this time, it was extra special. You see, while Daddy worked his magic on the grill, Sophie and Xander got to whip up some juicy steaks and sweet ears of corn, too! 

No, I do not allow preschool aged children to actually cook on a scalding hot grill. That would be insane and borderline neglect. (Or maybe not so borderline...) Sophie and Xander have a grill of their own! The Step2 Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Grill, available exclusively at Toys R Us, offers a very realistic grilling experience for apprentice grill-masters! 

This grill is absolutely adorable, and features tons of neat things that make little ones feel like they're actually cooking! There is a large cooking area with realistic looking grates, and it even comes with 2 juicy steaks and 2 ears of corn. 

For extra grilling supplies, there is ample storage in the bottom cabinet area of the grill. We like storing additional play food, serving pieces and even aprons and chef hats here. 

There are also 3 burners with knobs that actually turn and click, just like a real grill. Oh, and there's a propane tank that's always marked as full. Have you ever run out of propane while cooking a meal on the grill? We have, and it's not fun. Thankfully, we live a block away from a gas station that sells refill tanks! The kiddos got lucky here, since they will never run out of juice! 

There is also a removable storage bin to house the many accessories that come with the Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Grill. Here we've got some tongs, BBQ sauce, and forks. Also included are an oven mitt, plates, and even a pot for whipping up all those delectable sauces and sides! 

You may also notice that there's a little dropper there, too. Well this is where the fun comes into play! That little dropper, along with 3 AAA batteries, make this grill come to life! 

See that little reservoir with the arrow? You simply drip a few drops of water into it. Then when your child turns the middle burner, it steams, smokes, and sizzles, just like a real grill! It even emits a red glow, so kids will really feel like they're cooking! (I wish they had such realistic toys when I was a kid! I would have absolutely loved this!) 

So when Daddy got the "big grill" ready, and loaded it up with burgers and hot dogs, of course the kids wanted to help cook their own grilled specialties, Steak Ala Sophie and Corny-Corny-Corn-Cobs by Xander. (Yes, that's what he called it. Made me giggle!) 

Look how cute the Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Grill is on the deck! Doesn't it look a lot like a real grill? Of course we had it a safe distance away from our actual grill. This grill is made of plastic, and we wouldn't want to damage it by having it too close to high heat. Not to mention, keeping the kids safe is our number one priority so we don't allow play time near the grill when we cook out. 

As we cooked the family dinner, Sophie and Xander had a blast whipping up their own contributions to the meal. Here's Xander showing his big sister how to properly turn an ear of corn. He even told Sophie that you have to put sugar on it. (I add sugar to the water when I boil ears of corn. It adds a nice sweetness that goes very well with some sea salt and sweet cream butter!)  Look out, Bobby Flay! You just might have some stiff competition in a few years! 

Apparently the corn was ready much more quickly than I am used to. Sophie and Xander just couldn't resist snacking on their ears of corn while burgers and hot dogs sizzled away. That's the best part of creative play, I suppose. Dinner is ready when you want it to be, no waiting required! 

Xander is very proud of his culinary skills. He was all smiles while cooking the corn cobs, and eventually he ended up taking over Sophie's steaks, too. I guess there's just something about a man and his grill, no matter what his age. Daddy loves grilling, so I suppose it runs in the family! 

Overall. we're loving the Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Grill by Step2. It's very realistic, and comes with tons of great accessories. I would have loved to see a bit more play food included, but this can be purchased separately. Thankfully, we already have about a zillion play food items to supplement with since the kids have a few play kitchens and we keep them well-stocked. So if you're looking for a great way to help your little ones celebrate the start of Grilling Season, this product would be perfect for you! Remember, it's only sold at Toys R Us, and can be ordered online or bought in store. 

How to Connect :

The Home Depot Sizzle & Smoke Grill is available exclusively at Toys R Us.

You can check out the awesomeness that is Step2 on their website. 

Also, be sure to follow Step2 on Facebook and on twitter for their latest products and promotions!

 For even MORE Step2 fun, you can check out the Step2 blog, on Pinterest, on instagram, and on their YouTube Channel!