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Home / Family & Kids / STEM Kits for Kids / Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500
8.2 Tested Aug 23, 2026 by Team RankingRight

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500 (28 experiments) review 2026

A proper beginner's chemistry set from the German lab-kit maker: 28 experiments with real reagents and a manual that explains the reactions

PriceFrom $39.95 · checked Sep 11, 2026
Ages10+
Hours of activity6

Is the Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500 Worth It?

Best chemistry set. For a first real chemistry set the C500 does the job MEL does at a fraction of the price, one-off. It needs a parent for every experiment and the reagents run out, which is the trade against a subscription.

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500 Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Real chemicals, test tubes, pipettes and a manual with the chemistry explained
  • Experiments build from acids and bases to electrochemistry
  • German safety standards; clear disposal guidance
  • Upgrades to the C1000 and C3000 sets
Cons
  • Adult supervision throughout
  • Reagents are used up; refills cost extra
  • Our 7-year-old could only watch

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500 at a Glance

8.2 Editor Score
Learning valueWhat the child could explain about the science or code afterwards, and whether the kit teaches or just entertains.
26/30
EngagementWhether the child returned to it unprompted and how long a session held attention.
15/20
Build quality & safetyComponent quality, missing parts, small-part and chemical safety, age accuracy.
15/15
Parent effortSetup time and how much adult help each activity needed at the stated age.
10/15
ValuePrice per hour of activity, and whether it keeps giving after the first use.
16/20
Reader ratingNo reader ratings yet — not part of the score
–
Own one? Rate it:

Rubric v1: Learning value 30 · Engagement 20 · Build quality & safety 15 · Parent effort 15 · Value 20. Score = Σ ÷ 10, locked Sep 11, 2026. How we rank.

Where to buy — prices checked Sep 11, 2026

Amazon — $39.95

Best priceSee Price

Thames & Kosmos — $39.95

Also sold atSee Price

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C500 specifications

Ages10+
SubjectChemistry
FormatOne-off kit
Price$39.95 list
Needs a screenNo
Projects / experiments28
ReusableEquipment yes; reagents run out

Why it scored 8.2

For a first real chemistry set the C500 does the job MEL does at a fraction of the price, one-off. It needs a parent for every experiment and the reagents run out, which is the trade against a subscription.

Where it loses

Parent effort; consumables.

Still the right pick for

A 10–13-year-old with a patient adult.

Changelog: Sep 11 — rank 4 → 5 · all changes

Thames & Kosmos CHEM C5008.2 · $39.95
See Price