Reviews
Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, box front
Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, lab equipment and contents
Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, experiment manual pages
Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, box back
Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119

Images: Thames & Kosmos

Researched

Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119

A real chemistry set for ages 10+ with 125 experiments and an 80-page lab manual.

$59.95 at Thames & Kosmos · Price checked Oct 6

Check price at Thames & Kosmos

Prices at other stores may differ · Links go to the retailer

Our verdict

Chem C1000 is Thames & Kosmos’s entry chemistry set for ages 10 and up, listed at $59.95. An 80-page manual guides 125 experiments covering indicators and invisible ink, chromatography, air pressure, iron and copper, carbon dioxide, electrolysis, crystals, soaps and kitchen chemistry. It needs one 9-volt battery.

We could not find owner reviews for this version at the maker, Target or Barnes & Noble, so we are working from the listing. The set has a long record, with 2004 Parents’ Choice Gold and National Parenting Center awards listed by the maker.

It suits a 10- to 12-year-old who wants real lab work and will follow written instructions with an adult nearby. Skip it for a younger child who wants quick, messy fun; Ooze Labs is the easier pick.

Key details

  • Ages 10+
  • 30 pieces
  • STEM kits
  • Thames & Kosmos
  • Available

More info

  • Item number: 640119
  • Age: 10+
  • Experiments: 125
  • Piece count: 30
  • Manual: 80 pages
  • Battery: 1 x 9V
  • Price: $59.95
Best for and who should skip it

Best for

  • Kids aged 10 and up who are serious about science
  • Families ready to supervise experiments
  • A gift that lasts through many sessions

Skip it if

  • Your child is under 10
  • You want quick, mess-first experiments rather than a lab manual
What we like and what to keep in mind

What we like

  • 125 experiments across many topics
  • Detailed 80-page manual with explanations
  • Includes lab equipment, per the maker

Keep in mind

  • Needs a 9-volt battery
  • We found no owner reviews for this version
  • Plan on adult supervision for chemical experiments
How we reviewed it

Researched, not hands-on tested. This review is based on the sources listed below. We have not tested this product ourselves. Check the current product listing and packaging before buying.

Based on the maker's specifications and public owner reviews, checked Oct 6, 2026.

Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, box front

Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119

Researched · Ages 10+

$59.95

Links go to the retailer

Check price at Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119

$59.95 · Links go to the retailer

Check price

Sources.

What we read for this review, and when we last checked it.

  1. 01 Thames & Kosmos. Chem C1000 V 2.1 thamesandkosmos.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026
  2. 02 Thames & Kosmos. Chem C1000 manual sample thamesandkosmos.com · Checked Oct 6, 2026

How it compares.

This toy next to the alternatives we suggest, using the maker’s details.

Detail Thames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119, box front This reviewThames & Kosmos Chem C1000 V 2.1 640119 MEL Science MEL Chemistry Subscription, example set: Tin MEL Science MEL Chemistry Subscription Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105, box front Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105
Price$59.95$29.90$39.95
Maker’s ageAges 10+Ages 10+Ages 6+
CategorySTEM kitsSTEM kitsSTEM kits
Pieces30––
Good forKids aged 10+ ready for real lab chemistryKids aged 10+ who want hands-on chemistryKids aged 6+ who like messy science
StockAvailableAvailableAvailable

Prices are the list prices we saw on the maker’s site and change often.

If this isn’t quite right.

MEL Science MEL Chemistry Subscription

MEL Science MEL Chemistry Subscription

Monthly chemistry kits for ages 10+

See review
Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105

Thames & Kosmos Ooze Labs Chemistry Station 642105

Easier chemistry for ages 6+

See review

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