Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Classroom Cooking Cart Equipment

Classroom cooking is an educational activity that keeps the students engaged. Here is a list of basic items for preparing food in the classroom.

Classroom cooking is an educational activity that keeps the students engaged. It is a great way to use what the students grow in the school garden, giving them the opportunity to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce while practicing math, reading, and life skills.

Kitchen equipment may be obtained through a number of ways including grants, donations, and purchases. If you have the resources for a more permanent set up, stocking a mobile cooking cart is a wonderful addition to any school. If properly cared for, it can last for years.

The following list includes basic items for preparing food in the classroom. It includes items for the class and items for small working groups. For assistance in funding, contact your local parent-teacher organization for ideas.

Cooking Cart Equipment

Suggested List
Quantity Item
Multiple Assorted sizes of pots with lids
2 baking sheets
1 blender
2 baking pans or dishes
1 can opener
1 cart, rolling utility
5 citrus juicers, small
1 colander
10 cutting boards, small plastic
1 bottle dishwashing liquid
3 bowls, mixing, assorted sizes
1 electric skillet (optional)
1 first aid kit
5 graters, box
1 hand mixer
2 hotplates, electric
4 kitchen towels
1 ladle
5 sets measuring cups
5 sets measuring spoons
4 potholders
2 rolling pins
1 salad spinner
2 skillets, large (12"-14") non-stick
2 spoons, large wooden
1 spoon, slotted
2 spatulas
5 sponges with rough side
10 spreaders (serrated with rounded end)
1 steamer insert for pot
1 set tongs
5 vegetable peelers
3 whisks, assorted sizes
5 whisks, medium
1 knife, chef's
Questions:   Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Friday, April 18, 2025
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • SNP AR 25-26 Workload (added 23-Jun-2025)
    School Nutrition Program (SNP) sponsors who are scheduled for an Administrative Review in School Year 2025-26.
  • Culinary Training: Date Extended to July 3, 2025 (added 20-Jun-2025)
    Space is available for Culinary Trainings! The Nutrition Services Division, in collaboration with the Institute of Child Nutrition, is hosting free, in-person, half-day, Mediterranean Menus of Flavor culinary arts trainings for school food service.
  • Webinar: Tuesdays @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (added 20-Jun-2025)
    School Nutrition Town Hall webinar for School Nutrition Program Operators and Food Service Directors.
  • Paid Lunch Equity Guidance for School Year 2025–26 (added 19-Jun-2025)
    This communication provides information to School Food Authorities (SFA) on the updated guidance on Paid Lunch Equity for school year 2025-26.
  • March 25, 2025 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 19-Jun-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar March 25, 2025.

  • April 22, 2025 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 19-Jun-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall (NSD) webinar April 22, 2025.
  • February 25, 2025 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 19-Jun-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar February 25, 2025.
  • January 28, 2025 Tuesday at 2 Town Hall Resources (added 19-Jun-2025)
    The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division (NSD) hosted the monthly Tuesday @ 2 School Nutrition Town Hall webinar January 28, 2025.
  • Piggyback Contracts Key Steps (added 10-Jun-2025)
    Provide an overview of the key steps to follow to support understanding of piggyback contracts.
  • Culinary Arts Training: New Training Date Added (added 10-Jun-2025)
    The Nutrition Services Division, in collaboration with the Institute of Child Nutrition, is hosting free, in-person, half-day, Mediterranean Menus of Flavor culinary arts trainings for school food service staff.