College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension at Penn State University

(Formerly PENpages #29503668)

Portable Kitchen

Updated for 2004

Fill a dishpan with 40+ basic kitchen items for easy storage! This "kitchen" can be used in educational foods and nutrition programs and transported by bus or car, or used in a kitchen where storage space is at a minimum or for camping. The dishpan container, used in this project, was 11 1/2" X 15". A larger washtub might hold even more, though it is important to keep the weight of the kitchen at a minimum for easy lifting and carrying.


The dishpan is loaded in the order of the equipment below. Another dishpan may be placed underneath to hold waxed paper, foil or plastic wrap, trash bags and a small roll of paper towels in a single level and both conveniently carried together. Less than full rolls of paper products keep the weight of the total "kitchen" down.


For safety sake and to prevent dulling, be sure that all sharp objects such as knives are shielded. Items should be packed securely so they are not jostled in transport. A large thick rubber band, available in packing supply stores may be wrapped several ways around the entire "kitchen" to secure the component parts. The kitchen can be carried as is, placed in a large tote 16 1/2" high, 12 1/4" wide, and 7" deep) with some of the top items shifted to the top or a clean rolling suitcase.


The food, pan sprays, etc. are carried separately, wrapped carefully and insulated so hot foods remain hot and cold foods cold to prevent food sanitation problems.

After unpacking the kitchen, pour hot water and detergent into one of the dishpans and hot clear water (to rinse the dishes) into the other. While everything should be packed clean, it may be necessary to clean and rinse one or two of the items before you start. The counter or other surface should be washed and rinsed, too. Setting up both dishpans helps the utensils to be washed and rinsed as you work.


If you are going to transport items prepared in the bowl, carry a bowl cover (or a new disposable shower cap), which is made from a circle of plastic with a gathered elastic edge, to keep the food away from insects and the storage container clean. Additional bowl covers can be used as hair nets or coverings. Label each for its use as you do not want to use one for both purposes.


It seems as though all the contents won't fit in the dishpan, but they will. It may require shopping around until you find the right size and quality of utensil at the price you want to pay. All items are the standard size with the exception of the cookie sheet which is a small toaster oven size. The drawing is to give you an idea of how the items can fit together, but the sequence or way you pack them may vary because of the items you have or the container you use to transport the kitchen.


You may notice that several items are missing from the kitchen. If a saucepan or a skillet is required, you might want to substitute a small (saucepan size) stockpot, which could be used as a skillet, saucepan or--in a pinch--a mixing bowl since most recipes do not require both a mixing bowl and a saucepan. The strainer can be used as a sifter. For trivets (hot pads), the rubber jar opener or an additional set of potholders could be used. A cake or pie pan and a citrus reamer was not included but could be placed in or under the mixing bowl or stock pot in lieu of other items. Clean kitchen scissors work well for cutting pizza as well as snipping parsley and other soft, small foods in a cup.


A liquid measure was not included since most are heavy glass and take up considerable space. A small plastic one could be added, especially if you chose to use the stockpot (as it will hold more items than the mixing bowl).


Instead of a special measure for shortening, plan on cracking the egg (tapping the egg with a table knife first) if the recipe calls for it, directly into the measuring cup that will hold the shortening. Pour the egg contents into the mixing bowl and then measure the shortening in the cup. Because the egg has coated the cup, the shortening will be easy to remove!


The total cost of the kitchen may be kept low by purchasing items at a dollar store or other discount store, or by buying them second hand at a garage sale. Look for safety, quality, ease of use, and how well items fit into the overall kit. Knives are safer to use if they are sharp because people do not have to apply pressure to cut foods.


Contents:

If you have extra space, add:

Contact for questions

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