Kitchen Walkthrough Checklist
for Personal Chefs
Know exactly what to look for the moment you step into a client’s kitchen — so you can cook confidently, avoid surprises, and keep the day running smoothly.
- Walk into any kitchen with a clear plan for what to check and where.
- Catch missing tools, broken equipment, and layout issues before you start cooking.
- Spot safety concerns and food storage problems early — and handle them like a pro.
- Use the checklist yourself or walk the kitchen with the client side by side.
- Equipment, cookware, and small tools checklist.
- Stove, oven, and appliance checks before you rely on them.
- Fridge, freezer, and pantry storage review.
- Safety, cleanliness, and workflow notes.
- Space to jot down quirks, fixes, and “bring next time” items.
What You’ll Get From This Checklist
A simple, repeatable walkthrough you can use in every new kitchen — so you’re never blindsided mid-service.
A clear list of what to look for: pots, pans, cutting boards, knives, measuring tools, thermometers, storage containers, and more — plus what you may need to bring yourself.
Prompts to test ovens, burners, microwaves, dishwashers, and other key appliances before you rely on them for timing-sensitive dishes.
Check spaces for temperature issues, overcrowding, and safe zones for your food — so you know where ingredients and cooked items can safely live during the cook day.
Prompts to spot slippery floors, cluttered counters, cross-contamination risks, and other hazards — and how to address them with the client respectfully when needed.
Space to map out where you’ll prep, cook, and stage dishes — so you aren’t bumping into family traffic or fighting for every inch of counter space mid-service.
Capture what you’ll bring on future visits and any important client preferences you notice during the walkthrough — building a smoother experience over time.
Who This Checklist Helps
If you walk into new kitchens and hope for the best, this is for you.
- New personal chefs who want a simple, reliable process for assessing client kitchens.
- Experienced chefs who are tired of surprise equipment failures and missing tools.
- Chefs who want to walk clients through their own kitchen and look organized doing it.
- Anyone who wants cook days to feel smoother, calmer, and more predictable.
This checklist helps you see the whole picture before you start — so you can solve problems proactively instead of reacting under pressure.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Growing?
Grab the Kitchen Walkthrough Checklist and start every cook day with clarity instead of crossed fingers. Walk into any kitchen knowing exactly what to look for — and how to adapt on the fly.
“You bring the flavor. This helps you bring the systems.”