Best Portable Prep Table
When you want to prep ingredients for a meal in your backyard or while you are camping, a portable prep table can come in really handy. With the right surface, you will be able to sort, cut, chop, and mix ingredients before cooking them. Plus, you can keep everything organized, from your raw and cooked ingredients and your serving dishes to your cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. With everything within easy reach, you will be able to cook like a pro, and your guests and family are sure to enjoy the results.
Once you start looking into the many portable prep tables that are available, though, you will realize that there are quite a few different options available. Depending on your expectations and needs, you can find the ideal one that will be the right size and shape and will give you exactly what you want when it comes to storage and organization as well.
No matter what, the prep table you select should be durable, stable, and easy to move around. After all, it is a portable table that you are looking for, right? Some tables will fold down when not in use, making them even easier to store, while others won’t, so you need to figure out where you will keep the table when it isn’t in use.
If you have been thinking about investing in a portable prep table but you aren’t sure where to begin, check out the products below. We recommend the following tables for various reasons, and we hope that these can give you some ideas when it comes to the type of table that you would benefit from most.
Best Stainless Steel Portable Prep Table: Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Movable Dining Cart Table
If you are looking for a high-quality stainless steel prep table that also has wheels to make it easy to move around, look no further than this one from Royal Gourmet. It gives you just about everything that you would want and expect from a prep table that’s fit for a chef. It’s durable, won’t rust when properly maintained, and easy to clean.
This table can hold up to 100 pounds, and it also has storage space and great features that make keeping everything organized a snap. For example, there is a large shelf on the bottom that is perfect for big items, and there are three multi-functional hooks that you can use to hang cooking utensils.
Overall, this can be a wonderful choice when you want a prep table that is more than just a basic tabletop. With this one product, you can do a lot, including keeping everything organized and within reach while you prepare delicious meals for friends and family.
Pros:
- This table measures roughly 39.4” x 23.2” x 31.9” when you include the wheels and the handle. The tabletop measures 33.5” x 19.7”.
- This prep table comes with two directional wheels and a side handle to make it easy to move around.
- It features a tank mounting system and heavy-duty tube legs.
Cons:
- It is a little pricey for those who are on a tight budget.
- It might have extra features that you don’t really need.
Best Commercial Portable Prep Table: DuraSteel Stainless Steel Commercial Food Prep Work Table
If you are searching for a high-quality portable prep table that is strong and sturdy, heat resistant, and simple in design, this one might be it. It features premium stainless steel that is resistant to rust and corrosion and really durable so it will last a long time.
In addition to being strong enough to hold up to 300 pounds, you’ll love this table because of its easy-to-clean polished surface. Plus, you can adjust the undershelf, so you can figure out how you can make the most of this table and its storage space for your unique needs. And you can also adjust the plastic bullet feet so the table will always be perfectly balanced.
Want a table on wheels? No problem! This one gives you the option of adding casters to make it simple to move around and set into place whenever you need to use it.
Everything that you need to set this table up is included, so assembly and installation is surprisingly simple. And once you have it all up and ready to go, you’re sure to want to use it immediately to prepare some fantastic meals.
Pros:
- This table measures 30” x 12” x 34”, and it boasts premium NSF certified commercial stainless steel.
- It has an adjustable undershelf, so you can customize it to suit your needs and preferences.
- The edges are finished for safety.
- Its aluminum die cast corner brackets help make this already sturdy table even more secure.
Cons:
- It might not be the right choice if you want a different style.
- If you want casters, you need to buy them separately.
Best Portable Prep Table with Storage Cabinet: Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Table and Storage Cabinet with Hooks for Grill Accessories
Whether you want a stylish portable prep table that is sure to catch the attention of your guests, you want something that will blend in with the rest of your outdoor décor, or you just want a table that also comes with a handy storage cabinet, this one from Keter is definitely worth checking out.
This portable table has two wheels, so you can rest assured that it will be easy to move and shift into position when you are ready to use it. In addition to that, it has a storage space that is lockable, and you can store whatever you want inside.
What material is this table made of? Well, the surface that you would use to prep ingredients is made of 201 grade stainless steel that is durable and easy to clean. But this table, which is resistant to rusting, denting, and peeling, also features weather-resistant resin and a wood-like texture. Plus, because it is so attractive, you can utilize it as a serving table too, rather than just as a prep table that you use behind the scenes.
Other neat features include a bottle opener, four S-hooks, a built-in spice rack, and a paper towel holder. Plus, the adjustable legs will allow you to ensure the table will be stable even if it is set on a surface that is uneven.
Pros:
- It has a stainless steel tabletop and large storage cabinet that locks for security.
- This portable table is packed with features that include a spice rack, paper towel holder, hooks, and a bottle opener.
- It has wheels and adjustable legs.
- It is weather resistant, easy to clean and assemble, and requires zero maintenance.
Cons:
- It is more expensive than other portable prep tables.
Best Multi-Level Portable Prep Table: GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Camp Kitchen Portable Folding Cook Station
When you want a portable prep table that will give you multiple surfaces that you can work on, this is a good place to start. It features a steel frame, heat-resistant aluminum countertop, four plastic tables that come out on the sides, and a lower rack for extra storage.
What’s also nice about this particular table is the fact that it will fold flat for easy storage, and it has carry handles too. So, whether you want to use it in your own backyard or you want to take it with you when you are on the go, you won’t need to worry about it being too bulky.
Overall, this is a good choice when you want to have a portable table that has multiple levels you can use for holding various cooking tools while prepping a variety of ingredients.
Pros:
- It features a one-piece steel frame that is powder-coated and will fold and unfold with ease.
- The aluminum tabletop is heat-resistant and can hold up to 48 pounds, while the wire rack on the lower level can hold up to 35 pounds, and the side tables can each hold as much as 30 pounds.
- The side tables are designed to hold beverages, paper towels, tools, bags, and more.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have any wheels.
Best Folding Portable Prep Table: Goplus Portable Folding Grill Table
Another attractive portable prep table is this option, which folds down for extra convenience. It is lightweight, it comes with a carrying case that you can use to transport it easily whenever you need to, and it is made of durable materials, such as a steel frame and aluminum tabletop.
Other features include four utility hooks, four work surfaces, and a paper towel holder. This means you can have everything that you need to cook up yummy meals, whether you are camping with friends or spending time with your family in the backyard.
Pros:
- It is easy to fold and unfold this table, as all you need to do is lock it into place and then attach the accessories to start using it.
- It is light and compact, yet it can hold up to 66 pounds.
- It is easy to clean.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have wheels, so you can’t move it around easily.
Best Decorative Portable Prep Table: Suncast Outdoor Grilling Prep Station
If you don’t want a portable prep table that will look like a prep table, you can look for options like this one from Suncast. As you can see, it doesn’t really look like a prep table. Instead, it looks like a decorative element that someone might choose to add to their outdoor grilling area.
This table features a resin construction, so it is easy to maintain, and you can use this product all year long. There are also two doors that provide plenty of storage space inside, and there are two drop leaf extensions that you can use when you need extra tabletop space.
Pros:
- This table provides storage space and a handy tabletop for prepping and serving food.
- It can look great as part of your outdoor décor on your deck or patio.
Cons:
- It might be too small for your needs if you are looking for a larger tabletop that you can work on.
Things to look out for:
As you shop for a portable prep table, you might start to feel overwhelmed by all of the details. But there’s no need to feel this way. Just keep in mind that certain features are more important than others, and you don’t always need all of the little extras that come with some tables. We recommend keeping the following in mind to keep the shopping experience as simple as possible:
First, consider your budget. Portable prep tables range from super affordable to super pricey, so this step can help you quickly narrow down your options.
Next, consider the size of the table. Do you want something small that will hold some ingredients or utensils while you cook, or do you want something that is big, with loads of storage and features like hooks for hanging cooking tools? And, speaking of storage, are you looking for a product that has a cabinet you can use to hold tools and other items that you want to keep near your table at all times, or would you be fine with just a simple tabletop without any cabinets?
A couple of other things to think about: a prep table with wheels is a great way to go because you can move it around with ease, without needing to carry it all the time. And, as mentioned above, a table that folds down is also convenient because you can store it away when you aren’t using it, thereby saving space.
Yet another thing to look into before buying a portable prep table is the material that it’s made of. While aluminum can be a good choice when you want a simple, lightweight table, a stainless steel table is also really popular, as it can be durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches when you are using it to prepare your ingredients.
Once you weigh all of the pros and cons of these various features, you’ll be able to buy the perfect portable table that you can use regularly.
Photo credit: Julia Mikhaylova/Shutterstock