Cook's Direct Foodservice Equipment and Supply

Food Safety in Correctional Facilities
May 12th, 2023

Maintaining a healthy and safe environment is crucial for the well-being of inmates and staff. Today, we will explore essential food safety tips and best practices to ensure proper food handling...

Ensuring Compliance Standards and Regulations for Correctional Food Service Equipment and Supplies
May 5th, 2023

As with any food service operation, correctional facilities must follow strict standards and regulations to...

8 essential food service products for correctional facilities
April 28th, 2023

Providing nutritious and safe meals to inmates while maintaining security and adhering to budget constraints requires...

The Benefits of Durable Shelving for Commercial Foodservice, and Top Manufacturers to Consider
April 21st, 2023

Durable shelving is essential for any commercial foodservice operation...

Improving Security with Cook's Brand Tool Lockers
April 14th, 2023

Today we'll explore the advantages of having a Cooks Brand tool locker in correctional kitchens and how it can improve safety and security...

The Rite Way to Control Portions in Prisons
March 31st, 2023

Portion control is an essential part of any food service operation, and it becomes even more critical in prisons...

Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Correctional Equipment
March 24th, 2023

Correctional facilities depend on a wide range of equipment to maintain order and ensure the safety of inmates and staff...

Challenges of Meeting Dietary Needs of Inmates in Correctional Facilities
March 17th, 2023

When it comes to meeting the dietary needs of inmates in correctional facilities, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed...

How are food portions and serving sizes determined in correctional facility meal planning?
February 24th, 2023

In correctional facilities, meal planning is a crucial aspect of ensuring that inmates receive adequate nutrition while also adhering to budget constraints...

Key factors to consider when choosing equipment for the prison kitchen
February 17th, 2023

When it comes to running a jail or prison kitchen, having the right equipment is essential...

Managing Food Allergies and Special Diets in Jail and Prison Foodservice Operations
February 10th, 2023

Feeding a large, diverse population in a jail or prison setting can present many challenges, one of which is accommodating the dietary needs of inmates with food allergies or special diets...

Maximizing Efficiency in Jails and Prisons with the Cook's Brand Tray Drying Rack
February 3rd, 2023

When it comes to drying, storing, and transporting trays in jails and prisons, it is important to have the right equipment on hand to efficiently do so...

On the Road Again: Cook’s Team Heads To the 2023 ACA Conference
January 27th, 2023

The Cook's Corrections Team is excited to announce our attendance at the American Correctional Association's Winter Conference...

Sharpening Safety: The Importance of Knife Safety in Jails and Prisons
January 18th, 2023

Knife safety and security is of the utmost importance in any setting, but it takes on a heightened level of importance in the high-stress and high-security environment of jails and prisons...

Importance of Refrigeration Maintenance in Jails & Prisons
January 13th, 2023

Commercial refrigeration maintenance is important in jails and prisons for several reasons...

Importance of Proper Correctional Maintenance
January 2nd, 2023

Knowing how to maintain a clean correctional facility is crucial when it comes to public health and safety...

Importance of Cleaning Ice Machines in Correctional Facilities
December 30th, 2022

Regularly cleaning your ice machine is not only ideal for safety, but also keeps your equipment running smoothly...

Correctional Food & Beverage Transport Solutions
December 23rd, 2022

When it comes to transporting food and beverages within jails and prisons, you will want to make sure you choose equipment that is not only safe for corrections, but that has maximum heat retention...

Key Considerations When Ordering Correctional Cleaning Supplies
December 16th, 2022

When it comes to workplace safety in correctional facilities, it is much more complex than your average facility...

Common Equipment in Correctional Kitchens
December 9th, 2022

Jails and Prisons need to be able to feed thousands of inmates at a time, in order to do so it is important to have all of the necessary equipment...

Year-End Disposables Promo
November 29th, 2022

It is that time of year again! We are running our Annual Year-End Disposables Sale...

How to Properly Clean a Slicer
November 18th, 2022

Meat slicers are a commonly used item amongst delis, grocery stores, and other foodservice operations...

Commercial Floor Maintenance
November 11th, 2022

Maintaining clean floors is crucial to prevent slips, trips, and falls...

Always In Stock Cooking Equipment
November 4th, 2022

At Cook’s we have a variety of kitchen and cooking equipment we keep in stock at all times...

What is a Steam Kettle?
October 28th, 2022

Whether you manage the operation of a kitchen within a university, restaurant or correctional facility, time is money...

cooks brand high security
Need It Now? In-Stock Equipment
October 21st, 2022

At Cook’s we have a large selection of both equipment and kitchen supplies in-stock and ready for immediate shipment at all times...

cooks brand high security
Cook’s Brand Kettle Tools
October 7th, 2022

As you may already know, correctional facilities face unique difficulties compared to other operations, which requires products to be re-designed in order to meet safety and security standards...

cooks brand high security
Correctional Meal Serving Materials: What's the Difference?
September 30th, 2022

Correctional Meal Serving products come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each with different benefits and safety features...

cooks brand high security
Importance of Keeping a Correctional Facility Clean
September 23rd, 2022

For the sake of public health, correctional facilities must be kept clean and maintained. Correctional facilities face challenges that are comparable to those of any other densely populated facility...

cooks brand high security
Top 5 High Security Items for Corrections
September 16th, 2022

Today we are going to cover a few of our top high security items. It is important to make sure your facility has the right equipment and supplies in order to maintain a safe environment...

cooks brand meal delivery transport
Correctional Foodservice Solutions
September 9th, 2022

The foodservice industry in prisons faces unique difficulties, many of which can be overcome with the right equipment...

cooks brand meal delivery transport
Correctional Meal Delivery Systems
September 2nd, 2022

Today we are going to take a look at the best way to deliver meals to housing units in correctional facilities...

cooks brand tray sale
Silicone 101
August 24th, 2022

Silicone is a synthetic "rubber" made of chemically bound silicon, oxygen, and occasionally carbon. Silicone cookware also can contain a wide range...

cooks brand tray sale
Cleaning Supplies for High-Risk Environments
August 19th, 2022

It is just as important to maintain a clean environment in correctional facilities as it is in restaurants, hotels, and other operations...

cooks brand tray sale
Cook’s Brand: Flex Line
August 12th, 2022

Cook’s Correctional has Designed the Flex Line with high security environments in mind. These trays are sturdy...

cooks brand tray sale
Cook’s Brand: Tray Sale!
August 1st, 2022

Who doesn’t love a sale? Cook’s is currently running a promotion on trays, through the end of September...

steam kettles
Cleveland Range KDL40: The Perfect Correctional Steam Kettle
July 29th, 2022

A steam kettle, like a steamer, makes use of steam's high heat energy transfer...

dough cutters
Choosing The Right Dough Cutter for High-Risk Environments
July 21st, 2022

You can use dough cutters for many food items, in many different settings...

convection ovens
The Globe Whip: Safety and Durability by Design
July 15th, 2022

The primary driver behind the Cook’s Brand product line is to offer correctional foodservice operators product options that are safe and durable...

convection ovens
What Convection Oven Has The Most BTU's?
June 30th, 2022

Convection ovens are nothing short of amazing. There aren’t many pieces of equipment in today’s commercial kitchen that can hold a candle to their versatility...

correctional meal serving
The Gorilla Tray
June 22nd, 2022

The Cook’s Brand Gorilla Tray is one of our larger insulated meal trays that is used in many jails and prisons across the country...

disposable sale
Why Choose the EcoSecurity™ Utensil?
June 17th, 2022

First and foremost, the EcoSecurity Utensil is a safer option. One of the largest concerns in Jails and Prisons with plastic utensils is the potential for inmates to turn them into deadly weapons...

disposable sale
Annual Summer Disposables Sale
June 10th, 2022

It’s that time again! The Annual Summer Disposables Sale for 2022 has begun...

cooks brand
Our Overstock Sale is On!
June 1st, 2022

Like every retail business, we sometimes have too many products on hand. While the majority of the products we offer are products that we already have on order from a customer...

cooks brand
Need it now? Look for the In-Stock Button
May 24th, 2022

Have you noticed something different on the Cook’s website? We’ve added a new feature that we feel is quite timely, and yes, that was a pun...

cooks brand
Check out the New Cook’s Brand Catalog
May 20th, 2022

Our new 2022 Cook’s Brand Catalog is in the mail! Customers can expect to receive their catalog beginning next week...

correctional tray transport equipment
Tray Transport Options
May 9th, 2022

Over the past two and a half years we have seen a lot of changes resulting from the pandemic. Foodservice in all industries has had to make a wide variety of changes with much of the focus on how meals are delivered to customers...

correctional foodservice equipment
Steam Kettle Efficiency Tips
May 5th, 2022

Commercial steam kettles are the ideal piece of equipment for quickly heating up soups, stews, sauces or pasta. Depending on the amount of people you’re cooking for, a kettle is often the most efficient and effective way to cook or to retherm extremely large batches of these types of foods...

correctional foodservice equipment
In-Stock Equipment Update
May 2nd, 2022

It’s the beginning of May, and for many of our correctional foodservice customers, a sense of urgency is starting to creep into their decision making...

STEAMTABLE PANS
How Many People Will That Feed?
April 20th, 2022

Portion control is a critical skill to have in foodservice and particularly when you are serving large populations...

cleveland kettles
Cook’s Choice: Cleveland Kettles
April 8, 2022

Because we’ve had the experience of working with jails and prisons across the US, we have developed preferences in manufactures for...

knife care
How to Care for Knives so They Last Longer
April 5, 2022

Professional chefs know that there are four areas of cutlery maintenance that you need to pay attention to in order to keep your professional knives in top shape.

aluminum vs stainless cookware
Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Cookware
March 25, 2022

Most commercial cookware found in institutional or foodservice operations is either stainless steel or aluminum.

insulated tray tips
Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Insulated Tray
March 16, 2022

Whether you’re serving meals in four compartment insulated Gator Trays or the six compartment Extra Deep Marathon Trays, you want to be sure that...

cook's counsel
Cook's Counsel for March
March 9, 2022

With 25 years’ experience in the correctional foodservice, we’ve seen a lot of things that you don’t see in a restaurant kitchen.

commercial microwaves for corrections
Six Reasons to Use a Commercial Microwave
March 3, 2022

If someone were to ask what is one of the most important pieces of equipment for the correctional kitchen, it’s unlikely that the microwave would make the list.

dead man box
Only at Cook’s: The Dead Man Box
February 25, 2022

If you’ve been in foodservice at a jail or prison for any amount of time, there’s a good chance that you’re familiar with Cook’s...

marathon tray
A Tray For the Long Haul: Marathon
February 15, 2022

One of the most important components of a jail meal serving operation is the tray used for serving. Many of the other...

Commercial freezer shopping
Commercial Freezer Shopping? Top Five Key Considerations
February 3, 2022

Cold storage is critical in the foodservice business, from walk-in coolers, undercounter refrigerators to reach-in freezers.

Cook's Counsel
Cook’s Counsel for January
January 27, 2022

We’ve been working in the correctional foodservice industry for over 25 years...

steamer maintenance
Commercial Steamer Maintenance
January 17, 2022

The most common cause of commercial steamer break downs is scale, lime and other mineral deposit build up.

instock equipment
Equipment Ready for Immediate Shipment
January 13, 2022

Supply chain issues are all over the news and we are hearing it from our customers on a daily basis.

making meal serving safe
Making Meal Serving Safe
January 12, 2022

This year we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cook’s Buyers Guide for Corrections. Many of our customers know Cook’s best from the catalog...

ACA winter conference 2022
Cook’s is at the 2022 ACA Winter Conference
January 7, 2022

Our Correctional Team is on the road again! To kick off 2022, we are attending the American Correctional Associations Winter Conference in Phoenix, Az.

The 2022 Buyers Guide for Corrections is Now Online
The 2022 Buyers Guide for Corrections is Now Online
December 29, 2021

Be sure to check out the online catalog, available on CooksCorrectional.com and look for your Buyers Guide for Corrections in your mailbox, after the New Year.

dishwasher rack basics
Dishwasher Rack Basics
December 23, 2021

Open racks, glass racks, flatware racks and more, dishwasher racks are available to hold a variety of items ranging from specific sizes...

Christmas at cook's
Giving Back to the Community
December 3, 2021

For many people across America, the long weekend after Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holidays and the anticipated march toward Christmas day.

thanksgiving at cook's
Thanksgiving - A Cook’s Tradition
November 24, 2021

Let’s start by saying Thank You to you, our customer. At this time of Thanksgiving, we reflect on the blessings and beauty that life offers us...

instock equipment
In-Stock Equipment
November 19, 2021

Long lead times on equipment a problem? You hear it on the news, you see it in images of container ships that are backed up at the ports, lead times on goods...

freezing meat and poultry
How Long Can You Keep Frozen Meat & Poultry?
November 16, 2021

The operating temperature of a commercial freezer is typically about -10 degrees Fahrenheit with a holding temperature that will range between -10 and zero degrees Fahrenheit.

virtual training
We've Finaly Gone Virtual
November 10, 2021

This week Cook’s participated in our first virtual conference and product expo. We’ve had opportunities to participate in virtual trade shows several times...

maintenance for refrigeration
Important Routine Maintenance for Refrigeration Units
November 3, 2021

Keeping your commercial refrigeration units running is critical. A breakdown can be expensive in repairs and loss of inventory...

silicone for correctional trays
What Makes Silicone Ideal for Correctional Meal Trays?
October 29, 2021

First, we should cover what silicone actually is because there is a lot of confusion regarding the material. Technically, silicone could be considered within...

roi of reusable flatware
The ROI of Reusable Flatware
October 20, 2021

One of the first changes that the pandemic brought about was an increased demand in disposable meal packaging, flatware and drinkware that created shortages...

rite-size portion servers
The Cook's Brand Five Star Tray
October 7, 2021

The Cook’s Brand Five Star Tray is truly unique when it comes to insulated meal trays for corrections. This innovative tray is shaped differently than other insulated trays.

rite-size portion servers
Consistent Portions with Rite-Size Portion Servers
October 1, 2021

The Rite-size Servers from Cook’s Brand are designed to make managing your serving line easier and getting the same amount of food served on each tray.

Cook’s is Showing Up in the Show Me State
Cook’s is Showing Up in the Show Me State
September 24, 2021

Cook’s is excited to have participated in the Missouri Corrections Association & Missouri Probation & Parole Officers Association 2021 Joint Fall Conference in Lake Ozark, MO this week.

Four Choices In Materials for Meal Serving
Four Choices In Materials for Meal Serving
September 17, 2021

With meal serving products in four different materials, you can find the trays, drinkware and utensils for the different environments within your correctional facility in Cook’s Brand products.

The Gator Tray
The Gator Tray
September 10, 2021

The first jail meal serving tray introduced by Cook’s is the Gator Tray, a four compartment insulated tray. It debuted on the cover of the 2005 Correctional Buyers Guide.

Cart Handling Safety Tips
Cart Handling Safety Tips
September 3, 2021

Here are four easy-to-implement ergonomic practices that every worker who pushes any type of cart should implement to prevent injuries and back pain from cart handling

Why Is The Right Caster So Important?
Why Is The Right Caster So Important?
September 2, 2021

Here are some of the things we learned when we were looking for the right caster for correctional meal delivery carts.

Food Safety Tips – Storage & Receiving
Food Safety Tips – Storage & Receiving
August 26, 2021

Review these easy to follow tips and share with staff to help everyone in your operation maintain a more sanitary and safer foodservice operation.

The Grizzly Tray
The Grizzly Tray
August 20, 2021

Serving meals to inmates on insulated trays is one of the most common meal delivery methods in the country for local jails. It’s simple and requires only the tray and the meal delivery cart.

What We Learned at the ACA Conference
What We Learned at the ACA Conference
August 18, 2021

Our team was thrilled with the chance to connect in person with old friends and to see some new faces too.

Cook’s Correctional Going to ACA
Cook’s Correctional Going to ACA
August 6, 2021

If you or someone from your facility will be attending, you should stop by and say hello to the Cook’s Team in booth #825.

Cook’s Brand to Introduce a New Longer Knife Leash
Cook’s Brand to Introduce a New Longer Knife Leash
July 30, 2021

To continue to meet the needs of our customers, we will be introducing a new 8 foot long knife leash in late August 2021.

Look Out for These Top Five Service Indicators for Refrigeration
Look Out for These Top Five Service Indicators for Refrigeration
July 23, 2021

Proper care and preventative maintenance are critically important to keep your commercial refrigeration equipment functioning well at all times.

Flatware Options for High Security Areas
Flatware Options for High Security Areas
July 9, 2021

Serving meals in jails and prisons requires a different set of priorities than serving in any other type of environments.

Our Most Popular Correctional Kitchen Supplies
Our Most Popular Correctional Kitchen Supplies
July 2, 2021

Here are our five most popular kitchen supply items that you’ll find in a jail or prison kitchen, and not in other institutional or commercial kitchens

Why Look for NSF on Food Prep & Food Storage Equipment
Why Look for NSF on Food Prep & Food Storage Equipment
June 18, 2021

NSF International is an independent organization that tests equipment from all different manufacturers to measure it against a set of standards that were created to ensure public safety.

Which Floor Brush is Best on Your Floor Type?
Which Floor Brush is Best on Your Floor Type?
June 18, 2021

If you have a variety of flooring types or surfaces in your facility, you should review your inventory of floor cleaning equipment and supplies.

Improve the Efficiency of Your Refrigerator
Improve the Efficiency of Your Refrigerator
June 8, 2021

Here are some easy to follow hints that will boost efficiency for your commercial refrigerators and worktop refrigerators.

Speed is Key with Food Storage
Speed is Key with Food Storage
June 4, 2021

Keeping food fresh and safe are critical to any foodservice operation. One of the most important factors in receiving and storing fresh foods is timing

Shopping for Pan Racks?  Start with These Questions
Shopping for Pan Racks? Start with These Questions
May 28, 2021

Make sure to consider the questions before making a purchase to ensure that you get the best pan rack for your correctional kitchen.

The Fast Four to Maintaining Your Refrigeration Equipment
The Fast Four to Maintaining Your Refrigeration Equipment
May 18, 2021

Refrigeration equipment is a valuable part of your correctional foodservice operation and the risk of delayed or overlooked maintenance can be costly.

What Can You Cook With A Tilt Skillet?
What Can You Cook With A Tilt Skillet?
May 14, 2021

Tilt Skillets are one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment available, so much so that they are often called the work horse of the commercial kitchen

The Best Flatware Choices for High Security Environments
The Best Flatware Choices for High Security Environments
May 7, 2021

Here are some of the best flatware options for the maximum security environments that you won’t find anywhere but Cook’s

Knife Storage Solutions for Corrections
Knife Storage Solutions for Corrections
May 7, 2021

The Cook’s Brand High Security Tool Locker is available to provide foodservice personal a safe and secure storage solution for their jail or prison kitchen.

Why is the Rest Time Important When Cooking Meat?
Why is the Rest Time Important When Cooking Meat?
April 30, 2021

After you remove meat from the oven, grill or other heat source, you should allow it to rest for the amount of time specified for that type of meat.

Meet Our Newly Redesigned Vented Drying Racks
Meet Our Newly Redesigned Vented Drying Racks
April 29, 2021

Their new design will assist with the maximization of your drying capacity and increase your commercial or correctional kitchen productivity.

5 Quick Tips to Save Energy When Operating Your Oven
5 Quick Tips to Save Energy When Operating Your Oven
April 16, 2021

The easiest way to save money in your foodservice operation is to create habits that reduce energy consumption for equipment. Small activities, when accumulated all day, every day, can add up to significant savings that you will continue to benefit.

Did You Wash Your Hands?
Did You Wash Your Hands?
April 9, 2021

Regular hand washing is critically important to the prevention of cross-contamination and the spread of germs.

Cook’s Quick Guide on Cleaning Your Commercial Ice Machine
Cook’s Quick Guide on Cleaning Your Commercial Ice Machine
April 8, 2021

Cleaning your ice machine is easy, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s recommended processes. This quick guide can get you started and lead you through the process.

safety and sanitation tips for kitchens
HOW LONG IS LONG ENOUGH? A GUIDE FOR THE RECOMMENDED STORAGE OF REFRIGERATED & FROZEN FOODS
April 2, 2021

This guide can help you to plan ahead with your food inventory, reducing waste and maintaining food safety.

safety and sanitation tips for kitchens
Safety Tips for Holding Equipment Use
March 17, 2021

For correctional foodservice operations, the ability to prepare and hold food until it is time for tray assembly or meal service is a necessity.

safety and sanitation tips for kitchens
Simple Steps to Improve Safety and Sanitation
March 13, 2021

Keeping things clean in the kitchen is important to reduce the risk of foodborne illness but it will also improve safety in your foodservice operation.

Cook’s Compares Commercial Microwaves vs. Residential Microwaves
Cook’s Compares Commercial Microwaves vs. Residential Microwaves
March 12, 2021

When you buy a residential microwave, instead of a commercial model but there’s a good chance you would lose out in the long run.

Top Five Benefits of Cooking with Steam
Top Five Benefits of Cooking with Steam
March 5, 2021

Steam is a highly efficient method of cooking that has several benefits and with all the variety available in commercial steamers, there is sure to be...

Commercial Walk-In refrigerator energy consumption
BEST PRACTICES FOR WALK-INS TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
February 16, 2021

Anyone in the foodservice industry knows that the operation of an institutional kitchen is responsible for a great deal of energy consumption within the facility.

2021 Correctional Buyer's Guide
THE MYGO REUSABLE TO-GO CONTAINER™ FOR CORRECTIONS
February 12, 2021

There were changes in every area of life in 2020 that were brought about from the Covid Pandemic. Daily routines are now very different than they were just one year ago.

2021 Correctional Buyer's Guide
Welcome to our New & Improved Website Experience
February 9, 2021

We have upgraded the Cook’s Correctional website (www.cookscorrectional.com) in January 2021. The site improvements are designed to provide a better user experience and gives our customers much better functionality

2021 Correctional Buyer's Guide
The 2021 Buyers Guide for Corrections is Here!
February 8, 2021

The beginning of the year is marked by the distribution of our annual catalog, the Cook’s Buyers Guide for Corrections. The 2021 Buyers Guide for Corrections mailed out..

Why Cook's Brand?
Why Cook's Brand?
February 4, 2021

If you’ve seen us at a trade show, taken a look at our YouTube channel or had a conversation with any of the territory managers at Cook’s, you’ve heard about Cook’s Brand...

Cook's Vented Tray Drying Rack
New Vented Sheet Pan & Tray Drying Rack from Cook’s Brand
February 3, 2021

Our Vented Tray Drying Rack has a new name – it’s now the Cook’s Brand Vented Sheet Pan & Tray Drying Rack because we’ve added a new sheet pan insert to our offering...

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