Last Updated 2 months ago
Craft is the heartbeat of a set. It’s where crew members refuel, reset, and take five before diving back into the chaos. Whether you’re on a student short or a $10 million feature, good craft services are non-negotiable. They keep energy high, tempers low, and departments running at full tilt.
A great craft setup isn’t just about snacks — it’s about creating consistency, comfort, and community. When you nail craft, people notice. When you don’t, they really notice.
You can hire a full catering company or run an independent setup, but either way, your gear and organization determine your success. Below is a full breakdown of essential tools, appliances, and habits that make craft efficient, safe, and genuinely appreciated.
Why Craft Matters
Every department on set runs on energy. Camera, Grip, Electric, Art — they’re burning through calories every hour. A proper craft setup keeps everyone going physically and mentally. Good food keeps people focused. Bad food makes them sluggish and cranky.
A well-run craft table also sends a message: this production respects its crew. And that respect goes a long way in an industry where long hours and tight turnarounds are the norm.
The Essential Craft Tools and Appliances
These are the tools that transform your setup from basic to professional. Each one earns its place.
Coffee Maker
No surprise here — coffee runs the set. You can get away with a lot if you have a constant flow of good coffee.
Have two systems running:
- One full pot brewer (12-cup+) for the main flow.
- One single-serve machine (Keurig or Nespresso) for off-hours or custom cups.
Crew members work staggered hours, so the single-serve keeps everyone covered even when the main pot runs dry.
Pro Tip:
Keep coffee filters, ground beans, sugar, sweeteners, cream, and oat milk stocked separately. Nothing slows down mornings like digging through clutter.
Electric Kettle
Not everyone drinks coffee. A kettle supports tea drinkers, soup lovers, and instant oatmeal fans. A dual-temperature model is ideal — one setting for tea, one for quick-serve noodles or cocoa.
Stock black, green, and herbal teas. Keep milk and cream (never cream in tea) and honey packets for variety.
Bonus Use:
Instantly reheat soup cups, prep hot water bottles in cold locations, or sanitize utensils on the fly.
Sandwich Press
Hot food in minutes. A sandwich press delivers instant comfort food — grilled cheese, chicken melts, and breakfast wraps. It’s fast, satisfying, and works for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
If you’re feeding a large crew, invest in two presses. Keep one dedicated to vegetarian options to prevent cross-contamination. Compact commercial presses from Breville, Cuisinart, or Hamilton Beach are reliable and affordable.
Pro Tip:
Press sandwiches in batches and wrap them in foil for a warm, grab-and-go options are always welcome.
Blender
A blender like a Ninja or Vitamix is more valuable than people think. Use it for:
- Morning smoothies (great for early call times)
- Blending soups or sauces
- Mixing pancake batter or dips
It’s quick to clean, and gives your setup a “we actually care” vibe. A blender also makes it easier to offer vegan or health-focused options without a ton of prep.
Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
Perfect for continuous hot food through the day. Load it up in the morning — soup, stew, pulled pork, chili, meatballs — and let it go. It’s hands-off, safe, and smells incredible by lunchtime.
Modern models with locking lids and timers keep everything secure in transit.
Pro Tip:
Use a liner bag for easy cleanup and keep a backup extension cord in your kit.
Fruit Slicer / Apple Corer
Healthy snacks matter. Fruit trays always go fast when they’re prepped right. Tools like an apple slicer, melon baller, or pineapple corer save time and reduce waste.
Pro Tip:
Prep fruit in clear trays with lids, so you can restock quickly and keep everything visible. Crew eats what they see first.
Four-Slice Toaster
A two-slice toaster doesn’t cut it. You’ll be waiting all day. Get a four-slice or dual toaster and place it at the edge of the table for quick access.
Pro Tip:
Set out spreads in squeeze bottles (butter, cream cheese, jam) — they’re faster, cleaner, and more sanitary than open tubs.
Toaster Oven
A small but mighty upgrade. It’s safer and more versatile than a microwave and gives better results for anything bread-based.
Use it for:
- Toasting bagels or English muffins
- Warming wraps or burritos
- Melting cheese
- Reheating pizza without turning it soggy
Pro Tip:
Toaster ovens are ideal for night shoots when full catering shuts down but people still want something warm.
Bagel Slicer
A slicer keeps things safe, consistent, and quick. A crew member can walk up, slice a bagel and pop it in the toaster in a matter of seconds.
Pro Tip:
Pair it with a bread knife and store both in a labeled bin. Don’t rely on PAs to bring knives back.
Food Storage / Tupperware
Throwing away food is throwing away money. A solid set of resealable containers saves leftovers for later meals or the next day’s shoot.
Use stackable containers and label them clearly — crew name, date, and contents.
Pro Tip:
Bring a small cooler for perishable leftovers. It keeps your main fridge clear and cuts down on cleanup stress.
Utensils and Serving Gear
Stock deep. Always have:
- Forks, spoons, and knives
- Serving spoons, ladles, tongs
- Cutting knives
- Extra sets for dietary separation
Craft often doubles as catering during overtime, so utensils disappear fast. Keep everything in labeled bins.
Pro Tip:
Color-code handles with tape (e.g., green for vegetarian, red for meat) to prevent mix-ups.
Can Openers
Tiny, forgettable, essential. Have at least two heavy-duty openers in your kit. They go missing constantly, and you’ll always need one mid-prep.
Pro Tip:
Keep one in your tool bin and one on the table attached with a lanyard.
Cutting Boards
Bring multiples — one for produce, one for meat, one for general use. Plastic boards are easy to sanitize and store.
Pro Tip:
Use a large board as a makeshift serving tray or plating station. Non-slip mats underneath stop movement when prepping fast.
Coolers
Coolers are the backbone of craft logistics. They’re your portable fridge and drink station, your buffer against heat, and your first line of defense for food safety.
Use multiple coolers for different purposes:
- Water Cooler: filled with ice, water bottles.
- Soda Cooler: soda, juice boxes, Gatorade,
- Backup Cooler: overflow food and drink, frozen gel packs, or items in rotation.
Pro Tips:
- Drain water and refresh ice throughout the day — melted ice turns into a bacteria trap.
- Invest in heavy-duty coolers like Yeti, Igloo MaxCold, or Coleman Extreme for longer life span.
Bonus Tools to Elevate Your Setup
If you’ve already covered the basics, consider adding these:
- Mini fridge – Keeps cream, milk, and fruit cold on hot days.
- Portable griddle – Great for pancakes, breakfast wraps, or quesadillas.
- Folding tables with vinyl covers – Easy cleanup and quick setup.
Safety, Sanitation, and Setup Tips
Craft is a food service, so health standards apply. Even small productions should follow basic protocols:
- Keep, napkins, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on the table.
- Keep hot foods above 140°F (60°C) and cold foods below 40°F (4°C).
- Label allergen items clearly.
- Keep vegetarian and meat items separated.
Presentation and Flow
Layout matters. A clean, organized table feels professional and efficient.
Example flow:
- Drinks first – coffee, tea, water, cold drinks.
- Healthy snacks – fruit, nuts, yogurt.
- Hearty options – sandwiches, wraps, soups
- Treats last – candy, pastries, chips.
Final Thoughts
A strong craft setup isn’t just about food — it’s about professionalism. When you feed your crew properly, you buy time, focus, and gratitude. It’s the cheapest morale boost on any set.
Don’t think of craft as an afterthought; think of it as crew maintenance. It’s what keeps the engine running smoothly from call to wrap.
If you’re in charge of craft, take pride in it. A good setup won’t just make people happy — it’ll make people remember your set as one of the good ones.
