What to Buy for a Chili Contest

A chili contest needs more than ingredients for the entries. You also need separate equipment for cooking, judging, tasting, registration and serving, with enough cooling and power for the whole event. This shopping list covers the practical supplies to arrange before the teams arrive, from gas burners and large pots to tasting cups, name badges and tableware. Check quantities against the number of chili teams, judges and guests, then buy perishables close to the event.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Party tentsqty 2
Beer tablesqty 8
Folding chairsqty 70
Cooking tablesqty 10
Judges' table
Registration desk

Tableware

Reusable bowlsqty 100
Reusable spoonsqty 120
Reusable forksqty 80
Reusable knivesqty 80
Drinking glassesqty 100
Tasting cupsqty 700
Serving spoonsqty 12

Equipment

Gas burnersqty 10
Gas cylindersqty 10
Food warmersqty 10
Large cooking potsqty 10
Coolersqty 6
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 12
Cook's spoons and ladlesqty 20
Measuring cupsqty 6
Kitchen knivesqty 12
Aluminum foilqty 4
Food containersqty 20
Serving spoonsqty 12

Decorations

Race numbersqty 10
Name badgesqty 20
Tableclothsqty 10
Prize money cupsqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
Battery lanternsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Trash bag holdersqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Ground beef - 8 kilograms
- Ground pork - 4 kilograms
- Kidney beans - 20 cans
- Black beans - 10 cans
- White beans - 10 cans
- Diced tomatoes - 30 cans
- Tomato paste - 20 cans
- Red bell pepper - 30 pieces
- Green bell peppers - 20 pieces
- Yellow bell peppers - 15 pieces
- Onions - 8 kilograms
- Garlic - 20 bulbs
- Corn - 12 cans
- Jalapeños - 8 jars
- Fresh red peppers - 500 grams
- Fresh coriander - 12 bunches
- Limes - 30 pieces
- Beef broth - 10 liters
- Vegetable stock - 5 liters
- Olive oil - 3 liters
- Sunflower oil - 2 liters
- Chili powder - 500 grams
- Ground cumin - 300 grams
- Paprika powder - 400 grams
- Smoked paprika powder - 200 gram
- Oregano - 150 grams
- Cayenne pepper - 150 gram
- Black pepper - 200 grams
- Salt - 1 kilogram
- Brown sugar - 1 kilogram
- Worcestershire sauce - 3 bottles
- Tabasco - 6 bottles
- Hot chili sauce - 6 bottles
- Tomato ketchup - 4 bottles
- Sour cream - 6 kilogram
- Shredded cheddar - 5 kilogram
- Tortilla chips - 12 bags
- Cornbread - 12 loaves
- Baguettes - 15 pieces
- Butter - 2 kilograms
- Coffee - 2 kilograms
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 8 liters
- Sugar - 2 kilograms
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Bitter lemon - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 12 bottles
- Spa Rood - 6 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Orange juice - 6 cartons
- Ice cubes - 20 kilograms
- Paper napkins - 600 pieces
- Paper towels - 12 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 60 pieces
- Dish soap - 3 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 3 bottles
- Sponges - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 8 rolls

Tips

Plan at least one tasting cup and spoon per judge or guest per round, plus a 10–15% spare supply. Tasting cups are easy to underestimate when several teams enter.
Allow one cooking table and one gas burner per chili team, and check that you have enough gas cylinders for the full cooking period before setup day.
Use separate coolers for raw ingredients, finished chili and drinks. Chill perishables as soon as they arrive and keep them cold until the cooking stations are ready.
Bring one large serving spoon for every pot, plus spare cook’s spoons and ladles. Shared utensils are often forgotten when teams bring their own ingredients.
Prepare race numbers, name badges and judging forms before registration opens. Keep aluminum foil and food containers available for leftovers and samples that need covering.

Frequently asked questions

What tableware do I need for a chili contest?: Plan tasting cups, spoons and drinking glasses for the expected judges and guests, then add 10–15% extra. For serving and cleanup, provide reusable bowls, forks, knives and serving spoons as well.
How many cooking stations do I need for a chili contest?: Prepare one cooking table and one gas burner for each registered chili team. Check the final team count at least 7 days before the contest so you can arrange extra equipment or power in time.
When should I buy supplies for a chili contest?: Buy durable equipment, tableware, decorations and power supplies at least 1–2 weeks ahead. Buy fresh ingredients and other perishables 1–2 days before the event, then cool them immediately.
What do I need for judging a chili contest?: Provide a judges’ table, tasting cups, spoons, drinking water or glasses, judging forms, pens and clear race numbers for the entries. Prepare the judging materials at least 1 day before the contest so registration does not delay tasting.

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