What is the Difference Between a Chef and a Cook

The terms chef and cook are often used interchangeably. However, they have key differences in their job descriptions and responsibilities. A cook prepares and cooks food, whereas a chef is a skilled and trained cook who works in a hotel or restaurant setting.

Kitchen Hierarchy of Chefs and Cooks

Knowledge of the kitchen brigade system is important for better understanding the difference between a chef and a cook.

Cooks

Cooks in different roles support the chef's culinary vision within the kitchen structure.

• Stagiaires: Interns in the kitchen, often in apprenticeships or fresh from culinary school.

• Kitchen Porters: Assist in upper-level kitchens with basic cooking tasks and some cleaning, varying in training.

• Junior Cooks/Commis: Work under line cooks to learn specific kitchen sections, with or without culinary training.

• Line Cooks: Specialize in running specific food preparation stations on the kitchen line.

Chefs

Chefs have more diverse roles in kitchens, from entry-level positions to executive leadership. They oversee tasks important for restaurant operations.

• Chef de Partie (Station Chefs): Manage specific kitchen stations, creating dishes and recipes under the head or sous chef's guidance.

• Sous Chef: Deputy to the head chef, supervising daily cooking and kitchen operations, sometimes stepping in for the head chef.

• Chef de Cuisine: Head chef responsible for kitchen management, menu creation, staff supervision, and restaurant operations.

• Executive Chef: Top-level chef overseeing kitchen operations, managing costs, multiple locations, and focusing on the business aspects rather than daily cooking.

• Personal Chefs: Work independently, preparing diverse meals for private clients onsite or for delivery.

Chefs hold the highest position in the kitchen hierarchy. They blend culinary expertise with managerial skills for efficient kitchen functioning and high-quality menu execution.

The Difference Between a Chef and a Cook

While chefs are a subset of the broader category of cooks, they stand out with their specialised skills and formal training. This distinction also means that chefs are more likely to have experience in high-end culinary establishments, showing the difference between a chef and a cook.
The following table summarises the key differences between chefs and cooks, focusing on their approach to recipes, skill levels, training, innovation, adaptation, and typical work environments.

Similarities between a Chef and a Cook

Everyone involved in food preparation, whether cook or chef, must prioritise kitchen cleanliness and food safety, to prevent contamination and food allergen reactions.
Both chefs and cooks need to receive comprehensive training in food safety protocols.

Conclusion

The distinction between chefs and cooks is important to understand despite their interchangeable use of common language. Cooks primarily prepare food following recipes, while chefs with formal training and specialised skills oversee kitchen operations and innovate dishes. Understanding the kitchen hierarchy, from stagiaires to executive chefs, clarifies their respective roles in managing kitchen tasks and food safety. Chefs and cooks contribute significantly to culinary settings by maintaining high standards of cleanliness and following food safety protocols that are important for delivering quality meals.