Commis Chef

What is a commis chef?

A commis chef is a junior role in a professional kitchen. They support the more experienced chefs in food preparation and cooking.

What does a commis chef do?

Usually, a commis chef does the following:

• Assists in food preparation, including peeling, chopping, and measuring ingredients
• Helps with cooking tasks, such as grilling, frying, and baking
• Cleans and maintains kitchen equipment and work areas
• Follows recipes and instructions from more senior chefs

What does the day-to-day life of a commis chef look like?

A commis chef usually works in shifts that can be during the day, evening, or even overnight, depending on the establishment. You may work long hours, including weekends and holidays. In a typical day, you may help with food preparation, cook dishes, clean up the kitchen, and assist with any other tasks as needed by the head chef or sous chef. Your tasks may vary depending on the specific kitchen you work in.

Where does a commis chef work?

Commis chefs work in various food establishments, including:

• Restaurants
• Hotels
• Cafes
• Cruise ships
• Catering companies You may work in a professional kitchen based on the location of the establishment, whether it's in a city, a rural area, or by the coast.

What tools/equipment does a commis chef use?

A commis chef uses various tools and equipment, such as:

• Knives and other kitchen utensils
• Pots, pans, and baking trays
• Ovens, stovetops, and grills
• Food processors and mixers
• Safety equipment like gloves and aprons

What do I need to become a commis chef?

There are several pathways to becoming a commis chef, including:

• Apprenticeship: You can start as an apprentice in a professional kitchen, learning on the job while attending college or culinary school part-time.
• Culinary school: You can enrol in a vocational culinary program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge in food preparation and cooking.
• On-the-job training: Some establishments may offer entry-level positions without formal qualifications, providing training and opportunities for advancement based on your performance.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to you as a commis chef, including:

• Chef de Partie: This is a more senior role where you oversee a specific section of the kitchen, such as sauces or desserts. You may be responsible for managing junior chefs or commis chefs.
• Sous Chef: As a sous chef, you assist the head chef in running the kitchen, creating menus, and supervising the kitchen staff.
• Head Chef: The head chef is in charge of the entire kitchen, including menu planning, ordering ingredients, and managing staff. This is a high-level leadership role.
• Catering Manager: In this role, you coordinate and manage catering operations for events, institutions, or companies.

What jobs are similar to a commis chef?

• Line Cook: Similar to a commis chef, a line cook assists in food preparation and cooking in a professional kitchen.
• Pastry Chef: A pastry chef specializes in making baked goods, desserts, and pastries.
• Sous Chef: As mentioned earlier, a sous chef is a more senior role in the kitchen hierarchy, overseeing various sections and assisting the head chef.