Kitchen Porter

What is a kitchen porter?

A kitchen porter is someone who supports the kitchen team in a restaurant or catering establishment by keeping the kitchen clean and organized.

What does a kitchen porter do?

Usually, a kitchen porter does the following:

• Washing dishes, utensils, and equipment used in the kitchen
• Cleaning and sanitizing work surfaces, floors, and food preparation areas
• Assisting chefs with basic food preparation tasks, such as peeling vegetables or plating dishes
• Receiving and unpacking food deliveries
• Removing and properly disposing of waste and recycling materials
• Assisting in maintaining stock levels of cleaning supplies and kitchen essentials

What does the day-to-day life of a kitchen porter look like?

A kitchen porter usually works in shifts that can vary depending on the restaurant's opening hours. It may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Typically, a shift may last around 6-8 hours. Throughout the shift, you will be responsible for tasks such as washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, and assisting with food preparation when needed. There will be busy periods during peak dining hours, so you should be prepared to work efficiently under pressure.

Where does a kitchen porter work?

Kitchen porters usually work in restaurants, hotels, catering companies, or other food service establishments. The work environment can be fast-paced and physically demanding, as you will be standing for long periods and handling heavy pots and pans.

What tools/equipment does a kitchen porter use?

A kitchen porter uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Dishwashing machines
• Cleaning solutions and sanitizers
• Mops, brooms, and cleaning cloths
• Utensils for food preparation

What do I need to become a kitchen porter?

To become a kitchen porter, formal qualifications are not always necessary. Employers generally look for individuals who are reliable, hardworking, and able to work well as part of a team. Some employers may require basic food hygiene training, which can be obtained through short courses.

What career paths are available?

While working as a kitchen porter, you can explore various career paths in the food and hospitality industry. Some options include:

• Commis Chef: Starting as an assistant to the kitchen team and progressing to becoming a chef through training and experience.
• Catering Manager: Overseeing the operations of a kitchen or a catering company, managing staff and ensuring the delivery of high-quality food services.
• Restaurant Manager: Taking up a managerial role in a restaurant, responsible for overall operations, customer service, and staff management.

What jobs are similar to a kitchen porter?

• Catering Assistant: Assisting with food preparation and service in various settings such as schools, hospitals, and cafeterias.
• Restaurant Server: Serving food and beverages to customers in a restaurant setting.
• Barista: Preparing and serving specialty coffees and beverages in a café or coffee shop.