How to Work in a Kitchen

Last Updated: June 3, 2021

Working in the kitchen can be an exciting experience and one must know how to do so properly. This how-to article will show you the ins and outs of the kitchen life, what to do and when to do it.

Steps

1
Understand each person's role in the kitchen.
- Dishwasher: Washes dishes and cleans up after people.
- Pantry/Salad Bar: Makes cold food such as salads to hot foods such as soups. Their job also includes the maintenance of the temperatures of the foods, making sure fruits stay fresh and hot foods don't burn.
- Griller or Broiler: Cooks the burgers, steaks, and fish on the grill. They also bring items into the broiler to cook.
- Sauté: Makes sauces and creates the plates to go out to the public.
- "Middleman": Helps out on the line, as needed.
- Expo: The person who calls off when to start making the orders and must do so in order to get the timing right.
- Runners: People who take the food to the table and share some aspects of a busser.
2
Look at your prep sheet. You'll need to know what stuff needs to be made and completed for the shift. Complete all necessary prepping before doing anything else.

Advertisement
3
Rotate food, always "old in front, new in back". While you're doing this, watch any expiration dates and important stuff. Throw away any outdated or bad items.
4
Set up your station. Be sure everything is ready and put out so that you don't have to be looking for items as you go.
5
Call orders back so the others who are working, know what to do. This will get everyone on the same track.
6
Be sure to always do something. Wiping down counters and clearing out dirty dishes will make your job so much easier.
7
Remember to pass along any food tickets with the order. This will keep the runners organized.
8
Have a good attitude around everyone and smile. Say "please" and "thank you" when appropriate.
9
Clean your station, take out the trash, sweep, and mop the floors at the end of each night.

Community Q&A

Question

How are people organized in a kitchen?

Community Answer

It varies widely from restaurant to restaurant, particularly when it comes to different cultures. A Korean kitchen will be vastly different from a French one.

Warnings

Don't be afraid of the chef.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 40 Not Helpful 11
Don't lift more than you can carry.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 23 Not Helpful 5
Be careful.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 27 Not Helpful 7
There are sharp objects like knives all over the place.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 20 Not Helpful 6
Things get hot in kitchens, don't touch them without pot holders.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 19 Not Helpful 7
Watch for spills and slippery floors.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 18 Not Helpful 9