What is the Difference Between a Cook and a Chef: Check Education, Roles And Responsibilities & Salary
Chef and cook are two terms that are often used interchangeably. But within the brigade de cuisine,or the kitchen hierarchy,both of these professions are assigned with distinct positions. Though they are used as synonyms, their duties and responsibilities define them into different categories. If you are wondering if there are any differences between these two,this article can help you out. Let us get started.
Who Is A Chef ?
A chef is a trained professional who occupies more of a managerial role than a cook. They are skilled culinarians with extensive hands-on experience in the professional kitchen. Their primary responsibility is to manage a kitchen setting by leading a group of cooks,planning menus, maintaining quality of food and to ensure smooth functioning. Chefs also enjoy creative freedom by creating innovative recipes and techniques according to their taste. As a result a chef holds a much higher status than a cook in the kitchen hierarchy with a position that demands greater responsibilities.
Key Qualifications:
Create new recipes
Aesthetic presentations of the dish
Manage the kitchen staff
Planning menu
Training
Food preparation
Monitor inventory
Who Is A Cook ?
In a professional kitchen setting, a cook is a trained expert that follows the recipes and instructions of a chef. This term is also used in a general sense to describe individuals who work in various settings including home without any professional culinary experience.
A professional cook needs to have basic knowledge of kitchen equipment,food safety, restaurant menu and knife skills to perform effectively in a professional setting. They are more involved in hands-on cooking duties and are instructed by the chef on duty.
Key Responsibilities:
Set up work station
Maintain the hygiene of the kitchen setting
Ensure all the ingredients and equipment are stored properly
Monitor stock
Check the quality of ingredients
Presentation and garnishing of the dish
What Is The Difference Between A Chef And Cook
The primary difference between a chef and cook lies in the level of authority. This difference is further influenced by various factors including experience,educational qualifications and salaries. Are you curious to know about the major differences between these two professions? Here we explain factors that set a chef apart from a cook.
Differences | Chef | Cook |
Education And Training | Chefs possess a culinary degree with proper training through apprenticeships. This educational qualification makes them familiar with every aspect of kitchen operations like staff management,food preparation and safety. To become a chef in India you can go for a degree or diploma in culinary arts, hospitality or hotel management. | Cooks may lack a particular culinary degree but are equipped with basic kitchen skills.They are entry-level employees who follow pre-written instructions and recipes of the chef. To become a professional cook you need to complete 10+2 education followed by a diploma or or BA in culinary arts or hotel management. |
Roles And Responsibilities | The role of a chef is beyond just cooking and preparing food. They lead the kitchen team by instructing and providing necessary training. It is also the responsibility of a chef to uphold the restaurant’s standards by quickly resolving problems under stressful situations. | However, a cook is primarily involved in duties like chopping vegetables, cooking, roasting,baking and so on. They work according to the instructions and are only concerned with following the recipe and menu designed by the chef. |
Salary | Chefs earn significantly more than a cook due to their experience and additional managerial duties. In India, a chef with more than 15 years of experience can earn around Rs. 14 lakhs annually on an average. | For an entry-level cook in India the initial salary range annually can be between Rs.0.1 Lakh - Rs. 8.6 Lakhs annually. |
(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)
Whether you are passionate about cooking or aspire to be a chef, both of these professions are good options for a successful career in this field. Understanding the difference between these two will help you to make an informed career decision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, a cook can become a chef with training and proper education.To become a chef in India you need to enroll in a degree or diploma in culinary arts, hospitality or hotel management.
The primary duties of a chef include creating new recipes, garnishing the dish,managing the kitchen staff, planning the menu and ensuring food safety.
A culinary degree can provide you with necessary skills to succeed as a cook. But you need to complete 10+2 education as the minimum requirement for eligibility.
In India a chef works between 40 to 50 hours a week.
It is a rewarding job if you are someone with a passion for cooking and hospitality.