A commis chef is the first role on the way to becoming a head chef. They are junior chefs who learn from a more experienced chef such as a chef de partie so they can learn more about each station. If you want a more senior role in a restaurant kitchen, a commis chef is the ideal starting point. Here are the commis chef duties you need to be aware of.
- Assisting Other Chefs
- Helping With Deliveries
- Measuring Ingredients
- Preparing Meats and Vegetables
- Assisting With Stock Rotation
- Training and Learning
- Cleaning Stations
- Commis Chef Skills
Assisting Other Chefs
Commis chefs assist different station chefs in the kitchen. The role involves helping to prepare ingredients and perform other jobs the chef de partie needs help with. In this role, you’ll move around the kitchen regularly so you can help different chefs and learn more about each station. So, the duties can depend on each station you’re on.
You’ll get to know which specialist you prefer, such as pastry or saucier, for example, so you’ll have a better understanding of the type of chef you want to be.
Helping With Deliveries
Commis chefs also arrive early to help carry and unpack deliveries. This is where you’ll learn where everything goes and also how a kitchen generally works. If you have aspirations of advancing in your career, helping with deliveries will boost your understanding of why stock rotation is important and the importance of stock orders.
Measuring Ingredients
The commis chef role involves doing a lot of work before the restaurant even opens. You’ll need to measure ingredients for different recipes across every station you’re working at to make sure the chefs have what they need to start work. You’ll need to measure them precisely every time to help create delicious meals.
This will educate you on the different ingredients that go into your menu and also on different flavour pairings.
Preparing Meats and Vegetables
You’ll also need to help prepare meats and vegetables. This can include seasoning or marinating steaks or other meats with different spices or rubs and dicing several vegetables. This is a common responsibility for a commis chef and something you’ll do often. This is a duty that will help you learn different cutting techniques.
Want to be a commis chef? Here are some tips on how to make your CV stand out!
Assisting With Stock Rotation
As a commis chef, you’ll need to regularly check ingredients and make sure chefs use them before their expiry dates to avoid food waste and potentially putting guests at risk. Stock rotation can take a while but as it’s important, it’s something you’ll have to assist with often.
Training and Learning
Commis chefs are expected to learn and apply the basics quickly. However, you’re also expected to continue finding new ways to learn and develop your skills. As you’re likely to start with little experience, the first few months will involve taking in vital information.
Then, you need to apply this to your role. To stand out and make an impression, show initiative and understanding of the different aspects involved in working in a restaurant kitchen.
Cleaning Stations
This is another duty you’ll do daily - tidying up after the other chefs. Keeping stations clean helps reduce the chance of food contamination and maintains health and safety practices in the kitchen. Food and liquids on the floor can cause potential slips, trips and falls and as you’re working quickly in a fast-paced environment, it can increase possible hazards.
As the commis chef, you’ll reduce this risk by keeping the restaurant kitchen tidy.
However, to keep others in the kitchen safe, you also need to keep yourself safe. As a commis chef, maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, wear the right uniform and also the best shoes possible for commis chefs.
As you’ll work long hours, you need the comfort and support to work effectively in the kitchen. In an environment where slippery floors are a likely hazard, you need slip-resistance and support to reduce any falling risks. If you need to switch to suitable footwear designed for commis chefs, visit our shop to see the full range.
Commis Chef Skills
The role of a commis chef can be demanding. If you want to know if you have what it takes, here are the skills you’ll need for the role:
- Working quickly and efficiently
- Stamina
- Willingness to learn
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Passion for food
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Team management
- Enthusiasm
- Positive and approachable
- Good communication
There are many roles and responsibilities involved when working in a kitchen. The nature of the work, information and fast-paced environment means it can be difficult to understand what’s expected in each role. To help you understand more about the roles of each chef job, take a look at our guide.
The Complete Guide to Chef Jobs
Inside this guide, you’ll get insights on every chef job in the industry, what the responsibilities are, what salary to expect and much more. Take the first step on your chef journey and learn more about the chef roles in a restaurant kitchen by getting your guide below.
