Uncategorized, Workwear
Looking Good Chef
Having high standards when it comes to choosing chef uniform and Kitchen work ware is essential, as they aid in comfort, food hygiene and Safety so it’s critical you know what to look for when choosing your workwear.
Why you need to wear a Chefs uniform?
The Clothing needs to suitable for food prep and Serving:
In food preparation it is important that your work-ware achieves 3 key things
• Made of high-quality material
• Has no defects
• A good fit
A high-quality uniform can be washed up to 60ºC and the material is protective.
No defects means work ware without damage like loose threads that can cause cross-contamination.
A good fit means the chefs uniform should adequately cover the torso legs and head to reduce risk of body hairs or fluids contaminating food. The uniform should not be baggy or have loose cuff can cause the uniform to dip into food and cross contaminate.
The clothing needs to be Clean
Food areas always need to be hygienic so the uniform needs to clean and be able to be washed at a least 60ºC after each work shift therefore chefs should have at least 2 uniforms to alternate.
The clothing needs to be Protective
The Clothing Chefs wear needs to protect them from burns from the like of hot liquids and surfaces. Footwear should be non-slip and protective.
What garments complete chef’s uniforms?
Chef Jackets
Chef’s jackets are available in short and long sleeve versions. White jackets are still the most common with two-way fastening buttons. A Mandarin style collar help the wearer stay cool (don’t want them hot under the collar). Jackets come in Cotton and Polycotton. Cotton is more cooling than polycotton. Some Chefs prefer to choose a Jacket that has vented black panel which helps the body support the high temperatures of a hot kitchen.
Chef Trousers
Most Chefs go for an elasticated waist when choosing trousers as it give more movement and comfort. Black trousers are the most popular and give a classic style.
Chef Head ware
Head ware is essential as it prevents hairs and body fluids contaminating food. Skull caps are the most popular as they are more comfortable and not heavy.
Beard Snood
Chefs and Cooks with beards should cover them in a beard snood. This prevents stray hairs from falling into food.
Aprons
A lot of Chefs have choosing to ware aprons as well as an extra layer of protection for the body and chef’s jackets and trousers from spillages, splash’s it can be useful if they come with a front pocket for storing pens, probes and notepads.
Safety Shoes
Nonslip footwear is an essential in a chefs uniform as spillages giving in the kitchen. Chefs prefer wearing safety footwear that have a thick sole and safety covered toe as it protects against penetration from dropped knives heavy pans that fall.
When purchasing chef workwear, make sure your items meet with government regulations and are in line with workplace guidelines. The uniforms need to suitable for the role and washable to 60ºC where appropriate and provide the wearer with the proper protection.
