The Kitchen Porter Job Role Explained
A kitchen porter is a crucial part of every kitchen to help the kitchen run smoothly.
Kitchen porters can be employed in a broad range of places where food is prepared and served to customers.
These may include hotels, restaurants, pubs and cruise ships.
Want To Skip Ahead?
- What Are The Duties Of A Kitchen Porter
- The Working Hours And Conditions
- How Much Does A Kitchen Porter Get Paid
- What Education Is Needed
- The Kitchen Porter Career Progression
A kitchen porter will need to be physically fit. As the KP will be standing for almost all of the day and be able to work in a team.
A kitchen porter will be a great first job in a kitchen brigade. In addition anyone looking to get into a kitchen team and possibly have the opportunity to move up into a commis chef’s role.
What Are The Kitchen Porter’s Duties
A kitchen porter’s main duties will involve washing up, cleaning and possibly basic food preparation tasks.
During busy periods, such as a Saturday evening service the kitchen porter will need to be well organized. And be able to work fast to keep the pots and pans clean for the chefs.
The duties may include,
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- Unloading and putting away stock correctly,
- Keeping the kitchen clean,
- Emptying bins,
- Sweeping and mopping floors.
The kitchen porter will make sure all the equipment is put away correctly, the washing up of pans, pots and operating the dishwasher machine.
It possible that the porter will be responsible for basic tasks, such as: peeling onions during busy periods.
The Working Hours And Working Conditions
- The usual working hours for a full-time KP job will be a 40 hour week.
- This may include weekends and public holidays, with possible extra hours available.
- Although a KP can work part-time or with an agency being sent to many different places.
- It can get hot in many kitchens due to the cooking equipment.
- Also, you may be working at a sink for long periods of time.
- Employers will provide clothing to work in, this maybe a full uniform or a waterproof apron.
The Kitchen Porters Uniform Or Work Clothing
The work clothing for a kitchen porter will depend on the business being worked for.
- Basic Uniform / A Restaurant – A simple full frontal apron – Protective clothing for chemicals.
- Full Uniform / A Luxury hotel – A smart branded top and trousers with apron as needed.
All work places should provide protective clothing for using chemicals. The assistant will need to wear the correct clothing and eye protection for light and heavy cleaning duties.