Hiring a Personal Chef: A Complete Guide (Plus What It Really Costs)

Hiring a personal chef isn’t just for celebrities – it’s for any busy family that values delicious, nutritious eating and time savings.

In this guide, we’ll share the key things you need to know about hiring a personal chef – from what they do, to how they work, and what to expect regarding cost. Spoiler: it’s probably more accessible than you think.

What does a personal chef do?

A personal chef is a culinary professional who prepares customized meals based on your preferences, dietary needs and schedule. Depending on the service, your chef might deliver prepared meals or cook in your home once a week, a few times a month, or even daily.

Typical responsibilities include:

-       planning meals tailored to your tastes and dietary restrictions

-       grocery shopping for fresh ingredients

-       cooking meals in your kitchen

-       packaging and storing the meals with reheating instructions

-       cleaning up the kitchen afterwards

What are the benefits of hiring a personal chef?

-       Time savings: No more meal planning, shopping, cooking or clean up.

-       Healthier eating: Enjoy balanced, home-cooked meals that support your wellness goals.

-       Less stress: Dinner is handled. You focus on your life.

-       Customized Menus: Say good bye to the pre-dinner scramble and hello to delicious  meals you love.

How much does a personal chef cost?

Personal chef rates can vary widely depending on your location, frequency of services, number of meals, dietary requirements, and the chef’s experience.

 Weekly meal prep:

-       Cost per chef visit: In major cities like NYC and Boston, weekly chef services typically range from $300 to $500, depending on the number of meals and servings, and the chef’s experience. This fee usually excludes groceries.

-       Groceries: An additional cost, generally between $75 to $150, varying based on the ingredients and number of portions.

Dinner parties and special events:

-       Per person costs can range from $50 per person to $150, influenced by menu complexity, the number of guests, and chef experience.

The cost of a full-time private chef:

-       A private chef works full-time for one household, while a personal chef typically cooks for several clients each week.

-       Annual salary of a private chef: averages $100,000 per year, but can vary significantly based on the chef’s experience, location and responsibilities.

What to look for in a personal chef:

 -       Do they have experience with your dietary restrictions?

-       Can they cook in your kitchen on your schedule?

-       Do they plan menus or expect you to?

-       Do they clean up afterwards?

-       Are they insured and background checked?

-       Are they responsive and professional?

If you’re hiring through a service like Easyfeast, these boxes are already checked. We vet our chefs carefully so you don’t have to. We also offer transparent pricing.

How to find a personal chef near you?

The best ways to find a chef are through personal referrals and culinary job boards.

At Easyfeast, we take the guesswork out of finding the right chef. Our carefully vetted chefs not only bring culinary expertise, but warmth and professionalism to your kitchen —so you can spend less time worrying about dinner, and more time enjoying it.