Can't Stand the Heat in Kitchen

[BrianJai]

Hello, i have a Part-time job as an assistant chef at a Restaurant and spring + summer is coming and its really hard to avoid this heat... It gets really hot in there especially during crucial times when alot of orders start piling up and i was wondering if anyone have same experience or anything that can help? was thinking some BIG FAN and A/C doesnt work because of the ventillation which will suck up all the a/c which is useless...

[Ix2L]

Stay out of the 'hot' spots ( in front of the grill, salamander.)
Try requesting a thin short sleeve shirt instead of a thick chef's coat.
Drink a lot of fluids.
And most importantly keep moving and working so your mind is off the heat., mind over matter.

[profguy]

Hello, i have a Part-time job as an assistant chef at a Restaurant and spring + summer is coming and its really hard to avoid this heat... It gets really hot in there especially during crucial times when alot of orders start piling up and i was wondering if anyone have same experience or anything that can help? was thinking some BIG FAN and A/C doesnt work because of the ventillation which will suck up all the a/c which is useless...

Sounds like you are not cut out to be a chef or work in a kitchen - start looking for another type of work.

[Eyies]

I've worked as a delivery boy for a Chinese Restaurant + Kitchen help. When summer comes it's a real killer.

I mean, I have bills in my pocket from delivering, and the sweat from my legs goes through my boxers, jean pockets, and makes the bills moist. :twisted:

No real tips for you though, I think you'll learn the cooler areas of the kitchen, and drink fluids. Also, if it's really busy or you keep yourself busy you kinda get your mind off things. Lucky for me business/work was in spikes, so at off-times I would just sit around with the boss/cook and bum at the back.

[CSK'sMom]

To begin with you have a part time job as a cook, not an assistant chef. ;) Chef's need to go to school and get their red seal papers.

Now, I'll say you need to learn how to dress for the kitchen environment. Natural fibres are your friend. Actual chef's pants and jackets are natural fibres and many of the newer designs have more venting built in. Things like mesh panels in both jackets and pants. Fluids, as already mentioned and I'll also say that you get used to it. We have friends that have been papered chef's for years and the only time they now notice it is when the kitchen goes over 140 degrees. Even our oldest who will be going to culinary school in Sept. and has been working in restaurants for 5 years no longer really notices the heat...

editted to add: IIRC a fan is a no-no in the kitchen. It could fuel a fire if one to ever happen in the kitchen.

[bananaman]

I feel your pain. I used to work on the grill or saute for restaurants and it was brutal during the summer, especially during dinner rushes. The best advice I can give is to drink plenty of fluids and when there is a lull, go inside the fridge.

[tharkad1]

take CLEAN Rags/Towels, and rinse them throughouly with water, then ring out. Stretch/roll them in a similar fashion as you were going to whip it at someone.
Keep these in the freezer or your low-boy.
When you get real hot, take one out and wrap around your neck like a neckerchief.
Easy way to stay cool over the grill.
Re-ruse the towels for cooling yourself down, BUT NOT TO WIPE DOWN YOUR STATION! :P