Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Fash.
How much does a personal chef cost?
On average, a personal chef costs$40 to $100 per hour or $50 to $130 per person. Some personal chefs charge per year, month, or day. Many charge $200 to $750 per week to prepare meals that you can reheat during the week. A personal chef's fee for a one-time dinner party is $300 to $1,600.
On the other hand, a private chef costs$5,000 to $10,000 per month or $60,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on their experience and how many hours they work. They usually work full time, up to 60 hours per week. Some private chefs charge per hour or day to create food for a one-time dinner party, but most work receive a regular salary from a single client.
What does a personal chef do?
A personal chef prepares meals for a family or client, either for a one-time dinner or on a regular basis. Many personal chefs will make a fresh meal once per week for clients and prepare reheat-able meals that their clients can heat up on their own later.
Is a personal chef worth it?
Personal chefs are worth it if you don’t have the time or ability to cook and have enough money to pay someone to cook for you. A personal chef can help you:
Save time on grocery shopping and cooking
Eat healthier foods and avoid fast food
Try different kinds of foods and expand your palette
Throw a dinner party or holiday dinner
How is a personal chef different from a private chef?
A personal chef is a cook that prepares food for one or more families, typically on a weekly or one-time basis. They may have several clients at a time and usually charge less than private chefs.
In contrast, private chefs typically prepare meals full-time for one family at a time which pays them a yearly salary. Private chefs charge more than personal chefs because they often have more experience and prepare more fresh meals instead of packaged meals made in advance.
How do I choose a personal chef?
You can follow these steps to make sure you hire the best possible personal chef:
Compare multiple quotes from reputable chefs near you.
Read chefs' reviews on Fash and Google.
Ask for a detailed quote and contract in writing.
Ask about their training and experience.
Ask what fees they charge and how they handle paying for groceries.
Make sure they have experience with any dietary needs you may have.
What questions should I ask personal or private chefs?
To make sure you find the candidate that will work best with your family, ask these questions:
What are your rates? Do you charge per person, per hour, per week, or something else?
Where did you receive your training or culinary education?
How many years of relevant experience do you have?
Where will be preparing the food?
Do you charge extra for groceries, or will I reimburse you after you shop?
Do you have experience with any specific dietary restrictions?
How soon can you start if we decide you're a good fit?
Do you charge extra for food delivery?
Do you have a set menu with rotating recipes, or could we make a customized meal plan?
Reviews for Naperville personal chefs for hire
Recent success stories from people in the Naperville area.
Fiona K.
Chef Dre and Vi are incredible!!! They came to do a brunch in Galena for my bachlorette worth and it was easily the best meal of the trip. Feeding 33 hungover girls is not easy feat but they executed with perfection. We had an amazing spread with: Peach cobbler French toast, Smoked lamb chops with chimichurri, Breakfast potatoes, Chicken N Waffles bites with Oreo spice glaze, Shrimp and grits parfaits, Banana nut crepes, turkey sausages and bacon. My mouth is still watering just thinking about it. If you are having an event of any kind look no further for the perfect chefs. They are affordable, friendly and hilarious, traveled TO US, and made planning a dream. Thank you for making me and my friends feel like celebrities. Catered and pampered in every way. I wish I could have culinary collections cater my life every day. I have already hired them for some more events coming up and can’t wait to work together again. They are the best of the best in the business. Hands down!
Culinary Collections
Karen H.
Susan prepared a lovely selection for a company Christmas party I through for employees, and then came back one week later with brunch for my family's Christmas Eve gathering. She is extremely professional, creative with options which are all spectacular, and even prepared gluten-free servings for someone who is gluten sensitive! They were as good as the gluten options.
I will contact Chef Susan for the next gathering/celebration/party. The planning, prep, set-up/presentation and final product can't be beat!
Dr. K
Kitchen Ten
Jariah F.
Professional,Trustworthy, Did Anything to be helpful in any kind of way I really appreciate you all and will be booking again
San's Kitchen & Catering Company
Cristina A.
Always professional, on time and can put all my ideas into action. All while tasting delicious and fresh!
BeYoutiful Kreations
Katalina A.
Giving a budget and letting Chef Felicity surprise me with a menu is so much fun! She kills it every time! The Jamaican Jerk chicken is chef's kiss.
Vxbe Vegan
Mike D.
I had a company picnic at a park and Chef Harry took care of all of my guest . He had a whole Hibachi Grill set up . His food was fresh , very flavorful and he cook different dishes . We all had variety of foods and flavors to chose from . He also made sure that everyone was satisfied . Chef is truly a loving Chef and loves what he does . I am using him again .
BreakinBread21 LLC.
Shaunda W.
The food is really outstanding, it’s always full of flavor and cooked to perfection I highly recommend
Kitchen with love LLC
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Nearby personal chefs for hire in and around Naperville