Eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining good gut health are essential for keeping you going in your busy day-to-day lives in Chicago. But with schedules getting busier and busier, it can sometimes be hard to find the time to cook nutritious, enjoyable meals when you’re in a rush. This is where hiring culinary experts can be a huge help and why we are seeing more and more clients undertake the task of hiring private or personal chefs. But what is the difference between a personal chef and a private chef and how can they help you as a busy professional or parent in Chicago?

What Is the Difference Between a Personal and Private Chef?

The terms “personal” and “private chef” are used increasingly interchangeably but for people working in the industry, there is a crucial difference. A personal chef is usually a self-employed expert who creates meals for multiple clients, either in the clients’ home or the chef’s own kitchen. They are not salaried and can set their own services packages - perhaps a weekly meal plan, specific items, or can work with you to create a menu. Similarly, some personal chefs will offer cooking lessons, batch cooking (so they come and cook meals for a week and freeze them) or food-delivery services. Prices are typically done by the hour, meal or package.

On the other hand, a private chef is typically employed by a single client and usually cooks in the client’s home during their tenure. They are salaried if they are employed by you, or but can sometimes be hired as a private chef for a specific event or evening. Read on to find out some of the benefits of hiring a personal or private chef.

Hiring a Personal Chef: Culinary Experts Catering for Varied Tastes

Service Flexibility: A personal chef operates with a unique degree of flexibility, crafting culinary delights for multiple clients. This professional typically visits a client's home periodically, preparing meals in advance that can be stored and reheated as needed.

Kitchen Dynamics: For personal chefs, the kitchen setting may vary. Some personal chefs use the client's kitchen for meal preparation, while others may have access to a commercial kitchen for their culinary creations. Be sure to ask about this when considering who to hire. For other must-ask questions when hiring a chef, read our blog.

Frequency of Service: Services provided by a personal chef can range from daily to weekly, depending on the client's preferences and dietary requirements. This arrangement is ideal for those seeking variety and convenience without the need for a full-time culinary expert.

Scope of Expertise: Personal chefs excel in creating diverse menus tailored to individual tastes, dietary restrictions, and preferences. They offer an array of culinary experiences, making them a perfect fit for those desiring flexibility and a rotating menu.

Hiring a Private Chef: Elevating Culinary Exclusivity

Dedicated Culinary Service: In contrast, a private chef is a culinary artisan exclusively dedicated to a specific individual, family, or organization. They provide a more personalized and committed service, often working on a full-time or contractual basis.

In-Residence Culinary Expertise: A private chef's domain is the client's residence. Whether it's a luxurious mansion in the heart of Chicago or a sprawling estate in the suburbs, the private chef operates from the client's kitchen, ensuring an intimate and exclusive culinary experience.

Regular Culinary Presence: Private chefs offer daily culinary support, handling all aspects of meal planning, preparation, and execution. This level of commitment ensures a consistent and high-quality dining experience tailored to the employer's exacting standards.

Customized Culinary Artistry: With a private chef, the culinary journey is elevated to an art form. Menus are carefully curated to align with the employer's preferences, dietary needs, and any specific culinary desires. Private chefs often bring a level of sophistication and creativity to the table that goes beyond the standard fare.

Hiring a Culinary Expert in Chicago: Where to Begin?

For high net worth families in Chicago seeking culinary expertise, the decision to hire a personal or private chef can be challenging. At MHM, we specialize in guiding families through this process, ensuring they find the perfect culinary match for their unique needs. Understanding the culinary preferences and lifestyle of each client is our priority. Whether you seek the adaptability of a personal chef or the exclusive services of a private chef, our agency tailors the search to match your specific requirements.

We’ll also help you navigate the legalities of hiring domestic staff, including personal and private chefs. We can assist you in writing contracts, ensuring compliance with Chicago's regulations, and providing expert guidance in the hiring process. Read more about our services here.

Elevating Your Culinary Experience

For Chicago households, the choice between a personal and private chef hinges on your culinary desires and lifestyle. Whether you crave the flexibility of a personal chef's diverse menu or the exclusivity of a private chef's dedicated service, our agency is here to make the hiring process seamless. Elevate your culinary experience with the perfect match, ensuring every meal is a masterpiece crafted to perfection.

Not sure where to start with hiring a personal or private chef in Chicago?

My Household Managed takes a consultative and personalized approach to household staffing.

We help you hire domestic staff qualified to fit your unique needs, saving you time and providing peace of mind.

Let us help you find the best personal or private chef, or any other domestic employee you may be searching for and register with My Household Managed.