Unit 9: Kitchen Stewarding

Food Production and Patisserie III Notes Third Semester

Kitchen Stewarding 

Introduction:

Kitchen stewarding is the process of managing and maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen. It involves a range of activities, such as washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, equipment and appliances, disposing of waste, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

The kitchen steward, also known as the dishwasher, is responsible for ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly by performing a variety of tasks that are essential to the smooth operation of the kitchen. They play a critical role in the foodservice industry, and their work directly impacts the quality of the food that is served to customers.

Kitchen stewarding is a demanding job that requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Stewards must be able to work efficiently under pressure and be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Organization Chart of Kitchen Stewarding

 

  1. Executive Chef: The Executive Chef is the head of the kitchen and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the kitchen operation. This includes managing the kitchen staff, developing menus, ensuring food quality and safety, and coordinating with other departments. They also oversee the stewarding department, including the Executive Steward and the Chief Steward.

  2. Executive Steward: The Executive Steward is the second-in-command in the stewarding department and reports directly to the Executive Chef. They are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the stewarding department and ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and to the required standards. This includes managing the kitchen steward supervisors and ensuring that they are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties.

  3. Chief Steward: The Chief Steward is responsible for supervising the kitchen stewarding staff and ensuring that all cleaning and maintenance tasks are completed to the highest standards. They work closely with the Kitchen Steward Supervisor to ensure that all kitchen areas are clean, organized, and properly stocked. They also coordinate with the Executive Steward to ensure that all supplies are ordered and delivered on time.

  4. Kitchen Steward Supervisor: The Kitchen Steward Supervisor reports to the Chief Steward and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the kitchen stewards. They assign tasks to the stewards and ensure that they are properly trained to perform their duties. They also monitor the performance of the stewards and provide feedback and coaching as needed.

  5. Kitchen Steward: The Kitchen Steward is the entry-level position in the stewarding department. They are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the kitchen areas, including washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, and disposing of waste. They also assist with basic food preparation tasks, such as chopping vegetables or cleaning seafood.

Job Responsibilities of Stewarding Staffs:

The Stewarding department is an essential part of any commercial kitchen, and the staff who work in this department play a critical role in ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some of the key job responsibilities of stewarding staff:

  1. Cleaning and maintenance: The primary responsibility of stewarding staff is to keep the kitchen clean and well-maintained. This includes washing dishes, cleaning surfaces, equipment and appliances, and disposing of waste. They must follow the established cleaning procedures to ensure that all areas of the kitchen are cleaned thoroughly and to the required standards.

  2. Compliance with health and safety regulations: Stewarding staff must ensure that the kitchen is compliant with all health and safety regulations. This includes properly storing and labeling food items, maintaining proper temperatures, and following safe food handling practices. They must also ensure that all cleaning products are used safely and stored properly.

  3. Stock management: Stewarding staff must keep track of inventory levels for cleaning supplies and equipment and notify the Chief Steward or Kitchen Steward Supervisor when supplies need to be replenished. They must also ensure that all cleaning equipment is properly maintained and stored.

  4. Assisting with food preparation: In addition to their cleaning and maintenance duties, stewarding staff may be asked to assist with basic food preparation tasks. This may include chopping vegetables, cleaning seafood, or portioning ingredients for recipes.

  5. Teamwork: Stewarding staff must be able to work effectively as part of a team. They must communicate clearly with other kitchen staff and be willing to help out in other areas of the kitchen when needed. They must also be able to work efficiently under pressure and be able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Types of Dish Washer

There are generally two main types of dishwashers: residential dishwashers and commercial dishwashers.

  1. Residential dishwashers: These are designed for use in households and small kitchens, and are typically smaller and less powerful than commercial dishwashers. They come in two main types: portable and built-in. Portable dishwashers can be moved around and connected to a sink, while built-in dishwashers are installed under a kitchen counter and are connected to the home’s plumbing system.

  2. Commercial dishwashers: These are designed for use in commercial kitchens, such as restaurants, hotels, and catering facilities. They are larger and more powerful than residential dishwashers and are designed to handle high volumes of dishes and utensils. There are three main types of commercial dishwashers:

  • Undercounter Dishwashers: These are compact and can be installed under a counter or on a work surface. They are ideal for small restaurants or cafes where space is at a premium.

  • Conveyor Dishwashers: These are larger and can handle large volumes of dishes quickly. They have a conveyor belt that carries dishes through the washing process and can be customized to fit the specific needs of the kitchen.

  • Flight-Type Dishwashers: These are the largest and most powerful type of commercial dishwasher. They are designed for high-volume operations, such as large restaurants or banquet facilities. They have a continuous conveyor belt that carries dishes through the entire washing process and can handle up to thousands of dishes per hour.

Basic operational considerations of dish washer

When it comes to operating a dishwasher, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. These include:

  1. Loading and unloading: Proper loading and unloading of the dishwasher is critical to ensure that dishes are cleaned effectively and efficiently. Dishes should be arranged in the dishwasher according to their size and shape, and should not be overcrowded. Overcrowding can prevent water and detergent from reaching all areas of the dishes, leading to incomplete cleaning.

  2. Pre-rinsing: Some dishwashers require dishes to be pre-rinsed before they are loaded into the machine, while others do not. If pre-rinsing is required, it is important to remove as much food debris and grease as possible to prevent clogs and ensure that dishes are cleaned thoroughly.

  3. Detergent and chemical use: The type and amount of detergent and other chemicals used in the dishwasher can have a significant impact on its performance. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for detergent and chemical use, and to use only products that are compatible with the machine.

  4. Water temperature: The water temperature used in the dishwasher can also affect its performance. Most commercial dishwashers require water to be heated to a minimum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively clean dishes and sanitize them.

  5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the dishwasher is essential to ensure that it operates efficiently and effectively. This includes cleaning the machine regularly, checking for and repairing any leaks or clogs, and replacing worn or damaged parts as needed.

  6. Safety: Operating a dishwasher can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not followed. It is important to ensure that all employees are trained in the safe operation of the machine, and to follow all safety guidelines and regulations. This may include wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, and using caution when handling hot dishes and equipment.

 

 

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