Top 10 Best Hell's Kitchen Contestants

The Top Ten
1 Dave Levey, Season 6

Dave was the best chef of Season 6. I think Kevin may have been a better leader, though. When it comes to cooking in the kitchen, Dave was a monster. He was fast and always listened to Chef, unlike Kevin in some instances. Kevin was a really good chef, but Dave was just a little better, despite only working with one hand, so I think Dave did deserve to win. I do think Dave was a good leader too, but I think Kevin was a little better. But still, Dave was a slightly better cook, so either of them deserved to win in Season 6.

This man is the definition of perseverance. He broke his wrist during a punishment, and despite numerous calls for him to leave Hell's Kitchen due to his wrist, he fought back and said, "I'm fine." He was able to produce quality food regardless of the pain and fought back hundreds of times. He was also cooperative with his teammates and had a creative palate. Although Kevin was slightly better in terms of cooking, Dave's heroic story sets him apart from everyone else.

2 Christina Wilson, Season 10

She was practically the only one who stayed calm and collected throughout the whole season! Christina also, when she makes a mistake, always makes an epic comeback! Not only that, but she is very, very humble and has a great personality! She can also snap like Gordon if you try to mess and provoke her, like she did with Jackie in Season 15, I think. No wonder why she's slowly becoming (unless she already is!) Gordon's right-hand! Love you, Christina! Truly my favourite from ANY season!

How is Rock higher than Christina? Rock had a terrible attitude and scary temper. Not leadership quality at all! Christina was liked and respected by all who worked with her. She, in turn, respected everyone in the kitchen. Flawless cooking!

Christina seems to be one of the Chef's favorite winners since Season 10. She has appeared quite often as an ambassador. Would have been a great final with Dana. She also had to contend with some of the most vile skin thieves ever.

3 Will Lustberg, Season 9

While I'm not mad he lost against Paul, in my eyes, he's a way better chef than him and deserves so much respect for keeping his cool while losing so close to victory.

Will was the best chef of Season 9. One thing that irritated me throughout the season was the way Paul would copy what Will said. In Episode 2, when Will tells Chino and Jonathan to stop arguing, Paul then also tells them to stop arguing. And in Episode 11, when Natalie leaves, Will tells Natalie to keep her head up, and then Paul says the same thing to her. And then, when Elise is arguing with Jennifer, Will says that Elise is going about it all wrong, and then Paul says the same thing right after. Think for yourself, Paul. Stop copying Will!

Also, I liked Will because he was a boss in the kitchen. Will was a team player. He helped Natalie, Tommy, and so many people. Will was the best leader, hence why everyone chose him to be the leader. Even after Paul won, he even said Will was the best. Even the winner said that, and for good reason. Will was robbed.

4 Rahman "Rock" Harper, Season 3

A team player, very talented, and a true gentleman. He is the master of fried chicken. My favorite Hell's Kitchen winner of all time.

Seriously? He's talentless! The only reason he won was that he was the least pathetic contestant in Season Three. NONE of the contestants that season should have even been in the competition.

Are you crazy?! Rock was a beast in the kitchen, 100% deserved to win. None of the chefs in season 3 came close to matching Rock's talent!

5 Jon Scallion, Season 11

He should have won. Look at every fact about the show. It's rigged. Going on 12 seasons, every contest is a tiebreaker, and then the best chef loses to a crackhead. The show lost a viewer, as both my wife and I have not watched this season and won't. Jon, from the beginning, always showed he knew how to cook. The two girls never did as well as Jon. Isn't rigging a T.V. show illegal? I do believe you can't do that. Over 150+ contests, and every one ends with a tiebreaker. That would be over a billion to one odds.

While the other Season 11 Blue Kitchen chefs were basically backstabbing each other, Jon, on the other hand, was just staying on course (or staying on target), to earn the black jacket. He finished in the final three and got a job offer at one of Ramsay's restaurants. He deserved my respect!

Utter bull that he didn't win. The finale should have been him and Ja'nel, and he was more consistently better. In my opinion, he should have won. Mary should have been eliminated long before then. Just because she learned to yell more toward the end in no way made her better than he was.

6 Kevin Cottle, Season 6

He would have easily defeated the winner of any other season, with the possible exception of Heather in Season Two. It was unfortunate that he had to compete with Dave, who was in a class by himself.

Amazing! Truly amazing! Great leadership. Very talented. I was torn between him and Dave, but when I watched the final three contestants, I was mind-blown by how he controlled the pass. He was very consistent throughout the competition. The same goes for Dave despite his arm injury. Sadly, Kevin did not win the competition.

I wish him the best of luck in his career.

Literally the strongest runner-up of Hell's Kitchen. He and Dave had the closest final in Hell's Kitchen yet, and if I were Ramsay, I'd give them a head chef position at each of my restaurants.

7 Meghan Gill, Season 14

Meghan is the most beautiful contestant ever, and I've never seen such a consistent attitude. From the first two episodes, I could see she would win. I was 99% certain the entire time. There were so many moments you could see she would win. For example, on steak night, she had about 10-12 steaks resting at all times. Then you remember Giovanni from Season 5, the steakhouse executive, who fell flat on his face even with a helper (Robert) on his station. Meghan handled it flawlessly on her own.

Very impressive person and maybe my most favorite contestant ever, maybe after Keith from Season 2 or Petrozza from Season 4.

She's definitely the best chef to ever compete in Hell's Kitchen. Season 14 itself had the strongest overall cast, at least in the last 5 or 6 seasons, compared to any other season, and Meghan was still leagues above everyone in her season. Season 14 proved to have a strong cast as 3 of the final 4 in Season 17 were from Season 14, as well as the winner. If there was a season where the winners compete, Meghan would definitely be my pick to win. The only ones who could hold a candle to her would be Dave from Season 5 or Christina from Season 10.

8 Michael Wray, Season 1

The Original Hell's Kitchen Champion. A very manipulative and strategic person, very intelligent, and even though he backstabbed his teammates a few times, and I was rooting for Ralph, he deserved his win because he worked smart instead of just working hard.

He, along with Dave and Will Lutsberg, were the most consistent chefs on Hell's Kitchen. He never got yelled at by Ramsay, and the only time it did happen, it was due to his assertiveness. In my opinion, I believe he should be at least 4th, if not 3rd.

So consistent, never failed, and dominated. He even has his own knife company. I think he was more professional than some of the other chefs throughout the seasons.

9 Louis Petrozza, Season 4

While I'm glad the underdog of the season won, Petrozza was without a doubt the best cook of the season and the kindest contestant in all Hell's Kitchen history. RIP Petrozza.

I'm voting for this guy. I've read all of his interviews with the media. He has integrity and is a very good, likable person. He never picked a fight with others and never regretted losing. He understands why Ramsay chose Christina over him because she's young and has potential. He explained that Ramsay needed a chef for his restaurant, so it was more like an interview.

I'm sad that he lost, though. He won my heart and most of the people here.

Petrozza is awesome! He should have won. Why does Chef keep choosing the younger contestant? It's not fair! Petrozza deserved to win. He was very, very talented and he was kind, selfless, and hardworking. Who else would you want as your chef?

10 Heather West, Season 2

How is she not first? Burned her hand and stayed in service, got the first appetizers for the red team out, and never gave up. Good enough to become Sous Chef for Season 6 - the best so far!

I'll be honest, she is one of the most deserving winners in history. Hard worker, true determination, true leader.

Come on, Raj is higher than Heather?! How does that happen?

The Contenders
11 Scott Commings, Season 12

I can't even begin to go into how much I didn't want to vote for Scott. I thought he was an absolutely ridiculous competitor throughout the competition, and I didn't think he'd make it past the final ten. But honestly, I'm glad he won. He had the single biggest comeback I've ever seen on Hell's Kitchen. Although I was personally rooting for Jason for most of the season, I can definitely say Scott was deserving.

He wasn't always consistent, but he did make a comeback. His comeback is definitely due to his willingness to learn, which was on show when he asked Chef Andi how to deal with Chef Ramsay's lashings. He had determination and passion and truly came back from a rocky path.

He had a really rough start, but now he's made a comeback and is in the final 2. Like Gordon Ramsay has said, It's not how you start, it's how you finish.

12 Paula DaSilva, Season 5

I think Season 5 might be the only season where I disagree with the choice of the winner. During most of the season, Paula had better services than Ramsay, and she also made a lot fewer mistakes than Danny overall. Her lone elimination nomination wasn't really one.

She took her defeat in the finals the best out of all the runner-ups of the show. Plus, she's very talented, has a great attitude, and is an amazing chef overall. Definitely one of the best contestants on the show.

She was just perfect when it came to cooking, always delivering to the highest standard. She might not have been the most exciting or extravagant, but in my opinion, she was the best COOK in HK. She was also very intelligent, friendly, hard-working, funny, and beautiful. Ramsay saw that, and I think she was one of his all-time favorite contestants.

13 Danny Veltri, Season 5

I don't think he was a douchebag. I think he really saw the other chefs cook and knew he was better. Never complained and always seemed competent. Competed well in every challenge.

This guy started out as a douchebag but quickly matured during the show and gained the talent but, most importantly, the maturity that allowed him to win Hell's Kitchen 5.

What a beast. I honestly didn't think he had a chance of winning but man, he won it all. He was a great chef.

14 Robert Hesse, Seasons 5 & 6

He did have some problems with his attitude sometimes, but he was overall a great guy and was always one of the most entertaining contestants on the show.

He is the most underrated chef in Hell's Kitchen history. I will never understand why Ramsay eliminated Robert over Andy. Andy was bad and it was horrible seeing him make big mistakes. If I were Ramsay, I would have given Robert a black jacket instead of Suzanne. Not only that, I would have put him facing either Dave or Kevin in the finals of Hell's Kitchen Season 6.

An amazing chef throughout the whole competition, taken out because he got a heart illness. From a hard-knock life to Hell's Kitchen, this cook won't quit.

15 Kimberly Ann Ryan, Season 16

She consistently won challenges and rarely, if ever, messed up on the line. She had personality and style, and masterful technique. She is a master of the kitchen and should be regarded as one of the greatest, easily up there with Dave and Christina.

I knew from the very start Ryan was going to win. She had all the qualities needed to be a head chef. She was carrying every team she was on: Red, Blue, and Black. What I love most is how she found her voice. I am so happy she is a head chef.

A lot of people say that Ryan barely made any mistakes, and... it's true! I've seen her make like two small mistakes in the dinner services in Season 16. Sure, I bet she did more than what I remembered, but she kept her chill and excelled.

16 Ja'Nel Witt, Season 11

A lot was said about Ja'Nel losing the prize position, but she was flawless in her season and was usually the reason the Red Team won so many challenges. Ja'Nel was so good that when she switched teams, she still kept her challenge streak going despite how bad that season's Blue Team was. Thankfully, she seems to have gotten her life together and is working as a chef today.

Put your personal feelings aside, people. She messed up a magnificent opportunity but she was no doubt one of the strongest and most consistent chefs ever on the show. Definitely top 5!

Lots of energy, was probably under the influence on the show and lost her job due to a drug habit. Should not be in the top 20. Stole an opportunity from the thousands who applied and are straight edge.

17 Sterling Wright, Season 13

He was always so positive, supportive, and never backstabbed anyone. I was happy to see him get as far as he did. Too bad he couldn't be put on Season 16 to help balance out the men's terrible egos - they were all so horrible and crude that season. Sterling was definitely a class act!

Mr. 100 himself. He would always be 100 and worthy of a black jacket anytime. Just like Rochelle, he's not really suited for head chef, but he is sure as hell 100% suited for a head sous chef position or second in command.

He may not look like a serious competitor, but his passion, drive, and determination prove that he's always 100 despite not making it to the black jackets.

18 Justin Antiorio, Season 10

He was extremely strong. His palate was on point, and his abilities were on show. He was one of the nicest chefs and only came to blows with Robyn, who wasn't the most liked.

Justin was a damn fine chef and a damn fine leader. Even though I think Christina deserved her win, he definitely deserved second.

Great chef, great leader, only contestant to get a perfect score in the blind taste test, should have won.

A very talented chef. Although Christina's win was kind of a given, I would have liked to see Justin win.

19 Torrece "T" Gregoire, Season 14

T was on the cast a season too early. She was absolutely perfect, but there was no way Meghan could lose. She definitely would've won Season 15, and screwed herself out of winning Rookies vs. Veterans.

T was the most consistent and the most composed and steady of season 14. Probably the best runner-up so far.

T for "Terrific" is definitely true. She ran the pass very well. Very impressive.

20 Jillian Flathers, Season 8

Most robbed contestant ever. I'm not mad that Nona won, but in my opinion, among the four last contestants, Trevor and Jillian were better choices than the two actual finalists. Jillian was way more consistent with her services than Nona and had a way better attitude than Russel.

Easily one of the most robbed in Hell's Kitchen, her elimination was so unfair. Russell has a terrible attitude, and she is way more consistent than Nona. When she was eliminated and cried, I cried with her because she deserved to be in the Final Two.

Russell is an annoying prick. Nona is okay, but Jillian is great. She has so much respect and determination. I wanted Gail to win Season 8, but at least she got in the top 5.

21 Kori Sutton, Season 19
22 Van Hurd, Season 6

Along with Kevin and Dave, they are literally the A-Team and total bros throughout. Van had one of the most passion and heart I've seen for cooking, and I would have made him winner of All-Stars if Nick and Benjamin were not around.

This guy was not only a great chef, but a very funny guy! He's my favorite contestant from Season 6 along with Dave and Kevin.

Loved him in season 6, was sent home way too early in season 17. I hope this guy is doing well because he has talent and charm.

23 Nick Peters Bond, Season 14

I am tired of all the hate he gets just because the only time it happened was when he was rude to Bret's medical exit, but that was a small wrongdoing in his run. Apart from having setbacks due to a lack of confidence, persistency, and leadership, how can his shortcomings define who he is as a chef? In Season 14, he was doubted by his teammates only because he isn't willing to stand out early in the competition, as stated in Episode 13. He was a good enough contestant for a black jacket, though he was not on Meghan's, Milly's, or T's level to be in the finale.

But when the All-Stars season kicked off, he not only became the most improved chef of the season, as noted by Ramsay, but was also one of the reasons why this season's blue team can be considered one of the best teams in the show's history.

With most "should-have-won" contestants, I rewatch the season and the decision makes more sense. However, Nick's elimination makes less sense the more I watch Season 17. He was rock solid and consistent, his finale dishes were insanely creative, and the only time the red team beat the blue team was when he was tableside. Not to mention, he was one of the funniest contestants ever. Robbed as hell, it was the worst decision in Hell's Kitchen history.

24 Milly Medley, Season 14

He should have won, my family and I were devastated when he left! He was such a passionate cook and I have never seen someone so genuine about food, considering I'm a cook myself. He deserves Number 1!

In Season 17, he may have had a few bumps, but in my mind, he is one of the most humble yet greatest contestants and an All-Star chef to grace Hell's Kitchen.

Very talented, hard-working, and has a lot of passion. If he had ended up in season 15, I think he could have easily won.

25 Anthony Rodriguez, Season 11

My favorite contestant of all 16 seasons so far! Great chef (does some great videos now) and such a nice person too! His humor was refreshing throughout the series, and he deserved a black jacket. He made Season 11 the funniest. What's not to love about this guy? He should be in 1st place. (My opinion anyway)

To this day, I never understood why Anthony got eliminated over Zach. He was consistent, funny, and hardworking. The only bad thing about him is that he has a bad palate.

Zach should have gone home before Anthony. He never made excuses for himself and bounced back in services. The season would have been dull without him.

8Load More
PSearch List