Best Hell's Kitchen Contestants

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, he 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.

Was this guy real?... The stuff he was pulling off on the show was like deep blue hero tale from some Greek epic. One handed almost throughout the season, he never screwed on the line, won a challenge over an Indian cuisine of which he had no experience and never ever gave up on his fellow team members. He was totally inspiring. I have never seen anyone like him ever on HK. I was compelled to ask, if he was so good with just 1 hand, how awesome would he be with both.?

Dave is definitely the best contestant in Hell's Kitchen history. This guy only had one hand working properly, and he was still cooking like a steam train. He won tough challenges with only one hand. Overcame excruciating pain, and won Season 6. No doubt, the best chef in Hell's Kitchen. Hands down.

This guy was unstoppable and undoubtedly the best winner on the show. He was working one-handed and managed to do better than any of the other chefs. He had no experience with Indian dishes and managed to pull out a win. He never got yelled at on the line and his food speaks for itself. He was more motivated and determined than any of the other chefs and he totally deserved it.

A direct copy of Gordon Ramsay: Very friendly, but stern to contestants when they have an ego.

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 and mess and provoke her, like she did with Jackie in s15, 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!

Christina started out eh, but then she excelled she was so good that she became the new sou chef for the red team, its kinda weird watching her now in season 10 knowing that soon she is gonna be the new sou chef. - tacoperson

She's a fantastic chef, 'enough said.

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 Jonathon 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.

He deserve to win hell's kitchen season 9.
He is a better chef than Paul.
I don't know how chef Ramsay give Paul won.

I was SO disappointed when Paul won over Will, one of the few times I felt Chef Ramsay made the wrong call. Will was rock solid through out the competition & was never put up for elimination by his teammates. He was an outstanding chef, leader & teammate. Definitely a Hell's Kitchen All Star! (How awesome would it be if they did a season of Hell's Kitchen All Stars with former runner ups & chefs who made it to final 3 all gunning for redemption? )

They are doing an All Stars series now, but people who made it to black jackets but didn't make it to the top two are taking part, so no Will and no redemption - Aquaturtle

One of the few chefs with so much respect. Doesn't let anything personal get towards himself. No such thing as a threat to him and like he's been calling it since the first day at hells kitchen, his only real threat is himself. With a great personality like that, anybody would be glad to cook under him. Like everyone says, I kinda wished he won over Paul and felt that they just wanted to Paul to win just because they played the deceased family card. - hk99

He was the most competent in that season.

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!

He completely deserved to win

He showed great leadership, passion and determination! He deserved the win!

Should come back for season 19 to win.

After watching through the entire season. I only remeber 2 times where Jon's performance was subpar. On the pressure cooker challenge where his lamb legs were slightly undercooked and on the first dinner service where one of his rossottos was stuck to the bottum of the pan (which automatically got his ejected from the kitchen). Overall he was a great chef and easily one of my favorites.

He's a really good chef his style is amazing he could have been in the finals the only person that was amazing on the blue team

Pure injustice that he didn't win Season 11. Consistent, confident, always very calm (The only contestant that didn't get flustered at any point) The insult lies in that the winner lost her job at Caesar Palace leaving the real winner unrewarded.

Him not giving up or asking to be switched to the red team just proves who he is. I think Chef Ramsay regretted his decision by giving him Sous Chef in Gordon Ramsay steak. - ClashingWizardWill92

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. - OrbusXV

Michael won season 1 because he always controled his station from start to finish. He also was always talking to himself at midnight and backstabed his teammates when he was the best of the worst by getting rid of Chris. He was great.☺

The one who brings the "quality test" into hell's kitchen.

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.

Hard to choose between heather Dave and rock for best contestant but have to give the edge to heather Dave worked harder but I think heather's natural talent was better

Cute, friendly and hard working girl.

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

From the first service she was in a league of her own, could see she was the winner from the start - Aquaturtle

Petrozza was the most honest and humble man on the show. Sure he was a little bit messy but he deserved to get to the final.

Inspiring, great guy. Definitely a person people would love to work with in the kitchen. Too bad he was sabotaged by Jen in that season. Completely deserved to win.

True Chef, right here. If you had taken out the Jen incident, there wouldn't have been a competition. He was also so honest and seemed very nice.

How did he not win!?

Not really, chef's that won some seasons were men, but maybe they have more passion and determination, and cooking ability, men who won like Rock and Dave have those too, but Louie doesn't he said women are the best at Cleaning so it's right up there alley, he was a good chef but I think Christina is a little better

I wish they'd stop bringing him back. He crashed and burned so hard in season 18. He may have done really well the first time he competed, but I don't think he cares about Hell's Kitchen as much as he used to.

Amazing guy. Had he been in pretty much any season besides Season 6 he would have won. Great chef, leader, palette, creativity, and personality.

He would have easily have 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.

I know that Dave went through so much pain to win but Kevin just did better and had way more creativity and passion. He was the Michael of season 6. (the Michael from season 1) - spodermanfan1000

Slay

The most beautiful contestant ever, and never seen such a consistent attitude ever. From the first two episodes I could see she would win, I was 99% certain the entire time. So many moments you could see she would win - For example the steak night, she had about 10-12 steaks resting at all times, then you remember Giovanni from season 5, the steak house executive, that 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.

Considering she was on a pretty recent season of HK, that explains why she's at #11. Guarentee she will rise. I think she made one mistake all season. She's right up there with Dave, Christina, and Rock in my opinion. Plus, She's absolutely gorgeous!

She is THE BEST! all the other seasons have nothing on her.i've watched all the other seasons I put put my money on her to WIN all the way!
she is an absolute BADASS!

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 as it comes to cooking, having always delivered in the highest standard. She might not have been maybe the most exciting or extravangant, but in my opinion the best COOK in HK. Also very intelligent, friendly, hard-working, funny and beautiful. Ramsay did see that and I think she was one of his all-time favourites contestants.

I think Season 5 might be the only season I disagree on the choice of the winner. During most of the season, Paula had better services than Ramsey and she also made a lot less mistakes than Danny overall. Her lone elimination nomination wasn't really one. - Cre47

Paula is amazing, yea Danny is great but he was not as talented as Paula, why she didn't win I have no idea. - spodermanfan1000

Three words to describe Ryan: driven, skilled, and tenacious.

A lot of people say that Ryan BARELY made any mistakes and...its true! I've seen her do like 2 small mistakes in the dinner services in Season 16 sure I bet she did more from what I remembered but she kept her chill and she excelled. - tacoperson

She's genuinely my favourite, she rarely made mistakes throughout her whole stay! She was easily the winner of that season from day 1 - Aquaturtle

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.

Put your personal feelings aside people.. She messed up a magnificent opportunity but she was no doubt 1 of the strongest and most consistent chef ever on the show. Definitely top 5!

Top 50 maybe but not top 18 you give up a reward for drugs your pathetic

She just got busted for drugs, and lost that position in season 11, failed drug test

Too bad she made a bad decision for doing drugs, now nobody would want to hire her.

This guy has a heart of gold, he's humourous and he's very talented. Especially considering Ramsay's hatred towards fat chefs

He was great during Season 5, but he was awful during Season 6.

He is so nice but in season 5 he was a hero and in season 6 he went to zero. - spodermanfan1000

THANK GOD he isn't another Jimmy from Season 1

Should've won.

The only saving grace on the Blue Team.

One of the best chefs.

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

5/12/2015 Milly just got a perfect score on the blind taste test. Justin is now the first contestant to get a perfect score on the blind taste test instead of the only. - ResistOppression

Jeezus.. he better be back for the new seasons. His eliminations was one of the only times where I almost cried! - Hkforever

His elamination(can't spell) was kinda sad, because a nicest guy have to go. Heck he made Jennifer (who never liked people) cried! That's saying something!

He was always so positive, supportive and never back stabbed 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!

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

She was more skilled than Nona and had a way better attitude than Russell! How did she not win?

She was the best of her season

Let's see, is it because she has been frequently defended Sabrina, that she is not at least in the top 20

Russel is an annoying prick. Nona is okay but Jillian is great. She has so much respect and determination. But I wanted Gail to win season 8...well at least she got in the top 5 - spodermanfan1000

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

Danny was just awesome. He didn't whine that much. hell's kithcen is full with pussies. Danny wsn't one of them

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.

Absolute legend

He's funny, kinda cute and deserved a black jacket. Or at least to outlast Zak who was a crap cook and made me want to throw things at my screen.

He's was one of the better men of S11, but he wasn't that good.

I think he is slightly too high..

He is better than Zack and Susan and should have gotten a black jacket but he should be at least top 50 not top 20

She was amazing in season 14. Unfortunately, she pulled a Kevin in season 18.

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

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

"It's just suddenly donned what T stands for: Terrific" -Gordon Ramsay

I wouldn't put him this high.
I'd put him higher if he was the runner-up instead. With Will being the winner.

He was a deserving finalist but wasn't a deserving winner.
He would be a deserving runner-up though.

Great chef, but Will should've won.

How come Paul, the winner is ranked lower than Steven the first chef eliminated by Chef Ramsey (that means I don't include Jason's medical emergency)?

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). Basically, 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 (stated in episode 13) and 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 (by Ramsay), but was one of the reasons why this season's blue team can be one of the best teams of the show's history.

I wasn't very fond of him in season 14, but after watching season 17, I have a hell of a lot more appreciation for him. Great attitude and extremely consistent that season. He should have won.

I laughed so hard in season 14 when the blue team lost a challenge and were all upset on the patio and he says 'Why's everyone crying? '. He was so funny. And in season 17, he was the funniest. Would have liked him to be in the final instead of Benjamin

Shaky in season 14, but when he returned on all stars he was extremely consistent. And his comments were so funny it made the all stars season way more interesting to watch than it was.

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

He should have won, me and my family 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!

He's not a bad chef, but I definitely would not rank him as one of the top contestants. I think he lacked a lot of respect, and had a very poor attitude (particularly in the all stars season). I was glad to see him get eliminated.

Top 4 in a very strong season. Could easily have won some of the previous seasons.

He had a awesome spirit. He was a good cook.
And when he left it proves how good of a cook he was
" I came into hells kitchen with my joy and I'm going to leave with my joy"

Four star General black Gordon Ramsay

His attitude is inspiring and he was always such a joy

He's a great guy, good chef. Kinda had a bad feeling about him at first when he was gloating on the bus though lol

Ji should hopefully return if there's ever a season 19. Maybe for all the people who withdrew from the competition like Antonia, Larry and Aaron. She could have been in the all star season.

Sure she didn't get a lot of screen time to show her skills but I know if she stayed she would 90% get a black jacket, she was talented indeed. - tacoperson

Ji was one of the best on Season 5. But her injured ankle unfortunately took her out of the competition but she got to keep her jacket which was awesome. She should return for any future season of Hell's Kitchen!

Absolutely should return, I know she made her father proud and I know she would’ve had a black jacket if her injury never occurred.

I love this guy! He was very hilarious and relatable. Yeah he was a little slow mentally, but he's the kind of person you just wanna sit down and have a cold one with to be honest.

This guy is crapping bats insane

He has a big heart, a ton of charisma & a fantastic sense of humour. Bottom line, Van was awesome!

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.

Didn't have any experience in a restaurant, ends up in final 4. That's very impressive!

Really love her spirit. She is a legend, able to recreate food just by watching. And she's got so much passion to her. Real Gutted to see that she's got to leave but I think Maybe Gordan Ramsey sees the stress she's under.

Elsie was a great chef with a good personality. She told Chef Ramsay that her team helped her even when they did not. They did not help her on purpose.

Most respectable female non-finalist contestant to ever set foot in Hell's Kitchen

Who the hell put Benjamin on here? He was a douchebag!

Almost won season 17!

This guy was a true dick but that what a real chefs is!

Should be much higher.

She has grown a lot since Season 18 and I am so proud that she won this season. She truly deserved the win!

Should be higher considering she won season 18 and had a way better personality than the Ariel who won season 15 - aceboogieog

Seeing her on Season 18 easily puts her into the top 10 alongside the likes of Dave, Christina W and Ryan. She's way better than Winners like Scott.

Was the underdog right from the beginning, having more foes than friends. Ultimately she was able to beat the odds and conquer the Season 4 winner's title. - jimmy12lee

She was targeted more then I've seen any other Chef targeted, and she still won! There is also the fact that she won more challenges then any other Chef in Hell's Kitchen history.

Also Barbie takes the throne of being the most targeted chef nowadays

Not exactly Ja'Nel won allot more challenges than she did

She's the reason why Scott won.

She’s basically Sterling, strong chefs with a positive attitudes, but both were brought down by negative people - Hkforever

Rochelle was one of my favorites and she had lots of talent but she did trip up during services out of nowhere but overall she was a good chef and she made it very far! - tacoperson

She deserved to be in the finale more than Jason did.

She's the best and doesn't deserve all the hate she gets! She is an extremely awesome and lovable and super nice contestant. She wasn't mean and wouldn't deliberately sabotage people like some thing. MICHELLE IS AWESOME AND I LOVE HER

Rigged for her to win season 17 - Murphdog405

She only had 4 years experience coming into Hell's Kitchen, yet she kicked ass during her stay!

If she was in season 15, she would have easily won.

He was really good and it was nice to see him flirting with Holli, it was entertaining.

Should have won - lampard287

What if Holli flirts with Andrew

She was my FAVORITE in season 10 she was nice and talented even though she didn't win she was one to remember, but lets just not remember when she came back in season 17 and her final serv--heh nothing. - tacoperson

She Was A good chef and should have been on the finale

Yes, she was a good chef, but being in the finale? I don't think so. She definitely wasn't better than Christina or Justin. - ResistOppression

Dana started off great didn't have much of a voice, than she gained it and there was no stopping her...until she got eliminated - spodermanfan1000

Very good chef. She deserves a position at a top notch restaurant.

Should've got a black jacket over Josh.

Could have been one of the top contenders, but instead pulled up a Sarah-like meltdown in the latter episodes and was a disaster in the final service, nearly costing Meghan the win.

Such a strong, sweet personality. So humble in defeat at the finals. Shes an inspiration!

A nanny making it to the finals? How can that not be impressive? - Conhill389

She was actually the FIRST contestant to get a perfect score on the blind taste test, it was only 3/3 but the point is we shouldn't be blocking this off!

I really want to see her back for season 19.

Her attitude and cooking were way better than Heather's.

Should be much higher.

She should come back for Season 19.

Very heartbreaking he had to leave the competition for his own sake. He should won in my opinion. Amazing guy with such talent. Keep it up Motto! - ndog

If the remaining women (Heather, Kanae, Ariel, and Mia) in the top 7 of Season 18 all got 4 of the 5 black jackets, then Motto would pull off a Season 11 Jon because not only he deserved the black jacket, but was also the only competent chef on the men's team.

He's humble, funny, and a great louisiana chef.

Motto’s departure was not only totally unexpected but incredibly moving and noble. He’s a tallented Chef who, in my opinion had the potential to win the competition.
To me moments like that are the ones that stick out when thinking of all the seasons of Hells Kitchen. I hope he accomplishes his goals back home, but also hope to see him again. However, he could have won the competition, declined to work for Chef Ramsey and just taken the money. - theCHEF00200

She was the nicest person ever on Hell's kitchen. And she never cursed which in this day and age is a rarity. She was also very talented. She may not have been the smartest person but she was the most lovable.

A contestant that showed great improvement in Season 11

She was responsible with dan finished first should have won!

Should be much higher

Funny personality. Adoreable and talented. Well deserved winner. Shame on those responsible for not allowing her to go to london

Such a shame she couldn't get a visa to travel to London. She was great.

One of the hottest chefs on the show.

Should be way higher.

One of the funniest contestants!

It's go time.

I say he should have 5th or 4th place he is better than clemenza not sure about barbie

Was a better leader than Ariel.

Should be way higher

She was way better than Ariel.

Ariel didn't deserve to win. Kristin deserved to win.

Michael may have won but, Ralph got the better ending - Murphdog405

Ralph should have won this season, hands-down. Michael slipped through the cracks and back-stabbed his way to the win.

Ralph for sure was the better chef in season one my favorite all time Hell's Kitchen chef

Talented guy if michael wasnt there he woud have won.

When you talk about pure passion, this guy is hands down #1. He couldn't cook in the first service for the ninth season, which sucks. Because he was dehydrated, he was off the show. But, HE CAME BACK! He came back because he still wanted the position. Talk about determination.

I was so sad when he lost to Scott because no one had more passion than him. He really wanted it, but didn't end up getting it. It was heartbreaking. No one was better than him and that's why I think he should be higher on the list.

He is a great chef, many people think that had a terrible attitude, but he display that attitude with persons like mike and sandra, who are useless contestants. He was very consistent and it suprised me that he didn't win hell's kitchen 12 considering that he made a big comeback after he left season 9 because of a dehydration. He is a great chef and should be higher than rochelle.

He had great personality. My brother and I would just laugh when he'd scream, get mad, and do his evil laugh... dam he deserved the title more than Scott.

It looked like he had a terrible attitude and a temper. However, he only did it when confronted with the donkeys of the read and blue team. He was funny and had passion. He wasn't obnoixous like Anton (who needed a really good slap! ) Personally, I think he was more of a worthy winner than Scott and I think it was the worst winner decision since Season 9!

How is jackie ranked higher than her?

She started out grilling watermelons, but now she won. - tacoperson

I think she has a pretty good chance of winning. She's a great leader, has a great attitude, and overall, she's been doing a great job so far.

She should be in the top 10 she carried her team, was extremely consistent, and hardly got called out by Ramsey ever.

Why is Jackie higher than her on this list?

Should've won.

She looks kind of like Nicole from season 12. But the huge difference is that Ashley is a really excellent and nice chef and Nicole is 100% useless and disrespectful.

Ashley was good in season 15, but honestly in season 17 when she returned she did absolutely nothing! It's a shame. - tacoperson

One of the funniest chefs ever, but definitely not near the best.

"Joseph, we're not at war, we're just in a kitchen. So calm down, and let's cook some carrots."

Agree with the two comments, but he shouldn't be on the list or at least not that high (he is as of now ranked higher that the winners of seasons 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13). He was eliminated even before Amanda and Suzanne and eliminated early enough that we has not part of one of the finalist's dinner service teams.

He always stay calm. I like that

How come Jim is ranked higher than Ariel? Jim was mediocre at best and even had sous-chef Scott to bail him out while Ariel was the best from the Red Team by a mile.

Great personality.

Intelligent and mature chef in the red team

Should be way higher

If they would have nominated Tommy (who also had a bad service (and more food returned as well than Jennifer) and had more bad services than Jennifer), Elise would have been eliminated and maybe could had a better chance of been a bigger threat to Paul than Elise in the next-to-last service.