When people think about a chef hat, they often imagine a tall, white hat that seems more impractical than anything else. However, there are various styles of chef hats out there, and they all play an important role in the kitchen. Read on to learn more about some of the best chef hats out there for hobbyists and professionals alike.
If you’re in a hurry, here are our top 3 quick picks for the best chef hats of 2021
Criteria for Choosing the Best Chef Hats
Chef hats have an essential role in the kitchen, especially when it comes to preventing food contamination. However, when choosing the best ones, there is more to it than that, which is why the following things were considered when selecting chef hats for this list:
- Functionality: There is a classic look that one thinks of when they think of chef hats, but that is far less important than the functionality of a chef hat. It is important that any chef hat chosen can prevent food from being contaminated.
- Fit: How well a chef hat fits can impact how well it works. If it is loose, hair can still fall out. It is equally problematic if it is too small. Therefore, finding the right fit is important. Fortunately, many options are one size fits all or have adjustable features to help you get the perfect fit.
- Comfort: Comfort is vital. A chef hat might need to be worn for long hours in an uncomfortable environment, so you do not want it to add to the misery.
Durability is another thing that was kept in mind when choosing chef hats. For disposable hats, they need to be able to hold up long enough to make it through the day, while cloth and polyester hats should last even longer. Non-disposable hats should also be relatively easy to clean.
The 9 of Best Chef Hats of 2021
Finding the best chef hats is not always an easy thing because of the various styles and brands. However, it becomes a little easier once you know what all is out there. Below you will find numerous styles of chef hats, including both disposable and non-disposable options.
AmerCareRoyal Classy Cap
The first chef hat on the list is a wedge-style cap. It is a simple choice that is both effective at preventing hair contamination in the kitchen and inexpensive. This cap also has an adjustable band that allows it to fit a range of common head sizes, meaning that you do not need to worry about buying various sizes.
This cap is made of stiff crepe paper that is designed to be comfortable and lightweight enough to wear over long periods. Additionally, the white color and sharp appearance give it a classy look that fits any environment. Therefore, if you are looking for a sturdy disposable chef hat, you should consider these.
PROS
- It helps prevent hair contamination in a kitchen
- The adjustable band allows it to fit a range of common head sizes
- The cap is designed to be comfortable and lightweight
- It has a sharp and clean appearance
CONS
- It is meant to be disposable, so it is not that durable
AmerCareRoyal Beanie Caps
Another great chef hat from the same brand is the beanie cap featured here. It provides a nice layer of protection while also preventing food contamination. Moreover, they look good while doing it, having a sleek and professional design that is suitable for most environments. You can even purchase these caps in multiple colors and sizes.
Additionally, the spun-bond polypropylene material used to make the caps is a durable choice that will hold up well in most situations. It is even lightweight and breathable, which makes it a comfortable choice for those needing something to wear while working. They are quite sanitary as well.
PROS
- It provides a layer of protection and prevents food contamination
- They have a sleek and professional look
- They come in a variety of colors and sizes
- The material is durable, lightweight, and breathable
- They are a sanitary option
CONS
- They are quite expensive for a disposable chef hat
AmerCareRoyal SCH7 Stirling Fluted Chefs Hats
If you want a more traditional chef hat than the previous choices, this hat fits the bill, having a tall, classic look without sacrificing functionality. The height of this hat is seven inches, so it definitely stands out. It also has a peel-and-stick adjustment tab that lets you change the size of the hat to make it fit snugly on most head sizes.
The hat keeps hair in place and prevents contamination in the kitchen. It is also made out of thick and stiff paper, so it holds its shape well. Despite the thickness, it is lightweight and comfortable, which is important for those who plan on being in the kitchen for long periods. The price is not bad, either.
PROS
- This tall chef hat has a classic appearance
- The peel-and-stick adjustment tab makes it work for most head sizes
- It helps prevent contamination in the kitchen
- The thick and stiff paper holds its shape well
- It is lightweight and comfortable
CONS
- It is not a great choice for cramped spaces
KleenGuard A10 Bouffant Cap
Another option if you want an inexpensive chef hat that will keep things tidy in the kitchen is a bouffant cap, and the one featured here from KleenGuard is excellent. It is made from polypropylene material, which is lightweight and comfortable, and it will easily last through a day, which is all you need since it is disposable.
These caps are latex-free, and they come in various sizes, so you can find the right ones to work in almost any work area. Moreover, they are inexpensive compared to most of the other options out there. Of course, the appearance of these caps is lacking, but if you want a product that gets the job done, this is a great choice.
PROS
- The material used is lightweight and comfortable
- They are latex-free
- The price per cap is very low
- They help prevent food contamination
CONS
- They do not have a very appealing look
IPXEAD Chef Hat
If you prefer to steer away from disposable chef hats and want something that will last, then you might want to consider these hats from IPXEAD. Not only do these chef hats look great, but they are made from a high-quality blend of polyester and cotton fabrics, so they are sturdy and breathable. They can even be washed without a problem.
You will have no problem getting these chef hats to fit, either, since they are one size fits all. In fact, adjusting the size is easy, with a hidden elastic band making it a simple task to get a snug fit. Additionally, these chef hats come at a great price and can be purchased in white, red, or black.
PROS
- These hats are made from high-quality material that will last
- They can be washed and reused for a long time
- They are breathable and lightweight
- There is an elastic band that makes it easy to adjust the size
- They come in a few different colors
CONS
- They are a bit thin
- They do not seem to fit smaller heads as well
Dickies Drop Ship Traditional Chef Hat
Dickies makes a lot of high-quality products, and their line of apparel for chefs is no different. This chef hat is lightweight and durable because of the polyester and cotton blend used to make it. There is also a stain-resistant finish that helps keep it clean and makes washing it much easier.
The design is great as well, with it giving a neat and professional appearance to those who wear it. Additionally, it can be adjusted using the velcro band, with the hat expanding from 21 inches to 24.5 inches in circumference. Though, perhaps the best part about this hat is how inexpensive it is for the quality you get.
PROS
- It is lightweight and durable because of the material used
- It has a stain-resistant finish
- The design gives a neat and professional look
- The size can be adjusted using the velcro band
- The price is great for what you get
CONS
- It is not the most breathable option out there
- It is not suitable for smaller heads
Chef Works Unisex Chef Hat
There is not much unique about this chef hat from Chef Works, but it does everything right to give you a functional and stylish hat. For starters, the polyester and cotton blend means that you are getting something lightweight and durable, and the thickness is also quite good.
This hat also has a velcro closure, which means that it will fit most head sizes. Moreover, once adjusted, it stays on well, ensuring that no hairs make it into the food. Another great thing to keep in mind is that it can be machine washed, saving you time and energy. It even comes in two colors: white and black.
PROS
- The material is lightweight and durable
- The velcro closure allows it to fit most head sizes
- It is effective at preventing food contamination
- It can be machine washed
- It comes in white and black
CONS
- It is expensive for what you are getting
- The top portion is a little floppy
Chef Works Unisex Total Vent Chef Beanie
If your main concerns when choosing a chef hat are comfort and functionality, it does not get much better than this beanie from Chef Works. Unlike many of the other options above, it is not stiff at all, with it being made from 100% polyester and having an elastic closure that lets it fit comfortably around your head.
The hat also comes in two sizes, one for small and medium heads and another for large and XL heads. Regardless of what size you get, you will find that this beanie is breathable because of the cool vent fabric. It even has an internal sweatband to take comfort to the next level.
PROS
- It is made from 100% polyester
- The elastic closure and multiple sizes make it easy to find a nice fit
- Due to the cool vent fabric, it is very breathable
- There is an internal sweatband to keep sweat away from your eyes
- It comes in white and black
CONS
- Some people have trouble with the sizes
Chefs Hat Breathable Mesh Top Skull Cap
There is a lot to appreciate about the last chef hat on this list. It is a skull cap with a mesh top, which helps keep your head cool without risking food contamination. Additionally, the polyester and cotton blend ensures that it is durable while remaining lightweight and comfortable.
Another convenient feature of this chef hat is how easy it is to adjust. It uses a hook and loop velcro closure, which allows it to expand to fit heads between 21.6 and 24.8 inches. Moreover, it is also easy to clean, making it a hassle-free hat that does its job well. You can even buy it in white or black.
PROS
- There is a mesh top that keeps your head cool
- The material is durable and lightweight
- The hook and loop velcro closure allows for easy adjustment
- It is easy to clean
CONS
- It does not do a very good job at holding up against sweat
How to Shop for a Best Chef Hat
As you have seen in the list above, there are a lot of different choices when it comes to chef hats. However, there are some things that you can consider that will make your decision a little easier, such as:
- Disposable or Non-disposable: The first thing you should think about is whether you want something disposable or non-disposable. Disposable chef hats are convenient, especially for parties and events. However, non-disposable chef hats tend to deal with sweat better and be more comfortable overall.
- Fit: It is easy to figure out whether most chef hats will fit you. All you have to do is know your head size. Moreover, it is even easier since many chef hats are adjustable and fit a range of head sizes.
- Style: If you want a classic chef hat that is tall and white, there are fewer options. However, if you are open to anything that gets the job done, many options are available, including things like the beanies and skull caps in the list above.
There are many things to consider, but as long as you keep the information above in mind, you will be able to find something that you like. Just keep in mind that the sizes are not always exact, with some chef hats running large and others running small.
In Conclusion
If you are working in a kitchen or around food, professionally or not, you should definitely have a chef hat. After all, it can prevent food contamination and keep sweat from running down your face. Just make sure that you find one that works well and fits comfortably, especially if you plan on wearing it for long periods.