The WORST episodes of Next Level Chef
Every episode of Next Level Chef ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Next Level Chef!
The next evolution in cooking competitions, as Gordon Ramsay has designed a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet, set on an iconic stage over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of great chefs is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!
#2 - Bad to the Bone
Season 4 - Episode 12 - Aired 5/1/2025
With only six chefs remaining, there’s a heightened sense of intensity in the kitchen. This week’s challenge entails cooking protein with the bone in, which is no small feat in the essence of time. Later, two chefs fight to the finish in the elimination round, where they are presented with a formation of fish to choose from.
#3 - Tapas In
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/24/2025
The chefs experiment with Spanish cuisine, starting with tapas and a mid-round platform drop resulting in a classic pairing; in the elimination round, three chefs carry on their Spanish preparations, serving up vibrant plates of paella.
#4 - A Very Special O' Cajun
Season 4 - Episode 10 - Aired 4/17/2025
The remaining chefs are tasked with cooking Cajun dishes that blend southern flare with French influence; the chef who creates the best dish receives a coveted time token that gives them a major advantage in the next challenge.
#5 - The Thunderdome
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 4/10/2025
For the first time in the competition, the chefs are no longer working on teams and must survive the next cooking challenge on their own.
#6 - Beat the Heat
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired 4/3/2025
The remaining chefs are tasked with oven roasting, steaming or deep frying.
#7 - The Menu
Season 4 - Episode 7 - Aired 3/27/2025
The chefs work together to create a cohesive five-course meal, with the help of a few surprise sous chefs; to succeed in this challenge, the chefs must count on one another's culinary and communication skills.
#8 - Shoyu My Ramen
Season 4 - Episode 6 - Aired 3/20/2025
The mentors challenge the chefs to make the most impressive ramen dish while reaching from a fast moving platform that moves up and down each level throughout the entire challenge.
#9 - Grills Gone Wild
Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 3/13/2025
The chefs battle it out to make the best barbecue feast; in the elimination round, two chefs go head-to-head and make an elevated dish using cauliflower.
#10 - Always Crust Your Instincts
Season 4 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/8/2025
The five remaining chefs enter the semi-finals where they are tasked with putting a twist on a classic: recreating Gordon Ramsay’s signature Beef Wellington—without beef. With only 35 minutes, they must craft their own unique take on the dish. At the end of the wellington cook-off, two chefs are safe from elimination, while the remaining three chefs battle it out one last time to join the others in the grand finale.
#11 - Pro Chef Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired 2/27/2025
It's the final round of auditions, where eight professional chefs must impress the judges in order to advance to the next stage.
#12 - Home Chef Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired 2/20/2025
The auditions continue with the next group to show off their culinary skills -- the home cooks.
#13 - Social Media Chef Auditions
Season 4 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/13/2025
Eight social media chefs kick off the competition.
#14 - The Final Level
Season 3 - Episode 16 - Aired 5/9/2024
The competition reaches its boiling point as the final three chefs race against the clock to craft a sensational three-course meal. With $250,000 and a year-long mentorship on the line, only one chef will rise to the top and claim the title of the Next Level Chef champion.
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#15 - Taste of Success
Season 3 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/2/2024
In the semi-finals, the final four chefs face a tangy twist as they're tasked with showcasing one of the classic taste elements. With limited time on the clock, every dash, pinch or sprinkle could mean the difference between securing a coveted spot in the grand finale or facing the heat in a final elimination cook-off.
#16 - Kombucha Kulture
Season 3 - Episode 14 - Aired 4/25/2024
The final five chefs must create a dish that won't leave a sour taste in the judges' mouth by using kombucha, the trendy fermented drink. Then, two chefs battle for a spot in the semifinals by cooking a winning dish using a wok.
#17 - Picture Perfect
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/18/2024
The six remaining chefs are tasked with recreating a "picture perfect" dish using just a photo. However, once the platform leaves, the photo goes with it, putting the contestant's memory and cooking skills to the test.
#18 - Bingo, Bango, Bento!
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/11/2024
The seven remaining chefs work individually to create Japanese-inspired dishes for their bento boxes. From tempura to sushi, the chef who constructs the winning box claims the time token and top-level kitchen for the next challenge. Then, with only 25 minutes to create a Wagyu beef dish, only one judge will oversee the chefs during the elimination challenge while two judges blindly taste test their creations.
#19 - Mini Gordon
Season 5 - Episode 8 - Aired 3/19/2026
Much to the chefs' surprise, when Ramsay welcomes them back, it is Oscar, not Gordon, and this week's challenge is revealed as reimagining kids' classic dishes! The chefs must take these nostalgic flavors and elevate them into culinary masterpieces. It might sound simple, but it's not child's play as one more chef leaves the competition.
#21 - Building a Legacy
Season 5 - Episode 15 - Aired 5/14/2026
It's the semi-finals which means four chefs are within reach of the finale! The chefs must create a signature dish that they feel defines them, but there is a hidden catch. This is the moment that could define their legacy.
#22 - The Ultimate Goal
Season 5 - Episode 14 - Aired 5/7/2026
With only five chefs left, the worlds of soccer and food are fused in a special, championship-inspired episode. USA Soccer legend Alexi Lalas makes a surprise appearance, and the chefs need to create a world-class fusion dish with ingredients tied to two different countries.
#23 - A Toast to America’s 250th
Season 5 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/30/2026
The chefs cook for a star-spangled cocktail party in celebration of America’s 250th, where they craft a showstopping cocktail and appetizer.
#24 - Use Your Noodle
Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/23/2026
With only seven talented cooks remaining, the chefs must make a next level noodle dish that honors tradition while elevating this ingredient that is loved all over the world. The chefs are not only cooking to stay in the competition but also to win that priceless Time Token! One more chef leaves the competition.
#25 - The In-Season Tournament
Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/16/2026
The stakes are higher than ever, because for the first time this season, the chefs are no longer competing on their teams. It's each person for themselves as they fight for their place on the top level. If they fail to cook the best dish in the top kitchen, they compete again in the middle kitchen. Fail there and it's down to the basement to cook one last meal that will make or break their place in the competition. Without a team to save them, who will make it through?