Cook at All Costs
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Cook at All Costs
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Cook at All Costs is a culinary competition show featuring home cooks. Throughout the show, contestants bid on ingredients while trying to save as much money as they can. Kids can practice math and critical thinking skills as they make judgments on what contestants should buy and how much they should spend. They'll also be introduced to new cooking techniques and ingredients.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
COOKING AT ALL COSTS asks the question: Do luxury ingredients always make the best dishes? In a high-stakes cookoff, home cooks have to use both budgeting and auction bidding skills to try to grab the best ingredients and prepare a winning dish. Each starts with $25,000 in their bank, which they can use to bid on and buy ingredients for their dishes. The catch? The winner gets to take home only what they have left in their bank at the end of the competition.
Is It Any Good?
With a genuine and charismatic host and an impressive roster of guest judges, this cooking competition show is a natural standout. And when the first "surprise box" of ingredients is opened to reveal a huge beef heart, it's immediately apparent that Cook at All Costs isn't going to go easy on its amateur chef contestants. Adding to the fun, the set looks like a trendy restaurant sure to have a waitlist, and "the line" -- a huge conveyor belt that moves ingredients and finished dishes between the contestants and mystery judge -- is super sleek. Host Jordan Andino, a celebrity chef in his own right, has a natural on-screen presence and brings a light and joyful energy to each episode. Plus, if home cooks are unfamiliar with what they've been given, he kindly takes pity and teaches them (and viewers at home) about the ingredient in question. Certainly, crazy mystery ingredients are nothing new for cooking shows, but the bidding element is a refreshing twist. It's always a good time to yell at contestants from the couch when you think they're making bad decisions. Plus, kids can practice math and critical thinking skills as they make judgments on what contestants should buy and how much they should spend.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about if they think the home cooks are nervous to be cooking on television and for professional chefs. If so, how do you think they overcame their nerves? Think of a time you were really nervous to do something. What helped?
This competition show uses only one judge instead of a panel of judges. How might this affect how the winner is picked? Do you think it changes the fairness of the competition?
Do you think it's a better strategy to spend a lot of money to get the best ingredients or to try to save money so that you have the opportunity to win more money at the end?
TV Details
- Premiere date: December 16, 2022
- Cast: Jordan Andino
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Cooking and Baking
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: January 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Chopped
Drama-free cooking show that's great for family viewing.
-
Beat Bobby Flay
Kid-friendly cooking competition highlights global dishes.
-
Nailed It!
Food fails are hilarious in this comedic competition.
For kids who love cooking and food
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate