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If I told you there was a way to learn any subject from the absolute best in the field, whenever and wherever you want, for less than the cost of dinner – would your ears perk up like mine did?
I first learned about MasterClass several months ago, naturally, through a Youtube ad as I binge-watched tips on how to maximize my Tailwind platform. And lemme tell you something – the course trailers they were showing me were exactly the ones I’d be most interested in: cooking!
So naturally, after seeing a clip of the Gordon Ramsay chop an onion in a way only fellow foodies would dream of doing, I clicked on the MasterClass ad. And, as they say, the rest is history!
(scroll down a bit to see the exact video).
In this comprehensive MasterClass cooking review, I’ll tell you everything you want (and need!) to know about the service, and share whether or not the MasterClass culinary arts course (or any other ones on their platform) is worth it for you.
Keep reading for our full review on MasterClass Culinary Arts courses, and see which cooking classes we think are the best of the bunch!
What Exactly is MasterClass Culinary Arts Course?
Before we get to the section of MasterClass we’re all most interested in (ahem, the MasterClass cooking review), let’s talk about MasterClass in general.
So, What in the World is MasterClass?
MasterClass was founded by entrepreneur Aaron Rasmussen and film editor and director David Rogier to allow students of all background to learn new skills from the best professionals in the industry at a reasonable cost and in a convenient way.
MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 100+ of the world’s best. Whether it be in business and leadership, photography, cooking, writing, acting, music, sports and more, MasterClass delivers a world class online learning experience. Video lessons are available anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, personal computer, Apple TV and FireTV streaming media players.
Official MasterClass Website
After I binge-watched several of their ridiculously amazing production in MasterClass, I can honestly say that the MasterClass teachers are truly the best of the best. And by this, I mean Judy Blume for writing, Alicia Keys for songwriting and producing, Stephen Curry for shooting, ball handling, and scoring, and much more!
What is Included in a MasterClass Membership?
Membership includes access to an incredible catalog of 100+ classes taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing and more. Each class includes around 20 video lessons that are 10 minutes long on average, along with an in-depth workbook. You also get access to [their] smartphone and TV apps, offline lessons, member’s only newsletter, and dynamic community of members around the world.
Official MasterClass Website
Is MasterClass Cooking and Culinary Arts Course Good?
As a foodie-at-heart who grew up watching Massimo Bottura, Alice Waters, and Gordon Ramsay on TV, I say a loud and resounding: YES!
ALL the cooking classes offered through MasterClass’ Culinary Arts course are taught by world-renowned chefs. Name some of your favorite chefs, and they might be there! I found out that Dominique Ansel teaches a MasterClass Culinary Arts Class on French Pastry Fundamentals. I used to buy his pastries at the Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York – the cronuts are my favorite!
Each cooking class is divided into bite-sized episodes of approximately 10 minutes. I loved this because it made learning a new skill (like French Pastry!) much less overwhelming. And the way the production was set up, well, it made me feel as if I was right there with Dominique Ansel himself! The steps are exceptionally clear, audio quality unparalleled, and visual tracking is fantastic. From knife skills to plating skills, each teacher will guide you to improve on certain skills in a way that is fun , convenient, and incredibly binge-worthy.
Oh, and the free PDF Workbook is a fantastic resource to help you apply the skills you learn! I also loved the community activities and interactive assignments.
How Much is A MasterClass Subscription?
MasterClass only sells an all-access pass, which costs $15 per month (billed annually at $180 per year). This annual membership gives you full access to all the MasterClass topics and lessons on the platform for a full year, which includes the video lessons and workbooks.
While $180 is a good investment to make on the front end, MasterClass stands behind its service by offering a 30-day money back guarantee. If you don’t love it, you can send them an email and MasterClass will refund you the full amount.
That being said, taking into account the caliber of the instructors and the quality of each lesson, I dare say the membership is more than worth the cost!
Is There A Free Trial for MasterClass?
There is currently no free trial available for MasterClass, including for its Cooking and Culinary Courses. They do not plan on offering free trials in the future either.
However, MasterClass does offer a no-risk, money-back guarantee. So, if within 30 days of purchasing you decide that MasterClass isn’t worth your $180 membership, they will refund you in full.
Is There A MasterClass Discount?
As a premium online course service, MasterClass does not frequently offer discounts.
Occasionally throughout the year, however, MasterClass will run a few special promotions.
One such promotion was their 2-for-1 deal. This allowed you to buy an annual pass and gift a complementary annual membership to a friend!
My Honest Review of MasterClass Cooking and Culinary Arts Course
Personally, I LOVED each one of the MasterClass cooking lessons I’ve taken. And this is coming from someone who grew up watching cooking shows and going to culinary arts class! The quality of the lessons through MasterClass are some of the best I’ve seen on the online platform, and in my opinion, the value is phenomenal!
(keep scrolling to see my 7 favorite MasterClass Culinary Arts classes!)
As I mentioned, each MasterClass membership includes a PDF workbook, community activities, offline course access, and interactive assignments. On top of that, you can also upload a video of your questions for your mentors to answer. Furthermore, MasterClass memberships include several live lessons so that you can follow along real-time. I loved that MasterClass included these extra resources because it:
- sets them apart from other online courses
- encourages learning outcomes as traditional college courses do!
- highlights the value of their membership even more
Plus, since the membership gave me access to the entire library across multiple topics, I ended up taking classes on gardening, interior design, and dance — and discovered that I actually enjoy these new hobbies! I now dance regularly and buy more plants than my husband thinks is “normal” 🙂
How I used MasterClass to Improve My Cooking Skills
While I 100% believe the MasterClass videos are so fun to watch, I’m a believer that to learn best is to practice what is taught! Especially when it comes to cooking videos (or art), it’s so helpful to have the ability to watch a lesson on-demand while doing it as I watch.
I personally like to bring my laptop or phone with me to the kitchen and watch the step-by-step lessons while following the instructions in my kitchen, pausing as needed.
Most of the lessons require fresh ingredients (which means preparing ahead), but the MasterClass instructors also teach you how to be resourceful in substituting missing ingredients with other ingredients you may have instead.
A few of my favorites recipes to create through the course include Ramsay’s Beef Wellington, Ansel’s Croissant, and Ottolenghi’s Muhhamara.
What is Taking a Cooking Lesson in Masterclass Like?
Like any other learning platforms, you can see first the overview of the lessons in the course description. This overview details the number of video lessons, as well as the materials provided. Within each course, the instructors go through various topics, so you can either pick and choose the topics that most appeal to you, or go in order at your own pace. I genuinely think it’s so much fun than just watching a cooking show, because with MasterClass Culinary Arts courses, you get to experience a glimpse of what 1-on-1 classes with renowned celebrity chefs look like. And the instructions (and humor)? Phenomenal! I actually feel like I know my instructors – the production really is that good.
Check out the MasterClass Cooking course offerings here.
MasterClass Review: Who Are the Cooking Classes For?
The Masterclass Culinary Arts course is best for those who want to get bite-sized instruction from people who are the best at what they do: cooking (this applies to virtually any other topics within MasterClass platform too).
To help you decide if MasterClass is right for you, here’s a comprehensive list of MasterClass Cooking pros and cons.
Review: Pros of Masterclass Culinary Arts Classes:
- Convenience: you get to do it at the comfort of your own home, whenever and wherever.
- Great resources: Free offline access, supporting materials, and community.
- Incredible production: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – it’s like watching a binge-worthy show! Except you actually get to learn something.
- Taught by the best professionals in each industry
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Broad topic selection: Hundreds of classes to take in all the topics you could imagine!
- Affordable lessons: while in-person classes range anywhere from $50-$300 per class, you get to take as many MasterClass lessons for just $15/month!
Review: Cons of Masterclass Culinary Arts Classes
- No face-to-face experience
- They only offer one membership option: the All-Access pass.
My Top 7 Best Cooking Classes in MasterClass’ Culinary Arts Course:
I have to say that there has not been a course I took through MasterClass which I didn’t like. But among all the courses available, these were my absolute favorites!
1. Thomas Keller’s Cooking Techniques III: Seafood, Sous Vide, and Desserts
In his third MasterClass, Chef Thomas Keller focuses on preparing fresh seafood like lobster and salmon, making classic desserts such as apple pie and lemon tart, and showing how sous vide cooking can be done at home to enhance flavor and texture. Whether you’re a beginning or advanced cook, you’ll learn the techniques and principles that will give you the understanding and skills to get the most delicious results.
RELATED: Perfect Sous Vide Scallops with Herbed Brown Butter Recipe
2. Gordon Ramsay’s Cooking II: Restaurant Recipes at Home
It’s more than dinner—it’s a dining experience. Gordon Ramsay returns with a second cooking MasterClass to teach you how to prep, plate, and pair recipes that wow guests. With 13 restaurant-inspired dishes designed for home cooking, you’ll learn how to build elevated courses from appetizer to dessert using everyday ingredients.
3. Yotam Ottolenghi: Modern Middle Eastern Cooking
One of the most influential chefs working today, Yotam Ottolenghi creates dishes that layer color and flavor for maximum impact. Now the James Beard Award winner teaches you simple steps for making and mixing Middle Eastern–inspired recipes. Learn how to make generous platters—mezze and brunch spreads to homemade condiments, stunning stand-alones, and delicious vegetables—so you can entertain with ease.
4. Alice Walters: The Art of Home Cooking
Alice Waters started America’s farm-to-table revolution. When she founded the iconic restaurant Chez Panisse, her local, organic ingredients sparked a movement and earned her the James Beard Award for Outstanding Chef. In her first-ever online cooking class, Alice opens the doors of her home kitchen to teach you how to pick seasonal ingredients, create healthy and beautiful meals, and change your life by changing the food you make at home.
5. Wolfgang Puck: Cooking
Legend has it Wolfgang Puck came up with his famous smoked salmon pizza when his restaurant ran out of bagels—and ended up changing the way America cooks. In his MasterClass, the five-time James Beard Award-winning chef behind more than 100 restaurants brings you into his kitchen. You’ll learn not only how to master starters, mains, sides, and cocktails, but also how to take risks to create memorable recipes of your own.
6. Apollonia Poilane: Bread Baking
As a third-generation baker and CEO of the renowned Parisian bakery Poilâne, Apollonia Poilâne keeps time-honored traditions alive with every loaf. Now she’s sharing the joy of making bread from scratch with her recipes and hands-on demonstrations. Learn how to make your own starter and a variety of French breads, including rustic wheat, rye, and brioche. Taste, smell, and feel your way to fresh, warm bread at home.
7. James Suckling: Wine Appreciation
Called one of the “world’s most powerful wine critics,” James Suckling has tasted more than 200,000 wines over the past 40 years. In his wine tasting MasterClass, James tours legendary Tuscan vineyards and teaches you to explore the stories, history, and people behind every bottle. Deepen your knowledge of the properties in each sip, cultivate your passion, and choose, order, and pair wines with confidence.
RELATED: 11 Must-Try Wine Clubs and Best Wine Subscription Boxes in 2021
Final Review: Is MasterClass Cooking Course Worth It?
And finally, the golden question! Is a MasterClass membership worth it??
This answers will vary based on the person, but for me, it’s a definite YES!
Masterclass brings you quality learning from your favorite celebrities and famous people in the different industries. They recruit A-lister instructors for you to be able to get most of what you paid for. To name a few, Steve Martin teaches you comedy, Natalie Portman in acting, Serena Williams in tennis, and people who you know succeeded in the industry are there to teach you.
Masterclass created this with the highest quality of learning you can possibly get online. And after experiencing a good few of the classes myself, I’m a fan! I’ve learned so many different things spanning different topics in the last few months, and I’m excited to learn even more.
So is MasterClass an investment? Yes! Is MasterClass worth it? Absolutely.
Enjoyed This Masterclass Cooking Review?
Have you tried a MasterClass membership? If so, what did you think? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
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