Curtis Stone is one of the few people who have been part of the MasterChef world since the beginning, with the celebrity chef and Coles ambassador popping in each year to deliver challenges – and feedback – to the hopeful cooks.
While he is undoubtedly one of the franchise’s most popular recurring faces, his uncompromising standards have also divided fans, with some viewers branding his judging style as “too harsh”, particularly in comparison to regular judges Andy Allen, Poh Ling Yeow, Sofia Levin and Jean-Christophe Novelli, who have been accused of being too soft.
“On one hand, he brings serious credibility—Michelin stars, global experience, and training under Marco Pierre White—so the high standards make sense,” one viewer noted on Reddit. “But the way he delivers criticism can come across as a bit intense… It really comes down to whether you think MasterChef should feel like a high-stakes professional kitchen, or a place where growth is guided a little more gently.”
Curtis Stone reveals why he pushes some contestants more
In an interview with WHO, Stone responded to the critics, saying, “You know, I think it’s fine to be firm as long as you’re fair, and some contestants want to be pushed, and some want to have a more positive level of encouragement, and I always try and keep it super positive, but when I see an opportunity to put a little pressure on someone for the betterment of their performance, I like doing it.”
He also shared that he felt like food is “an incredible medium to tell stories”, but doing something “safe and obvious is never the right choice”, which is why he pushes contestants more than maybe other judges.
It’s a philosophy that seems to resonate with many viewers, leading to speculation that Stone might consider joining the show as a regular judge.
Will Curtis Stone join MasterChef as a permanent judge?
However, it doesn’t seem like a permanent role is on the cards for the US-based chef.
“It’s such a fun show. It’s so positive, and you know, right from the very first season, there’s been this wonderful relationship between the judges and the contestants,” he tells us.
“It really is a place of nurturing, honing skills, and developing passion around food, which is awesome. I also think MasterChef’s been quite instrumental in changing the landscape of Aussie food in general, which I think is wonderful.”
He continues, “I’ve always been so happy being a part of the MasterChef team, and popping in and out of the show. I think the judges all do a stunning job. So I love my supporting role.”
MasterChef Australia Season 18 Sundays at 7pm and Monday – Wednesday at 7.30pm. Watch and Stream on 10.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
