If you're a bit of a foodie, you probably watch a lot of TV chefs. There are a bunch of them, all over the dial, sharing their knowledge of food and how to prepare dishes -- whether it's a bowl of chili or a beef Wellington. Tonight, for example, Fox's resident chef Gordon Ramsay will be launching a new cooking show called 'MasterChef.' (Not to be confused with 'Top Chef.')

'MasterChef' (9PM ET, Fox) is based on the Australian version of the show -- not the BBC model -- in which a large group of hopefuls from across the country audition with their best dish, and if they pass the judges, they move on to the semi-finals.

But have you ever thought about which of the celebrity cooks and chefs on television you'd want to teach you? We took 10 popular TV chefs and rated their teaching abilities from 1-10 -- 10 being the best possible teacher, 1 being the worst. Let us know if you agree with our ratings ...




1. Sam Zien, 'Just Cook This' - Rating: 10
Nobody makes cooking look more simple and easy that Sam, the Cooking Guy. He just brings you into his kitchen -- a real kitchen, not a set -- and shows you in a direct way how to make great-looking food. Sam would be fun, and it's doubtful he would ever raise his voice except to laugh at some minor screw-up in the ktichen. But that's OK, mistakes happen on his Discovery Health/Fit TV show, too. And his dogs are underfoot, so he wouldn't mind if mine got in the way. Take a look at simple Sam:




2. Ina Garten, 'Barefoot Contessa' - Rating: 9
Although Ina's not a professionally trained chef, she is a former professional caterer and she knows all about the secrets to cooking delicious dishes. She's also very calm and collected in the kitchen. You get the impression that she would welcome you to her home or fit right in your kitchen.

3. Bobby Flay, 'Boy Meets Grill' - Rating: 8
Maybe it's his boyish quality or the fact that he makes a lot of stuff on the grill, but Bobby seems like an easy-going instructor. It doesn't seem like he would yell at you if a egg shell wound up in the batter. ("Just use a spoon to take it out.") Even though Bobby has restaurant experience and went to culinary school, he seems like he would really be able to show you the ropes and help you make something special.

4. Alton Brown, 'Good Eats' - Rating: 7
There's nobody on this list who knows more about food than Alton Brown, and he can be a little demanding when it comes to how to fix things, but for sheer enthusiasm, you'd want Alton in your kitchen. He doesn't mess around; he knows what he's talking about and is more than generous in sharing his skills. He'd leave you smarter -- and a better cook -- than when he arrived.

5. Tom Colicchio, 'Top Chef' - Rating: 6
This is a bit of a mystery because thus far on 'Top Chef,' we haven't had the chance to really watch Chef Tom cook. But is there any question that the owner of Craft knows his business? He's a stringent judge, so we can assume that he is probably a careful chef. He'll teach you the correct way to do things, and he won't let your scrimp on seasoning or flavor.

6. Curtis Stone, 'Take Home Chef' - Rating: 6
The premise of Stone's show fits right in with our question. He actually goes to the home of someone he meets in a supermarket to help them make a meal. Stone is personable and efficient, but there's something about him that would make us feel self-conscious the moment he opened the refrigerator. (Is the crisper cleaned out?) Here's a sample of Curtis' ambush style, and why he might freak you out:




7. Gordon Ramsay, 'Hell's Kitchen' - Rating: 4
Sorry, Gordo, but when it comes to teaching, you do not rank high in our estimation. For starters, you're loud and nasty and lack patience. There's no question that you have expertise, but even when you present the details of how to make a Ramsay three-star Michelin quality meal, you race through the steps.

8. Rachael Ray, '30 Minute Meals' - Rating: 4
When it comes to personality, Rachael would be fun to have as a guest in the kitchen, but can she really teach anything valuable? She's great with shortcuts, but the end results -- if you've ever tried her recipes -- are iffy. Maybe it's rushing to do something fine in just a half-hour ... Also, Rachael can't really share culinary school secrets because she learned at her mother's apron.

9. Martha Stewart, 'The Martha Stewart Show' - Rating: 4
Can you imagine the pressure of Martha watching you while she's teaching you how to make one of her recipes? "No, no, curl your fingers under and push the onion forward with your thumb while moving the knife like this. ... No, no, try again." Martha's a pro at everything she does, but too intimidating when it comes to one on one lessons.

10. Anthony Bourdain, 'No Reservations' - Rating: 3
Bourdain is someone that I would like to go out to dinner with, but not have showing me how to cook. He's too tough in the kitchen. But he does love to eat and is a great adventurer, so he'd probably have very high expectations for anything coming out of the pantry. Here's how tough he is on Chicago deep dish pizza!




Which celebrity chef would you like to give you a home cooking lesson?