A key feature of the program is the psychological pressure to which chef Renato submits competitors; in fact, he does not hesitate to turn to them using particularly offensive insults and epithets, to criticize or scold them, get them to work more efficiently, or even to drive them out of the kitchen.
Each season opens with competitors, always divided between men and women, presenting to a dish to chef Renato, in an attempt to showcase their talents.
The losers, however, remain at Hell's Kitchen, or in a place outside, to serve a punishment consisting of very tiring, and, in some cases, humiliating, labor.
Among either or both teams, Renato will choose a chef who stood out positively over the others; they will be requested to nominate two teammates, including themselves.
However, it is also possible that Renato decides not to take these into account at time of nomination; he may eliminate competitors who have not been appointed, even those who belonged to the winning team, by virtue of their poor performance or inappropriate behavior.