“Hell’s Kitchen” certainly seems to live up to its name.

It’s almost literally a pressure-cooker atmosphere that can rattle even an experienced line cook or sous-chef.

But just how “real” is this reality cooking competition?

Gordon Ramsay at event

And those customers who frequent the restaurant are actually friends and family of the production crew.

According to Cottle, a lot of heat is generated away from the stoves.

Gordon Ramsay in Hell’s Kitchen