How to Kasher my (future) Kitchen for Pesach?

THE KASHERING PRIMER – PASSOVER 2014
Rabbi Eli Gersten OU.Org
ONE OF THE MOST DAUNTING PREPARATIONS we make for Passover is kashering, a process to prepare chametz utensils for Passover use. As with all areas of halacha, those who are unsure of how to apply the rules of kashering to their situation should consult an Orthodox rabbi.
The Torah (Bemidbar 31:23) requires kashering utensils acquired from a non-Jew, as they are presumed to have been used with non-kosher (and will have absorbed non-kosher flavor). Since chametz on Passover is also forbidden, the Talmud applies the laws of kashering to chametz as well. There are four basic methods of kashering. The prescribed method depends on the utensil and how it was used.
LIBUN (BURNING)
Utensils used directly in the fire (e.g., BBQ grate) must be kashered by placing them in fire. This process has the effect of burning any absorbed taste. To qualify as a complete libun, metal must be heated until it glows. A self-clean cycle of an oven (approx. 850° F) also qualifies as libun. There is no need to wait 24 hours before libun, though it is often advised. There is no need to scrub the utensil before performing libun, since the fire will burn off residue, but some cleaning is advised.
HAGALAH (BOILING)
Utensils that were used to cook non-kosher liquid can be kashered with hagalah (boiling in water). To prepare the utensil for hagalah, the utensil must be thoroughly cleaned. Only utensils that can be scrubbed clean should be kashered. Items that have narrow cracks, crevices, deep scratches or other areas that cannot be cleaned, cannot be kashered for Passover. The following, for example, cannot be kashered for Passover: pots with rolled lips, bottles with narrow necks, filters, colanders, knives (or other utensils) where food could get trapped between the blade and handle. After cleaning, the utensils should then be left idle for 24 hours. To kasher, every part of the utensil must make contact with boiling water. This process can be done in parts. For example, a large spoon can be immersed into a pot of boiling water for 10 seconds, turned over and then the remainder immersed. The pot used for kashering can be a clean chametz pot that has not been used for 24 hours. When the utensil is removed from the boiling water, it should be rinsed off in cold water.
IRUY KLI RISHON (POURED BOILING WATER)
If the utensil only came in contact with hot liquid being poured on it (iruy), it can be kashered in the same manner. If the utensil came in contact with hot chametz solids, then one should kasher by pouring boiling water via an even melubenet (heated stone), pouring water onto the stone and allowing water to drip onto the surface. For example, if hot pasta fell into a sink, stones should be heated on the stove, and moved around the surface of the sink while boiling water is poured over them. In this way, the water will remain boiling on the surface of the sink. The stones may need to be reheated several times, since they cool down quickly. In all other aspects, the process is identical to hagalah.
LIBUN KAL (LIGHT BURNING)
In certain cases, libun kal is sufficient. This can be accomplished by heating in an oven at 550° F for one hour. This method of kashering can be used in place of hagalah. It is also used when the need for libun is only an added stringency.
NOT EVERY MATERIAL CAN BE KASHERED. Ceramic, such as china, and enamel-coated pots, cannot be kashered. It is the custom of Ashkenazim not to kasher glass. Some poskim did not permit kashering plastic or other synthetic materials for Passover, however the opinion of the OU rabbanim is that they may be kashered, if there is a need. Ask your rabbi for guidance. As a rule, materials such as metal, wood, stone, natural rubber and fabric can be kashered.
THE MODERN KITCHEN
SILVERWARE, POTS & OTHER SMALL ITEMS
HAGALAH
Rolled lips, seams or cracks, which cannot be cleaned, will require torching of those areas. Utensils should be immersed one at a time into a pot of boiling water that is on the fire. Water should be allowed to return to a boil before next item is placed into the pot. The pot can be non-Passover, provided it is clean and has not been used for 24 hours.
Larger items can be submerged in the water one part at a time. Utensils should then be rinsed in cold water.
STAINLESS STEEL SINK
IRUY
Remove drain. [It is recommended that the drain be replaced. If this is difficult, and the drain has large holes and can be completely scrubbed clean, then it can be kashered. It should not be used for 24 hours. It should be boiled in a clean chametz pot that was not used for 24 hours.] It is preferable to kasher a sink by pouring boiling water in conjunction with an even melubenet. In lieu of kashering with a heated stone, some place a rack on the bottom of the sink, or use a sink insert.
CERAMIC SINK
MUST BE COVERED
The sink should not be used with hot water for 24 hours. Remove drain. [See drain instructions under stainless steel sink.] The sink should be completely clean and dry. The sink should be covered with layers of contact paper, foil,, or, even better, purchase a sink insert.
GAS STOVE
LIBUN & COVER
Clean the stovetop surface and grates well. Don’t use for 24 hours. Cover the stovetop surface with foil. Replace the grates or burn them in the oven at 550° F for one hour. ELECTRIC STOVE LIBUN & COVER Clean the stovetop surface well. Cover with foil. Turn the burners on until they glow red. GLASS STOVE MUST BE COVERED Clean the stovetop surface well. Don’t use for 24 hours. During Passover, pots shouldn’t be placed directly on the stove surface, but rather place an aluminum or metal disc directly under the pot. Note: One should not cover the entire glasstop surface as this might cause it to overheat and crack.
KEURIG COFFEE MAKER
HAGALAH OR IRUY
Remove K-cup holder, and clean very well. Perform hagalah or iruy on K-cup holder. Run a Kosher for Passover K-cup in the machine.
SELF-CLEAN OVENS
LIBUN
Remove any visible food. Complete self-cleaning cycle with racks in place.
NON SELF-CLEANING OVEN
LIBUN
Clean all surfaces (walls, floor, doors and racks) thoroughly with a caustic cleanser (e.g., Easy Off). Pay special attention to thermostat, oven window, and edges of the oven chamber. Black discoloration that is flush with the metal need not be removed. Oven should not be used for 24 hours. Place racks in the oven and turn the oven to broil (highest heat) for 90 minutes. A broiler pan that comes in direct contact with food should not be used.
WARMING DRAWERS
LIBUN
Warming drawers don’t get to libun kal temperature. Unless one is experienced in kashering with a torch, they are not recommended for use on Passover.
TABLECLOTHS, OVEN MITTS, APRONS & OTHER FABRIC ITEMS
WASH
Fabric items can be kashered by washing them with detergent in washing machine set on hot. Check items to ensure that no pieces of food remain attached
MICROWAVE
HAGALAH
Glass turntable should be removed and replaced with new kosher for Passover surface. A clean drinking glass, unused for 24 hours, should be filled with water and boiled in the microwave for 10 minutes The cup should be refilled and moved to another spot and the process repeated for 10 more minutes. Cardboard or contact paper should be taped over the glass window pane for the duration of Passover.
THE SINK FAUCET (& INSTANT HOT)
IRUY
Detach any filters or nozzles. Remove drain.
GRANITE COUNTER TOPS
IRUY OR COVERING
It is preferable to kasher a countertop by pouring boiling water in conjunction with an even melubenet.
OTHER COUNTER TOPS
MUST BE COVERED
Ceramic tile counters cannot be kashered. The counter should be cleaned well and covered with a water-resistant covering.
REFRIGERATORS, FREEZERS, FOOD SHELVES & PANTRIES
CLEAN & COVER
These areas should be thoroughly cleaned, paying special attention to the edges where crumbs may be trapped. The surfaces should be lined with paper or plastic. Note: Refrigerator and freezer will operate more efficiently if holes are poked in the lining to allow air flow.
DISHWASHERS
HAGALAH
Kashering of dishwasher is a complicated process and should only be done in consultation with a halachic authority. Clean all surfaces and leave idle for 24 hours. Run a heated cycle of the dishwasher with soap. Then, run a heated dish washing cycle. Boil large pots of water on stove and pour into the dishwasher in the middle of the heated cycle.
TABLES
MUST BE COVERED
Although wooden tables can be kashered, the common custom is to clean the tables well and then cover them.
The following is a checklist reviewing items commonly found in the kitchen and how to prepare them for Pesach. Also included is a list of items that cannot be kashered.

UTENSIL	PREPARATION
Baby Bottle	Since it comes into contact with chometz (e.g. washed with dishes, boiled in chometz pot), new ones should be purchased.
Baby High Chair	Thoroughly clean. Preferable to cover the tray with contact paper.
Blech	Libbun gamur. Preferably be replaced
Blender/FoodProcessor Smoothie Machine	New or Pesachdik receptacle (plus any part of unit that makes direct contact with food) required. Thoroughly clean appliance. The blade should be treated like any knife kashered through hagola.
Can Opener	Manual or Electric – Clean thoroughly.
Candlesticks/Tray	Clean thoroughly. Should not be put under hot water in a kosher for Pesach sink.
Coffeemakers	Metal coffeemakers that have brewed only unflavored pure coffee. Clean thoroughly. Replace with new or Pesachdik glass carafe and new filters. Metal coffeemakers that have brewed flavored coffee should be cleaned thoroughly. Do not use for 24 hours. Pour one cup of water into chamber. Water should be heated in unit and allowed to drip over exposed metal base. Replace with new plastic filter holder, new filters, and new or Pesachdik glass carafe. Plastic coffeemakers should not be kashered.
Colanders	Metal – Libbun kal. Plastic – Do not use.
Dentures, Bite Plates, Braces	Clean thoroughly after one has finishing eating chometz.
Dishwashers	Contact Your Local Rabbi
Electric Burner Drip Pans	Clean thoroughly.
Grater	Metal – Libbun kal. Plastic – Do not use.
Instant Hot Devices	See Water Filters.
Metal Wine Goblets	Hagola.
Metal Wine Trays	Hagola.
Mixer	Do not use, even with new blades and bowls.
Pump Pot	If in contact with chometz (e.g. sponge) do not use. Otherwise, does not need kashering.
Refrigerator, Freezer	Thoroughly clean. Lining shelves is not necessary. Ice trays should be put away with chometz dishes.
Rings, (Finger)	Eruy roschim.