Keeping a kosher kitchen involves many detailed steps, and kashering your microwave is an important part of that process. If you’ve ever wondered, how do you kasher a microwave? – you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through the process in an easy, friendly way so you can confidently kasher your microwave and maintain a kosher home.
Why Kasher a Microwave?
Kashering means making an appliance or utensil kosher by removing any absorbed non-kosher food residue or taste. Microwaves don’t cook by direct heat like ovens, but they heat food by causing water molecules to vibrate, creating steam and heat inside the food. Because of this, any non-kosher food residue or splatters inside the microwave can affect kosher observance.
Since microwaves often have food splatters and steam inside, kashering is necessary to ensure that any absorbed non-kosher taste is removed before using it for kosher food.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Kasher Your Microwave
1. Clean Thoroughly
The first step is to clean your microwave very well:
– Remove the glass turntable and wash it separately with soap and water.
– Wipe down the interior walls, ceiling, and floor of the microwave with a damp, soapy cloth.
– Clean the exterior, including the door and control panel.
– Pay special attention to vents and crevices where food particles might hide. You can spray these areas with soap or a cleaning solution to ensure all residue is gone.
2. Let the Microwave Sit Unused for 24 Hours
After cleaning, the microwave should not be used for at least 24 hours. This waiting period helps “release” any absorbed non-kosher taste from the microwave’s surfaces.
3. Steam Kashering with Boiling Water
The key kashering method for microwaves is steaming:
– Place a microwave-safe cup or bowl filled with water inside the microwave.
– Heat the water on high for about 10 to 20 minutes until the water boils and the microwave fills with steam. The steam penetrates the interior surfaces and helps remove absorbed tastes.
– Halfway through, carefully move the cup to a different spot inside the microwave and repeat the heating. This ensures all areas, including where the cup was initially placed, are kashered.
4. Kasher the Glass Turntable Separately
The glass turntable usually has direct contact with food and requires special attention:
– Some authorities recommend kashering it by hagolah (immersion in boiling water).
– Others suggest wrapping the glass plate in two layers of plastic wrap if immersion is not possible, especially in hotel or temporary situations.
– If you have a spare turntable, you can use a kosher one for meat or dairy as needed.
5. Final Wipe and Dry
After steaming, wipe down the interior with a clean cloth to remove any moisture. Make sure the microwave is dry before using it again.
Additional Tips and Considerations
– If you are staying in a hotel for only one night, kashering the microwave is not feasible, because the microwave must remain unused for 24 hours before steaming.
– Some opinions hold that a microwave does not need kashering for meat/dairy switching if cleaned well, but the majority require kashering for proper kosher observance.
– For Pesach (Passover), many recommend purchasing a new microwave or using a disposable cover for the turntable, as kashering may be more stringent.
– Avoid letting the water boil away completely during steaming, as this can damage the microwave and is unsafe.
– The control panel generally only needs to be wiped clean; it does not require kashering.
Summary
Kashering a microwave involves thorough cleaning, waiting 24 hours without use, and then steaming water inside to kasher the interior surfaces. The glass turntable should be kashered separately or covered. This process removes absorbed non-kosher tastes and prepares your microwave for kosher use.
Kashering your microwave is easier than you might think and a key step to maintaining a kosher kitchen. With a little patience and care, your microwave will be ready for kosher cooking in no time!