What to Consider When Creating a Kosher Kitchen

Maintaining a functional kosher kitchen requires forward-thinking and planning as early as when creating it.

If you also keep a kosher kitchen and you are ready for a kitchen remodel, there are unique considerations to discuss with your kitchen designer. To keep a kosher kitchen, there are a variety of strict and complex guidelines and dietary laws beyond the use of kosher-labeled food as dictated by the Torah.

Here is what to consider when creating a kosher kitchen. 

Furnishings 

For countertops, you need a hard surface. When you're thinking about countertops, you want to make sure that the counter is easy to maintain and durable. Since the separation of meat and dairy also applies to preparing food, any cracks can lead to contamination. Countertops are subjected to a koshering process in order to clean them. 

For the kosher kitchen, quartz countertops are ideal surfaces. Quartz is an extremely hard surface that's non-porous and doesn't require sealing. This makes it one of the best for preparing foods. Stainless steel sinks are another amenity found in the kosher kitchen.

Stainless steel is a material that can be koshered and cleaned in several ways. You will need two sinks in your kosher kitchen, one for meat and another for dairy. It is important to keep this in mind when placing sinks to allow for two prep areas.

Consider Storage Requirements 

Storage space is a common issue for many homeowners, and it can be even more challenging when you're maintaining a kosher kitchen. For kosher kitchens, you need storage for at least two sets of dishes, plus double the silverware, glassware, and pot/pan storage. Take inventory of what you'll need to store in your kitchen and let your designer know. 

Coloring System

 As there will be sets of dishes, pans, and utensils moving around the kitchen, a popular method to keep organized is the color method. For instance, red for meat, blue for dairy, and white or yellow for Pareve.

This can be used to indicate shelving and cabinetry, storage containers, utensil handles, sponges, dish towels, cutting boards, and preparation surfaces. Dishes may be colored or simply have a different pattern or shape. Placements and tablecloths can be designated to use the same table. 

Refrigerators and Freezers 

These may be used for all food types. However, separate areas should be designated for meat and dairy foods to prevent leakage onto other foods. Sometimes, a shelf or the door of the refrigerator or freezer is kept for dairy. One should avoid placing hot meat or hot dairy foods in the refrigerator as this may affect the other foods in the refrigerator and cause kashrut problems. 

Tables 

Dairy and meat may not be simultaneously present on the same table. This applies only to a table upon which one eats; serving trays or serving tables are not subject to this rule. When transitioning from meat to dairy, the table must be fully cleaned. The tablecloth and all dishes and cutlery must also be changed.  

Work with an Experienced Kitchen Design and Build Team 

The benefits of working with a kitchen design and build team that has experience designing kosher kitchens cannot be overemphasized. An experienced designer ensures that the tenets of the kosher culture are respected and upheld throughout the process. 

Only designers experienced in kosher kitchens will understand the ins and outs of specific kosher appliance options. They understand the need for surfaces that are sanitary and least likely to contribute to cross-contamination. They also know the important storage requirements for the kosher dish, cooking, and bakeware. 

Choose Edesia Kitchen and Bath Studio, Inc. 

At the Edesia Kitchen and Bath Studio, Inc., our experienced designers will work closely with you to ensure that all of your kosher kitchen design needs, preferences, and standards are fully met. We will help you incorporate function and style into your kitchen design or remodel. Contact us to learn more and get started.