However, it really does not need to be that difficult and with a little know-how and effort, most people are capable of kashering their kitchen. For a full step-by-step guide to proper kashering procedures, consult the STAR-K Passover Guide, which is available in hard copy and in FREE digital format. Or watch one of our very brief videos with exact steps to prepare your entire kitchen for Pesach here and here.

This brief article will focus on proper (as well as improper) methods of kashering countertops made from granite or other stone materials[1].

Countertops that are made of solid stone, like Pure Granite, Quartzite, or Marble, can be kashered. Other types of synthetic or composite materials (including Silestone, Porcelain Enamel, Corian, Quartz, Formica, and Granite Composite) cannot be kashered and should instead be covered.

Solid stone countertops are kashered through Iruy Roschin, which means pouring boiling water from a pot that has been heated on a fire[2]. Actual water is needed to kasher, not steam[3]. Many people have been looking to use steam machines and similar devices for kashering purposes. Using a steam machine is effective only when it boils and sprays actual water. If it produces only steam, even if the steam exits the nozzle at 212°F or above, that is not considered kashering. STAR-K has tested many models of steamers available commercially and have found that almost all of them will only produce hot steam and not boiling water, thus rendering this idea impractical for the most part.

An effective technique to kasher stone countertops involves the concept of Even Meluban. A small amount of [hot] water is sprayed or poured onto the counter and then one goes over the water with a hot iron, or heated cast-iron plate (held firmly by tongs or other means), which boils the water upon contact. For this to work, the hot iron or plate must be hot enough to boil the water on contact and also maintain its heat throughout the process. This method is highly effective and efficient. However, due to the inherent danger involved it should only be performed by competent individuals who have the requisite experience to do this safely, properly and effectively.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with the traditional method of covering your counters, like in the good ol’ days before stone became popular.

The STAR-K hotline is available to answer your questions. Call us at 410-484-4110 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. M-TH, and until 2 p.m. on Friday. You can also send an email to info@star-k.org.

Wishing everyone a Chag Kasher V’Sameach.

[1] Metal and wood with a smooth surface can also be kashered.

[2] See Shulchan Aruch O.Ch. 451:5

[3] Ibid. 452:5; see Igros Moshe Y.D. 1:60