Can Corelle Or Corningware Be Kashered?

Before Passover, it is a traditional belief for the Jewish to Kasher all the kitchenware they use for food. For many modern Jewish families, Corelle or Corningware dishes are quite common, but many are unsure if they can be kashered. We thoroughly researched this topic, and we found the answers to these important questions you may have.

There are many differences between materials that can be kashered for Pesach. In general, glass in all forms, including Corelle or Corningware, cannot be kashered. Arguably, there are many differing opinions about kashering glass, so the best action would be to ask your Rabbi about the acceptable situation in your community. 

Knowing which materials can and cannot be kashered for Passover can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we have listed all the information you need about the items you can kasher. We also have information about why kashering is important and why it is necessary to do this process for Pesach. Stay with us to learn more!

Can Corelle Or Corningware Be Kashered?

Many family and community preparations happen, leading to Pesach or Passover. During this time, important tasks must be done to carry out the mitzvot or the commandments of the festival. There are many things happening, from ordering food, cleaning the home, and ensuring that Pesach's kitchenware and tools are kashered.

One of the most important things to do before Pesach is to ensure that items used for food and drink must be kashered before the festival. This can be a very tedious job that entails a lot of time and effort because there are processes that must be followed to kasher utensils and kitchenware before you can use them.

Based on the Jewish laws, some rules should be followed before one can kasher items used during Pesach. Varying materials of kitchenware and tools can be kashered, but others are not allowed to be used during Passover.

A common question during these times is whether Corelle or Corningware plates and dishware can be kashered. Unfortunately, Corelle and Corningware are considered glass and part of the list of materials that cannot be kashered.

This is because Corelle and Corningware dishes can break when it undergoes high heat changes. One of the things that are necessary for kashering is to clean wares by using boiling water. This process on Corelle and Corningware dishes is unsuitable based on the manufacturer's standards.

What Is Kashering?

The term "kashering" generally means to make kosher. Kashering is a Yiddish word that means to make fit or proper, and in this context, it means to make things fit or proper for use following the kashrut or the dietary laws of Judaism.

Generally, kashering is done before Pesach or Passover to ensure that all kitchenware and everything used for food is clean and fit for the festival. However, kashering can also be done anytime during the year to ensure that these dishes and kitchen items are kosher.

There are two steps to kashering: first is a thorough cleaning to completely remove all traces of chametz or leavening, which is prohibited during Passover. The second step is purging or using heat to completely remove the chametz flavor that the kitchenware or dish could have absorbed.

Cleaning utensils, dishes, and other kitchenware before Pesach requires removing all food, rust, calcium deposits, and anything else that protrudes. If the items cannot be thoroughly cleaned because of narrow necks, cracks, crevices, or scratches, these items cannot be kashered for use during Pesach.

To be allowed to use for Pesach, the items must be clean inside and out to ensure that they completely lose all the chametz that they have absorbed.

After cleaning all the utensils, dishes, and kitchenware, it is important to start purging these items. Purging means that these items must be washed with hot water to remove the chametz flavor that has been absorbed. Since this process requires the use of extreme heat, some items might break and, therefore, cannot be kashered for Passover.

How To Kasher Items For Pesach

Many different methods can be done to kasher items for Pesach. Here are some step-by-step processes you can do to kasher all the times you will be used for Passover.

Flatware

Silver, stainless steel, and plastic (if your Rabbi has allowed it) can be kashered for Pesach. To start, the flatware must be thoroughly cleaned, and it should not be used for 24 hours. After this time, a pot of water is brought to a rolling boil, and the flatware should be dropped inside the pot one at a time. The water must return to a boil before adding more flatware to the pot.

Pots and pans

Metal pots can be kashered the same way steel and metal flatware is kashered. However, if your pots are too big to fit in another pot of boiling water, ask your Rabbi what method should be done to kasher these items.

Baking, roasting, and frying pans cannot be kashered from Passover unless used with generous amounts of oil or grease. If this is the case with these pans, you can kasher them via libun kal or light burning. To do this, clean the pans and do not use them for 24 hours. After this, put them upside down on an open flame until the entire pot burns hot inside and out.

Drinking glasses

Generally speaking, drinking glasses used with hot beverages or washed with hot water (in the dishwasher) cannot be kashered for Passover. However, if they are brand new, fill the glasses with water and leave them in the glasses for 24 hours. Repeat this process using fresh water two more times.

Plastic glasses can be kashered using this method, but other drinkware made of ceramic or enamel cannot be kashered completely.

Small kitchen appliances

Most small kitchen appliances like electric mixers, food processors, and blenders have motors and small parts where chametz can accumulate. Because of this, it can be hard to clean and kasher for Passover. It is highly suggested that you should have a separate set of small kitchen appliances that can only be specifically used for Passover.

If your kitchen appliances have sealed and covered motors, you can simply purchase a separate set of blades and bowls that can be used for Passover.

Ovens

There are many different kinds of ovens that are used at home. A self-cleaning oven is easier to kasher, but both kinds can be kashered for Passover.

To kasher a self-cleaning oven, you simply need to clean the oven and remove all traces of food. Place the racks inside the oven and run a complete high-temperature self-cleaning cycle.

For a non-self-cleaning oven, the interiors and exteriors must be thoroughly cleaned, including the racks. Do not use this oven for 24 hours. After this time, the oven should be turned on to 500 to 550°F for one hour to begin the process of kashering.

For extra precaution, some families prefer to cover the racks and grates with perforated aluminum foil before using the oven for Passover. Food that must be cooked should not touch the sides, bottom, or top during the Passover festivities.

What Materials Can And Cannot Be Kashered?

Generally, items like fabric, metal, wood, rubber, and stone can be kashered for Passover. These items can survive the thorough cleaning process and purge necessary for kashering.

However, many items cannot be kashered due to the nature of their materials. Everything that comes in contact with food made with these materials cannot be kashered. These materials are all types of ceramic, including brick, china, earthenware,  and enamel. Kitchen items that are also made of concrete or cement also cannot be kashered for Pesach.

This list of items that cannot be kashered includes all types of glass, including Corelle, Corningware, fiberglass, Pyrex, Thermoses, and porcelain enamel. Crystal, in particular, also cannot be kashered.

Plastic and other synthetic materials like Teflon, Formica, and other similar materials technically cannot be kashered. However, some Rabbis take a more lenient position when it comes to these synthetic materials, so it's a good idea to ask your Rabbi about their opinion concerning these materials before kashering them.

Items made with materials that can be kashered but have crevices and spaces where chametz can accumulate (and therefore can be hard to clean) cannot be kashered for Pesach. Examples of these items that cannot be kashered are sieves, graters, dishwashers, and items with loose handles or narrow necks.

Final Thoughts

Kashering is an important process that all Jews must follow before Pesach. To celebrate the festival, one must ensure that everything is fit and proper for the celebration. Make sure to prepare for Passover ahead of time to avoid the trouble of rushing these processes and have a peaceful and meaningful holiday.

Would you like to learn more about kosher food? We have articles that might interest you:

Are Potatoes Kosher? [Including For Passover]

Should You Use Kosher Salt In Baking?