Keeping Kosher.

The Kosher kitchen isn’t one that has its own stylistic elements – it’s derived from designs that understand the cultural requirements of the Jewish community. The kitchen is the hearth of your home, and your faith should be an important foundational stone in its design.  

If you’re thinking about a new or updated kitchen, from composition to materials, and appliances – it doesn’t have to be difficult. This may require more pre-planning in creative design and consultation to allow for a range of solutions that work for you and your space, and our amazing local team are happy to help in that domain.

The opportunities are endless, so if Kosher is your desire - then book in your kitchen consultation with the team to talk through ideas and requirements for your dream Kosher kitchen.

Characteristics

These little nuggets of insight into the Kosher kitchen style aren’t exhaustive, but they’re a useful beginning to consider the different elements of kitchen design that you would like incorporated into your renovation and redesign.

Space & Light

• For religious reasons, Kosher kitchens require total separation – either with two adjacent areas or sometimes, separated into completely disconnected zones altogether.

• Space is cleverly configured to allow for multiple items such as dishwashers, ovens, fridges etc.

• Fresh and bright, versatile multi-layered kitchen concept.

Cabinetry & Benchtops

• Tall wall cabinets – often to the ceiling – are popular for Kosher kitchens to maximise space for duplicate items. The top shelf is great for Passover items.

• When it comes to bechtops, durability is key. Kashering (the process where boiling water - and/or fire - is used to restore the kosher status of countertops), requires benchtops, appliances, and in some cases utensils, to be hard wearing. Stainless steel, or tougher natural materials like granite are popular as they do not crack; which could lead to contamination.

• Many kitchens include a custom-made divider across their benchtops, typically comprised of the same material (approx. 3 inches tall), to separate neighbouring areas. These can be incorporated almost anywhere into the kitchen – on the island or elsewhere.

Colours & Materials

• Complementary, yet differently coloured countertops (or textures) can be used to differentiate your kitchen’s meat and dairy areas, and create a clear distinction between zones.

• Bright, light materials which are easy to keep clean and visually show food matter.

• Durable and hardy materials throughout (for Kashering) to avoid and cracks.

Custom Ideas & Accents

• Cabinetry panels can be used to conceal duplicate items and create flow.

• Sinks include multiple bowls, so necessary items can be separated - meat, dairy, and often a small neutral one in the middle. Include separate hot and cold faucet knobs on kitchen sinks to avoid the unintentional use of hot water on Shabbat. Opt for the transitional and classic faucets styles which offer a wide range of faucets with two knobs.

• Incorporate separate plumbing for the meat and dairy dishwashers via a backflow preventer in the drain line. This avoids any cross-contamination of boiling water between the meat and dairy dishwashers.

• Many appliance manufacturers now have Sabbath Mode which enables you to adjust the setting for Shabbat and Yom Tov use.