DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 434 KB)
Do Plastic or Teflon Utensils Require Immersion in a Mikveh?

The Torah obligation of Tebilat Kelim – immersing new utensils – applies only to metal utensils, and the Sages extended this obligation to glass utensils. Utensils made from other materials, such as plastic, nylon, rubber and enamel, do not require immersion at all. This is the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, in Halichot Olam (vol. 7).

The Halachic authorities debate the status of a Teflon pot with respect to Tebilat Kelim. On the one hand, since the pot is made primarily of metal, and the Teflon is just a thin layer of nylon covering the pot, it seemingly should require immersion like other metal utensils. On the other hand, people who acquire Teflon pots are specifically interested in the Teflon, which prevents the food from sticking to the surface of the utensil, and thus perhaps the Teflon should be regarded as the primary material, such that the pot should not require Tebila. As mentioned, the Aharonim (later authorities) debate this question. In light of the difference of opinion in this regard, Teflon utensils should be immersed in a Mikveh, but without a Beracha.

Summary: Utensils made from materials other than metal and glass do not require Tebila. Metal utensils lined with Teflon should be immersed, but without a Beracha.

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
In the Event One Does Not Have Pre-Cut Tissues in the Restroom on Shabbat
Is It Permissible to Make Ice Cubes on Shabbat
May a Non-Jew Carry from the Synagogue on Shabbat to a House for a Seuda?
Is It Permissible To Hold Dog Leash or Allow Dogs To Wear Tags on Shabbat
Hiring a Hazan, Ba’al Keri’a or Ba’al Teki’a for Shabbat or Yom Tob
Receiving Compensation for Work Done on Shabbat-2
Receiving Compensation for Work Done on Shabbat
Renting Hotel Rooms to non-Jews for Shabbat
May One Remove a Mukse Item from the Shabbat Table?
The Mukse Status of Tefillin on Shabbat
May One Continue to Handle a Mukse Item After It Was Already Picked Up?
Is it Permissible to Move Utensils and Furniture Without a Reason on Shabbat?
Is It Permissible to Use A Mukse Type Item on Shabbat To Perform A Permissible Function
Is It Permissible on Shabbat in the Public Domain to Carry a Child Who Refuses to Walk?
Is It Permissible to Read Documents and Letters on Shabbat?
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found