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...
Sukkot – Hiring a Non-Jew to Build a Sukka
Halachot of the Tefilot and Kiddush of Shemini Aseret
Succot: Are The Lulav and Etrog Mukse on Shabbat?
The Fourth Day of Sukkot – The Ushpizin of Moshe Rabbenu
The Preferred Time for Lulab and Etrog
Succot: The Halachot of Etrog
Is it Permissible to use Zip Ties to Secure the Sechach
May Non-Jew Build Your Sukka?
Announcing the Transition to “Mashib Ha’ru’ah” on Shemini Aseret
When Does One Begin Reciting “Mashib Ha’ruah” on Shemini Aseret if He Prays Alone?
Succot- Performing Hakafot on Shemini Aseret
Shopping on Hol Ha’mo’ed
Succot: Distributing Charity on Ereb Succot
Succot: Spots on the Etrog
Sukkot – Preferences When Purchasing an Etrog
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found