Committing to a kosher kitchen is quite a daunting undertaking and when you are also taking on a complete remodel, it can be overwhelming. It does not, however, have to be insurmountable. There are many resources to help guide you through the experience. Check out the internet and magazines to guide you. Once you have done the initial research, contact your Rabi with questions and for clarification on a kosher kitchen. Kosher requirements can vary differently between Orthodox, Conservatism, Ultra Orthodox and Reform Judaism. Your Rabi most likely will have a list of rules and guidelines. Also, hire a professional kitchen designer. They will not only be able to design the needs of a kosher kitchen but also make it personal to your needs and beautiful too. If the space and the budget allow, two distinct kitchens within one space is a possibility. A kosher kitchen requires stringent separation of meat and dairy items. Depending on the sect of Judaism you practice ------ Storage: The Storage areas need space for two sets of dishes, pots and pans, flatware, cups and utensils. You can combine the storage areas as long as there is a separation and that you do not mix service ware. A good recommendation is to color code your plates, flatware, table linen, pots. For example, red plates, gold-colored flatware, copper pots for meat items while dairy items have white plates, stainless flatware, stainless pots. You may want to label each area so when you have your new sister-in-law help in the kitchen; everything stays in the correct place. Appliances: When selecting appliances look for the STAR-K logo. This will help you determine to what extent an appliance is Kosher. Some ovens will have Sabbath modes where they will turn on automatically at a predetermined time. Once the oven is open, the oven turns off. Some refrigerators also have Sabbath modes where the ice maker turns off on the Sabbath and back on the following day. One refrigerator is usually sufficient provided all foods stay on the proper container in the proper section of the refrigerator. Having an immaculately clean refrigerator is a must if this is the case. You do not want spills from one food source contaminating food from the other. If you decide on two refrigerators, one can be full size while the other is smaller. A good kitchen designer can help assess your family’s needs to determine which is best for you. Dishwashers cannot be Kosher in most cases. You either need two dishwashers, separate compartment dishwashers as in dishwasher drawers or wash by hand. Look at Fisher Pikel or Kitchen Aid for dishwasher drawers. Each drawer is on separate controls. You can dedicate the top drawer for dairy while the bottom drawer is for meat service ware. If you have space and decide to have two dishwashers, you can get two 24” wide dishwashers. Another option is to have one full size dishwasher and supplement it with a small 18” wide dishwasher. Miele makes an 18” wide dishwasher that is super quiet and cleans dishes very well. You may also opt for a single dishwasher drawer in addition to a full sized dishwasher. A single Microwave oven can be used for milk and meat provided that a complete cover is used around the food. You will also need separate plastic plate’s places on the bottom or glass turn table. Keeping the unit clean is very important. Counter tops: Counter tops may or may not be able to be koshered depending on your sect. Simply having sets of trivets for dairy, meat and pareve (not meat or dairy) will provide adequate separation of foods. Sinks: If you can’t have two separate sinks, include three separate tubs to be places in the sink. Color code the tubs for meat, dairy and pareve. If you have one sink or a single divided sink, you will need to be cautious about splashing, to keep the meat and dairy particulates apart. You will also need space for separate dish cloths or sponges and dish towels. Again, color coding is extremely helpful and highly suggested. Must Haves: ~Storage space for two sets of dishes, flatware, pans bowls ~Color Code and label where appropriate ~Separate burners dedicate for either meat or dairy ~Separate clean up areas ~Clean environment to avoid contamination between meat and dairy ~A space that functions for how you cook ~A space that reflects you Design and remodel by Design Studio West Brady Architectural Photography

Mid-sized elegant medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, blue backsplash, quartz countertops, glass tile backsplash, an island and blue countertops

Courtesy Coastal Living, a division of Time Inc. Lifestyle Group, photograph by Jean Allsopp. Coastal Living is a registered trademark and used with permission.

Inspiration for a contemporary eat-in kitchen remodel in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

We couldn’t save the original floor in the kitchen due to existing structural problems that needed to be corrected, which triggered building a subfloor under the new floor and adding insulation to bring the home up to code. And that in turn required reflowing new floors throughout the first level of the home. But the new Douglas fir floor, stained to stately rich dark brown, blends perfectly with the new moulding, baseboards, and casements specially cut to match the existing detailing. We installed a custom-made pot rack by Two Hills Studio in the renovated kitchen, providing an interesting—almost steam-punk—stylistic counterpoint amidst the white and grey paint and grey Silestone surfaces. Photography by Ryan Davis | CG&S Design-Build

Two sinks allow for multiple cooks in the kitchen.
Kitchen pantry - mid-sized traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen pantry idea in Raleigh with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Elegance, function, & style.
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Raleigh with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Picture Perfect House
Eat-in kitchen - transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands and white countertops

Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

This kitchen is equipped with a built-in coffee maker that is as a good as your own personal barista.
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Raleigh with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This efficient kitchen glows with a warm patina of wood and metal.
Inspiration for a transitional u-shaped kitchen remodel in Boston with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances and slate backsplash

Kitchen of the new house construction in Sherman Oaks which included installation of kitchen island with granite countertop, stainless steel kitchen appliances, industrial lighting, tiled flooring and white finished cabinets and shelves.

The Expresso colored cabinetry of the island is complemented with the cooktop hood.
Example of a mid-sized classic u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen design in Raleigh with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, beige backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

http://sonomarealestatephotography.com/
Open concept kitchen - large transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in San Francisco with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, green backsplash, white appliances, glass tile backsplash and an island

The far left of the kitchen displays much requested double dishwashers in an aesthetically appealing way. The decorative, lit display cabinets, huge window above the sink, and farmhouse style apron sink, create a stunning display for the bright and open space.

This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

This dark, dreary kitchen was large, but not being used well. The family of 7 had outgrown the limited storage and experienced traffic bottlenecks when in the kitchen together. A bright, cheerful and more functional kitchen was desired, as well as a new pantry space. We gutted the kitchen and closed off the landing through the door to the garage to create a new pantry. A frosted glass pocket door eliminates door swing issues. In the pantry, a small access door opens to the garage so groceries can be loaded easily. Grey wood-look tile was laid everywhere. We replaced the small window and added a 6’x4’ window, instantly adding tons of natural light. A modern motorized sheer roller shade helps control early morning glare. Three free-floating shelves are to the right of the window for favorite décor and collectables. White, ceiling-height cabinets surround the room. The full-overlay doors keep the look seamless. Double dishwashers, double ovens and a double refrigerator are essentials for this busy, large family. An induction cooktop was chosen for energy efficiency, child safety, and reliability in cooking. An appliance garage and a mixer lift house the much-used small appliances. An ice maker and beverage center were added to the side wall cabinet bank. The microwave and TV are hidden but have easy access. The inspiration for the room was an exclusive glass mosaic tile. The large island is a glossy classic blue. White quartz countertops feature small flecks of silver. Plus, the stainless metal accent was even added to the toe kick! Upper cabinet, under-cabinet and pendant ambient lighting, all on dimmers, was added and every light (even ceiling lights) is LED for energy efficiency. White-on-white modern counter stools are easy to clean. Plus, throughout the room, strategically placed USB outlets give tidy charging options.

Small elegant galley light wood floor eat-in kitchen photo with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, a double-bowl sink, stainless steel appliances and an island