Immersion of a Kettle and Its Base
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
An electric kettle made of plastic with a metal heating element inside, does it require immersion? And does the base of the kettle also need to be immersed?
Answer
The kettle requires full immersion with a blessing (allow it to dry for a few days, and it will not be damaged), while the base is exempt.
Source
Plastic utensils are generally treated according to the opinion of the Chazon Ish that they do not require immersion. Metal utensils require immersion, and here, since the metal is connected inside, immersion is required because of the metal.
As written in the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 120, Se'if 7: "A silver cup attached to a wooden vessel requires immersion." And the Rema writes: "Similarly, a pepper mill, in which iron is fixed inside the wood for grinding, requires immersion. Similarly, iron funnels or iron taps and other metal utensils, all require immersion. Specifically, if the main part of the utensil is metal, but if the main part of the utensil is wood with a bit of iron fixed in it, since it can be used without the iron, immersion is not required. But if the utensil is fixed with iron pins, and without the pins it cannot be used, and they are inside, immersion is required." Therefore, the kettle needs to be immersed because of the metal part inside.
The base does not require immersion, even if it cannot be used without it, nevertheless, it is a completely separate part and not connected.
See Azmera Leshimcha, issue 173