How to manage in a non kosher Airbnb (Jewish host)

Could you tell me if it's permissible for me to use the dishes provided by my Jewish host (rented an Airbnb)? What about his microwave I know he Is not religious, so is it considered treif?

Thank you for your question.

Certainly! First I would like to outline the halachic concerns associated with using a kitchen that has not been kept kosher. Following that, I'll provide you with a practical guide on how to be able to use what you have available.

There are two main concerns with regard to using a non-kosher kitchen

1. Tevielas Keilim – Some utensils need to be immersed in a mikvah before being used, so were the utensils immersed in a mikvah?
2. Are there any nonkosher foods on the dishes or even absorbed into the dishes?

The order is that first one has to do Ha’galah and then Te’vielah.

Stainless steel Cutlery

For the cutlery, you'll first need to perform Hagalah (instructions on this process will be provided later in this response).
Then one has to take the cutlery and do Tevielah

Glass cups

Glass cups may be used only for cold beverages and does not need Te’vielah.

Dishes and Serving plates

However, dishes and serving plates can only be used if one has done Hagalah and halachicly it is difficult to do Hagalah on such dishes since porcelain, glass, or plastic dishes according to many Halachic opinions Hagalah doesn’t help to make it Kosher to use, therefore one should avoid using them.

Peeler

Vegetable peeler, needs only Te’vilah, however it does not need Ha’galah.

Cutting board

The cutting board may be used, however it is prohibited to use it when cutting either hot or spicey food(דבר חריף).

Microwave

One may use it only when double-wrapping the food.

There is a way to make the microwave kosher (Machshir).

1. Wait 24 hours without using it
2. Place a cup with hot water inside
3. Turn on the microwave for about a quarter of an hour, enough time for the water to evaporate.
4. The glass plate of the microwave needs Tevieleh, if one is not able to Toivel then one needs to place the food in a closed vessel. (covering the food in a plastic bag won’t help if the plate is not Toiveled.)

Even after one has made the microwave Kosher, some are stringent to cover the food when heating.

It's important to note that although we mentioned earlier that in your situation it is permitted to heat the food which is double-wrapped in a non-kosher microwave, nevertheless this would not be permitted in one’s home on a day-to-day basis.

Countertop :

One should make sure it is thoroughly clean, then one may place hot pots on it. However, one may not place hot food directly on the counter.

Using the gas top

One may cook using the host’s gas top as long as it is clean of any food residue. Some are stringent to cover it with aluminum foil but it's not obligatory.

Using the BBQ grill

The base of the grill is permitted to be used however, the grid is forbidden since it would need “Libun Chamur” meaning it would have to reach a temperature that the iron would become red hot, which is almost impossible. So one would have to buy a new grid and Toivel it before using (even when intended for a one-time use). If the grill has a cover then it would only be permitted to use the cover if the food is covered. If the food is not covered then it would be prohibited to use.

Ha’galah – stainless-steel cutlery.

How to do Ha’galah?

1. The cutlery has to be “Eino Ben Yomo” – meaning; not used in the past twenty-four hours.
2. One must ensure the cutlery is completely clean of any dirt, food residue, or rust. It is best to clean the cutlery 24 hours before Ha'galah.
3. Then fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil, and then place the cutlery into the water while it is still boiling for a little time.
4. If you don't have a pot to boil the water in, you may use a kettle. Keep the water boiling, then place the cutlery inside. Since the owner is a Jew then the kettle can only be used if it has been Toiveled.
5. Then the water needs to be poured out and not used.
6. The custom is to afterward immerse the cutlery in cold water, however, if one forgets to do it, the Ha’galah is still kosher.

Wishing you a nice and pleasant holiday.

Shulcha Aruch Orach chaim 451 YD 120 Kovets Pesakim Vehora'ah page 93