Kashering a Kettle
Question
My son accidentally made the kettle meaty, and we are Ashkenazi Jews. Is there a way to make the kettle kosher again?
Answer
You did not specify which material the kettle is made of. In general, we refrain from kashering plastic (by scolding), and Ashkenazi Jews avoid kashering glass as well. They don’t scold anything that can be easily damaged by contact with boiling water. Therefore, if there is concern that the kettle will be damaged if fully immersed in boiling water or if its walls are made of plastic or glass, it should be replaced. If it’s unlikely that the kettle will be damaged, and its walls are made of stainless steel, it can be kashered by scolding. If the kettle is very expensive and there is significant financial loss involved, you can consult again and mention this fact, along with the material from which its walls are made, and whether the kettle will likely be damaged if immersed in boiling water.
Source
Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Chapter 451).