Q) Some are fortunate to have separate stoves for milk and meat uses. However, what should one do if they only have one stove?
A) In order to avoid any possible kashrus issues, it is best to have two separate stove tops (Sefer Hakashrus 1:20, quoting the Chachmas Adam 74:4). However, if this is not possible there are certain considerations one must make when using a stove for both milk and meat (even separately) as will be discussed:
The Rema in Hilchos Pesach (OC 451:4) rules that grills require “libun kal” (kashering using heat until the metal is hot enough to burn a straw that touches it). The Mishna Berura (34) points out that this is only a stringency for chametz – since absorbed taste does not travel between two pots that are touching each other. (see Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 92:8 and Taz ibid.).
Of course, one must ensure that the grill is clean before using it for the opposite food. If not, food left over on the grill may be absorbed into the next pot that is cooked on the stove. For example, if sauce from a meat dish boiled over and remained on the grill and a pot with dairy foods was subsequently cooked, the leftover meat may be absorbed into the pot, which, under certain circumstances will prohibit both the pot and its contents. (See Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 92:5 and 6).
To prevent this issue, Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:40; ibid.:59) suggests allowing the gas to burn for a short while before placing the second pot, thereby burning any food that may have spilled on the grill.
The Ben Ish Chai (Shut Rav Pe’alim 4:17) also notes the custom to use the same grill for both meat and milk consecutively. This is was also the ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurebach (Hilchos Shlomo Pesach 3 ft 4).
However, Rav Moshe Shternbuch (Teshuvos Ve’hanhagos 2:387) writes that one should be stringent to at least have separate grills.
One who is stringent, may still use the same grill after waiting 24 hours without use and ensuring that the grill is clean.
Meat and milk on the same stove top
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