Kashering a Sandwich Maker

The Aish Rabbi Replies

I’m afraid there is no way to make it kosher. The general principle with kashering (making kosher) is that non-kosher taste can be purged from a utensil in the same manner it was absorbed. Since a sandwich maker is cooked with food directly against it – without the medium of water, as cooking is usually done, it can only be made kosher with direct heat. This would require using a blow torch on it until it is glowing hot. However, the Sages were generally concerned that people will be afraid to do this properly on any utensil which is liable to be destroyed by the heat. Thus, we are not permitted even to attempt to kasher a utensil such as a sandwich maker.

I am sorry again for the loss.

(Sources: Talmud Pesachim 30b, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 451:1-2.)