Planning a Kosher Kitchen That Works for Your Life

Kitchen design is about much more than layout and finishes for those who observe kosher dietary laws. It's about creating a space that supports daily function, seasonal holidays, and years of meaningful meals. Whether renovating an existing home or designing a kitchen from the ground up, planning a kosher kitchen requires both thoughtfulness and practicality.

In this post, we’ll explore real-world planning tips and design priorities that make kosher kitchens efficient, beautiful, and easy to use—whether you’re deeply observant or want an organized and intentional layout.

A recently completed kosher kitchen in Woodmere features dual prep zones and warm wood finishes by Leicht.

Separate—but Unified—Zones

A key principle of kosher cooking is the separation of meat and dairy. In modern kitchen design, this often means:

• Two sinks in separate zones

• Dual prep areas

• Separate utensil drawers and cookware storage

Rather than simply duplicating everything, we work with clients to integrate those systems into a cohesive layout. Design should guide behavior, not complicate it. As we explore in our complete Kosher Kitchen Design Guide, layout and workflow can make separation feel effortless.

Designing for separation: This kosher kitchen includes two separate sinks to support daily cooking needs.

Do You Need Two of Everything?

In short: no. But having two of some things can simplify life greatly.

• Double ovens are ideal if you cook both meat and dairy regularly.

• Two dishwashers are convenient but not essential if you manage cycles carefully.

• Cooktops are typically shared, but some families include a small two-burner in a secondary zone.

We help clients plan these around real-life cooking habits, not just tradition.

Choosing Appliances with Sabbath Mode

Many modern appliances now come with Sabbath Mode, allowing them to operate without violating Shabbat restrictions. Ovens, refrigerators, and even some dishwashers offer this functionality.

We recommend reviewing appliance specs carefully and working with a designer or showroom familiar with kosher standards. (link to appliance planning or cabinet options page)

LED Lighting & Electrical Drawers

Modern kitchens often include LED lighting under cabinets, in drawers, or below countertops, push-to-open electrical drawers, and motorized upper doors.

While elegant, these features need Shabbat planning. We recommend:

• Connecting LED transformers to switched or smart-controlled outlets

• Ensuring drawer lighting and motion sensors can be disabled

• Avoid using electrical drawer mechanisms unless they can be turned off

If you’re building a smart kitchen, schedule settings that support your observance without disrupting design. Learn more in our Kitchen Lighting Guide.

The bar section detail with smart LED lighting is configured to remain Shabbat-friendly with switched control.

Bonus Planning Tips

• Build in storage for pareve utensils (neutral—not meat or dairy)

• Plan for labeling systems inside drawers or cabinets

• Design with workflow in mind—meat prep on one side, dairy on the other

• Consider a third prep area for baking, salads, or shared items

A Kosher Kitchen Can Be Beautiful

At Leicht Queens, we design kosher kitchens that meet real needs without compromising elegance. Whether building a classic home kitchen or a modern minimalist layout, your kosher practice can be integrated seamlessly into the design.

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Looking for real-world guidance from a team that has designed kosher kitchens across NYC and beyond? Visit our New York Showroom or start planning today with our in-depth Kosher Kitchen Design Guide.