EYTAN KOBRE OF MISHPACHA DIGS INTO THE STORY OF ZMAN TECHNOLOGIES
GE Appliances CEO Kevin Nolan discusses the company’s recent change of hechsher, his relationship with Zman Technologies, and the HISTORIC first-time alliance between the Orthodox Union (OU) and Hisachdus HaRabbanim (CRC) to halachically improve the method of Shabbos mode in appliances.
Q: Did Star-K remove GE certification because of non compliance?
A: No
Q: Are GE appliances kosher certified?
A: Yes. GE is currently certified under the OU and CRC/Hisachdus.
Q: Does this transition mean there are changes to the built-in Sabbath mode?
A: No, for now the built-in Sabbath mode will stay the same, but please check the Star-K website regarding how many times they allow the door to be opened on Shabbos.
Q: Are all GE ovens now OU/CRC certified?
A: No. Ovens with the previous built-in Sabbath mode are not compliant with OU/CRC halacha standards. Only ovens with Enhanced Shabbos mode are approved for use by the OU/CRC and over time will replace the regular Sabbath mode.
Q: Does Enhanced Shabbos mode require the usage of Zman Technologies Shabbos Keeper?
A: Currently, there are ovens with GE’s built-in Shabbos mode and with Enhanced Shabbos mode which require the Shabbos Keeper. Please visit www.zmantechnologies.com for details and updates.
Q: I own/ I am looking to purchase a new GE oven. What should I do now?
A: If you own a GE oven or are looking to purchase one, it may already be compatible with the Shabbos Keeper Enhanced Shabbos mode. Visit www.zmantchnologies.com for current lists or contact customer support with a model number for more information.
Q: The operation and usage of an oven on Shabbos and Yom tov involves many halachic issues, such as flame cycles, sensors, auto shut-off and more. Does the the Enhanced Shabbos mode take care of every one of these issues or only some of them?
A: Yes, Enhanced Shabbos mode was specifically designed by a team of technical and halacha experts to completely solve all of the above mentioned issues. OU/CRC certified models are tested in special labs to ensure full compliance.
Q: I own a GE oven with the Shabbos Keeper Enhanced Shabbos mode. Am I limited to the number of times I’m allowed to open the door on Shabbos?
A: No. Unlike existing Shabbos modes, Shabbos Keepers Enhanced Shabbos mode allows the oven door do be opened and closed without limitations.
Q: When my oven is in Enhanced Shabbos mode, am I allowed to place food into the oven on Shabbos?
A: Although the controls are deactivated, an oven may not be used differently than a blech or hot plate. Cooking or baking on Shabbos is of course not permissible.
Q: What about on holidays?
A: Opening and closing the door, as well as baking and cooking on holidays is permitted. For convenience, Shabbos Keeper is designed to raise the temperature automatically at certain times to enable cooking on Yom Tov..
Q: Who should I call with questions?
A: Contact Zman Technologies or call the OU consumer hotline at 212-613-8241
OU Kosher Presents Shabbos Keeper for Ovens
Over the past two years, Director of OU Kosher Technology Rabbi Tzvi Ortner has worked closely with GEA engineers to develop the ZMAN Technologies Shabbos Keeper for Ovens, which connects to certain models of GEA ovens to automatically enable Shabbos compatible modes each week and before every holiday. The pocket-sized device effectively disables all sensors, alerts, lights, buttons and safety shut off features for the duration of Shabbos and yom tov.
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