To help with any questions you might have, we’ve listed the most frequently asked questions below:
Q: How do I know that the oven is suitable for Sabbath use?
A: Some of Smeg’s ovens have a Sabbath mode which has been designed according to a strictly defined specification which has been reviewed and approved by FedTech – Federation of Synagogues Beth Din. The ovens are spot checked regularly by the organisation’s Rabbis to confirm that they meet the standards.
Q: Where can I find a list of models which have been certified by FedTech?
A: www.federation.org.uk/fedtech-smeg/
Q: How do I find out more about the Halachic (Jewish Law) basis on which the appliances have been certified for sabbath use?
A: If you have any questions relating to the Halachic compliance of our devices, we recommend you contact
[email protected] directly.
Q: What is the maximum number of hours the oven will run in Sabbath mode? Will the oven switch off after for example 12 hours? Can the settings be altered in Sabbath mode?
A: This will be model dependant. Sabbath mode will run for 73 hours. you cannot adjust it, just stop it before the end of the 73 hours. Once Sabbath mode has been activated, the device will be entirely unresponsive. The only possible/feasible activity in Sabbath mode is to turn off Sabbath mode and return the device to regular state.
Q: Is there any limit to the temperature at which the oven can run in Sabbath mode?
A: The range of temperature in Sabbath mode is: 60 – 150 °C. It is intended as a warming function, not a cooking function.
Q: I am struggling to activate Sabbath mode? How can Sabbath mode be deactivated?
A: Please refer to the oven's instruction manual.
Q: Is the timer function enabled in Sabbath mode?
A: No, it is not possible.
Q: Are there any other benefits associated with these ovens for the Jewish community?
A: Some (not all) of the ovens listed include a Pyrolytic cleaning cycle, which can be used to kasher the oven, including for Pesach (Passover)
Q: What is the status of the Sabbath mode of the Smeg ovens which are not listed on the certificate?
A: These ovens run on an old version of the software and their operation is not compliant with Sabbath Law.