Cutting boards might not look as complicated as your other kitchen gadgets, but it is definitely a major tool for cooking. Whether you’re a professional chef or not, you need to have a cutting board to cook your recipes. If you still look at a cutting board as nothing but a simple piece of wood, then it’s time for you to know that they are as important as your knives.
A good cutting board prevents your knives from getting dull faster. Aside from this, there are now boards that help cooks avoid cross contamination. When you go out and buy your new cutting board, you might even be surprised at a large number of varieties being sold in the market right now. There are Maple wood, Acacia wood, Bamboo, and even plastic cutting boards to choose from.
Each one of these products has a unique feature that would be very useful in your kitchen. If you’re ready to know their differences to find the best cutting board for you, keep reading because we’ve wrapped up the pros and cons of each product.
Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Cutting Board
Cutting boards are important kitchen tools. Every kitchen should have a trusty cutting board because it’s nearly impossible to cook without one. Together with the best kind of knife, you’ll be able to perfect your recipes. However, there are various designs, materials, and even sizes to choose from when you try to buy one. To help you find the best chopping board, here are some guidelines that you might want to follow while shopping.
Related Posts:
Prevent Cross Contamination
Food poisoning can happen because of cross-contamination. The reality is that you are always working with various ingredients in your kitchen. Even if you're not a professional chef, your recipes will always call for various ingredients which can have germs or bacteria in their raw form, especially meats.
You might not take it seriously, but the fact is that the juices of raw meat can get into your vegetables or fruits if you don't wash your board properly. But even if you wash your boards properly, there are some materials that can get bacteria stuck. Cross-contamination can result in salmonella, so always clean and sanitize. Or better yet, use a different board for different kinds of dishes.
The Material of Wood Cutting Boards
There are various materials for wood cutting boards. Hardwood boards are easy to find and lasts longer than soft pine boards. However, they can also cost more. They are recommendable if you are ready to invest on a chopping board that you can use for a long time.
On the other hand, there are also end-grain boards that are known for their self-healing feature. This means that the board’s fibers close back when your knife wounds the surface of the board. They are also durable; however, they are usually more expensive. There are also edge-grain boards that lessen the bacteria absorbed by your cutting board.
The Larger, The Better
A lot of people try to save space by getting a small chopping board. While this is perfectly understandable, especially for those who have a small kitchen, it’s important to know that nothing could beat the benefits of having a large chopping board. When cooking, you will find yourself working with various ingredients that need to be chopped, and the tendency is for you to set them at the side of the chopping board.
But how would you do this when you’re using a small board? In the end, some of the slices might fall from the board. Aside from this, it’s also important to remember that you’ll be working with knives of various sizes. It’s not very ideal to work with a small chopping board when you’re using a chef’s knife or a type that is longer. Having a larger cutting board can make your work faster, easier and safer.
Have A Plastic Cutting Board In The Kitchen
Cross-contamination can happen when you use wood cutting boards for your raw meats. This is because it's easy for the wood to absorb the juice of the raw meat that can be full of bacteria. For raw meats, it’s best to use a board made of plastic because you can wash it easily and sanitize it to make sure that the bacteria or the germs from raw meat won’t get transferred to your other ingredients. You can buy a medium-sized plastic cutting board for your meats, and it would only cost you a few dollars.
Bamboo Boards Are Great, But You Need To Research About Them
Bamboo cutting boards are now getting more popular because they are eco-friendly and they look good. Just like wood, this kind of chopping board is solid, plus, they absorb fewer bacteria and liquid. However, this material also has its downside. This is because bamboo chopping boards can make your knives dull and could also contain formaldehyde that could get into your food.
You Can Prevent Your Cutting Board From Slipping
Thinking of getting that cutting board with non-slip grips but you don’t really have the budget for it? Fortunately, you can use a damp paper towel to prevent your board from slipping. This is a very useful kitchen hack that even professional chefs use. Simply lay a damp paper towel on the counter and place your board on top.
Maintain Your Board
It’s important to give your cutting board the maintenance that it needs especially for those that are made of wood and bamboo. These materials are always exposed to water and heat. To make your cutting board last longer, make sure to dry it immediately, and to oil it often.
Top 11 Best Cutting Boards
1. Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board by Virginia Boys Kitchens
Highlighted Features
Walnut cutting boards are known for their luxurious appearance. This kind of board is popular because they are shiny and very durable. Virginia Boys takes pride in this Walnut cutting board because of its high quality. First of all, don’t be surprised when you buy this cutting board because they are sold in their raw form. Virginia Boys made this cutting board customizable so that buyers can choose the kind of finishing wax and seasoning oil that you want for your cutting board.
We like this feature since we have the opportunity to choose a wax or oil that meets our standards especially since it would touch or food and ingredients. This cutting board has a measurement of 17x11 which is a good size since it fits even long knives. It gives cooks a generous space so that they can slice the ingredients properly. Additionally, this cutting board can also be used for your cheese servings and charcuteries because of its beautiful finish and large size.
This Virginia Boys cutting board is a great gift idea for your friends or family members who love to cook.Pros
Cons
2. OXO Good Grips Cutting and Carving Board
Highlighted Features
Wood cutting boards may look great but using them for cutting raw meats can lead to cross-contamination. If you want a cutting board that will prevent that from happening, then you should get one that is made of plastic materials since they are easier to clean and sanitize.
One good example of such type of cutting board is the OXO Good Grips Cutting and Carving board. This product is made of non-porous and odor resistant polypropylene material that is durable enough for your kitchen needs. The first thing that you might notice in this cutting board is the black lining on the sides. This design is not only for aesthetic purposes but also to make the cutting board easy to use.
The black lining on the sides of the cutting board prevents it from slipping in the counter. Plastic chopping boards are known for moving too much, but this one has a good grip on the counter. Plus, the sides also act as handles that you can use to lift the board easily.
The good thing about this cutting board is that it’s affordable. Even if you’re on a budget, this product still offers a lot of features that would be useful in your kitchen. The OXO Good Grips is also made to resist deep scratches and to prevent your knife from getting dull. It's also reversible, so you can avoid cross-contamination when working with different ingredients. As for the size, this cutting board is big enough for when you’re using a chef’s knife. It comes in other sizes as well.
Pros
Cons
3. Teak Cutting Board - Rounded Rectangle Chopping Board With Centered Handle By Teakhaus
Highlighted Features
This teak cutting board is an eye candy because of its simple and traditional style. There might be a lot of modernly designed chopping boards in the market right now, but a simple one like this also has its charms. The rustic appearance of this cutting board might even remind you of your mom or grand mom's chopping board.
Teak wood is a great material because it can resist scarring better than other types of wood. However, don’t get your expectations too high because heavy butchering can still damage the surface of your teak cutting board. But when it comes to durability, this wood scores really high. The Teak tree is actually known for resisting termites, rain, fungus, and even warping. If you are from South-east Asia, you might find a lot of cutting boards with this material since this tree is abundant in Indonesia, India, and Myanmar.
But wherever you are in the world, Teakhaus can bring this type of cutting board in your doorstep. This model has a handle in the center that can be very useful when you have limited space in your kitchen. The handle can be used for hanging as well as for handling since this board would also look good for when you're serving snacks to your guests. The board is big enough and versatile which is why it’s worth checking out.
If you need a huge cutting board, this one is 18 x 12 x .75. It’s the perfect size when you prepare food for a lot of people and for when you want to use for serving various types of cheese and bread. If you want to keep the gorgeous finish of this product, make sure to wash it properly, air dry, and to apply oil when needed.
Pros
Cons
4. Hardwood Chef Premium Thick Acacia Wood End Grain Cutting Board
Highlighted Features
Another beautiful cutting board that you should take a look at is this Hardwood Chef Premium Thick Acacia Wood butcher block. This chopping board will definitely catch your eyes since it has a smooth and checkered finish. Acacia wood is a getting more and more popular as a material for chopping boards because it's very sustainable. Compared to other types of wood such as maple, acacia grows faster, and it's not on the list of endangered plants. Various countries also grow this type of wood which causes it to be cheap.
This cutting board from Hardwood Chef is thick and is designed to be convenient to use. The sides have handles so you can lift it easily when you’re working in the kitchen. It’s also useful for when you want to serve food on this board.
There are also deep juice grooves that will allow you to prevent any juices from getting to your countertop when you’re slicing. It’s also important to note that acacia wood has a lot of natural oils that make it look shiny and naturally water resistant.
The makers of this cutting board also make sure that buyers would get their items in the best condition. Instead of getting wrapped in plastic, the Hardwood Chef Premium Thick Acacia Wood Butcher Block is wrapped in butcher paper, with strings tied around it. This means that you can send someone this gift any time because of its good packaging.Pros
Cons
5. Boilton Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Highlighted Features
The Boilton Walnut Wood Cutting Board is a scene stealer because of its gorgeous deep brown color. This product has a rectangular shape that you can use for chopping and also as a serving tray. The main feature of this product is the material it is made of. Walnut is one of the most popular cutting board materials, and it's also one of the bests. It has a classic appearance and a deep wood finish that makes it so attractive.
This material is so unique but also blends well in any kind of kitchen. The rustic look that it has really made it stand out. Compared to the other wood cutting boards in this list, you’ll notice that this product is slightly thinner. This can either be a good or a bad thing for you since some users want their boards to be thick because they think it's very durable. However, on the other hand, there are people who like a thin board because it is quite lightweight.
One of the good things about this board is that it won’t dull your knives which is the case with bamboo cutting boards. The makers of this product also want to make sure that you would be able to use the board as soon as it arrives at your door. This is why they pre-season and wax the board.
If this is your first time using a walnut wood cutting board, then you should know that they’re easy to scratch. This product is an edge grain cutting board so expect to feel the scratches made by your knives after using it for quite some time. If you want to make this last longer, try to use it only for your fruits, vegetable, and bread. Cutting meat on wood like this will not only shorten its life span but could also result to cross contamination.
The board has juice grooves on one side and a perfectly flat surface on the other. It’s reversible so you can use either side to prevent mixing up the flavors of your ingredients.Pros
Cons
6. Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats set, Colorful Kitchen Cutting Board Set of 3 Colored Mats
Highlighted Features
If you’re looking for a modern chopping board, then this product might just be the perfect addition in your kitchen. This is a cutting board made of plastic, but compared to the previous plastic cutting board listed here, this product is flexible.
This flexible plastic cutting board mat set is BPA-free and has an anti-microbial material. Cooking in the kitchen might be fun and all, but you also have to make sure that your food won't get contaminated by bacteria. The material of this product is also non-toxic. We like this assurance since kids, and even adults would be safe from any of toxic chemicals.
The package contains three mats with different colors. This allows you to color code your cutting boards. Use a different color for three different purposes. This is a pretty smart design since we always work with various ingredients in the kitchen. There are meat products, vegetables, and even fruits.
A dilemma that you might face a lot when you buy a cutting board is the storage space. Wood boards can be too thick that it can be difficult for small kitchen owners to find good storage space for them. Plastic chopping boards usually demand less space, but they are not as thin and flexible as this product.
You can roll this cutting board if needed or you can easily put it in the drawer or cabinet. The flexible feature gives users different ways of storing the cutting board. Cleaning your cutting board is an important step. This kitchen tool might be flexible and thin, but they are not disposable. You can reuse them for a long time.
This product is extremely easy to clean because you can sanitize them and even put it inside the dishwasher. The material also doesn’t retain odors or make your knives’ edges dull. This is an ideal product for those living in a small apartment or just wants a cutting board that is simple and easy to use.
Pros
Cons
7. Prep Series Cutting Boards by Epicurean
Highlighted Features
Another great option for when you’re looking for a new cutting board is this cutting board package from Epicurean. Some people don’t really need to have fancy cutting boards for their kitchen. If you’re someone who only needs a simple cutting board, you might want to check out this package. This includes three pieces of wood composite cutting boards with various sizes.
When compared with other wood cutting boards on this list, this product is a lot simpler. The natural color is not as elegant as other chopping boards, but it does have its own charm. It fits minimalist kitchens or plain white interiors. The boards are made of the wood composite, so you're assured that this product is eco-friendly as well.
The different sizes of the cutting board allow you to prevent cross-contamination or use a size that fits the ingredients that you are slicing. The material used in these boards is also heat resistant for up to 350 degrees. It's really easy to clean as well since you can pop it in your dishwasher anytime.Pros
Cons
8. Totally Bamboo 3-Piece Bamboo Serving and Cutting Board Set
Highlighted Features
Bamboo made cutting boards are growing more and more popular, and it's for a really good reason. These boards are environmentally friendly since bamboo grows faster than other solid materials for chopping boards. While bamboo is a plant, it’s a really solid material. It’s also known for being more durable since it would be more difficult for knives to scratch this type of board.
If you’re ready to try out bamboo cutting boards, then this is a great option for you. The package includes three bamboo cutting boards of different sizes. It has a small, medium, and large boards that you can use for various purposes. It’s also necessary to note that this board is flat-grain constructed which results to a very beautiful board surface.
However, just like with every cutting board, you have to take good care of these bamboo cutting boards. Make sure to apply oil once a month to maintain the good appearance of your boards. Bamboo cutting boards can also be used for food servings and platters since it also has a beautiful finish. You also don’t have to worry about the cleaning since this board is easy to hand wash. Make sure not to clean this using your dishwasher since it can shorten the life of the board.
Pros
Cons
9. John Boos Block 214 Chop-N-Slice Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Highlighted Features
Another factor that could affect the life span of the cutting board that you have is the brand or the maker. If you want to buy from a brand that has been in the industry for a long time, then you should check out this cutting board from John Boos.
John Boos & Co is a manufacturer of custom made butcher blocks since the 1920s. They are known for making cutting boards of various colors, styles, and sizes. Even professionals trust this brand because of their long years of experience.
One of the products that they are now proud of is their Maple wood edge grain cutting board. You'll find yourself amazed by the size of this cutting board. Plus, it is reversible. However, when using this board, it's important to remember that it should be hand washed to make it last longer. Oil should also be applied to maintain its rich color.
Maple wood is the most popular kind of wood for cutting boards because they are abundant in the North American regions. John Boos also take pride in their NFS certified cutting boards. This means that this board passed high sanitary standards to be recommendable for commercial uses.Pros
Cons
10. Progressive PCB-1812 Prep Solutions Cutting Board
Highlighted Features
If you’re looking for more plastic cutting board options, then you should try this board from Progressive. This board is pure white so it might be suitable for your white kitchen counter. Since plastic materials are best for slicing raw meats, this cutting board can be used for a lot of your kitchen tasks. It’s great for vegetables and fruits, as long as you make sure to clean it after using it for your raw meat.
This cutting board is pretty straightforward since it has a simple design, but at the same time, it has the basic features that a good cutting board should have. The size is large enough to accommodate your ingredients and your chef knife. On the other hand, it also has juice grooves and a handle for easy handling.
This cutting board is for those who are looking for a budget-friendly cutting board but brings a little bit more than a flat surface for the cutting, slicing, and chopping.
Pros
Cons
11. Large Acacia Wood Cutting Board by Shay
Highlighted Features
Ideal for all your prepping and carving tasks, the deep juice groove towards the edge of this natural cutting board will help keep your countertop mess-free, whether slicing roast chicken or watermelon. This cutting board from Shay is a large board, measuring 16" by 12" and is made from acacia wood. Not only does this mean the board is sourced from a more sustainable wood, but also while bringing an extra touch of class to your kitchen, or indeed dining table, its natural beauty is also kinder to knives than other woods.
This board also has UltraGrip, proprietary rubber technology which means that when you move your knife, this cutting board will not move with it. Attached to the base of the board, the UltraGrip is perfect for improving the cutting safety of all its users, and as a lighter weight wood board, it is also easy to move – assisted by ergonomic side grip handles.
Arriving ready oiled, if you add a coat of food grade mineral oil to it every few months, after hand washing and drying, it will help keep this board looking like new.Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Cutting boards might be simple kitchen tools, but they play a big role in your food preparations. These board surfaces touch your food, so it's important to choose them carefully. There are a lot of materials to choose from, but the most popular ones are Maple and Walnut. These woods are durable and have gorgeous designs.
However, if you can't afford these kinds of wood cutting boards, there are other materials that you can consider. Bamboo cutting boards are solid just like Maple and Walnut, and they are quite sustainable. This type of board is great for those who want to help save the environment even in small ways.
On the other hand, plastic made cutting boards are also great options. In fact, they are more recommendable for when you are working with raw meat because they don’t absorb juices and they are easy to clean. The products in this list would all be able to help you finish your kitchen tasks. Some of them can even serve as your serving trays for platters. The rustic appearance of wood cutting boards is perfect for your dinner parties when you want to serve bread and cheeses.
There are various reasons why you might be looking for a cutting board right now. It might be for a replacement since your old cutting board already broke. Another reason might be you’re looking for a gift for your friends or family members. Because of the wide selection in the market today, you might find it difficult to choose which one is the best for you.
But at the end of the day, you just have several important factors to think about when you're buying a chopping board- The quality of the board that you want to have, your purpose for buying this cutting board, and of course, your budget. Some people only want a cutting board for their fruits and vegetables. In such cases, you can buy a simple board that is not too thick and not too expensive.
But if you’re planning on buying a board for commercial purposes, then a thick board might be the best one for you. It’s a must for your cutting board to be durable, non-slip, have juice grooves, and large enough for when you’re cooking a lot of ingredients.
Related Posts
The 6 Best Watermelon Slicers in 2023
The 12 Best Hard Anodized Cookware Sets in 2023
The 13 Best Chinese Cleavers for Your Kitchen Duties in 2023