The right cutting board makes a world of difference in your kitchen. Different culinary tasks and kitchen spaces call for different board dimensions.
A small cutting board is ideal for quick, single-portion tasks and fits easily into kitchen drawers for storage. Larger boards are good for preparing larger meals and have additional features like juice grooves that make them suitable for carving or slicing meat.
Wood
Wooden cutting boards are durable, gentle on knives and have natural antimicrobial properties. They require more maintenance than plastic boards, but can be sanitized with simple soap and hot water. They are also less prone to developing deep scratches that can harbor bacteria, but may crack and warp over time.
The type of wood used for a cutting board is important, as it will impact the health and durability of the board. Face grain construction is the most affordable and the least resistant to knife scarring, but it can be susceptible to stains and moisture damage. Edge grain is more expensive, but provides a smoother surface that resists gouging and staining better than face grain.
When using a wooden cutting board, it is recommended to use a food-grade oil to moisturize the board and protect it from water damage. A good choice is linseed oil. It is safer for food than the more common paraffin wax, tung oil and other plant-based oils, which can go rancid over time.
Bamboo
A bamboo cutting board is a durable and stylish kitchen essential. It is softer than wood but tougher than plastic, making it gentle on knives yet durable enough to last a long time. Its smooth, beautiful surface also makes it a great addition to any countertop.
The most common material for a cutting board is hardwood, but bamboo has a similar Janka hardness rating and can also resist knife scars better than most types of wood. However, it is important to look for a board that’s crafted from organically-grown bamboo and is nontoxic when using it on food.
It’s also helpful to regularly rub a few drops of oil onto the board to keep it in good condition and prevent it from drying out or warping. This practice will also help to seal any pores that could gather bacteria and food particles. This is especially important if you are using your bamboo board to cut raw meats, fish, or vegetables.
Plastic
Although not as common as wood cutting boards, plastic is an affordable option that comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and textures. These are usually made of polypropylene or polyethylene (both safe for food contact). They are non-porous and so are easier to sanitize than wooden boards, however, it’s important to check that they don’t have any deep scratches, as bacteria can hide in those. They are also less knife-friendly and tend to dull knives faster than wood boards.
They can be used in the dishwasher, but it’s best to hand wash them to avoid any warping. Plastic boards are non-biodegradable, which means that they will take a long time to break down in landfills and could leech toxic chemicals into the earth. Wood boards, on the other hand, are eco-friendly, have a smaller carbon footprint and don’t release any harmful chemicals. Their production requires fewer resources, too. Wood also has antimicrobial properties and can help to keep your kitchen hygienic.
Metal
The reversible cutting board is designed to be a knife-friendly surface that’s easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria. Its smooth, non-porous surface resists odors and prevents cross contamination, making it ideal for preparing meat, fish and vegetables.
These high-quality wooden boards are hard, durable and feature a tight grain pattern that reduces deep knife marks. Maple is a popular choice, and look for boards labeled SFC to confirm they’re harvested sustainably. Walnut is another good option and offers a rich wood tone with subtle character.
Bamboo is another popular option that’s both sustainable and eco-friendly. However, it’s important to consider the sustainability of any bamboo products you purchase, since it requires large amounts of water and energy to grow. Additionally, according to How Stuff Works, some bamboo surfaces may not be resistant to moisture and bacteria.