How to Select the Perfect Cutting Board
A kitchen would just not be a kitchen without a cutting board. In fact, the cutting board has become a main tool of our kitchens as it provides us a safe place for food preparation and cutting. In today’s kitchens you will find all kinds of cutting boards varying in size, shape and material. It’s up to you to decide which of them would be the best choice for your kitchen.
In the beginning most all cutting boards were made from hardwoods, like the butchers block would see in your local market. But in today’s kitchens cuttings boards are made of many different materials each one having their own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood has always been the overall best choice for your cutting boards. Wooden boards are made a couple of ways, end grain boards are thicker heavy duty boards made for heavy chopping and edge grain boards are thinner and lighter for everyday use. Wooden boards also come in many different patterns and wood spices, Maple, Black Walnut, Black Cherry, Sapele and the list goes on. The different patterns and wood spices are a personal and décor choice for you to choose, what looks best in your kitchen. But if you are the professional chef that uses your board every day under heavy use an end grain maple board will be your best choice. Also any end grain board will be easier on your knifes edges. Some disadvantages of wooden boards, they do require hand cleaning and sanitizing “no dishwashers” then treating with cutting board oil. If cared for properly they will last a very long time. The bottom line is wood is safe, simple and looks great.
Plastic cutting boards are generally the most affordable and you can find them in a large variety of different designs, sizes and colors. The plastic boards also come thick or thin, hard or flexible. The flexible ones are great for transferring food into pots and containers and they are also easy to store. The downside to the flexible ones is the fact that they will not last as long as the thicker boards. This is because sharp knives will eventually cut through the thin material. The hard thicker plastic boards are very durable. Plastic boards are thought of as being the safest board to use as they are easy to sanitize and clean. But just because they are plastic doesn’t mean you don’t have to sanitize, these boards can harbor bacteria in the cuts on the board therefore needing to be sanitized. Plastic boards do have the capabilities of being put into a dishwasher as long as they fit.
Glass boards are another popular type of board that can be found in many kitchens. These glass boards come in a variety of shapes and colors in order to suit your kitchens décor. They are also resistant to heat, very durable, easy to clean and they are very sanitary. However glass boards will dull the edges of your knifes very quickly and can even damage them. These boards also pose a danger as they can become very slippery during use creating a cutting hazard to you. They are also very heavy and more expensive than wooden cutting boards.
Bamboo is also a well known cutting board that is actually grass. They have become popular in kitchens today because of their inexpensive cost. The best feature of these boards is that they take it easy on the edges of your knife but they do scar, but you can sand them down in order to create a smooth surface. You will find that they can easily catch bacteria growth in the cuts, so you need to make sure you sanitize them each time you use them. One big disadvantage the vast majority of these boards come from China and there has been a lot of controversy over the resin holding these boards together is it safe or not?
It is recommended to have two or more cutting boards of any type to avoid cross-contamination. This means that you will have one for your meats and the others for your fruits, vegetables and breads. This will also make you more productive; since you want have to wash the cutting board thoroughly between items.
If you’re having a hard time deciding on your cutting board choice just remember to select the largest size that will fit in your work area, but it should also fit into your sink for easy cleaning. Color, design and how will I use the board should also be part of your decision. You can never go wrong with a well made wood cutting board.
About the Author
Woodworking #7- Make an End Grain Cutting Board Pt.1
|
|
Ginsu 04817 International Traditions 14-Piece Knife Set with Block, Natural $21.95 Many associate Ginsu knives with the product’s kitschy infomercial from the â70s that begins with a karate kick to a watermelon and proceeds with a demo of these knives cutting through just about anything in the house. Like the original product, Ginsu’s International Traditions is designed for the home cook who is not attuned to the maintenance required of a more high-end knife. H… |
|
|
Totally Bamboo 20-7930 3-Piece Cutting Board Set $11.95 This 3-piece bamboo cutting board set includes three cutting boards. Boards measure 6 by 8 by 3/8-inch, 8-1/2 by 11 by 3/8-inch and 9-1/2 by 13 by 3/8-inch. Don’t be caught again without an extra cutting board. 3/8 of an inch thick means that these boards are maneuverable and easy to store. Made up of strong, bamboo. They’re also durable; they have a tri-ply, cross laminate construction with a sp… |
|
|
OXO Good Grips Multi-Purpose Pastry Scraper/Chopper $8.15 Multi-purpose scraper/chopper. Use to section dough for pie crusts, evenly portion dough for pastries, and scrape dough from your floured board. Stainless steel blade features 1″ markings for precise measuring. Try it for lifting cookies from a cookie sheet, or for chopping firm vegetables like celery. A broad, soft handle cushions your hand. Dishwasher safe…. |
|
|
J.K. Adams ID-616 Large Maple Knife Tray $29.95 Keep your cutlery safe and neatly organized with this in-drawer knife tray. Product Specifications: … |
|
|
For My Friends [Title Track] $0.99 … |
|
|
A Fish On the Cutting Board [Explicit] $1.98 … |
|
|
Kreg R3 Jr. Pocket Hole Jig System $39.83 The Kreg Jig Jr. (R3) is an amazing repair jig and an exceptionally handy addition to any tool collection. Whether you’re crawling under a table to make a quick repair or taking Kreg Joinery on the road, the Jr.’s compact design lets you work where you need to most, and it gives you what you need to start building wood joints that will last the life of your creation..caption {font-family: Verdana,… |
|
|
Belkin Conserve Socket with Energy-Saving Outlet $24.98 Conserve Smart AV Auto-Off Surge Protector. Now you can automatically turn off up to five entertainment system ponents when you turn off your TV and easily reduce standby power. The Master Outlet senses when your TV is on or off and controls power to five peripheral outlets for your AV ponents. Two outlets stay on for devices that need continuous power like DVRs. Control power to your whole entert… |
|
|
Xacto X5282 Basic Knife Set $14.00 The X-ACTO precision knife is the original cutting tool for any application requiring a precise, accurate cut. This cutting and trimming tool has been used for years by graphics artists, designers, hobbyists and others for making careful cuts and trims consistently and with confidence. Now you can purchase the original X-ACTO knife (numbers 1, 2, and 5) along with a full set of X-ACTO precision kn… |
|
|
Mayday: Air Disasters $6.84 All six episodes of the first season–”Racing the Storm,” “Unlocking Disaster,” “Flying on Empty,” “Fire on Board,” “Flying Blind,” and “Cutting Corners”–are presented in a two-disc set. 5 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo. **6 episodes on 2 discs. 5 hrs.**… |
|
|
Professional Style Reversible Cutting Board $44.99 Cutting board design has entered the 21st century with this professional style reversible cutting boardUse the cutting boards that pro chefs useA must have kitchen accessory |
|
|
Bamboo Bread Cutting Board $26.99 This convenient bread cutting board has an open pattern that allows crumbs to fall into tray underneath, keeping your workspace clean. The cutting board is made from durable bamboo and is ideal for cutting and serving breads of any type. |
|
|
Maple Cutting Board/ Knife/ Elixir Set $78.99 Every kitchen needs a maple cutting board set Set includes maple cutting board, santoku knife and cutting board elixirCutting board and knife ensemble makes a great gift |
|
|
Maple Edge Grain 24×18-inch Cutting Board $55.83 Every kitchen needs a gourmet cutting board Butcher block is beautifully made of solid Northern Michigan hard mapleSafe cutting board doesn’t allow your knife to skip |
|
|
Turkey Cutting Board $0 Every kitchen needs a flat grain turkey cutting board Cooking accessory features a juice groove on one side Add a new dimension to your dining experience using this reversible cutting board |
|
|
Slab End Grain Cutting Board w/ Finger Grooves $0 Get serious about your cuts with the slab end grain cutting board with finger groovesThis cutting board is a true butcher’s block for your countertop |
|
|
Maple Edge Grain 18×12-inch Cutting Board $36.95 Every kitchen needs a gourmet cutting board Butcher block is beautifully made of solid Northern Michigan hard mapleSafe cutting board doesn’t allow your knife to skip |
|
|
Super Slab Cutting Board w/ Finger Grooves $120 Get serious about your cuts with the super slab end grain cutting board with finger groovesThis cutting board is a true butcher’s block for your countertop |
|
|
Perfect Pastry Cutting Board $29.99 Every kitchen needs a Perfect Pastry cutting board Cooking accessory is branded with Perfect Pastry measurementsAdd a new dimension to your dining experience using this durable cutting board |
|
|
Picnic at Ascot Buxton Cutting Board and Tools Set $29.43 This Picnic at Ascot Buxton cutting board set features everything you need for a delicious cheese snack. This cutting board includes a magnetic strip to hold tools when you’re busy eating your various appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. |
Tags: board, cooking, cutting, cutting board, cutting board burlington nc, cutting board material, cutting board oil, cutting board scale, design, kitchen