Glass, plastic, wood, and bamboo are just a few of the materials that can be found on cutting boards.You need to choose the right material in order to get the best cutting board.You may want to use two different cutting boards for different foods.There are other factors that can be considered, such as size, type of grain, and level of maintenance required.You can find the perfect cutting board by reviewing all of the options.
Step 1: Don't use glass.
Glass cutting boards look nice in your kitchen.Glass cutting boards can dull brand new kitchen knives in as little as 10 strokes.If you have a glass cutting board, use it as a serving platter or cheese tray.Similar damage to your knives can be done by other hard cutting board materials.
Step 2: Pick the right kind of plastic.
Plastic cutting boards can be used.They are easy to clean and safe for knives.Not all plastic boards are the same.Smooth plastic can cause knives to slip.Plastic boards can do more damage to your knives than glass.The best plastic cutting boards are made of polyethylene or polypropylene.The Oxo Carving and Cutting Board is available for $24.99 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
Step 3: Go for wood.
The classic choice is wood cutting boards.These are the most popular cutting boards for cooks.Wood cutting boards are great for your knives because they last a long time.There are many types of wood cutting boards.It will take longer for the board to wear out because it absorbs very little liquid.The Proteak Edge Grain Teak Cutting Board is available on Amazon.
Step 4: If you want to be sustainable, choose a bamboo board.
Wood boards are very similar to bamboo cutting boards.They are lovely to have in your home, and they last a long time.Since bamboo is a fast-growing, highly renewable resource, bamboo boards are a sustainable choice.Wood boards are heavier than bamboo boards.Wood boards need to be oiled more often than bamboo boards.The Totally Bamboo 20-7930 3-Piece Cutting Board Set is a good choice.
Step 5: There are two cutting boards to choose from.
Chefs like to keep at least one wood and one plastic cutting board at home.This will allow you to keep your work environment sanitary and away from fruits and vegetables.
Step 6: Plastic boards can be used for meat and fish.
If you have raw meat, keep it away from fruits and vegetables.The best way to cut these foods is with a separate board.The oils from fish can get into wood fibers and leave a smell on cutting boards.If you keep a plastic cutting board at home, you can use it for meat and fish.A plastic cutting board can be placed on top of a wood board.
Step 7: For produce, choose wood or bamboo.
The best cutting boards for fruits and vegetables are wood or bamboo.The boards will help extend the life of your knives.The wood or bamboo cutting board is safe for carving cooked meats.
Step 8: Don't cut boards with feet.
Being about to use both sides means you want to get the most out of your cutting board.Don't cut boards that have feet on the bottom.You get two cutting boards in one if you use both sides.
Step 9: Pick the right size.
Chefs recommend a cutting board that is 15 by 20 inches in size.You have plenty of room to work safely as you cut.
Step 10: The choice is between end- or edge-grain.
If you choose end-grain, the board is made from many small pieces of wood in a checkerboard pattern, meaning the strips are laid side-by-side.Edge-grain bamboo boards have been shown to last longer.End-grain boards are easier to use on knives.The look you want for your kitchen is what determines end-grain or edge- grain.
Step 11: Consider how much maintenance is required.
By and large, wood cutting boards are the best choice for both beauty and protection of your knives.Wood or bamboo cutting boards can be hard to wash and need to be oiled regularly.Plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe and don't require any additional maintenance.If you don't have the time to maintain your cutting board, plastic may be a better choice.