How To Choose The Best Cutting Board!
Cutting boards are an essential part of your kitchenware. Whether you are a starting chef, a parent that cooks for the family every night, or just a person who loves food, cutting boards are one of the most frequently used kitchen tools aside from knives and pans. We have expressed the importance of having reliable kitchen utensils so it is only fitting to follow up with insight with the perfect compliment to every kitchen. Cutting Boards!
Your knowledge about cutting boards and their uses is necessary because they have many variations in the market. From thick-wood chopping boards to color-coded plastic ones, there are also glass cutting boards! Some are also made of bamboo (which can double as a charcuterie plate).
To get you started, here are some tips to consider on how you can identify and have the best cutting boards used in the kitchen.
What is the best cutting board material for my kitchen?
There are many types of materials used in making cutting boards. Variations include wood, plastic, rubber, bamboo, composite, glass, and ceramics. Undecided on which one is the best? Let us help you!
- Plastic and rubber boards are versatile kitchen boards. They are commonly used in homes and restaurants because they’re inexpensive, easily organized, lightweight, and durable as well!
- Wooden cutting boards are the best compliment for your knife set as it does not dull it too fast, compared to boards made of other materials. It also “heals” itself when you use it, so it is not prone to scratches and bacteria buildup when cleaned correctly.
- Composite boards are made from wood pulp. These kinds demand less maintenance and offer versatility, like the dense wooden boards. It is a good choice if you want to have quality wood boards but want to be practical at the same time.
- Bamboo is the best alternative if you prioritize sustainability. Bamboo is naturally steadfast and easy to replace in nature. It is durable and provides functionality in your kitchen needs.
The best cutting board material used for knives values function over aesthetics. Whatever cutting board you feel your kitchen needs to have, here is a friendly tip: Do not consider having a glass or ceramic for a chopping board. Why? Because it can quickly dull your knives due to its hard surface. Also, it can break easily!
What is the best cutting board size for my kitchen?
There are a variety of cutting board sizes, ranging from cute mini square boards to rectangular 1-foot boards, to a big round block of chopping boards. Your purchasing decision should depend on your kitchen space and the dishes you usually prefer to cook. The rectangular medium-sized ones are the most practical as they can fit any type of kitchen setting.
Size matters when choosing your cookware. Think of where you will store it. Does it have a dedicated space on your countertop? Will it fit in your dishwasher? Also, think of the dishes you will generally make because you may need larger boards for faster prep or have a variety of cutting boards to address whatever ingredients you need to prepare.
Things to consider before shopping for a chopping board
- Quality – Is it compatible with your other reliable kitchen utensils, such as your knives? Also, will this board last a long time?
- Needs – Does it suit my kitchen space and needs? How many will I need? Do you need it for simple dishes or want to explore more signature recipes? If such, you have to set aside separate cutting boards for the dishes you serve.
- Cost – Most of the time, expensive kitchen tools can help you save more because of their durability than settling for cheaper ones and replacing them from time to time.
How many cutting boards should I have?
It is highly recommended to have multiple cutting boards in your home. You need to designate cutting boards for specific uses to prevent cross-contamination and prolong the lives of your boards. If you are just cooking for your family every night, you can have two chopping boards, one for meats and one for vegetables and other produce.
Some additional tips in choosing a chopping board…
- Instead of having a chopping board with silicone supports at the bottom to prevent sliding of the board, use a damp towel to ensure the stability of your board, whether it is plastic, rubber, or wood. It also allows you to use both sides of the board instead of only one.
- Choosing the right cutting boards used in the kitchen are also connected to your height. You must be comfortable when you prepare your food, so if you need higher space to chop, you can buy a thicker cutting board or stack a couple of cutting boards to prep easily. On the other hand, you can opt for thinner cutting boards if you feel the need for them.
- To further prevent cross-contamination from raw foods, thoroughly clean your cutting boards after every use. Whatever material it is made of, it will have tiny slices that bacteria can hide and propagate. Clean and sanitize your boards to protect them and yourself too.
- Maintain your cutting boards the way you care for your iron skillets and pans to preserve quality. Your chopping boards, especially wood, may need TLC and board oil from time to time.
The Takeaway
Chopping boards may look like simple kitchenware that you could cook with or without. But it is an essential part of the cooking process that allows you to cut your ingredients the way you like them–and the way they should be. The best chopping board is the one that feels light on your hands yet serves you with full support. It is the one that enables you to cook dishes that fulfill people’s hearts and stomachs.
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Regi Publico- a full-time writer based in Manila who is also an artist for fun. She takes pride in her towering collection of books and loves reading about anything under the sun. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge through every article that she writes.