Chopping boards are kitchen essential that provides more than just a surface to chop and cut foods. You can find a variety of shapes, materials, and sizes that have their own perks and nuances.
This reversible board features grooves that help to keep food in place while carving or slicing meat. We also appreciate the slope on one side that helps excess juices flow into a large well, rather than running off the board and onto the counter.
Size
Different culinary tasks and kitchen spaces call for specific cutting board dimensions. Choosing the right size avoids the risk of cross-contamination and can make the task of preparing meals faster and more efficient.
The most popular size among home cooks is the 8 x 12 inch cutting board. It’s compact enough for many cooking tasks and fits neatly in most kitchen drawers. These boards are also lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for travel and camping.
For bigger jobs, such as slicing larger roasts or chopping multiple vegetables at once, a 15 x 20 inch wooden board may be needed. This board is also a good choice for use as a serving platter.
Custom knife makers Mareko Maumasi and Geoff Feder both advise against using plastic or ceramic cutting boards, which can damage or dull knives. They suggest choosing a wood board that’s softer than harder materials, such as bamboo or composite, to protect blades and prolong their lifespan.
Material
Cutting boards must be made of a material that is non-abrasive to your knife edge, yet durable enough to protect the board from damage or warping. It must also be hygienic and easy to clean and maintain.
Wood has long been the classic choice for cutting boards, due to its density and water resistance. A dense hardwood such as acacia is less prone to deep cuts from knives, and it holds up well to repeated use. Wooden cutting board is typically treated with food grade mineral oil to keep them conditioned, and this helps prevent bacteria from growing in the pores of the board.
Bamboo is a popular alternative to traditional wood, since it is a renewable and sustainable resource. Look for acacia, teak or Moso bamboo that is sourced with sustainable practices. Bamboo boards can be sanitized with a diluted vinegar or hydrogen peroxide solution, and they are naturally resistant to bacteria and germs.
Design
The materials of a cutting board impact its overall functionality and durability. For example, plastic boards are relatively cheaper and come in an array of colors (a benefit for cooks who want to color-code their cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination). They can also withstand long periods of soaking and cycles through the dishwasher.
Wood, on the other hand, offers several advantages that make it a better choice than plastic. Wood’s production leaves a smaller carbon footprint and doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the environment. It’s also naturally antibacterial and — as long as it’s properly maintained — doesn’t harbor bacteria like other materials can.
A quality wooden cutting board is durable and attractive. It can be sanded down and polished to restore its original shine, and should be regularly refinished with mineral oil or beeswax. Avoid using vegetable or coconut oils, as they can go rancid quickly and cause the board to deteriorate faster.
Cleaning
Cleaning and sanitizing aren’t just steps that keep your cutting board looking nice; they help you prevent foodborne illness. Scratches and dents provide hiding places for bacteria, so it’s important to address them with regular deep cleans. It’s also a good idea to separate a cutting board used for raw meat, fish and poultry from one that’s used for produce to prevent cross-contamination.
Daily cleaning of wood boards is easy with a gentle solution of water and soap, but deeper cleans are needed periodically to remove stubborn stains or odors. Regularly conditioning a wood board with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax creates a moisture barrier that keeps the surface of the board intact, enhances its durability and prevents it from absorbing odors or harboring bacteria. It’s also important to dry the board thoroughly after each use, especially if it has been submerged in water. This will prevent the board from warping or cracking. If possible, air-dry it overnight by standing it up on the edge of a counter or table.