Cutting boards have always been important in the kitchen, as the cutting board determines the performance of a knife.
Also, the cutting board prevents the blades from getting dulled by hitting the hard surface of the plates. They also play an essential role in keeping the food clean.
And you know you can get cutting boards in a number of different shapes, sizes, and even materials, and sometimes it’s very confusing to figure out which one is best.
A good cutting board should allow you to cut everything from vegetables, meat, fruits, and slices of bread safely and properly.
But what are the other benefits of using a good cutting board? That’s why you need to read the complete article because in this article I have explained everything about What is the best material for a cutting board?
Let’s try to explore more about the different cutting board types.
Also, I have discussed the complete buying guide on which cutting board and this will help you figure out the best one.
Related Post: How To Disinfect a Wooden Cutting Board?
Understand Cutting Board Material
Using a good cutting board is very much important because if one has an expensive chef knife or a high-quality knife, then using a cheap cutting board will dull the edges of the knife.
This is one of the biggest problems if you don’t get a quality cutting board, and it’s always significant to choose the right type of material for a cutting board.
1. Bamboo Cutting Board
The bamboo cutting board is one of the best options as they are relatively cheap compared to woodcutting board. Also, there is less chance of cross-contamination, and provides one of the best cutting board surfaces.
A study at the University of Michigan showed that there is less infection in bamboo cutting. The bamboo cutting board has fewer pores, and this helps the board stay hygienic for a longer time.
The percentage of the hardness of a bamboo cutting board is about 19 which is huge, and they are premium standards.
Also, bamboo cutting boards are stronger than compared to wooden cutting boards. As well as they are eco-friendly, which is the best part.
This type of cutting board does not require much maintenance, and also you don’t have to worry much about oiling the cutting board regularly.
The only issue with a bamboo cutting board is your knife gets easily dull, and you need to sharpen the knife. However, it does not damage the knife.
Related Post: How to care for a bamboo cutting board.
2. Wooden Cutting Board
Wooden cutting boards are widely used for cutting purposes as they are available in a variety of colors and styles, so you can easily match any kitchen.
This type of cutting board is best suited for cutting vegetables, loaves of bread, cheese, fruits, leaves, and other ready-to-eat foods.
The only downset of this type of cutting board is it can easily spread infection if you are cutting raw meat.
Because wood contains pores and bacteria grow inside the pores if not cleaned properly.
The wooden cutting board requires more maintenance and drying time because leaving the wooden board in the sink or in a wet environment can destroy the cutting board.
Apart from drying, the wooden cutting boards need oiling at regular intervals. You can use any food-safe mineral oil for oiling your cutting board to increase its longevity of the board.
You can follow my other post on how to disinfect a wooden cutting board for more details.
3. Plastic Cutting Board
Plastic cutting boards are the favorite for most people, as people think plastic cutting boards are nonporous, and it’s one of the cleanest cutting boards.
Well, this is true and in most cases. The plastic cutting boards are performing well and the use and plastic cutting boards are improving as they are less expensive than the standard cutting boards.
Though the plastic cutting board requires less maintenance, costs less, and prevents bacterial growth. The plastic cutting boards don’t perform well with the knife.
Well, I don’t prefer using plastic cutting boards, even though it’s easy to wash because the chemical used in making the cutting board can make a dangerous effect on health.
Also, the surface of the plastic cutting board is filled with stains, and sometimes it looks disgusting. The stains can carry bacterial in reverse.
What Is The Best Wood For a Cutting Board?
There are many varieties of woods, but which one to use? Wood comes from various trees and some wood can carry toxic and can be dangerous for health.
So making a cutting board from this tree might bring you trouble. That’s why not all varieties of wood are food safe. Apart from that, wood might contain big pores and this can lead to unhygienic issues.
That’s why it’s very important to choose a good quality premium wood for making a proper cutting board.
These are some premium quality wood and the best choices for making a cutting board.
Maple Wood
The hardness scale of maple wood is around 1450lbf and maple wood is a perfect combination of both hardness and softness.
Maple wood is a premium quality wood, and you can get the highest performance out of it in the kitchen.
Apart, from that, the best thing about the wood is you can use it for cutting raw meat and bones as the wood has fewer pores and there is less chance of cross-contamination.
However, the wood requires proper cleaning and oiling because with time it becomes yellowish and is prone to stains.
You can use high-grade Mineral oil for oiling the cutting board.
Walnut Wood
The premium quality wood has a hardness level of 1010Ibf and walnut wood is highly used for making cutting boards also professionals recommend the wood.
The walnut wood has a pretty much smooth surface, and it can be used for cutting raw meat and vegetables as well. The wood can prevent moisture and this can increase its longevity of the wood.
It has fewer pores and a smooth surface that can help in reducing cross-contamination, which is one of the best things about walnut wood.
Beech Wood
Beechwood is a little more expensive than other types of wood, as it’s one of the best cutting board wood. The wood has a hardness level of around 1300Ibf and besides that, you can perform all kinds of jobs.
The thickness and hardness level of this wood is effective. Besides, the wood is lightweight it has high durability and long-lasting property.
Also, you can easily find Beech Wood across the country.
What Makes a Good Cutting Board?
I think you would have figured out your cutting board, but let me try to add some more information about what is a good cutting board.
Well, for me a good cutting board is one that is easy to clean, doesn’t spread infection, and is budget-friendly.
As there are many options for cutting board materials like wood, plastic, bamboo, and even glass and you can choose anyone according to your usage and type of kitchen.
A good cutting board must be durable enough and should last long. Nobody likes to change their cutting every year, and it’s not a good choice as well.
As you know every cutting board has its own benefits and downsides. So, before getting your cutting board you must decide your purpose.
Wrap Up On What Is The Best Material For a Cutting Board
Ultimately, the choice of cutting board should depend upon your preference and the frequency of usage.
If you want to make an investment in a cutting board that lasts longer and requires less maintenance, I will recommend getting a bamboo cutting board.
As bamboo cutting boards can be used or cutting both raw meats, veggies, fruits, and bread. It has a multipurpose use because it reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
However, you can also use a wooden cutting board, but you know that not all wood can provide a great cutting experience.
Wood from the maple tree, beech, and even the acacia wood is famous for making cutting boards as they possess heavy workability and are weightless.
Well, which type of cutting board you have been using?
FAQ: Best Cutting Board Material
As there are many materials used for cutting boards, sometimes it’s quite difficult to think which one to choose. That’s why many people have many questions.
They can be solved easily, so I have added some commonly asked questions in this article and provided appropriate answers to them.
1. What woods are food-safe?
Maple, Beech, Teak, and Walnut are some of the most commonly used wood for making cutting boards, and they are relatively food safe.
2. What is the healthiest cutting board material?
Many people believe that wood is one of the healthiest materials for cutting boards, but actually, it’s not. Bamboo cutting boards are becoming popular in recent days because they are highly efficient and healthier compared to other types of cutting boards.
3. What type of cutting board do chefs use?
Most chefs prefer using bamboo or wood cutting board as they are more convenient, and it’s easy to use.