Cutting Surface Comparison: Which Cutting Board Is Best For Your Kitchen?
Whether you enjoy cooking for your family or you are an aspiring chef, having the right cutting board is important. In fact, if there is one thing cooks agree on it is the importance of having a good cutting surface for food preparation. Knowing the differences between the two main cutting surfaces will help you determine which cutting board is right for your kitchen.
Wood cutting boards
Often considered the staple type of cutting surface in kitchens of the past, wood cutting boards are still preferred by some chefs due to their beauty and durability. Due to their porous nature, wood cutting boards need to be cleaned thoroughly to prevent bacteria from growing that may contaminate other foods. If you like the look of wood cutting boards, you may want to choose one to use for foods like fruits and vegetables or breads and cheeses rather than raw meats that are more likely to harbor bacteria.
Plastic cutting boards
A good all-purpose material for cutting boards, plastic has many benefits. Plastic cutting boards are less porous than wood boards and they can be placed in the dishwasher to keep them sanitary. Plastic cutting boards are also lightweight and easy to move about in the kitchen if necessary.
Size matters
It is helpful to have a combination of cutting board sizes when setting up your kitchen for success. Small boards are great for those times when you simply wish to chop a few onions or a block of cheese. A medium board will be good for everyday use when cutting vegetables up for soup or stew. Large boards are best for large cuts of meat.
Helpful features
Some cooks purchase multiple cutting boards in different colors and designate each board for a specific purpose to prevent the chance of cross-contamination when cutting various items. Non-slip grips on the bottom of your cutting surface are a must-have feature that will keep your cutting surface stable and help prevent accidents. Thin and flexible cutting boards can be rolled up and stored and are a good option if your kitchen is short on storage space.
A great cutting surface is important no matter what type of food prep you perform. From cutting vegetables and fruits to slicing various cuts of meat, having a good cutting board can make the work easier and keep your food and utensils free from harmful bacteria. Finding the best cutting board for your kitchen is an important part of setting up a kitchen that makes cooking easy.
Contact a local cooking supply store to learn more about food prep cutting boards.