CALL US
(888) 250-4002
   
CURRENCY:
Cart   
Why You Should Be Using Hardwood Cutting Boards

August 19, 2019

Why You Should Be Using Hardwood Cutting Boards



Why You Should Be Using Hardwood Cutting Boards

There are many options available for types of cutting boards. Knowing which one is the best for you might not be obvious. This article is going to highlight the key features of 4 types of cutting boards that should help you choose which is best suited for your kitchen.

There are a few features that we can look at to help make the differences between the boards stand out. We can look at how they are cleaned and maintained in order to effectively ward off bacteria. Another important feature is how they affect your knives. We also want to look at if they’re environment friendly.

We will start by looking at the pros and cons of each type of cutting board followed by a brief summary of some of the details. Be sure to see our ranking of these boards from first to last at the end of the article!

The Four Types of Cutting Boards

Plastic

At a Glance:

The PROS:

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Relatively easy on knives
  • Inexpensive
     

The CONS:

  • Plastic chips can get into your food
  • Proven to be the least effective against bacteria
  • Bad for the environment

 

We all know that there are tons of plastic cutting boards available. These are the preferred choice for restaurants because they can be put into a dishwashing machine without any damage to the board and can easily be replaced with little budget setbacks.

These boards are soft and will eventually become marked up with many scratches. Bacteria will end up getting into deep cracks that will render even a dishwasher ineffective against bacteria.

Plastic cutting boards must be replaced on a regular basis. And though the cost may be worth the amount of use you get out of it, you always run the risk of getting very small chips of plastic into your food. That doesn’t sound good no matter how you put it. Plus think of all the plastic cutting boards in the landfills!

Ceramic and Glass

At a Glance:

The PROS:

  • Resists stains, odors, knife scratches
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Durable and environment friendly

The CONS:

  • Extremely bad for knives
  • Will shatter if dropped
  • Makes a lot of noise when the knife hits the board

 

Ceramic and glass cutting boards are a one up from plastic for durability and offer a better aesthetic for your kitchen. But there’s a big disadvantage to your knives, as they will be dulled almost instantly.

In all honesty this fault is an important one. You should really think twice about buying a glass cutting board if you have any interest in keeping a sharp knife.

Serrated knives will survive a bit longer than any other knife on this board.

Bamboo

At a Glance:

The PROS:

  • Environment friendly
  • Very Hard and Durable
  • Light
  • Resists water better than hardwood during cleaning

The CONS:

  • Can be hard on your knives
  • May have been bonded with chemical glues
  • Easily susceptible to cracks
  • Cannot go in the dishwasher

 

Bamboo cutting boards are produced from a natural resource that is in abundance. For this reason, they are an excellent choice for environmentally friendly users. Bamboo boards are very hard and will last long if taken care of, but this comes with a downside. Bamboo can be a bit hard on your knives.

When choosing your bamboo board, you should try to find out if chemical glues were used in the fabrication process. These glues are highly toxic and should not be used for food purposes.

Another thing to note is that bamboo needs to be treated with oil—just like a hardwood board—to protect it from drying out. A dried-out board will lead to cracking, and bamboo is a bit more susceptible to cracking than its hardwood cousins like maple, cherry and walnut.

Hardwood

At a Glance:

The PROS:

  • Naturally antibacterial
  • Hard and durable yet accommodating for knives
  • Environment Friendly

The CONS:

  • Susceptible to cracks or warping if not properly maintained
  • Cannot go in the dishwasher
  • Not the greatest for stains

 

 

It is safe to say that these boards grow on trees! In most areas, including ours, the hardwood industry must abide by environmental protection laws that inhibit deforestation. And seeing that wood is organic and natural, they don’t end up polluting the earth in a landfill somewhere.

Hardwood cutting boards are naturally effective against bacteria. Studies have shown that bacteria die out when absorbed into the board—unlike the plastic board. But they will require special attention to details in how you clean and sanitize them. For a deeper look at this see our Care and Maintenance page. Long story short, you can’t put a wood cutting board into the dishwasher.

These boards are strong enough to resist small scratches over time from knife use. And even better is that a quick sanding will renew your board in minutes. Hard enough to be durable, yet soft enough on your knives.

And don’t forget that if you are planning on cutting ingredients that stain, try and go for the darker species like walnut or cherry.

#1 Hardwood

Environmental Friendliness:
★★★★★
Knife Friendliness:
★★★★★
Easy Maintenance:
★★

 

#2 Bamboo

Environmental Friendliness:
★★★★★
Knife Friendliness:
★★★★
Easy Maintenance:
★★★

 

#3 Plastic

Environmental Friendliness:

Knife Friendliness:
★★★★★
Easy Maintenance:
★★★★
 

#4 Glass or Ceramic

Environmental Friendliness:
★★★★
Knife Friendliness:

Easy Maintenance:
★★★★★

 


So, after all this is said and done, here’s our Ranking of the Types of Cutting Boards!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hope this helps you make a choice for what type of cutting board is best for you.

Come check out our quality hardwood cutting boards, also available in bulk!

Related Articles

The Art of Culinary Creativity: The Charcuterie Board
In the world of gastronomy, few culinary creations have captured the hearts and palates of food enthusiasts quite like the charcuterie board. This artistic arrangement of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments has become a symbol of sophisticated indulgence, elevating the dining experience to new heights.
2023-12-01
A Meat Lover's Delight
When it comes to indulging in succulent and tender cuts of meat, few dishes can rival the tantalizing flavors of a perfectly cooked brisket.
2023-09-01
Guide to Cutting a Papaya Like a Pro
Papaya, with its vibrant orange flesh and sweet tropical flavor, is a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed in various dishes. Whether you want to add it to your smoothies, salads, or simply enjoy it on its own, knowing how to cut a papaya properly can make the whole experience more enjoyable and hassle-free.
2023-08-01
Wood Cutting BoardsCare and MaintenanceBlogContactReturn Policy
Bulk cutting boards is your number one source for buying cutting boards in bulk. Made from high-quality solid hardwood, all models are available in Maple, Walnut and Cherry. We offer a variety of different styles and sizes to accommodate various industries and demands. This family business works hand in hand with their clients to build trust and maintain solid business relationships. Have a project in mind? Let us know and we will work together to turn your vision into reality. Stock products ship within 2-3 business days.

Copyright© 2024 Bulk Cutting Boards - Wholesale Cutting Boards. All Rights Reserved.

secure ssl