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Cutting Boards - Wood, Bamboo and Other Chopping Surfaces!
Looking at the selection of cutting boards and wondering
which one to buy? Keep in mind, if you just bought yourself a nice set
of knives, you'll want a board that won't damage the blade. That said,
factors to consider in choosing a cutting board will include: Will it
dull your knives? Is it dishwasher safe? Is it durable? Other considerations
can include hygeine, size, weight, and aesthetics.
There are many types of cutting surfaces available, but wooden and butcher
block ones are still the most widely used. Eco-friendly bamboo cutting
boards are growing in popularity and many types and shapes are available.
 CUTTING BOARD
REVIEWS:
Cook's Illustrated Magazine published their recommended selection
of cutting boards. Tests to determine the Best Boards For Your Buck included
these categories: (1) cutting, (2) durability, (3) clean up, and (4) user
friendliness.
Even though reviewers were interested in the fast emerging niche of composite
boards and bamboo cutting boards and to find out how well these materials
perform; other cutting board materials were also tested including glass,
plastic, composite, wood and bamboo for a total of 12 cutting board products
and brands tested.
Best cutting boards received top praise and were given "Highly Recommended"
status. Next level down, received "Recommended" status. Following
that was "Recommended with Reservation" and then "Not Recommended."
Below we have included specific cutting boards and brands that were either
"Highly Recommended" or "Recommended."
 Cook's Illustrated
Magazine reviewers chose the following cutting boards as top picks.
Find out which brands to buy and learn more about the following materials:
How to Clean?
Some cutting boards can be put in the dishwasher to clean, others cannot.
Those that typically are dishwaser safe include: Plastic, Composite and
Glass. Materials such as: Wood and Bamboo require hand washing with hot
and soapy water.
Whatever cutting surface you decide to chop, dice and slice with, the
material and cleaning should support a safe and hygienic surface free
from dangerous food related bacteria.
Many people choose to use a plastic cutting sheet or board for poultry
and meat and a separate one for chopping vegetables and produce.
If you do a lot of butchering, a thick chopping block is also a good choice.
Just clean well with hot soap and water immediately after use.
What is a Composite Cutting Board?
These boards are made with wood fiber that is then permeated with glue
and molded under tremendous heat and pressure. A brand to consider is
Epicurean. This brand receives good reviews at Amazon. Reviewers at Cook's
Illustrated though tested one board and gave it "Recommended with
Reservation" status.
Wood, Plastic or Glass
Plastic boards are a good choice for many as they are low maintenance.
These boards are dishwasher safe and surfaces generally don't interfere
with the knife's edge causing it to dull. Also, most Plastic cutting boards
are made in compliance with FDA standards and are super sanitary with
a non-porous, non-absorbent surface. However, aesthetically, plastic cutting
board surfaces can become unsightly due to the staining and scoring of
daily use.
Wooden cutting boards are another good choice. Types of wood include Maple,
Acacia and Birch, all of which are hardwoods and good for sanitation and
long term use. Counter top boards, including butcher block cutting boards,
are some of the nicest and most decorative for cutting. Choose end grain
or edge grain wood for the best! And speaking of the best, take a look
at John Boos maple work surfaces.
Other choices include metal, marble, glass and granite. However, these
should be reserved for using as serving trays, cheese
plates or decorative worktop savers only, as these materials will
quickly dull and ruin good knives!
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