A cutting board is a staple of any kitchen. While we don’t give it much thought, it serves as a work surface in the kitchen for chopping onions, dicing carrots, cutting meat, among other things.
Wood Cutting Board vs Plastic Cutting Board
While there are various options to choose from, the most popular are wooden and plastic cutting boards. If you’re torn between choices, this review of wooden and plastic cutting boards will help you make the right decision.
Wood Cutting Boards
Wood is considered the best material for cutting boards. Wooden cutting boards are durable, smooth, aesthetically pleasing, and gentle on knives. These boards are a good addition to any kitchen. They come in different sizes, from large cutting boards to smaller ones.
Our Recommendation
Farberware Classic 3-Piece Assorted Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Style: Without Handles, With Handles
Colour: Bamboo
Item weight: 1 Pound
Item Thickness: 0.75 Inches
Faberware Bamboo Cutting Board is suitable for all kinds of food preparations, from slicing cooked meats to chopping veggies and slicing fruits.
Their natural design also makes the board ideal for serving appetizers or artisan bread. If you’re a chef, you’ll find the ease of care, durability, and strength appealing.
What makes wooden cutting boards a better option?
Wooden cutting boards are durable: Regardless of the surface of a wooden cutting board has deep scratches, it can last for a long time. You can correct the damage made by sanding the surface. Also, not many materials have a nice texture as a wooden cutting board.
They make good decorative elements: Wooden cutting boards make beautiful kitchen decor. While the aesthetic value may not be a factor in your choice making, we can’t deny that it makes cooking more fun and enjoyable.
Easy on knives: It’s quite fun cutting on a wooden surface, especially boards made from maple or walnut. While these wood types are durable, they are soft on knives making cutting easy with less damage to knives.
Wooden cutting boards are sanitary: Wood is porous, allowing the absorption of liquid. Many assume its porosity is unsanitary, causing a breeding ground for bacteria. However, studies have shown that wood absorbs bacteria, traps them in, and kills them.
Why a wooden cutting board may not be a good option
It’s heavy: Wooden cutting boards are usually heavy and difficult to move around the kitchen. While there are thin, lighter options, it’s not ideal as they’re prone to warping.
Wooden cutting boards require much cleaning: Wooden boards are more difficult to clean than plastic ones. Don’t wash the wooden cutting boards with a dishwasher. Neither should you soak them as they can absorb excess water, leading to their short lifespan. It’s best to wash the board under warm running water. Once dry, apply mineral oil to improve its look and texture. The oil also prevents it from drying out, stains and cracks.
Plastic Cutting Boards
While plastic cutting boards may not be aesthetically pleasing like wooden boards, they are more flexible and durable. Many individuals opt for this because of its numerous uses and ease of cleaning.
Our Recommendation
Farberware Plastic Cutting Board
Size: Set of 3 Rectangle Boards
Colour Name: White
This serves as a perfect kitchen starter set, back-to-school essential, and housewarming gift. The cutting board is spacious, allowing you to cut without messing up the counter. In addition, its waterproof and high-quality property makes it a good choice.
Benefits of plastic cutting boards
Lightweight and space-efficient: Due to its lightweight property, a plastic cutting board is easy to move than a wooden option. Plastic cutting boards also don’t occupy space like the latter. Two or three plastic boards can fit in well in a space that a wooden board can take up.
Easy cleaning: You can wash a plastic cutting board without having to worry about warping. Thus, it makes cleaning easy. Furthermore, it’s sanitary since it doesn’t absorb bacteria and liquid.
Cost-efficient: Plastic cutting boards are cheaper than the beautiful wooden ones; thus, replacing them is a free breeze.
Gentle on knife’s edge: Though not as gentle as cutting boards made from maple wood, plastic cutting boards are long-lasting and gentle on the knife’s edges.
While a plastic cutting board may not be a good idea
Need for replacement: Plastic is prone to scratches from the knife, which may give way for bacteria to gain entry. Hence, you’ll need to replace it after a while. The non-porous property of a plastic cutting board makes it ideal for cutting meat products.
Wooden cutting boards Vs Plastic cutting boards – The Verdict
We can’t outrightly state the wooden or plastic cutting board is a better option. Your choice depends on your preference and use. Typically, you may opt for a wooden cutting board for fruits, veggies or as a decorative element.
Likewise, you can choose a plastic cutting board for meat products. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to save cost and space or need a board that’s easy to clean, you can opt for a plastic cutting board. Above all, It’s up to you to make the right choice. Happy decision-making! Have fun cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wood or plastic better for a cutting board?
Due to its durability and gentle use on knives, wooden cutting boards are considered better than plastic ones. But, ultimately, your choice comes down to your preference. For those who cook occasionally, plastic may be a better option.
What is the best material to use for a cutting board?
If you handle lots of meat products, bake, chop vegetables, among others, rubber will be an ideal cutting board. Most professional kitchens utilize this material. It’s a good choice for your kitchen as well.
What should you not cut on a wooden cutting board?
You shouldn’t cut raw meat or seafood on wooden cutting boards as they’re difficult to disinfect, retain food odours, and absorb bacteria easily.