As we approach this holiday season, you will be slicing, dicing, and baking your heart out. To keep things running smoothly, one of the best tools you can have in your kitchen is a good cutting board. A serious home cook needs a durable board that makes cooking easier. The last thing you want is a board rocking and sliding around everywhere!
Wood and bamboo are two very popular options for both serious home cooks and professional chefs alike. With so many different options out there, you may be wondering- what is the difference, and which material makes the best cutting boards? In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of bamboo and wooden cutting boards, so you can pick the option that is best for you.
WOODEN CUTTING BOARDS
Wooden cutting boards are the gold standard of cutting boards. Easy on knives, long-lasting and durable, a wooden board has plenty of pros and not a lot of cons.
There are many different types of high-quality wood boards to choose from, such as maple, teak, walnut, acacia, and pine. Walnut and maple are some of the most popular types of wood. They are both hardwood and make excellent durable boards.
End grain boards are one of the best types of wood cutting boards available. End grain boards are made when the wood fibers lay perpendicular to the surface, unlike other traditional cutting boards that run parallel. Because the wood is perpendicular, kitchen knives are not able to cut as deep into the wood. This results in a smoother cutting surface, even after several uses.
There are several different end grain techniques, which result in beautiful different patterns. A popular design is when the wood is placed together like a checkerboard. The wood pieces are arranged together vertically before being bound together. Because the grain does not go in any one way, it is incredibly durable and helps keep your knives from cutting too deep into the wood. This creates a very unique pattern that is also functional, keeping knives sharper for longer.
If you’re someone who likes a beautifully decorated kitchen, wood is a great option for you. Between the different end grain patterns and shades of wood, there is sure to be something that fits your style. Let’s dive into a few other notable features and benefits of wood cutting boards.
Pros
- Wood is soft and easy on knives. This will help keep them sharper for longer.
- Wood can be used for all types of food, though raw meat should be avoided. If you do choose to use raw meat, make sure you properly clean it afterward (we’ll get into that in a minute).
- Wooden boards are kitchen statement pieces. From the multitude of colors to the different wood striations, each board is unique. They make a beautiful cheese board- or perhaps the viral butter boards are more your thing. Either way, they make a beautiful addition to all kitchens!
- Wood is self-healing. When properly cared for, the wood will heal (most) any cuts after use. This helps to limit bacteria growth.
Cons
- Wooden boards are very absorbent. If you do not care for them, they will warp. Uneven washing can lead to the “rocking” effect when the board has warped and cannot lay flat.
- Wood boards are not dishwasher safe. The high heat and cooling will cause the wood to warp, causing them to warp or crack.
- If not cared for, wooden boards can splinter or even crack. While you can sand down the surface to refurbish your board, you do not want to use it when the cracks are deep. This can lead to bacteria growth. It would be best to buy a new board.
- Some woods are soft, making them susceptible to knife damage.
BAMBOO CUTTING BOARDS
Bamboo has become incredibly popular today because it is eco-friendly and sustainable. Depending on the type of bamboo, it can be harvested in as little as 3 months! Most bamboo is ready to harvest after a few years, while wood can take several decades. That is quite a difference! Bamboo also shares many of the same benefits as wooden cutting boards.
Pros
- Bamboo is stronger than wood, making it one of the most durable options available.
- Did you know that bamboo is actually a fast-growing grass? It is also a renewable resource- once planted, it will continue to grow and be harvested. This makes bamboo boards a fantastic eco-friendly and sustainable option.
- The material is water-resistant and antimicrobial. Because bamboo is water resistant, this helps from bacteria seeping into the board. This is a huge plus over wooden boards!
- Bamboo is lightweight. Some wood boards can be thick, and depending on the size, can become heavy and a little cumbersome.
Cons
- Some bamboo cutting boards can use harsh chemicals when being made, such as formaldehyde glue. While the boards are safe to use, after a while the chemicals could start to speed into food. Check the fine print first to be sure you are choosing a formaldehyde-free board.
- Bamboo boards cannot go in the dishwasher.
- Bamboo is a hard surface, which can dull your knives.
HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN CUTTING BOARDS
Maintenance is key to the life of your cutting boards. If you are going to invest in high-quality boards, why not put in a little elbow grease? With proper care, boards can last decades. Now that is a good investment!
HOW TO WASH BOARDS
Washing cutting boards is super easy. The key is to always hand wash a wood or bamboo cutting board. I know it can be tempting to just put it in the dishwasher once or twice, but this is a bad idea. The extreme heat of the dishwasher can cause the boards to warp or crack.
To wash the boards, all you need is a little soapy water and a soft sponge. Be sure to evenly wash both sides. If you do not evenly wet the board, it could warp and over time start to rock. There is nothing more annoying than using a warped cutting board!
The most important factor to remember is you should never, ever leave the boards soaking in water. This will cause the board to expand and warp, or even crack.
HOW TO MAINTAIN BOARDS
Everything needs a little TLC, and wooden and bamboo cutting boards are no exception. Consistent oiling helps wood self-heal and last for decades. You can either use mineral oil or beeswax. You don’t need to oil after every use- every other week is a good rule of thumb to keep your boards in tip-top shape.
First, follow the washing steps above. To properly dry the board, lay the board upright, and let it dry overnight. Letting it stand is the best way for even drying.
Once dried, take a small amount of mineral oil and wipe both sides of the board with a lint-free microfiber cloth. Be sure to coat both sides of the board evenly. Stand the board up to dry for 10 minutes, and then wipe off any excess oil. Viola!
CUTTING BOARD FEATURES
While none of these details are specific to wood or bamboo, here are a few really nifty features to keep in mind when purchasing a new board.
- Juice Groove: Juice grooves are designed to help keep your space clean and catch extra debris and liquids. Cutting boards with juice grooves will have small indentations around the board or on either side.
- iPhone Holder: Some cutting boards will have a small place for you to set your phone (or iPad, depending on the size). If you cook a lot of Pinterest recipes, this is an excellent feature for you!
- Reversibility: Who doesn’t love a 2-for-1 deal? Having a reversible board is a great option if you like to keep your foods separate. You can use one side for meat, and on the flip side, use it for veggies. This is a great way to get more bang for your buck.
- Handles: I think handles are like pockets- who doesn’t need them?! Handles make transportation super easy, whether you’re putting odds and ends in the trash or entertaining guests with a beautiful cheese board.
OTHER TYPES OF CUTTING BOARDS
Wooden and bamboo cutting boards are two of the most popular options out there, but they’re not the only options. Here are a few other very popular options.
PLASTIC
Plastic cutting boards are a great option. They are lightweight, cheap, and come in a multitude of colors and sizes. They also require much less upkeep than wood or bamboo. Depending on your needs, this might be the best material for you.
Contrary to some urban beliefs, plastic is soft on knives. They are not as absorbent as wood or bamboo cutting boards, which makes them safe to use with any type of food. This also helps with cross-contamination.
While plastic boards are a great cheap option, they are not sustainable. There are some upcycled plastic boards available.
GLASS
Whoever thought that cutting food on glass boards was a good idea is…unhinged, to say the least.
Glass is very hard on knives, and can even cause knives to chip or break. Yikes, no thanks.
They are also highly likely to chip or shatter– I think we can agree that is the last thing we want when cooking!
If you do have a glass cutting board, the best use is to use it as a serving platter or tray. It will work great showing off the latest viral butter board, a traditional charcuterie, or some delicious freshly baked goods.
A good cutting board is one of the best kitchen tools, if not the best kitchen tool, to have! Both wood and bamboo cutting boards are great for everyday use. Each material is incredibly durable with a little love and care. While wood is a softer material, it is easy on knives and can last decades with regular maintenance. Bamboo is a great sustainable option that is naturally water-resistant and antimicrobial. Each type of board comes in a variety of sizes, so you can find something to fit your needs. At the end of the day, the cutting board material is up to you! The best option is the one that will work for you. Tell me in the comments below which material you prefer!
[…] so easy to make- the longest part is prepping and chopping all of those vegetables! Pro tip: have a good cutting board and a sharp knife! Once that job is done, it comes together […]