Because a friend of mine just this morning asked for a post about cutting boards, here we are exploring different options and discovering the secrets to finding your perfect match.

Choosing the best cutting board will not only simplify food prep, but can also add a touch of style to your kitchen.

And cutting boards that are attractive, also double as serving platters for charcuterie boards or cheese trays.

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Materials: Wood to Plastic and Everything in Between

When it comes to cutting boards, the material they're made of plays a crucial role in their functionality and charm. Let's take a closer look at some popular options:

Wood

Ah, the timeless beauty of a wooden cutting board! These natural wonders provide a sturdy and reliable surface for all your chopping needs.

They're gentle on your knife blades, reducing the risk of dulling them. Plus, they’re pretty, classic, and generally charming, like a slice of nature right on your countertop.

Not all woods are created equal, though. The best woods for cutting boards are hardwoods and end grain maple butcher block consistently tops the list of desirable wooden cutting boards.

Other woods, like acacia, olive wood, and teak, are harder and less porous, making them easier to clean, and highly durable, but harder on knife blades, Olive wood is an especially pretty grain and I like to use my olive wood cutting board primarily as a serving board.

My MOST used cutting boards are wooden ones. I a.) like the look and feel of them and b.) have a slide out one conveniently built-in near my cooking area.

Wooden boards do require a bit of extra care to keep them in tip-top shape, but on the plus side, they can be sanded down to like-new condition if they do get beat up.

Plastic

If you're looking for a lightweight and low-maintenance option, plastic cutting boards are here to save the day!

Cleaning is a breeze, as most plastic boards are dishwasher-safe. You’ll want one with some friction to the surface so food doesn’t skate around.

And you’ll want one that isn’t too hard or too soft…basically you want a goldilocks plastic cutting board.

My SECOND MOST used cutting board is a plastic one, though mine has seen better days, as I’ve been using it for 20+ years!  It has sloped edges and a handle grip and is slightly scoop-shaped so I can easily transfer my chopped food to the pot without losing any overboard.

This is my go-to board for anything that’s going to be really messy because it can go right in the dishwasher.

Bamboo

Bamboo has recently gained popularity for its eco-friendliness. These boards also offer remarkable durability and resistance to moisture, but are hard on knives and slippery so food easily escapes. 

I’d opt for a hardwood board like maple or olive wood over bamboo for functionality, but bamboo can be fine as a serving piece.

Glass and Marble

There are also glass and marble cutting boards….my question is why?? I guess they are the most resistant to bacteria getting trapped, but…

They sound extremely unpleasant when the knife hits them and they dull the blade on contact. 

I have a decorative marble one I reserve for photoshoots and serving cheese, but for chopping anything, I’d steer clear of these.

Slice and Dice Safely: Health and Safety First

Speaking of bacteria, let's address the question that lingers on everyone's minds: What is the healthiest cutting board to use? We all want to keep our food prep areas safe and hygienic, and our dinner guests alive…

When it comes to food safety, the key lies in maintaining a clean cutting surface. Tiny crevices where bacteria can hide and thrive can happen even in plastic boards as they get grooved with use.

Ever wondered what chopping boards professional chefs use? Well, the pros at the Serious Eats test kitchen like OXO’s plastic ones best for durability and cleanability.

Hardwood cutting boards can be surprisingly hygienic - better even than a softer plastic one where deep grooves eventually harbor bacteria.

Apparently, capillary action draws the bacteria down into the hardwood where it eventually dies…who knew?

Proper care and maintenance, of your wooden boards is key, of course.

So, how do you disinfect a wooden cutting board? Here's a simple three-step process:

• a. Wash the board with hot, soapy water after each use to remove any residue.

• b. Sanitize the board by using a mixture of one part white vinegar and four parts water. Apply the solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

• c. Periodically apply food-safe mineral oil to keep the wood moisturized and prevent it from drying out or cracking.

  I will point out I am really lazy about all of this except the washing part, but I do periodically remember to oil my boards.  Usually I remember when I happen upon the oil while organizing a cabinet…

Beyond the Cutting Board: Innovations for the Modern Kitchen

Now that we've explored different materials and addressed the concerns of hygiene, let's take a moment to look at a couple of the innovative options available in the world of cutting boards.

Integrated Workstation Sinks

For those looking to optimize their kitchen space, consider a workstation sink with a built-in cutting board.

These multitasking marvels provide the perfect fusion of functionality and convenience. An assortment of accessories like colanders, prep bowls, and drying racks are often available as well as a cutting board.

The components rest on a ledge at the top edge of the sink and can be slid side to side or removed altogether as needed.

You do need a fair amount of space to devote to the sink area for one of these to be practical, but since they also work as prep space, they kind of also count as counter space!  I have a bit of sink envy when I look at these!

Cabinets with Pullout Cutting Boards

A space-saving gem that I love is a cabinet with a pullout cutting board. These clever cabinets conceal a cutting board right below the countertop that slides out like a drawer whenever you need it.

I have one of these in the cabinet between my refrigerator and stove and it is the most used piece of real estate in my kitchen.  It offers a cutting board in the most convenient location and doubles as extra countertop when I need to haul a lot of stuff out of the fridge or freezer.

The one that came with the less than stellar cabinets was a less than stellar cutting board that revealed it was not hardwood all the way through eventually.  I was able to buy a replacement one that fit the slot that IS hardwood and I am just delighted with it!

So consider the options that best suit your needs, and let your cutting board(s) become your favorite kitchen tool!