Pros & Cons Of Different Types Of Cutting Boards

Whether you’re chopping onions or slicing bread, you’re going to need a cutting board — and in today’s market, you have plenty of options. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types? How do you know if you should pick a product that’s plastic, glass, wood or bamboo? Which types of cutting boards are most durable, and which ones are easiest to clean? To help answer these questions, here’s a look at the different types of cutting boards available and what they have to offer:

1. Plastic: People like plastic cutting boards because they can go in the dishwasher, they’re cheap and they’re lightweight, making them both easy to clean and easy to use. The problem with plastic, however, is that these cutting boards generally aren’t as durable for the long haul as other options. They also “are a little rougher on your knives,” according to G. Stephen Jones at The Reluctant Gourmet “Not enough in my opinion to keep you from using them but some you might want to consider.” What’s more, they have no naturally self-healing or antibacterial features, and they wear quickly, meaning they often have to be replaced.
2. Glass: Strong and resilient, glass cutting boards naturally resist stains and odors. You can wash them in the dishwasher or the sink — but they have some pretty major downsides, too. “Glass cutting boards are the worst for your knives,” according an article at the Huffington Post “For this reason, we don’t recommend glass cutting boards.”
3. Wood: “Hard woods, like acacia, teak, and maple, are the highest-quality wood boards; since they are less porous than other materials, they absorb less water and bacteria. They also have special bacteria-fighting properties,” says Brette Warshaw of Food52. What’s more, “wood surfaces … are easier on knives; they give more to the blade without dulling them.”
4. Bamboo: Well known for being sustainable and green, bamboo is a substance that’s both ecofriendly and affordable, making it a good choice for a cutting board. “Bamboo is fashionable, perhaps the most ecofriendly, and very hard,” writes blogger Kevin Purdy at The Sweet Home “But that hardness is tough on knives, and without regular oiling there can be board-length cracks and splits.”

When it comes to kitchen cutting boards, selecting the right one for you will help you extend the life of your countertops as well as your knives. So before making a purchase, consider what you’re looking for in a board, use the tips outlined above and then pick the right product for your needs!

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