Food preparation is a daily task for most of us. Whether slicing veggies or cutting meat, chopping food seems like an inevitable part of most culinary activities. Therefore, having the right surface or mat for cutting and chopping most types of food should be our priority. You’ll be surprised how much difference can make the right type of chopping board during your food preparation.

Explore the different types of materials and available options to help you buy a cutting board for your needs and ensure you implement safe food practices in your kitchen.

Cutting Board Materials

Wood

Wood cutting boards are a timeless pick, not just because of their durability but also because of their natural beauty. They are typically made from hardwoods like maple, walnut, cherry, teak or Acacia.

Acacia wood stands out, particularly for its unique beauty characterised by distinctive grain patterns and rich hues and for its durability. These chopping boards often showcase the natural appeal of Acacia wood which is a stunning array of grain patterns and colours ranging from golden to reddish-brown and deep-brown hues. If you also prefer your board to be aesthetically pleasing, buy a cutting board made from Acacia wood for a more enjoyable experience in the kitchen.

But besides the visual appeal, one of the most important factors of a cutting board is durability. Acacia is a type of wood that excels in this aspect. Its hardness and high durability make it resistant to scratches, dents and warping, thus, acacia chopping boards are ideal for heavy-duty chopping and slicing tasks.

Bamboo

Bamboo is another great choice when it comes to the material for cutting boards. Bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable material known for its strength and durability. So, if you’re looking to buy sustainably made chopping boards, bamboo might be the right choice for you.

Another excellent feature of bamboo is its hardness. In fact, bamboo is even harder than many hardwoods, making it pretty resistant to knife marks and less prone to wrapping and cracking.

Plus, bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties that can help prevent odour and bacterial growth on the cutting surface.

One thing though about bamboo is that it can be tough on the knife edges and may cause faster dulling compared to other materials.

Plastic

Plastic chopping boards are pretty easy to clean and maintain because of their non-porous surface. They are typically dishwasher safe which makes them even more convenient when it comes to cleaning. They are lightweight, durable and less prone to wrapping and cracking.

If you want to prevent cross-contamination while handling different types of food, look into coloured chopping boards. These typically come in sets or as a single plastic cutting mat and the colour coding helps you keep track of specific boards for different types of food.

Cutting Boards With Antimicrobial Properties

If none of these above options seem like the right choice for you if you’re looking to optimise the health safety in your kitchen, look into cutting boards treated with antimicrobial agents. These boards prevent the growth of bacteria on the surface due to their additional layer of protection against bacterial contamination.

This feature not only does it protect you from the risk of foodborne illnesses, but it also extends the lifespan of the board. They are a great addition to your kitchen tools for added food safety and maintaining optimal hygiene. Just remember that, despite their antimicrobial properties, you still need to clean and wash them regularly, after each use.

Cutting Board Features

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of chopping boards can be a determining factor in your final choice. To have a more clear understanding of which size will best suit your needs, consider the available counter space and what types of food you typically prepare.

When it comes to thickness, thicker boards are arguably more durable and less prone to wrapping or bending than thinner. As such, thicker boards are more suitable for heavy-duty chopping tasks. But if it is for everyday use such as slicing veggies and fruits, thinner boards are perfectly fine as they are more lightweight and easier to manoeuvre.

Surface Texture

Whether you choose a smooth or textured chopping board, mostly depends on your personal preferences. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean, while textured boards provide better grip to food, thus, preventing them from sliding around during cutting.

Depending on what you mostly prepare, choose a textured surface for delicate or slippery food, and a smooth board for chopping firmer veggies, baked goods and meat.

Edge Grain vs End Grain Cutting Boards

Edge grain chopping boards have a smooth and uniform appearance which results in a stable surface that is resistant to knife marks and wear. While end grain boards are a bit gentler to knife edges and help maintain their sharpness. The way they are designed gives them a distinctive and rustic appearance, which also adds to their decorative purposes.

What Type of Cutting Board is Best?

Typically wooden cutting boards are preferred over other materials because of their durability, knife-friendliness and aesthetic appeal. They also provide greater surface area and a smoother cutting experience. However, not everyone prefers wood boards. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences, the design of the cutting board, thickness and the type of food you prepare.

What is the Healthiest Cutting Board?

Health safety-wise, chopping boards with antimicrobial coating or agents would be the best choice for those who seek optimal hygiene during food preparation. Another alternative would be a bamboo board, as bamboo has naturally antimicrobial prospects and when properly cleaned, you can expect to deliver maximum results in hygiene maintenance.