There are utensils that are indispensable in the kitchen, and the cutting board is undoubtedly one of them. This is a simple, uncomplicated accessory that helps you get the most out of cooking. The only question is how to choose the right device so that it is completely satisfied in all respects. In the article, we will consider how to choose a cutting board and what its characteristics are key.
Main features
The stores offer an impressive selection of models. To purchase the right one, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:
- lenght and width;
- weight;
- strength;
- best before date;
- stable position on the tabletop;
- harmless to blades;
- environmental friendliness;
- harmonious design.
Materials for cutting boards
Modern brands use various raw materials for the production of kitchen accessories. Most often these are polymers, wood, stone, bamboo. Let’s consider each option in more detail.
Bamboo
Bamboo products are always separated from their wooden counterparts. Indeed, bamboo is a herbaceous plant. Its stems grow very quickly and have incredible strength. Many housewives who bought a bamboo cutting board (like this one) do not get tired of rejoicing at a new purchase, because it has a number of advantages:
- durability;
- flawless appearance;
- resistance to deformation;
- does not absorb food flavors;
- needs minimal care.
When deciding to purchase such a tool, you need to remember that it costs a lot, blunts knives, and rarely produces in large sizes. Bamboo objects are often complemented with durable stainless metal handles. Bamboo attributes are in demand due to the compromise ratio of price and quality.
Wooden
Wood models are one of the most popular options. When determining which cutting board is best to use in the kitchen, you need to remember that the type and type of wood may differ.
Soft rocks are inexpensive, do not blunt knives, but at the same time they quickly “split”, are easily deformed, do not have a protective coating, and absorb dyes and aromas. They are suitable for cutting loaf, buns. And it is preferable to cut meat preparations on a solid basis. She is characterized by:
- long service life;
- odor resistant;
- environmental friendliness;
- blade safety.
However, the price of such products is not the most affordable. In addition, they require specific maintenance – lubrication with wax or oil compounds 5-6 times a year.
Tree species are varied. Doing their job well:
- american black walnut;
- oak;
- beech;
- olive;
- paulownia;
- acacia;
- brazilian cherry.
End grain
They belong to professional cook equipment. For their manufacture, the end part of the tree trunk is used. A distinctive feature is the arrangement of the fibers. If in conventional models they are located along, then in the end models they are perpendicular. This technology has a positive effect on strength and durability. Even the sharpest blade practically does not damage the fibers.
Positive aspects of end utensils:
- do not dull knives;
- retain their appearance and performance for many years;
- environmentally friendly;
- have a nice design;
- available in a variety of sizes.
The disadvantages include the high price tag and the need for special care. The item should not be left in water for a long time, washed in a dishwasher. You also need to wipe the surface with oil or beeswax every two months.
Plastic
The main feature of plastic products is the variety of the model range. On the shelves you can find kitchen attributes of various shapes and colors. At the same time, the price is quite affordable. Plastic is picky in cleaning, weighs little, lasts a long time. Plastic items can be washed in the dishwasher.
Understanding the question of what material the cutting board is better from, many believe that plastic is harmful, adversely affects human health. It is important to understand here that plastic is different from plastic. For example, thin raw materials are unstable to high temperatures, while thick raw materials are used in the production of even professional models. Such boards can be adapted as a hot stand.
Advantages of products made of durable plastic:
- roomy;
- practically eternal;
- safe for knives;
- rough – do not slide on the table;
- well washed;
- are not deformed.
Silicone
A flexible rubber mat is a relatively new invention that is gaining the love of housewives everywhere. Such a substrate does not fidget on the countertop, it is easily rolled into a roll, and does not damage the blades. It can not be used as a stand or tray, but it will be convenient when hiking or traveling.
In stores you can find combined boards. Silicone is used as the base, and the top layer is made of wood or polyethylene mesh. Such a tandem of materials allows you to make the item practical, convenient.
Those who care about the health of their loved ones should pay attention to products with silver nanoparticles that destroy microbes and bacteria and do not need thorough cleaning.
Stone and Glass
They are not only very beautiful, spectacular, but also resistant to moisture and high temperatures. But when choosing which cutting boards to buy, one must not forget that stone and glass have increased hardness. Such raw materials easily dull even the strongest, professional knives.
Glass ceramic does not absorb odors and is quickly cleaned. But due to its structure, it is not suitable for beating products. Glass substrates are an excellent solution for a spectacular presentation of a dish.
Attributes made of granite, marble, artificial stone are strong and durable. It is convenient to roll out the dough on them. Experienced cooks recommend using stone structures for dry food.
Special
Butchers use special blocks in which the pallet is built. Such designs are convenient for chopping, cutting, and cutting large meat pieces. The block is usually made of durable wood and is about 3–4 inch thick. The pallet is also strong, stable, often made of steel or high-quality plastic.
Although the blocks are professional tools, many housewives acquire such designs. A practical, well-thought-out invention greatly facilitates the work with meat dishes.
What should be the cutting board in size and shape
The dimensions of this kitchen utensil play a decisive role in ease of use. It is important that the surface fits the entire product. After all, it is so inconvenient to clean a fish when its tail falls off and stains clothes, or butcher a chicken if it constantly moves to one side.
It is recommended to get a whole set:
- for meat and fish – 15 by 12 or 20 by 14 inch;
- for small tasks, such as slicing a lemon or garlic, a small board is enough – 8 by 10;
- for vegetables and fruits, a plane of 14 by 10 inch will suffice.
Don’t forget about the thickness of the material. Thinner models are suitable for delicate and light products. It is preferable to work with chops on thick surfaces.
Deciding which cutting board is better to choose in shape, be guided by your preferences. There are rectangular, square, round, curly. It is recommended to select the configuration depending on what is planned to be processed on a particular substrate. Content must fit entirely within the allocated area.
A narrow groove along the edge is not a design decision, but a feature that will help keep the table clean and tidy. Juice and moisture will drain into this groove.
How many cutting boards should be in the kitchen?
First of all, we note that it is unhygienic to use the same accessory to work with different products. The fact is that most of the materials used by manufacturers tend to absorb odors, sometimes creating unusual and unpleasant fragrant cocktails. Therefore, in the arsenal there should be several surfaces at once.
The ideal number of accessories is 4 pieces:
- for seafood;
- for raw meat;
- for bread and rolls;
- for fruits, vegetables and thermally processed products.
Care rules
Having figured out which cutting boards are best, and ordering the most advanced ones, there is no guarantee that they will last for many years. After all, even the most elite “assistant” requires care. Here are some tips to help keep the family budget:
- Plastic – the most comfortable. After use, it is enough to wash them with warm water with detergent and a sponge. A dishwasher is allowed.
- Wooden coasters should only be cleaned by hand and then dried with a towel. Too much moisture sometimes leads to swelling and mold growth.
- Treatment with special mineral oil for wood will help protect the utensils from deformation.
- Sanding will return the surface to its original attractive appearance.
- Keep items hanging or upright.
- Check that accessories for different purposes do not come into contact with each other. So you eliminate the risk of infection and the absorption of foreign odors.
- If an unpleasant odor still appears, citric acid will come to the rescue.
- Colorless vinegar fights bacteria and restores original hygiene.
We hope we’ve helped you figure out which cutting boards to use.