With so many choices for cutting boards, how do you know what is best in your kitchen? Maybe you have several. Maybe some are old and need to be thrown out. How do you know which cutting boards to keep and which ones to throw away?
Other words that mean the same thing as cutting board: butcher block, butcher board, or chopping block. There are differences among them but we aren’t going to talk about that in this post.
Is Bacterial Protection a Criteria in Cutting Boards?
Bacterial protection is a huge factor. According to some chefs it is the largest factor in deciding which one to use.
Do Plastic Cutting Boards Harbor Less Bacteria?
We have always thought plastic would be better and not harbor as much bacteria as either wood or bamboo. It turns out we might have been wrong. Or, at least partially incorrect.
According to several studies it has been found that wood actually cleanses some bacteria all on its own.
How you use a butcher block in your kitchen will determine what kind of board to use. If you work with raw meat or chicken, you want to make sure you clean the board before you use it for veggies or something else.
We like to put our plastic ones in the dishwasher or clean them with a bleach solution. When using a board for raw meat you want to make sure it is completely sanitized before the next use.
Can I Put My Cutting Boards in the Dishwasher?
Plastic is really the best material to use if you want to put your chopping board in the dishwasher. Small wood, bamboo, or composite boards could be placed in the dishwasher.
However, we suggest hand-washing wood and bamboo boards regardless of what the manufacturer instructions say.
Over time your dishwasher will make the bamboo and wood boards fall apart faster than if you washed them by hand.
How Can I Keep My Wood Cutting Boards in Good Shape?
Wood needs to be maintained differently than plastic. You can apply soap and water to plastic, place it in the dishwasher, or clean with bleach when necessary.
Wood chopping boards should be seasoned regularly. Apply natural oils and rub into the wood. You may have to do this more often if you use your wooden ones daily or several times a day.
How to Clean Your Cutting Board
For complete instructions on how to clean your cutting board go to our post on how do you clean a charcuterie board. These steps are exactly the same as cleaning a wood or bamboo chopping board.
- Remove any food
- Scrape off crumbs and any small bits of food
- Put your board under the kitchen tap and run hot water over it
- If there are oils or tough stains on your board you can use a drop or two of dish soap on your favorite kitchen scrubber
- Turn off the water while you rub the soap on your board (Can you tell we live in CA?)
- Remove stains with baking soda or lemon
- Dry your board…do not put it away damp
- Oil your butcher block
What Kind of Cutting Board Should I Buy?
What kind of cutting board you should buy depends on how much you will use it and what you are using it for.
Plastic
Plastic might be more convenient for you and your cooking needs. They are relatively less expensive than wood boards and can be put in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Wood
Wood cutting boards usually last a long time if properly cared for, but they can cost more than others.
We use our bamboo chopping blocks for cutting however we do not use our wood ones for cutting. Our wood boards are for display only.
Bamboo
Bamboo boards are sustainable and relatively inexpensive when compared to marble and wood ones.
Make sure your board stays in good shape. You do not want chips, cracks, or holes in your butcher block, regardless of the type you buy.
In conclusion we suggest buying a high quality cutting board whether it is wood, bamboo, or plastic. Regardless of the type of board you buy, maintain it properly and take care of it.
Can I Use My Cutting Board for Charcuterie?
Yes, you can use your cutting board for charcuterie. We suggest using one that looks nice and is clean. Here are important things to consider when selecting what type of board to use for charcuterie.
- Select a board that looks good
- Use a cutting board that has been sanitized if you have used it for raw meat
- Pick one made from marble or stone if you it in your kitchen
- Have a completely separate cutting board for display only (This works for us in our kitchens)
For more kitchen tips, check out our posts on whether you should clean your cookie sheets or whether or not you should you buy a non-stick pan?