How to Choose The Right Cutting Board

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Choosing the right Cutting Board is more than just personal preference.

When I was a young girl, a simple wood block or a large plate were the only choices we had for chopping, dicing and slicing. Today, the choices are mind boggling! Don't make the mistake of allowing personal preference be your only deciding factor. There isn't one Cutting Board that is perfect for every type of food preparation. It is my goal to provide you with enough information to allow you to make in informed decision on choosing the right Cutting Board for all your cooking needs.

Corian Cutting Boards

Made by Dupont

Corian cutting boards are made from an acrylic based material. The myriad of color choices and sizes make this cutting board a popular choice. They have a very hard surface that will damage knife edges. As a result, they are not recommended for chopping and dicing. They are easy to clean and sanitize. However, the color can fade if placed in direct sunlight. The non-porous surface is resistant to bacteria and won't easily stain. When chilled, it is a good choice for making candy or pastry. In addition, they make an attractive serving platter when serving wine and cheese arrangements.

Marble

A natural stone

Although aesthetically beautiful, the very hard surface can be destructive to valuable knife edges. Therefore, it would not be recommended for everyday chopping, dicing or slicing. The cool surface is great for making candy or preparing pastry dough. Marble is very heavy to store, but looks gorgeous when displayed on a counter or island. The calcium carbonate based material is susceptible to acid based fruits and vegetables. The polished surface can also be scratched and damaged by kitchen utensils. They are easily cleaned with soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach which will cause damage. Not dishwasher friendly. Even with its limited uses, marble makes a beautifully elegant addition to any home.

Tempered Glass Cutting Boards

Adds Colorful Art To Every Kitchen

Tempered Glass Cutting Boards offer an unlimited array of artwork designs and can even be customized with your own art or photo. There is a color or design that allows you to express your own personality, style and taste. The glass surface can be hard on knife edges. Therefore, they are not recommended for everyday chopping, dicing or slicing. However, the non-porous construction is perfect for preparing raw poultry or meats. Hot food can be safely placed directly on the tempered glass for slicing. They can be easily cleaned and sanitized with hot sudsy soap and water. When not in use, place in an easel for beautiful counter art. The heat resistant surface can also double as a trivet to protect your valuable counter or furniture. To view a large selection of beautiful Tempered Glass Cutting Boards visit www.shop.thekozynook.com

Plastic Cutting Boards

Useful and Economical

Plastic cutting boards are the most affordable choice. They come in numerous sizes, colors and shapes. The various thicknesses allow for multiple food applications. The thin cutting boards are flexible and make it easy to transfer chopped or diced ingredients. The thicker plastic is harder, very durable and can double as trivets. The plastic surface is easy on knife edges and the non-porous material does not harbor dangerous bacteria. However, after continued use, cuts and scratches can provide a place for bacteria to hide. You will need to replace a plastic cutting board more often, but, they are less costly than most other types. Plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe and can be easily stored in your cupboard.

Acrylic Cutting Boards

Durable and Longlasting

Acrylic cutting boards are safe on knife edges and are also available with many design and size choices. They are very durable, can be placed in the dishwasher and can be easily sanitized. They are harder than most plastic cutting boards. The non-porous surface will not harbor harmful bacteria. However, like plastic, cuts and scratches can allow places for bacteria to hide. They are lightweight and can double as trivets. Most kitchens would not be complete without as least one plastic or acrylic cutting board.

Wood Cutting Boards

An Elegant Kitchen Staple

Maple is one of the most popular hardwoods used to manufacture wood cutting boards. Admired for its beauty and long lasting qualities, a wood cutting board can last for many years with proper care. It is very easy on knife edges and the beautiful patterns and wood grains coordinate with any kitchen decor. A great choice for everyday chopping, dicing and slicing. Wood cutting boards are not dishwasher friendly. Wash with hot sudsy soap and water, wipe with dry paper towels, then rest on its edge until completely dry. You will occasionally need to protect the surface with food safe oil to keep the board from drying out too much and cracking or separating. Juices from raw poultry or meat can penetrate cracks or cuts in the surface which may allow dangerous bacteria to hide. You can periodically sanitize with a vinegar solution or rub course salt onto your board with half a lemon, rinse and dry with a paper towel.

Bamboo Cutting Board

A Renewable Resource

Manufactured of Bamboo, a very hard grass that is a renewable resource. Bamboo is harder than maple, yet is still safe on knife edges. The lovely shades and patterns make a gorgeous cutting board that will last for years. Available in many sizes and shapes that will make your chopping, dicing and slicing a breeze. A bamboo cutting board is easily cleaned with hot sudsy soap and water, dried with paper towels and allowed to dry completely on its end. You will need to periodically sanitize your board using the same methods as a wood cutting board. It is not dishwasher safe. The surface can be protected with food safe oil several times a year. To view other styles of lovely Artisan Bamboo Cutting Boards visit www.shop.thekozynook.com

Poly-Surface Bamboo Cutting Board

Functionality Meets Artful Destinction

Bamboo, a poly-surface and artwork are combined into one attractive Cutting Board. The bamboo is a renewable resource, the poly-surface is safe for knife edges and when not in use, the board can be hung for lovely wall art. This board is available in over 40 different artwork designs. Although, it is not dishwasher safe, It is easily cleaned with hot sudsy soap and water. The grooved channel will catch most liquids when slicing tomatoes or other juicy fruits and vegetables. To view other Poly-Surface Cutting Boards with incredible artwork visit www.shop.thekozynook.com

What is Your Cutting Board preference?

Sometimes, cutting boards can become like a favorite old pair of jeans. They become comfortable and difficult to part with. When properly cared for, this is not always a bad thing. However, deep cuts, cracks or scratches can harbor dangerous bacteria. All cutting boards should be inspected carefully to avoid a potentially harmful situation when preparing meals. Old boards don't have to be discarded, they can be re-purposed for crafts and hobbies. Visit www.shop.thekozynook for a variety of Cutting Board choices.

  • Beautiful-Bridal Sep 27, 2010 @ 3:26 pm | delete
    Very informative! I'm very picky about cutting boards myself!
  • KozyNook May 18, 2009 @ 10:36 am | in reply to Jimmie | delete
    Thank you Jimmie! May you and your loved ones be blessed with good health, laughter, peace and prosperity.
  • Jimmie May 18, 2009 @ 3:07 am | delete
    You're officially blessed!

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KozyNook

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