Some experts say that this is only a problem during the production processand that any food prepared on a tropical-wood board will be fine. Many people think that an oak cutting board would make a great addition to their kitchen. In regard to color, this wood is the exact opposite of maple. This style is best for heavy boards that have enough weight that they won’t slide around on the feet. Plastic cutting boards are much more susceptible to damage than wooden ones. For the best option, a granite benchtop with a wood variety cutting board placed on top is the most elegant look. And if you don’t have a good vegetable chopper, the next best thing is a solid cutting board that can be your culinary canvas for chopping, dicing and more. The Mevell maple cutting board stands alone as one of the simplest but finest-made cutting boards on our list. Maple is one of the most common materials for cutting boards, and I mostly limited much of my testing pool to that, though I did include a few teak boards and one acacia, since they're popular options on the more affordable end. Maple, Walnut, and Cherry are the big three domestic hardwoods that are most popular and probably the best choice if you want a domestic hardwood cutting board. Perhaps the most appealing thing about plastic cutting boards, though, is how low-maintenance they are. It’s beautiful and popular. The faster a tree variety grows, the more renewable it is. If you’ve been cutting raw meat or something else that requires sanitation, it’s best to use quaternary ammonium diluted in water. Edge grain boards are more durable, easier to maintain and more affordable, but will cause your knives to dull faster. It’s certainly more sanitary than a scratched and nicked plastic cutting board. Leave it in this position overnight before putting it away. It’s a choice kitchen item for cooks with any amount of experience. The best cutting board material is a one piece solid wood that does not use any glue. Home Stuff We Love Stuff We Love: Kitchen. Picture yourself working in the kitchen: There’s a good chance that your imaginary scene involves some chopping and slicing. The Best Choices for Cutting Board Wood. However, oak is not the best choice because it soaks up a lot of water. Although solid wood cutting board requires more maintenance such as oiling, with proper maintenance, it could last for years. If a cutting board is too hard, it can quickly dull and damage your kitchen knives. Its light-colored finish fits into both traditional and modern kitchens. This feature is handy for keeping your knife in place when you’re not chopping. Wood can range from very light shades to very dark shades. So which one is better? The company makes wood cutting boards in a variety of reliable, sturdy and beautiful styles, including this footed version made of walnut. Of course, not just any wood cutting board will do. Those looking for a cutting board made of beech wood will appreciate this product from Artelegno. The best type of wood for cutting boards are hardwoods with a closed grain. It’s an edge-grain board that features stripes made of maple, walnut and cherry, so you don’t have to settle for just one variety. This type of cutting board can also be known as a chopping block. You’ll also find recommendations for products from the best wood cutting board brands. This maple cutting board from California Custom Millwork is one of the best choices for people who plan to use their boards for cutting meat. Unlike wooden cutting boards that must be hand-washed and oiled, you can throw plastic in the dishwasher and call it a day. Edge Grain. Best Types of Wood To Make Cutting Boards Maple Maple cutting board (Image: Jameson Fink) Hard maple or sugar maple are two similar types of hardwood that make good cutting boards. However, teak is so hard that it can quickly dull your knives. The Best Choices for Cutting Board Wood. Why use butcher block cutting boards? Examples of hardwoods are cherry, maple, and teak. The wood is sustainably sourced in Montreal, Canada, so you’re not getting some overseas wood with an anonymous source. In fact, hard rock maple has been approved for use in commercial kitchens by NSF International. It has a timeless reversible design, and it’s the perfect size with plenty of chopping space. Now that we’ve revealed that maple is the best wood for cutting boards, it’s time to get your hands on one! As a maker of custom cutting boards, by far the most popular wood for cutting boards in recent years has been American Black Walnut. Maple cutting boards are also great because they’re easy to clean and sanitize. There are two basic types of cutting board construction: end grain and edge grain. Our kitchen is the bustling center of our household, and some of our best memories are of spending time cooking, baking – and of course, eating – with friends and family. Many opt for cutting board made of bamboo because, like maple and walnut, like wood is dense—meaning it's dent-resistant and less absorbent of juices. When it comes to kitchen tools, a durable wood cutting board is one of our essentials. Some of the most expensive and very best cutting boards have their own set of legs, and these are what most folks think of when they picture an old fashioned “chopping block.” These usually feature 10-16 inches of solid maple or cherry end grain, and weigh about the same amount as a small car. Instead, these are freestanding cutting surfaces. Finally, the end grain is found along the short side of the board. The face grain is the pattern along the main length of the board. Bed Bath & Beyond. If you can’t decide between a maple cutting board, a walnut one, or a cherry one, this NaturalDesign product might be the one for you. It’s one of the most popular and highly recommended maple boards on Amazon, and for good reason. If you do choose wood, make sure you go for the best type of wood. The two significant types of wood that we find are hardwood and softwood. Thick boards also have plenty of weight, so they don’t easily slip and slide around on your counter while you’re chopping or slicing. Walnut is another highly regarded option. Salt is also good for removing moisture from your cutting board, so if your board has gotten really wet, salting it is a smart way to help extend its life. The cutting board is reversible, so when you don’t need the juice grooves, you can flip it over. Wood is a good material to use for cutting boards because trees are a renewable resource. Users enjoy the double-sided board that features a drip juice groove on one side and a flat, elegant surface on the other. Boards with long legs aren’t intended for countertop use. John Boos' Maple Cutting Board (also called the "Boos Block") is the priciest board in our roundup, but it's also the most stunning. Welcome to TastyKitchenn, where we break down the most popularly used kitchen supplies, equipment, appliances and more. The terms “end grain” and “edge grain” refer to which part of the wood is used to construct the board. Home » Kitchen Supplies » Best Wood for Cutting Boards & Chopping Blocks. Edge-grain cutting boards are the next strongest type. An oak cutting board, therefore, is quite prone to bowing, so it won’t last as long as a maple board or a walnut one. Plan on doing this once a month. Of course, the thicker a board is, the heavier it is. Because of its close-grained structure, this wood offers excellent durability and resistance to bacteria. Plastic vs. Glass vs. Silicone. OXO amazon.com. A sturdy cutting board makes any cutting task easier. For a smaller board with a personal touch, check out this cute handled maple cutting board. This is the winning combination for a cutting board that’s durable, scratch-resistant, and won’t get grimy. Home Hero Large Wood Cutting Board. This well can help collect runoff when you cut juicy meat. After comparing some of the best types of wood for cutting boards and the most popular products from each category, we recommend the Maple Cutting Board by Mevell for its overall performance and reputation. Many of the best wood cutting boards are at least 2 inches tall. This solution is more effective on wood boards than chlorine bleach. Best Budget Wood: Grip Acacia Cutting Boards. Cutting boards can be made in a range of hardwood types. Maple wood, which is light in color and full of subtle grain marks, makes an excellent compliment to most workspaces. The thicker a cutting board is, the less likely that it is to warp or split over time. The quality of a board depends not only on whether it’s made from the best wood for cutting board but also on how the product is made. If you are selling cutting boards and want them to look nice, apply wax or some type of oil finish. Then, follow our tips for expert cutting board care. Teak is another wood that you might want to steer clear of. Hands down, maple is the most popular wood for a cutting board. Wood cutting boards are reliable, and the right ones won’t dull your knives or contaminate your food. Many wood cutting boards contain beautiful patterns. That’s a comfortable size for small kitchens with limited counter space. John Boos WAL-R03 – Best Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board, 20x15x1.5 Inches. Here are some reasons why maple is the best choice to use for a cutting board: Abundant … What Makes a Great Wood for Cutting Boards? The two types of cutting boards are easy to tell apart because end grain cutting boards have a distinct checkerboard pattern made from several wood “ends” being fused together. It’s a little softer than maple and walnut, however, so it may not last as long as a board made out of walnut or oak. Although light wood sometimes stains easily, this board has been treated with a special stain-resistant coating. At just under 1 inch thick, this cutting board is a bit lighter than some others. The board is knife friendly, meaning that cuts don’t go as deep as they do on bamboo or plastic, so it’s an easy cutting board to maintain over the years. While some of the wood options can be a bit pricey, there’s no need to spend big just to get a high-quality wood cutting board. Made from sustainably-sourced, high-quality maple, the Boos Block is strong, durable, and is much easier on your knives than plastic cutting boards. Every piece of wood has three grains. Instead, use your wood cutting board for table-ready foods like herbs, vegetables, fruit, bread and cheese. It is by far the most popular choice for cutting boards, specifically hard maple or sugar maple. All of the top wood choices are from trees that grow in North America or Europe. Softwoods include evergreens like hickory, pine, and cedar. The board itself is 1.5 inches tall, and it sits on four rounded feet. $29.99. You might, then, think that the hardest woods are the best woods. Because of their rustic charm and long-lasting quality. Maple. End grain is the end of the wood (where you can see the rings) and edge grain is the side of the wood (where you see a familiar wood grain pattern). Let it sit overnight, and wipe off the excess oil in the morning. Salt can also help you remove stains or odors from your cutting board. There’s no doubt about it: Boos Boards are considered the top name among the best wood cutting board brands. Ahead, you’ll discover the best types of wood for cutting board and learn about using these natural boards. Those are the hardwood materials that can deliver the best cutting board for every kitchen. End grain boards are a bit more expensive, but easier on your knives. A truly non toxic solid wood cutting board would also have a non toxic, organic oil finish instead of mineral oil which is mostly used on cutting boards. Many are designed to sit on your countertop. The best place to take care of that job is on a cutting board. (Image credit: Joe Lingeman) 1. Wood cutting boards stand out as the best option for cutting boards, thanks to their rustic charm and long lasting quality. The positive reviews suggest you won’t need to, but it’s great to have that assurance – especially if you’re cooking for a large family that will require constant use of the cutting board. Some are quite small, while others are large enough for carving a large turkey or chopping all the vegetables for a dinner salad. The biggest … Use the guide below to decide what type of wood is right for your kitchen. At 1.2 inches high, it’s not as thick as some boards, but that makes it lighter and more portable. They are the most resistant to cuts and marks. The best woods are hard enough to hold up to knives so that they don’t get scratched and knicked easily. Maple is often chosen because of its rather neutral look; its color is light, and its grain can be subtle, so it coordinates with nearly any kitchen. The best wood species for this can be whittled down to the following few: Maple. These can be natural patterns from the wood grain, or they can be geometric patterns created by mixing a variety of woods into the design. Of all of these options, end-grain cutting boards are the most prized because they are the strongest. Based on the above criteria, you want a hardwood with a closed grain. Water can damage and warp a cutting board. SHOP NOW. Keep in mind that you may prefer to clean a heavy board in place rather than lugging it to the sink and back. Holes or handles: These features are not only useful for helping you pick up a cutting board, but they also increase your storage options since you can hang the board on a hook. The edge grain runs along the long, narrow side of the board. The ones with short feet are still designed to sit on your counter. After use, remove scraps from your cutting board before washing it with water and a mild dish soap. You want this investment to last, so it’s important to buy a solid piece that’s made of the best woods, like maple, walnut, cherry or beech. Sarah Farmer, who leads the Taste of Home culinary team, says, “We like our cutting boards like we like our syrup—of the maple variety.” In other words, her go-to material for a cutting board is maple. Every single thing in the kitchen can be the representation of … This is a square cutting board; it measures 12 inches on each side. We’re finally setting the record straight on which is the best kind of cutting board: plastic, wood, or bamboo. The other side provides a completely smooth cutting surface. A splash of vinegar can be useful in this process as well. Wood cutting boards don’t typically get treated with antibacterial chemicals, but many types of wood have some natural protection against contamination. Taking care of your wood board doesn’t have to be a difficult process, and once you learn what to do, you’ll find that it doesn’t take you long at all to give your board the attention that it requires. Sizes: 8-inch by 6-inch, 11.5-inch by 9-inch, 14.5-inch by … It all depends on your personal preference. TastyKitchenn.com is an Amazon Associate member and may earn small commissions when you purchase kitchen supplies through our links. Studies have shown that the wood can trap the microbes within itself, and it does not rerelease those germs back to the surface of the wood. So, if you want to have a durable cutting board, selecting the right cutting board goes a long way, especially for your desired chopping needs. When she's not writing you'll find her organizing a closet, roaming the aisles at Target or nursing her third Diet Coke of the day. Here’s a key pointer to consider, though: The best material will require minimum maintenance and won’t dull your knives. Some people recommend that you avoid tropical trees for your wood cutting boards. If the cutting board begins to warp due to the water contact on just one side, turn it over and it will slowly flatten out. It has a juice groove that runs along the border to catch the juices. Wood cutting boards have many advantages over the harder and abrasive materials, and maple is an ideal example of this. Plastic . The best cutting boards are made from woods like maple, cherry, or walnut. Hands down, maple is the most popular wood for a cutting board. Many people believe that plastic is the most sanitary cutting board material, especially since, unlike wood or bamboo, it’s safe to run through your dishwasher. Beech is a European tree that is often used for cutting boards. This keeps the wood moist so it doesn’t dry out and crack. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true either. Absolutely spot on: no finish needed. Another popular choice is walnut. Our goal is to help families across the world find the kitchen supplies that meet their needs, the things that make kitchen life easier and more enjoyable. It has a trendy dark finish that gives kitchens a modern look. This beautiful, eco-conscious teak board requires more careful cleaning than a plastic board, but it feels better under a knife and is easier to maintain than the other wood boards we … Her favorite recipes are quick, easy and something her kids will actually eat. They can be quite beautiful and can afford you additional prep space in the kitchen. The most prized choice for cutting boards is hard rock maple, which is also known as sugar maple. Not just any maple will do. Best Overall, Plastic: OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board. Some cutting boards are designed with features that are intended to make your cooking experience easier or more enjoyable. It is 1.25 inches thick. Maple has long been considered one of the top wood types to use for a cutting board. Which you want for your kitchen is simply a matter of personal preference and decor style. This is another thing to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a cutting board. Cutting boards made from softwood trees are unlikely to stand the test of time. A scrub brush can help you get the board thoroughly clean. However, teak wood is very hard. Never place a wood cutting board in the dishwasher. With its manageable size and attractive feet, it makes a nice serving tray in addition to a chopping block. Erica is a freelance lifestyle writer with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Cherry is sometimes prized for its rich color that ranges from medium to deep shades. Wood with a tight grain doesn’t soak up too much water, which is good. It also has a handle that extends away from the cutting surface so you can easily transport it around your kitchen or use it as a serving piece. Their wood possesses certain characteristics that make them just right for clean, reliable cutting surfaces. After applying oil, you can also treat your boards with a wood conditioner. The salt can pull microbes out of the board. Choose the best cutting board. Like maple, walnut is hard without being too hard. Even still, you may want to avoid exotic tree varieties for your wood cutting boards. What is the Best Wood to Use for a Cutting Board? The Taste of Home Test Kitchen has use every type of wood cutting board on the market. Hanging your cutting board on the wall is a convenient way to store it, and this paddle-style cutting board from Virginia Boys Kitchens lets you do just that. After washing, use a towel to dry the board. It’s sufficiently hard, and it’s not overly porous, so it wears well. For a classic board that will last a lifetime, we love this John Boos edge grain cutting board. Both sides show the beautiful striped pattern. The only question is, what type of wood is best? Both soft and hard maple make for excellent cutting surfaces. Together with the feet, the unit is about 2 inches tall. It sits on four rectangular feet. If you’re hunting for a great wooden cutting board but on a budget, … I’ve had a cutting board for about 30 years that was part of the butcher-block top of a dishwasher that was probably just about as old when it was decommissioned (they *really* don’t make ’em like they used to!) The best type of wood for cutting boards are hardwoods with a closed grain. It’s also important that you know the best wood for cutting board to avoid accidents and always remain safe. Including the handle, the board is 10 inches by 16 inches. Unlike North American and European hardwoods that are used as food sources, tropical species may contain harmful chemicals that you wouldn’t want to mix with your food. Maple trees reach maturity in 30 years, which is fairly quick for a tree, and they can be harvested for their wood before they reach full maturity. If … Based on the above criteria, you want a hardwood with a closed grain. 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