Any Way You Cut It
Knives, the workhorses of the kitchen, are paired with cutting boards. And it’s a delicate dance they play. Any time you use your knife, you’re dulling the blade. The surface you’re cutting against makes a big difference. Softer woods like maple and walnut are supposedly the best (and prettiest) but they are mucho moolah. Acacia is also supposed to be good wood, and bamboo is apparently the worst ever for knives (but great for hygiene as it’s naturally antimicrobial). Plastic boards are softer but get gashes quickly, and they can gather bacteria — so you have to throw them out more often — but you can also sanitize them more easily. On the other hand, you can sand down wood cutting boards for a clean surface, and the bacteria gets trapped in the wood and dies a natural death. Basically, you gotta pick your poison.
This is the poison I tried out. I wasn’t going to buy boards for over $25 (I was in luck and found a deal on an acacia one), so that left plastic and bamboo. I figured that my knives were being dulled either way; it was just a question of rate. Also, I have knife sharpeners, so I’m good to go anyway. So, here we have it, the top-rated options in this poisoned posse. Here’s how it went down.
Testing, Testing
1. I sliced and diced cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes on each board. I looked for counter grip and the feel of knife meeting surface.
2. I scraped the vegetables off the board, checking for ease of transference.
3. I washed each board, checking for ease of cleaning and if it stained.
4. I put each board away, checking for footprint.
5. I made random slices and swipes on each board to see how quickly it scraped.
Farberware Bamboo
Price: $12.99
Notes: Pack of three different sizes, made of bamboo, reversible, great price.
Stars: 4.5
Caperci
Price: $24.89
Notes: Made of acacia, has a juice well, scuffed quickly but not deeply, pretty.
Stars: 4.2
OXO
Price: $23.96
Notes: Pack of two different sizes, made of plastic, has a juice well, got deep knife grooves quickly.
Stars: 4
Farberware Plastic
Price: $6.51
Notes: Made of plastic, easy to wash, great price, large-but-thin footprint.
Stars: 4
Hiware
Price: $13.59
Notes: Smelled funky out of the package, made of bamboo, has a juice well, large footprint.
Stars: 3.5
Carollarr
Price: $6.99
Notes: Pack of four, made of plastic, a little slippery for my comfort, got knife grooves quickly.
Stars: 3.2
Overall Winner: Farberware Bamboo
I know, I know, I said that bamboo is terrible for knives. But most of us have no idea if our knives are dull or nicked, so I’m looking at the bigger picture here. The price, sizing, hygiene, and performance of this bamboo cutting board is great. So I’ll have to sharpen my knives? Nu nu, I have to do that anyway.
Tip: Board sliding on the counter? Place a damp towel or paper towel to anchor it.
Why didn’t you include glass cutting boards? They are the most hygienic by far!
The Farberware cutting boards are not dishwasher safe. I depend on my dishwasher!
I’m still looking for a good cutting board that is appealing, isn’t too big or too small and is dishwasher safe.
To prevent the cutting board from sliding, place a latex glove underneath.