A cutting board, also known as a chopping board, is an essential kitchen tool that every household should have. As trends evolve, cutting boards are no longer just a surface for chopping ingredients but are also frequently used as serving trays or photo props.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cutting Board:
Surface Hardness
The harder the surface, the faster the knife blades may become dull due to the impact between the knife and the board.Ease of Maintenance
Can the cutting board be cleaned easily? Does it require special cleaning agents or specific treatments?Durability
We all want a long-lasting cutting board, but this depends on the material. Each type of material requires different care to ensure longevity.Size
Do you need a small cutting board for chopping herbs and vegetables or a larger one for cutting meat, whole chickens, or large fruits? The size should also match your kitchen space. If you have a small kitchen counter filled with other kitchen tools, opting for a more compact cutting board is better.Food Handling & Sanitation
To prevent food contamination, it is recommended to have more than one cutting board. You can use different materials or color-coded plastic boards—for example, white for fruits and vegetables, red for meat and fish, and so on.
If you prefer to use only one cutting board, it's best to chop fruits and vegetables first before cutting meat, poultry, or fish. After each use, wash the cutting board immediately with warm water and soap to prevent odors.
Wood or Plastic? Which Cutting Board Material Is Best?
Several common cutting board materials are available today, including plastic, bamboo, wood, and marble. Each material has unique characteristics, advantages, and maintenance requirements. To help you make the right choice, here’s a detailed explanation:
A. Marble Cutting Board
Marble is a popular cutting board material due to its elegant appearance. Here are some of its advantages:
Highly durable and resistant to damage
Non-porous surface, making it more hygienic and easy to clean
Aesthetic design, perfect as a photo prop or for serving food (appetizers, desserts, etc.)
It can be used as a surface for kneading and flattening dough
List of marble cutting boards available at AZKO:
Culinart
*) Prices may change at any time and may differ in each city/area.
B. Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards have the following advantages:
The surface is non-porous so that bacteria cannot penetrate the surface. This characteristic also makes plastic cutting boards ideal for cutting meat or fish because the liquid does not absorb into the cutting board
Can be washed with soap, disinfectant or similar cleaning agents
Can be put in the dishwasher
Have many colors so they are suitable for use for separate cutting board practices (preventing food contamination)
However, plastic cutting boards also have disadvantages, namely scratches or knife cuts on plastic cutting boards are permanent. The more scratches and the deeper the cuts on the surface of the cutting board, the more places for bacteria to grow. If the surface feels rough, then it is a sign that the plastic cutting board must be replaced.
Recommended plastic cutting boards available at AZKO:
KRIS
*) Prices may change at any time and may differ in each city/area.
C. Wooden Cutting Boards
One of the most popular types of materials, wooden cutting boards have advantages including:
Has a natural antimicrobial component, namely tannin
Knife cuts on the surface of wooden cutting boards can close themselves thanks to the natural properties of wood fibers
Not abrasive / does not make the knife blade dull quickly
Can function as a photo prop or decorative presentation
However, please note that wooden cutting boards should not be put in the dishwasher or soaked in water for a long time. Wooden cutting boards can also crack or warp if exposed to high heat or detergent.
Tips for choosing a wooden cutting board:
Choose wood material with small pores so that it is easy to clean and does not easily absorb liquids and stains from food ingredients
Wood with small pores also dries faster when washed, reducing the risk of bacterial growth due to moisture
List of wooden cutting boards available at AZKO:
*) Prices may change at any time and may differ in each city/area.
D. Bamboo Cutting Board
Bamboo is a popular alternative to wood. Here are some of the advantages of bamboo cutting boards:
More environmentally friendly. Bamboo plants can grow back in 3-4 years, not as long as solid wood trees
The density and strength are almost the same as wood
Not abrasive
As durable as wood because scratches or knife cuts on the surface can disappear on their own
Has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
It should be noted that bamboo cutting boards are also not dishwasher safe and should not be soaked in water for too long.
Recommended bamboo cutting boards that can be found at AZKO:
*) Prices may change at any time and may differ in each city/area.
These are the tips and discussion about various cutting boards. Which material best suits your needs? One thing is for sure, you can get everything at the nearest AZKO store or online through ruparupa.
Sherelle - 16 Mei 2025
