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Selecting the right cutting board makes lunch prep a snap. Our top 5 cutting boards for lunch prep break down the must-haves: durability, ease of cleaning, and space savings. Get ready to meal prep like a pro with our picks.
To get us started, here are some quick picks of the best cutting boards, each excelling in a specific area:
Best Overall for Durability: John Boos Maple Cutting Board
Best Aesthetics: Yes4All Durable Teak Wood Cutting Board
Best Eco-Friendly Option: Totally Bamboo Kona Groove Cutting Board
The Oxo Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board is highly recommended for easy cleanup. Its design makes it easier to maintain and keep clean after use.
Best Space-Saver: Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board
Specifications:
Sustainably sourced northern hard rock maple
1.5-inch thickness
Reversible function
Pros:
Durable chopping surface resistant to vigorous use
Substantial thickness and reversible function for long-lasting use
Shallow hand grips for easier handling
Cons:
It lacks a juice groove.
Requires regular maintenance to preserve appearance
When it comes to durability, the John Boos Maple Cutting Board has got you covered. Here are some reasons why it’s a top choice among the top 5 cutting boards we selected:
Made from sustainably sourced northern hard rock maple
Substantial 1.5-inch thickness
Reversible function for extended use
Shallow hand grips for easier handling
This good cutting board, also known as a carving board, is great for handling large vegetables or big cuts of meat on multiple cutting boards. It beats out other cutting boards on the market, including wood and wooden cutting boards.
But no juice groove can be a pain when dealing with juicy fruits or meats. This board requires regular maintenance (cleaning and occasional conditioning) to keep it in good shape. But in my experience, it’s worth the effort for its longevity and performance.
Rating:
Durability: 5/5
Aesthetics: 4/5
Maintenance: 3.5/5
Specifications:
Eco-conscious teak material
Hand grooves for easy lifting
Deep juice canal
Pros:
Beautiful and sustainable
Durable, with fewer maintenance requirements compared to other wooden boards and wood boards
Dark shades hide moderate stains
Cons:
The hardness of the wood might dull knives over time
The Teak Wood Cutting Board:
Eco-conscious teak material
Striking and sustainable
Dark shades hide moderate stains
Highly durable
Robust alternative to more expensive hardwoods
Fewer maintenance requirements
Can dull knives over time
The Yes4All Durable Teak Wood Cutting Board elevates a kitchen’s aesthetics while being a reliable food preparation tool. The board’s hand grooves and deep juice canal add functionality to its style. Overall, it’s a solid choice if aesthetics are a priority for you.
Rating:
Durability: 4.5/5
Aesthetics: 5/5
Maintenance: 4/5
Specifications:
Made from high-quality solid bamboo
Non-toxic adhesive and a food-grade finish
Pros:
Sustainable material
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
It can be harsh on knife edges over time
If you’re looking for a cutting board that’s kind to the environment, look no further than the Totally Bamboo Kona Groove Cutting Board. Made from high-quality solid bamboo, this board is an eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise performance. What I appreciate about this board is its easy maintenance – it can be washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed clean, and most are dishwasher safe. However, a point to consider is that bamboo boards can be harsh on knives and require more frequent sharpening.
Despite this, the Totally Bamboo Kona Groove Cutting Board is a durable, eco-friendly option that’s easy on the wallet and the environment.
Rating:
Durability: 4/5
Aesthetics: 4/5
Maintenance: 4.5/5
Specifications:
Dishwasher safe
Juice groove
Non-slip edges and rubber feet
Pros:
Easy to clean
Features like a juice groove and non-slip edges make it user-friendly
Cons:
It might not be as durable as wood or bamboo boards
The Oxo Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board is the best plastic cutting board for easy cleanup. This board is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. The juice groove is a handy feature that prevents liquid from spilling onto your countertops. I also appreciate the non-slip edges and rubber feet, which provide stability during use. This board is quite durable and resistant to warping and odours, and it comes in various sizes to suit different needs. Additionally, it is knife-friendly, reasonably priced, and requires minimal maintenance. However, it’s worth noting that while this board is quite durable, it might not stand up to heavy use, unlike wood or bamboo boards.
Overall, the Oxo Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board is a reliable, easy-to-clean option, perfect for those who value convenience and efficient cleanup.
Rating:
Durability: 3.5/5
Aesthetics: 3/5
Maintenance: 5/5
Specifications:
Compact size
Heat-resistant
Pros:
Space-efficient
It can double as a trivet
Cons:
The material can be tough on knife edges over time.
The Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board offers a compact solution if you’re short on kitchen space. This space-saving board is practical and heat-resistant, doubling as a trivet to protect your countertops from hot cookware. The double-sided design is useful, providing two cutting surfaces and preventing cross-contamination. However, the board’s material can be tough on knife edges over time.
Despite this, the Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board is an excellent addition to my kitchen. Its space-saving design and practical features make it a go-to for quick lunch preparations.
Rating:
Durability: 4/5
Aesthetics: 3.5/5
Maintenance: 3.5/5
Now that we’ve discussed top-performing cutting boards let’s discuss what to consider when choosing yours.
The material of your cutting board matters. Wooden cutting boards are pretty and good for knife blade preservation but require more care and can crack or warp.
Plastic cutting boards are easy to clean and stain-resistant, especially for raw meat prep. However, they are rough on knives and need more frequent sharpening. Teak and bamboo boards are aesthetic, durable, sustainable, and rugged on knife edges. So, consider the pros and cons of plastic and wood boards and using a plastic board before you decide.
I think it’s all about personal preference and your kitchen needs.
Your cutting board should fit your counter space, storage, and needs. A standard size is 12×18, but that’s versatile for most kitchens. Larger sizes may be needed if you need more space or cook for larger families.
In my experience, the most versatile cutting board size is 17×11 or 18×12. But 20×15 or even 18×24 may be more suitable if you cook for large groups.
Proper maintenance is vital to extending the life of your cutting board. Here’s how:
Don’t soak wooden boards in water or put them in the dishwasher. Caring for your cutting board will extend its life and performance, in my experience.
Choosing the right cutting board for your kitchen is about looks, functionality, durability, size, and maintenance. We looked at five top-performing cutting boards, each with its own benefits: durability, aesthetics, eco-friendliness, easy cleaning, or space-saving design. But in the end, it’s all about your personal needs, preferences, and kitchen requirements.
Remember, a good cutting board is an investment that will enhance your cooking experience and even extend the life of your knives. So take your time, consider your options and choose one you’ll love whenever you enter your kitchen.
Glass, stone, or hardwood are the cleanest cutting board materials. They’re nonporous and have antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial growth. Choose these for a cleaner food prep experience.
Choose the right cutting board material for your needs. If you want aesthetics and knife preservation, go for a wooden board. A plastic board is more for easy maintenance. Teak or bamboo boards are for aesthetics, durability and sustainability.
To care for your wood cutting board, wash it gently with a sponge, rinse it, and dry it with a towel. Regular oiling with food-grade mineral oil will keep it in good condition. Don’t soak it in water or put it in the dishwasher to prevent warping or cracking.
Yes, most plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions just to be sure.
It would be best to have multiple cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination—one for raw or cooked meats and another for veggies, fruits or cooked foods.
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