Expert Recommendations for Cutting Boards
When choosing the right cutting board for your kitchen, experts recommend considering both durability and the material's impact on your health and the environment. Sustainable materials not only provide a safer cooking surface but also help reduce plastic waste. Plastic cutting boards, which degrade quickly and shed microplastics, are increasingly being replaced with eco-friendly alternatives that offer longevity, better hygiene, and a more aesthetically pleasing kitchen.
Wooden Cutting Board vs Plastic
If you currently own a plastic cutting board, it's time to ditch it. They quickly show wear and tear, developing scratches that can harbor bacteria. More concerning, however, is that these scratches lead to the shedding of microplastics, which can end up in your food.
For those who appreciate the lightweight and convenient nature of plastic cutting boards, alternatives like steel, silicone, and bamboo offer a practical switch. These materials maintain ease of use while avoiding microplastic shedding and unsightly wear.
For those open to change, larger and heavier wooden cutting boards are an excellent option. Though less portable, these boards are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, providing a generous surface area for comfortable food preparation, and enhancing the overall look of your kitchen.
Best Rated Cutting Boards
Below we've listed a table of the various types. The most popular for one-size-fits all is Greener Chef Cutting Board. You can find the 3 pack link below or alternatively, there are a la carte Greener Chef sizes from XL to XXXL
Type | Advantage | Disadvantage |
Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board (3pk)
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Eo-friendly, lightweight, affordable, naturally antimicrobial. If you are used to plastic cutting boards, these are the closest in terms of weight and convenience. However, look for organic varieties that don’t use formaldehyde as a binding agent. | Harder on knives, can crack over time, requires regular maintenance to prevent drying out. |
Extremely durable, non-porous, easy to clean, bacteria-resistant. . |
Can dull knives quickly, noisy, expensive. | |
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Knife-friendly, self-healing surface, naturally antibacterial. | Less durable than wood or steel, limited color options |
Edge Grain Wood Cutting Boards |
Durable, knife-friendly, more affordable than end grain. | Prone to showing knife marks, requires maintenance such as regular oiling. Heavy so best left in place on the countertop. Some will use a low toxicity wood glue that does contain plastic. However, this glue rarely migrates to the surface and is not known to have any adverse health impacts. |
End Grain Wood Cutting: |
Gentle on knives, self-healing, durable. |
Heavy, requires regular maintenance (oiling), expensive. Heavy so best left in place on the countertop. Some will use a low toxicity wood glue that does contain plastic. However, this glue rarely migrates to the surface and is not known to have any adverse health impacts. |
Non-pourous (though stone such as marble can be porous), easy to clean, don’t stain or hold odors, non-slip with silicone feet. | Harsh on knives, can chip or break if dropped. | |
Silicone Cutting Board: Option 1: Non-Slip Silicone Cutting Board ($33) Option 2: Thick Silicone Cutting Board ($24) Option 3: Foldable Silicone Double-Sided Cutting Board ($23) |
Flexible, easy to clean, non-slip. | |
Single Piece Wood Cutting: |
Durable, simple design, less prone to splitting. Contains no glue. | Can warp if not cared for, requires regular oiling, fewer design options. |
Conclusion: Expert-Picked Cutting Boards for a Sustainable Kitchen
Making the switch to more sustainable kitchen practices is a powerful way to contribute to a healthier environment while ensuring your food preparation remains safe and efficient. By choosing from expert-picked cutting boards, you’re opting for materials that not only reduce microplastic exposure but also promote longevity and ease of maintenance.
Whether you opt for bamboo, wood, steel, or silicone, these eco-friendly alternatives offer a balance of functionality and sustainability. Embrace these thoughtful choices in your kitchen to protect both your health and the planet, and start making a positive impact today.