A cutting board is essential for safely slicing through meat and veggies before transferring them to a serving plate or hot pan. These boards are a must-have kitchen tool and there are a few key factors you should consider when looking to purchase them. In this buying guide, we'll share the most important factors to pay attention to.
Set Versatility
While some cutting boards are sold individually, many brands offer a cutting board set that features boards of different sizes for different uses. They usually include a large, medium, and small size board, which you can use for a variety of prepping and serving styles. A lot of these sets are sold for a decent price and offer you versatile use.
Drip Grooves
When cutting up meats, vegetables, and fruits, water and other liquids may make a mess on your counter and leak off the sides of your cutting board. Some cutting boards have drip grooves which are deep ridges in the sides of the cutting board that are made to catch the liquid and prevent the mess. This can make cleanup easier and less of a hassle.
Material
While there has been serious discussion on the ideal materials for cutting boards, no consensus has been achieved. You should consider the material, the benefits and the drawbacks of each material when choosing a solution for your commercial kitchen. Wood is kind on knives because of its inherent softness, so chefs can go longer between honing sessions. But it's also porous, so it can soak up liquids used in cooking and serve as a home for bacteria and it is hard to clean. Most commercial cutting boards are plastic because they can be easily disinfected and maintained. Compared to wood, it is not as easy on knife blades, but it is better than metal or glass. Determine which material will work best for you.
Size
Size is the next factor on our list. You need to think about the size and quantity of the foods you will be chopping to decide on the appropriate cutting board. A bartender may just need a tiny cutting board for wedging garnishes, while a prep cook may require a large one for preparing steaks. If you don't have a lot of room on your countertops, don't waste money on a cutting board that won't fit.