When buying a cutting board, wood vs. plastic is the first thing that comes to mind. While cutting boards are often bought as an afterthought behind the other things in the kitchen, it is important for you to choose wisely.
This is something you’re going to use every day.
Choosing the right cutting board depends on your type, but luckily, we are here to help. While you might see snazzier options made of marble, ceramic, or glass, these cutting boards aren’t the best for your knives.
Ultimately, wood and plastic cutting boards have their yays and nays. Many of us benefit from each, and some even get both.
We’ve done the heavy lifting for you to help choose a winner from the wood vs. plastic cutting board fight.
Wood Cutting Board- The Basics
As you know, wood is in our everyday lives. The list is endless, from floorboards to furniture and even certain statement pieces.
Wood cutting boards are never a mistake to buy; they range in various sizes and styles. You get large ones for cutting and prepping meat and smaller ones for serving food.
You would see wood boards in hardwoods, like maple, acacia, cherry, and walnut, which are the most famous and food-safe. They are strong but soft enough for your knives.
(fun toys around the wooden board)
Pros
- Wood cutting boards are strong
Since they are made of hardwoods, they are super strong and can last for a very long time.
If you see scratches on the surface, you can simply sand it away with some sandpaper. So, in this way, you don’t have to buy another board.
- Does not damage your knives
When buying a cutting board, the impact on your knives is crucial.
You would think wood is too hard for your knives, but it is the opposite. While durable, they are more gentle on your knives than on plastic or bamboo boards.
- No risk of bacteria
Wood can absorb every liquid, so many think bacteria thrive on the board. However, many studies show that bacteria on wood boards cannot survive. Grease does stick to the wood board, but this is easily gone with soapy water.
- Looks good
A wood-cutting board is one of the best-looking things in your kitchen. While we shouldn’t only think of that, looks still matter! From end grain, to face grain, the type of grain you get is up to you.
(wood cutting board with a knife)
Cons
- You need to clean it and oil it regularly
You must care for your wood board, so maintenance can be a little headache. Since it is an organic material, your boards must be oiled properly with food-grade mineral oil.
This prevents the board from getting dry, cracked, and warped. Oiling also works with stains, so it will not soak up everything on it.
- It can be hard to clean.
You cannot put wood cutting boards in the dishwasher or any automated machine. You also cannot let it soak in water. And You must wash it by hand with warm soapy water each time you use it. It must be left to air dry and not near any heat as it will warp.
- It is too heavy
When you buy wood boards, you’d want the best on the market, so they will be very thick. This will make it too heavy and hard to work with, which is unsuitable for everyone.
Plastic Cutting Boards- The Basics
Plastic cutting boards are yet another type of board popular among everyone. They are flexible, strong, and color-coded.
This means you get different colors for different uses, such as veggies, meat, and other things. The Plastic is a non-porous material, so there is less possibility of cross-contamination.
Plastic boards are also easier to clean, as you put them in the dishwasher or let them soak in water and wipe dry.
plastic cutting boards)
Pros
- Cheaper than wood
Plastic boards are cheaper than wood boards, making them more popular among everyone.
- It is very lightweight and can fit in any space.
Plastic is like a joy to work with, as it is very light while strong and able to take whatever you put on it.
It is also thin enough to be kept in any space in your kitchen, even neatly hidden from everything else.
- Quite gentle on knives
It might not be gentle as wood, but it is still safe for your knives. You can get a special type of strong and gentle plastic on knives.
- Very easy to clean
One of the popular reasons why people love plastic cutting boards is that it is so easy to clean after use. You can put it in the dishwasher without worrying about it getting damaged.
If you didn’t do much cutting, you can simply wipe it and leave it away. You can take out stains using a sponge and soapy water.
Cons
- It can get damaged quickly, and you have a buy another one
Knives are bound to scratch your board, especially if you are not careful! Deep scratches have bacteria in them, which will go into your food.
This is not hygienic, so you have to buy another one, which can be expensive in the long run.
- Danger of microplastics
Using a plastic board increases the possibility of microplastics in your food. This is definitely not good for your health and can affect your food taste.
Which One is Better?
You have seen the many pros and cons of both plastic and wood cutting boards. It is now time to decide which one is better. Below we have the most important sections and the winner of each.
Durability- wood
Wood lasts very long compared to plastic boards as it can be salvaged if there are any damages. With plastic boards, you’d have to replace them immediately.
Cutting Board Wood Vs. Plastic: Care- Plastic
Plastic has the least effort that goes into care than wood boards. You can wash it in the dishwasher. On the other hand, wood boards must be washed by hand.
Cutting Board Wood Vs. Plastic: Price- plastic
Plastic is way cheaper than wood boards because it is thinner and lighter.
Cutting Board Wood Vs. Plastic: Looks- wood
While plastic boards come in different colors, nothing matches the aesthetics of wood.
In the end, you get what you pay for. While plastic boards are good for those balling on a budget, you spend more when you have to replace them.
This is why wood boards are the best; apart from replacements, it has all the benefits that you need in the kitchen. You should spend a little more on quality.
(wood cutting boards with cleaning bottles
Conclusion
Now you are armed with the information needed to get the perfect cutting board for yourself. Both boards have their pros and cons. It is up to you to decide now!