Tuesday, January 26, 2010

A Quick Overview Of Cutting Boards

By Mary T. Decker

Cutting boards come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. The well equipped kitchen will have more than one, and the needs of the cook will determine which one to use.

Small plastic cutting boards are staples in most kitchens. These are great for a fast job such as slicing vegetables for hamburgers or cutting a boiled egg to add to a salad. Extremely inexpensive, these take up little room in a drawer or dishwasher. They are so convenient and versatile that they are often the only cutting boards many cooks use.

Wood cutting boards come in all different sizes and were once the standard for virtually all kitchens. Also called butcher blocks, they have become less popular in recent years due to fears of cross-contamination and the spread of salmonella or e-coli. While it is true that it is difficult to thoroughly disinfect wood cutting boards, new products have appeared on the market that can kill bacteria without damaging the wood. Wood cutting boards should be sealed, and you might want to discontinue their use if the varnish is worn or if deep cuts in the wood are present. Butcher block cutting boards are the only kind recommended for use with a meat cleaver, as other types cannot take the punishment.

Folding cutting boards are handy for adding your chopped foods directly to another container. They are available in many different sizes, and are perfect for chopping vegetables for a stew and then adding them to the pot without spilling. Most styles are made of a flexible plastic that lets it bend and then quickly return to shape.

Large plastic cutting boards of about 12" x 15" are good choices for boning a chicken or tenderizing steaks. They are not expensive, and are dishwasher safe. These multi-purpose boards work equally well for chopping vegetables or cubing meat.

Glass cutting boards have come on the market that feature pictures or designs and are made to be left on the counter as a decorating touch. Look for the type that has non-slip feet to keep it in place while you work. They are easy to clean, and though a little more expensive than comparably sized plastic cutting boards, they are economical enough for any budget.

You can find Corian cutting boards in a large number of colors and styles. These can also double as trivets, since they are heat resistant. Corian cutting boards are also excellent choices for rolling dough or pie crusts. They are easy to clean and very durable.

While some feel that granite cutting boards are the best, their cost and weight have limited their popularity. They are still available from many sources, and custom ones are also available. Cutting boards that are made to fit your counter can be found at retailers who offer custom cutting boards. The best ones stay securely in place while you are working and then lift off to let you clean the counter underneath.

One trend that has been growing in recent years is the use of custom cutting boards that are designed to cover a counter top. The best arrangements feature easy removal for cleaning underneath them and a size that is perfectly cut to fit.

No mater what your tastes or preferences, you can find a complete wardrobe of cutting boards to handle any chore you need to perform. If you cannot find just what you want locally, visit one of the many online retailers and browse through hundreds of different cutting boards to select precisely what you want.

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