Cutting board made of wood or plastic?

Cutting boards are an essential tool in any kitchen. They provide a safe and hygienic surface for cutting food while protecting work surfaces. There are two main materials that cutting boards are made from: wood and plastic. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, but in the end, wood might be the clearer winner. In this blog post, we compare the two materials in terms of how they are made, advantages, disadvantages and draw a conclusion.

Manufacturing

Wooden Cutting Boards: Wooden cutting boards are made from various hardwoods such as maple, oak, teak or walnut. These woods are known for their density and durability. Manufacturing begins with cutting the wood into blocks or planks, which are then dried and conditioned to reduce their moisture. The planks are then cut into the desired shape and size, milled and sanded. Many high-quality wooden cutting boards are made from end grain, where the wood fibers are aligned vertically, increasing the board's longevity and self-healing ability. Finally, the boards are oiled to protect the surface and make the wood more resistant to moisture.

Plastic Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards are primarily made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). These plastics are known for their durability and resistance to chemicals. The manufacturing process begins with the creation of plastic pellets, which are then melted and poured into molds. After cooling, the boards are removed from the molds, trimmed, and polished if necessary to remove sharp edges. Plastic cutting boards can be made in a variety of colors and thicknesses, making them versatile and adaptable.

Advantages

Wooden cutting boards:

1. Self-healing: The end grain structure allows wooden cutting boards to "heal" small cuts and scratches, which extends their lifespan.
2. Aesthetics: Wooden cutting boards are often more beautiful and can serve as stylish kitchen accessories.
3. Gentle on knives: Wood is a softer material than plastic, which means it wears down knife blades less.
4. Antibacterial properties: Certain types of wood, such as cherry and oak, have natural antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
5. Stability: Thick wooden boards with good feet do not slip on the worktop.
6. Abrasion: If abrasion occurs, nothing that doesn't belong gets into your food (unlike plastic boards).

Plastic cutting boards:

1. Easy to clean: Plastic cutting boards can be cleaned in the dishwasher, which makes cleaning and maintenance easier. However, they will become crooked over time and should therefore be washed by hand.
2. Colors: They are available in different colors, which makes it easier to use for different food groups and prevents cross-contamination.
3. Cost-effective: As a rule, plastic cutting boards are cheaper than wooden cutting boards.
4. Water resistant: Plastic does not absorb moisture and therefore does not swell.

Disadvantages

Wooden cutting boards:

1. Maintenance: Wooden cutting boards need to be oiled regularly to protect their surface and extend their lifespan.
2. Not dishwasher safe: They must not be put in the dishwasher as this may damage the wood.
3. Cost: High-quality wooden cutting boards are often more expensive than plastic alternatives.

Plastic cutting boards:

1. Prone to scratches: Plastic is prone to deep cuts and scratches that can harbor bacteria.
2. Environmental impact: The production and disposal of plastic is less environmentally friendly than that of wood.
3. Aesthetics: Plastic cutting boards are often less attractive and can look worn more quickly.
4. Stability: Because the boards are often very thin, they slip more easily on the worktop.

Conclusion

After looking at the differences between wood and plastic cutting boards, it is clear that despite the higher maintenance required, wood cutting boards offer many advantages that make them an excellent choice for any kitchen. The natural beauty, self-healing properties and protection of knife blades are just a few of the reasons why wood cutting boards deserve the preference.

Additionally, wooden cutting boards contribute to a more environmentally friendly household because they are made from a renewable resource and are biodegradable. While plastic cutting boards offer practical and cost-effective options, the long-term benefits and aesthetics of wooden cutting boards outweigh the disadvantages.

If you are willing to put in a little extra care, you will find that a wooden cutting board is not only a practical kitchen aid, but also brings a piece of nature into your kitchen that can bring you years of enjoyment.