Cutting boards have become essential tools in modern kitchens. They allow home cooks and chefs to prepare ingredients safely and efficiently. These boards have the tendency to prevent cross-contamination and protect countertops from damage.
Different types of cutting boards are available in the market, including wooden cutting boards and plastic cutting boards. This allows end users to choose any specific type depending on their unique requirements.
Some cutting boards are specifically designed for commercial kitchens, while others perfectly fit in residential ones. As a result, it is important to select a proper cutting board for smooth and efficient operations.
Wondering how to choose the best cutting boards for restaurants and other commercial kitchens? Search no more. Here is a comprehensive cutting board buyer’s guide.
How to Choose a Commercial Cutting Board?
- Consider the Material
A commercial cutting board material comparison is the first step in selecting the perfect type. This is because different materials offer different benefits.
- Wood
Wood is undoubtedly one of the most commonly used materials for making cutting boards. This is mostly due to growing popularity of wooden cutting boards. Home cooks as well as chefs prefer wooden cutting boards for their durability and natural antimicrobial properties.
Wooden cutting boards are ideal for dry food preparation in homes and fine dining restaurants. These boards, however, require regular oiling and can be expensive.
- Plastic
Another popular material used for making cutting boards is plastic. Reason? Its cost-effectiveness, lightweight, and dishwasher-safe nature. Plastic cutting boards are perfect for raw meats and other foods that require strict hygiene.
Plastic boards, unlike their wooden counterparts, have the tendency to reduce the risk of bacterial growth as they do not retain moisture. These cutting boards are best for high-volume restaurants and commercial kitchens. They, however, can dull knives over time and may develop grooves that are difficult to clean.
- Bamboo
Rising interest in sustainable and eco-friendly cutting boards is prompting companies to use materials like bamboo. This sustainable and hard-wearing material resists moisture well. However, bamboo cutting boards can be harsh on knives.
- Rubber
Rubber cutting boards offer a balance between durability and easy maintenance. They are slip-resistant, durable, and gentle on knives. These boards are ideal for meat preparation and areas where slip resistance is crucial. They, however, are more expensive and may retain odor.
- Composites (Richlite and others)
Many companies use composites like richlite for making cutting boards. These boards are non-porous, heat-resistant, durable, and knife-friendly. They are ideal for high-volume kitchens that prioritize durability and hygiene. However, composite cutting boards are more expensive compared to their wood or plastic alternatives.
- Size
Consider the size of your workplace as well as the volume of food you prepare. Larger cutting boards offer more working space, while smaller ones are easier to store.
- Ease of Cleaning
If you like low-maintenance options, choose a cutting board like a plastic one that is dishwasher safe.
- Cost Consideration
It is essential to balance quality and affordability when selecting a cutting board. Products like wooden and composite cutting boards are more expensive. However, they often provide durability and longevity. On the other hand, plastic boards are budget-friendly and easy to replace when worn out.
- Hygiene
Choose boards made of materials like composites or HDPE that are less likely to harbor bacteria. You can also implement a color-coding system to prevent cross-contamination. Select boards that are easy to clean and sanitize.
Dishwasher-safe options are ideal for high-volume kitchens. Search for cutting boards that meet strict standards. Consider selected NSF-certified cutting boards for food industry.
Wooden vs. Plastic Cutting Boards for Business
|
Attribute |
Plastic Cutting Boards |
Wooden Cutting Boards |
|
Material |
Plastics |
Maple, Walnut, Cherry, Teak, and other Woods |
|
Cost |
More Affordable |
Generally More Expensive |
|
Durability |
Can Wear Out Faster |
Long-lasting with Proper Care |
|
Knife-Friendliness |
Can Cause Knives to Dull Faster |
Gentle on Knife Edges |
|
Hygiene |
Non-porous and Easier to Sanitize |
Naturally Antibacterial But Requires Thorough Cleaning |
|
Maintenance |
Easy to Clean and Dishwasher-safe |
Requires Oiling and Proper Drying |
|
Aesthetics |
Available in Various Colors for Food Safety Coding |
Looks Natural and Premium |
|
Suitability for Business |
Best for Fast-paced, High-sanitization Environments |
Ideal for High-end Kitchens and Presentation |
Selecting the right cutting board for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, and hygiene requirements. You can invest in a board that improves efficiency and food safety in your kitchen by considering material, size, and other parameters.
As the cutting boards market continues to grow, manufacturers are introducing innovative and specialized options to meet evolving needs of both residential and commercial kitchens. For instance, they are developing food-safe cutting boards for businesses with additional benefits.
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global cutting boards industry is set to total US$ 3.22 billion by 2032. Global cutting board demand will likely increase at 6.2% CAGR during the forecast period.
Sources:
Company: INOX, KIMECOPAK
Online Platform: Chop Cove
