Many people use different types of wooden chopping boards in the kitchen including both bamboo and wood, as both have there good points.
Here Is The Pros And Cons Of Both A Wooden And Bamboo Chopping Board:
Bamboo Chopping Board Pros: It is Renewable source, odour resistant, hygienic, less damage to knives and inexpensive price tag.
Bamboo Chopping Boards Cons: Warps easily if the boards gets wet, easily scratched and marked, and impossible to re season.
Wooden Chopping Board Pros: Durable, Re-seasonable better for knives, good grip, affordable and professional look.
Wooden Chopping Board Cons: Difficult to clean, and prone to moisture damage.
This article will discuss in great detail the difference between Bamboo or Wood so you can decide which is best type of chopping board for you.
What Is Better For A Cutting Board, Bamboo Or Wood?
A bamboo cutting board and a wooden one both have their own pros and cons. Finding out which is the best for you really depends on your preferences, but we’ll cover them both so that you can make an informed decision!
What Is The Pros And Cons Of A Bamboo Chopping Board?
Pros Of Bamboo Cutting Boards
1. Renewable Resource
Bamboo grows fast, which means it can be harvested before the plant dies. This ensures that no new bamboo is cut down to make the boards. If you care about things like environmental impact and sustainability, then having a board made from a renewable resource will make you feel good.
2. Odor Resistant
Another reason for preferring a bamboo cutting board is that it won’t retain odours. Woodcutting boards have the potential to be porous, so bacteria and food can get stuck inside of them and you don’t want that. Bamboo doesn’t have these issues because it’s a much harder material which means it doesn’t absorb liquids or odours like wood will.
3. Hygienic
Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial, so it is very easy to clean. Woodcutting boards aren’t bad for your health but bamboo definitely has the edge in this department. It’s nonporous and smooth so food won’t get stuck inside of it and allow bacteria to grow.
4. Eco-Friendly Packaging
You can even find bamboo cutting boards with eco-friendly packaging! It’s a small but nice touch when you buy something from the store. This is especially great if you have kids and want to teach them about being environmentally friendly, or you just want to do your part.
5. Inexpensive Price Tag
Bamboo cutting boards cost less than wood cutting boards. If you are shopping on a budget, it’s nice to be able to buy something that has all the pros of a wooden board but with a lower price tag.
6. Professional Look
The look of bamboo can give your cutting board an upscale vibe which is great for restaurant kitchens or catering events. Bamboo’s natural look can also be a nice compliment to your kitchen decor.
7. Less Damage To Knives
Finally, bamboo cutting boards are less likely to cause damage to knives so it’s great for anyone who requires a sharp edge in their cooking. Wood is a very hard, durable material so it is more likely to dull or chip a knife blade.
Cons Of Bamboo Cutting Boards
1. Impossible To Re-season
There’s no way to re-season bamboo cutting boards, so if you like making homemade salad dressings or marinades then this doesn’t work for you. Bamboo is still relatively new in the western world (for food prep/home use), so it’s impossible to know all of the ins and outs of how to keep it fresh.
2. Warps Easily
Bamboo cutting boards can warp if they are exposed to too much heat or moisture, which means the surface will no longer be level for your knives. It’s difficult to find a bamboo board that won’t warp so this is something to watch out for if you live in a humid climate.
3. Susceptible To Scratching & Gouging
Woodcutting boards need soft sponges and special cleaners, but bamboo is more delicate and susceptible to scratching so it requires more care than other types of wood boards. You can’t use metal utensils or even a kitchen knife on bamboo cutting boards because it will scratch the surface.
What Is The Pros And Cons Of A Wooden Chopping Board?
Pros Of Wood Cutting Boards
1. Durable
Woodcutting boards are very durable so if you have kids or pets that might run across the kitchen, they are less likely to cause any damage. If you have a couple of rowdy boys running around then wood is definitely the best choice because it will stand up to them better.
2. Re-seasonable
Wood can be re-seasoned, so it won’t lose its non-porous properties over time. You only need to pop the board in the dishwasher once every few months to clean out old food/bacteria and you are ready to go again! If you want a cutting board that truly lasts, then wood is the best choice.
3. Affordable Price Point
Wooden cutting boards are less expensive than bamboo or glass cutting boards. They are still sturdy but without that high-end price tag, which makes it a great purchase for most people. If you want to add an extra touch of class to your kitchen decor then this is a great way to do it.
4. Professional Look
You can give your kitchen a professional look by using wooden cutting boards in the kitchen. A bamboo board will have a more natural, earthy tone while wood adds an upscale touch perfect for restaurant kitchens or large gatherings.
If you don’t want to go all out with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops then using wooden cutting boards can give your kitchen the appearance of being more high-end.
5. Comfort Of Grip
Wooden cutting boards are more comfortable to grip so you have better control over them while chopping ingredients. If you work in a professional restaurant kitchen or cater events for a living, this can be invaluable because nothing is worse than dropping a cutting board from being too slick.
6. Better For Sharp Knives
Wooden boards are better for sharp knives because they won’t chip or dull blades as easily as bamboo or glass boards. It’s great for chefs who use a variety of knives and have to keep them sharp throughout their shifts. If you want a cutting board that will help retain the sharpness of your knives then wood is the way to go.
Cons Of Wooden Cutting Boards
1. Difficult To Clean
Wooden cutting boards require special cleaners and scrubbing sponges because they aren’t non-porous like glass or bamboo. If you don’t have any cleaning supplies on hand, then you will be forced to use something like your dishwasher or hands. This can be time-consuming and tedious, but it won’t actually damage the board.
2. Prone To Moisture Damage
Woodcutting boards are more susceptible to moisture than other types of cutting boards because they aren’t non-porous like glass or bamboo. If you leave them sitting in the sink after cleaning, there is a chance they will warp or crack. This can cause warping which makes it difficult to cut food evenly across the board.
What Is The Healthiest Cutting Board To Use
Wood is the healthiest type of cutting board because it doesn’t hold bacteria and germs like glass or bamboo. This makes it perfect for everyday use, even if you don’t wash it right away.
Plastic boards are also considered to be healthier than wood but not as much as wood. The problem with plastic is that it isn’t very durable and it easily breaks like glass. They also need to be cleaned in the dishwasher, which can damage boards if not done correctly.