Battle Of The Boards – Wood Or Glass?
Wood cutting boards have always been as much of a staple as rice is in my household! But, why are these boards gaining a surge of popularity compared to tempered glass cutting boards? Two major reasons – Wood cutting boards are generally more durable, safe, and sustainable. And secondly, for aesthetic purposes. They are beautiful.
We’ve all witnessed the recent obsession over cheese boards and charcuterie boards (and rightfully, so!). But, let’s talk about how wood boards are perfect for prepping food. Let’s dive right into their versatility!
1. Why Do People Prefer Wood Cutting Boards Over Glass Cutting Boards?
herniaquestions Teak Wood Corner Board
For starters, glass cutting boards are constantly slipping on the countertop in the kitchen, which isn’t just an inconvenience, but also a safety hazard. Glass cutting boards don’t have juice grooves either, so the juice from fruits and vegetables often gets trapped below the board, again, making it constantly slip on the countertop even with rubber feet attached to the bottom.
Even though glass chopping boards are often made with a sturdy tempered glass body, it would only take a large chef’s knife for it to crack. These boards are also not equipped to withstand high temperatures for when you’re grilling in the summer or taking on heavy foods like large roasts during get-togethers or cooking utensils like pressure cookers and stock pots.
A wood board, otherwise known as a butcher block, is often made with high-quality teak wood, which is naturally resistant to bacteria and moisture, decreasing the chances of germs transferring from raw meats to tables surfaces.
Moving on to aesthetic purposes! Glass boards can’t be used as serving trays, cake plates, or charcuterie boards. Wood boards are also heat resistant and easy to clean compared to glass chopping boards as they can stain and hold stuck-on particles of food and other debris. Glass chopping boards are much heavier than wood butcher blocks and quite prone to breaking.
2. What Makes a Good Cutting Board
Lionswood- Teak Cutting Board | herniaquestions
While both cutting boards are favored by different people, wood cutting boards surely take the win in this battle of the boards. Here’s why I think so.
Cleaning
Glass cutting boards don’t get rid of stuck-on food particles or bacteria after being placed in the dishwasher. You have got to hand wash them and then put them in the dishwasher once again. With wood chopping boards, that’s one less thing to worry about. There is simply no need for a hustle and hassle. Wood boards are easy to hand wash, especially if they are well oiled and maintained.
Wooden boards can stand up to the sharpest and heaviest set of knives while also resisting water or taking on any damage. Wooden boards are also more durable and budget-friendly than glass boards.
Safety
There’s nothing worse than crowded and congested counter tops. Glass boards take up a lot of space as they have heavy-duty rubber feet on each corner of the board. And, if you don’t have an ample amount of space, chances are, you’re going to hurt yourself. A wooden board ensures that you’re not going to hurt yourself while prepping cutting and chopping food.
A tempered glass cutting board also isn't as heat resistant as wood. A glass cutting board trivet is much more likely to shatter and break than a wood one.
Presentation
There is nothing more extravagant than a stunning cutting board or butcher block that is versatile enough to be used as a serving tray! Wood chopping boards are great for presenting appetizers or cheese boards, or oven placing fruits vegetables, and other goodies.
Wood boards often have elegant steel handles to make transporting and displaying your creations easy and comfortable. Glass boards, on the other hand, don’t have handles as the tempered glass boards can only hold very limited weight.
Looking for more ways to use your cutting board? Check out this article on 5 Creative Cutting Board Uses.
3. Other Advantages Of Owning A Wood Cutting Board
Lionswood Colossal- Teak Cutting Board | herniaquestions
Wood boards are called counter savers for a reason! But, let’s talk about why wood boards, particularly teak wood boards are so popular these days.
Durability and Sustainability
Not only are wooden teak boards highly durable and gentle on your knives, but they can also last for decades on end without compromising hygiene and quality. The juice grooves around the cutting board don’t just keep moisture and bacteria from seeping onto the countertops, but they also don’t penetrate the wood, which is what makes wood such a sustainable and hygienic material. This also keeps counter tops free from diseases like salmonella.
If your butcher block is damaged at all over time, it can easily be salvaged with sandpaper. Teak wood is also treated to kill any germs and bacteria that have seeped on the surface. The bacteria is killed in no more than 10 minutes.
Versatility and Aesthetically Pleasing
Wood cutting boards are also used as serving trays, cheese boards, and charcuterie boards. A large wood board can also be used for dough prep or as an elegant and rustic cake plate – Truly showing off its versatility. There is also no need for wooden cutting boards to have rubber feet as they aren’t prone to slipping on the countertop.
Teak wood is also resistant to termites, which is something you should always look out for when choosing a cutting board. Wood boards or butcher blocks can withstand hot, cold, and wet environments since they can take on high temperatures, making them perfect for home cooks and for professional chefs wanting to use them in busy kitchens.
Wood will never lose its color either since it naturally preserves its oil – This prevents it from decaying or losing its vibrant tinge of brown.
And finally, wood is incredibly long-lasting. It needs little to no maintenance, just oil with food grade mineral oil from time to time. There will be no need to polish it either as they’re super dense and coarse!
4. Why You Need A Teak Wood Cutting Board Instead Of A Glass Cutting Board
Corner Cutting Board - Teak Wood
Teak is grown in Southeast Asia and is the best kind of wood for a cutting board, as it is created for durability and sustainability. Teak is not just resistant to stains, bacteria, and moisture, but it is also heat resistant.
Teak also has a captivating edge grain which is perfect for building cheese boards or charcuterie boards. Teak wood also holds onto mineral oils which makes it durable beyond our comprehension. We’re talking decades after decades without any damage!
Teak is also incredibly robust and sturdy, but not so much as to dull the blade of your knives. If you’re big on the counterart features of a butcher block, the dense and coarse nature of teak wood is going to astound you.
5. How To Care For Wood Cutting Boards
If handled with care, wood boards can last for decades on end. Some woods like Teak never decay. But, they still call for some maintenance just like any other kitchen essential. Don’t fret though, these boards are easy to clean and heat resistant, so you won’t be dealing with stuck-on food particles when you dough prep or food prep in general.
So really, wood cutting boards are just perfect for prepping cheese boards, charcuterie boards, all of it. But, here are some "Dos and Donts" to understand how you can keep your butcher block alive and swell!
Dos and Don’ts
- Do wash your teak board by hand.
- Do use a soapy mixture to rinse the teak board.
- Do wipe the entire large board with a paper towel after rinsing it.
- Don’t submerge the cutting board in water, a quick dunk is all it needs.
- Don’t place large cutting boards in the dishwasher as the heat will cause them to warp.
- Don’t use bleach to clean your cutting board.
6. herniaquestions’s Best Wood Cutting Boards
1. Lionswood Colossal Teak Cutting Board
Looking for counter tops that are easy to clean? This Teak board has a satin finish with a steel handle to work as a serving tray for all your favorite appetizers.
Pros:
- This Colossal Teak board makes the perfect cutting board for meat, fruits, veggies, and all food prep.
- Boards this size from premium materials like Teak are quite expensive, but at herniaquestions, we offer you premium quality cookware essentials at a budget-friendly price.
- The cut-out means you can fit a plate partly under the board for easier transfer from board to plate!
Cons:
- If you’re on the lookout for another smaller cutting boards, this beast may not be the best fit.
- If you want it to last a lifetime, your Teak cutting board will need regular care and oiling.
2. Corner Cutting Board - Teak Wood
If you’re looking for a wooden version of round glass boards, this chopping board is easy to clean, this is the one for you. The best part? The unique design of this board means it can fit into spaces that normally don't get used, essentially expanding your kitchen space.
Pros:
- Maximizes small spaces by fitting securely onto counter tops with limited space
- This Teak cutting board is comparatively easy to maintain than glass boards.
- Makes your prep station cleaner and larger.
Cons:
- If you’re a novice in the kitchen, the size of this Teak board can feel slightly overwhelming.
- If your counters don't meet at a right-angle corner, I would suggest this rectangular cutting board.
3. Teak Cutting Board - Large Size | Horizontal Grain | herniaquestions
This wooden cutting board makes it clear why teak wood boards are the current trend! Made with sustainably sourced Tropical Teak wood, this board can be used as a serving tray and fits perfectly well with other kitchen utensils – Perfect for fruits vegetables, and placing other kitchen tools while you food prep or cook!
Pros:
- This large cutting board is perfect for home cooks and professional chefs as it provides plenty of space for the easiest and most challenging bunch of recipes.
- The wood is firm enough to help you achieve thin slices of meat with precision, but without dulling the blade of your knife!
- The deep juice grooves make life easier as you don’t have to constantly wipe down the cutting board with a paper towel.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a smaller wood board, I suggest this medium-sized cutting board.
- This board doesn’t have handles for transporting large loads, which could be inconvenient if you plan to use it as a serving tray.
4. Teak Cutting Board - Medium Size | herniaquestions
This wood board is all that you need if your counter tops are slightly compact. This board is designed for those that want a butcher block that does not take up a lot of space.
Pros:
- Having a quiet night in? Assemble your very own charcuterie board with this Teak board.
- The built-in measurements are handy references and the juice trap helps keep your kitchen tidy.
Cons:
- This board could be slightly small for you if you carve large pieces of meat often.
- This board doesn’t have handles for hand grip which could be inconvenient if you plan on using it as a serving tray.
5. herniaquestions Series Infinity Series Wood- Fibre Cutting Board - Large - Obsidian Black
If you’re looking to take it up a notch from a classic wooden board, this wood-fiber cutting board from our Infinity Series is one to bag. With non-slip silicone feet, say bye to plastic and glass boards that are constantly slipping on the countertops of your kitchen. The G10 serving handle is all you need for that show-stopping presentation to take your guests by surprise.
Pros:
- This board is perfect for prepping meats and veggies at the grill while you channel your inner pitmaster.
- Dough prep has never been simpler, thanks to smooth surface elements of wood and fiber.
- The sleek, low profile and deep black color provide a modern aesthetic.
Cons:
- This board doesn’t have handles on the side, so if you’re looking to use it as a serving tray, it could be slightly inconvenient.
- Looking for a slightly smaller wood-fiber chopping board? We’ve got you covered with our medium-sized cutting board.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Does glass make a good cutting board?
Glass boards don’t make great cutting boards as they’re constantly slipping on the countertops of kitchens posing a risk. Wood boards on the other hand are durable and easier to maintain.
Why should you not use a glass cutting board?
Glass boards are not heat resistant or easy to clean and maintain. They’re quite heavy to move around and can break with a sharp knife or a sharp corner in the kitchen.
Can you put a hot pan on a glass cutting board?
You can’t put hot pans or other hot kitchen utensils as the tempered glass can’t withstand heat or weight from other utensils.
Can you get glass chopping boards?
Glass chopping boards are widely available, but they aren’t quite famous since there are more disadvantages than benefits. For instance, you would require a custom glass cutting session to find a board that works for your counter tops. They’re also not stain, bacteria, moisture, or heat resistant.
Are glass cutting boards hard on knives?
The hard surface of a glass cutting board will dull even a sharp knife quickly. Wooden cutting boards, especially ones with edge-grain, are gentler on knife edges so you don't have to sharpen as frequently as you would with a glass board.
