Views: 108 Author: Anthony Publish Time: 2024-02-19 Origin: Kitchen Plus
There are many types of cutting boards available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more hygienic than others, some are more durable than others, and some are easier to clean than others. In this article, we will help you compare and contrast the four common types of cutting boards: plastic, wood, bamboo, and glass.
Plastic vs Wood vs Bamboo vs Glass: Which One is the Most Hygienic?
When selecting a cutting board for meat, hygiene is a crucial factor to consider. A good cutting board must be resistant to bacteria, moisture, and odors while being easy to clean and sanitize. In this article, we'll examine how the four most common types of cutting boards fare in terms of hygiene.
Plastic
Plastic cutting boards are a commonly used option due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and easy-to-clean surface. They can be washed with hot water and soap or put in the dishwasher, making them a convenient option. However, plastic cutting boards do have some downsides. Knives can cause scratches and gouges on the surface, which can create crevices for bacteria to hide and grow, ultimately leading to the contamination of food. Additionally, plastic cutting boards have the tendency to absorb moisture and odours, resulting in unpleasant smells and tainted flavours. Finally, plastic cutting boards are not environmentally friendly, as they are made from petroleum and can release harmful chemicals when they are heated or damaged.
Wood
Wooden cutting boards are a popular choice for many because of their natural beauty and antibacterial properties. They are also gentle on knives and can last for years if properly cared for. However, they do have some drawbacks. Since they are porous, they tend to absorb moisture and odors which can cause them to warp, crack, or rot, making mold easier to glow on the board surface. To maintain their quality and avoid mold contamination, they need regular oiling and conditioning.
Bamboo
Bamboo cutting boards are a great alternative to wood cutting boards. They are eco-friendly and more durable, as bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource. Compared to most woods, bamboo is harder and denser, so it is more resistant to scratches and knife marks. Which means that it is not easy to harbor meat remainder on the board surface and provide a friendly environment for bacterial and mold. Additionally, bamboo cutting boards do not absorb moisture and odors as much as wood cutting boards, which makes them easier to clean and maintain.
Glass
Glass cutting boards are considered to be the most hygienic cutting boards since they don't have any pores and thus, do not absorb any bacteria, moisture, or odors. They are also very easy to clean and sanitize as they can be washed in a dishwasher and wiped with any disinfectant.