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The Pros and Cons of Plastic Cutting Boards?

Have you ever thought about how much the plastic cutting boards we use in the kitchen can affect our cooking? What are the pros and cons of plastic chopping boards? It might seem like a small thing, but choosing the right cutting board is a big deal. It can affect how safe your food is, how long your knives last, and even how your kitchen looks!

There are lots of different board materials out there. They range from classic wood chopping boards to shiny cut glass. But plastic cutting boards are really popular. Let’s get in and find out!

Key Takeaways

  • Plastic cutting boards are affordable, easy to clean (often dishwasher-safe), and lightweight.
  • They are non-porous when new, preventing liquid absorption, but scratches can harbor germs.
  • Plastic boards can dull knives faster than wood.
  • They have environmental drawbacks as they are not biodegradable.
  • Color-coded plastic boards help avoid cross-contamination.
  • Regular cleaning and sanitizing are crucial; replace worn boards.
  • Consider your needs when choosing; wood, bamboo, and glass are also options.

What are Plastic Cutting Boards Made Of?

Red plastic boards

Before we look at all the pros and cons of plastic cutting boards. It’s important to know what plastic cutting boards are made from. Unlike wood chopping or bamboo, plastic cutting boards are usually made from artificial materials. It is kind of like the stuff in boxes or some water bottles.

The most common plastics used are polyethylene and polypropylene. These are usually picked because they’re tough, don’t soak up water, and aren’t super expensive. These materials are food-safe which means they shouldn’t put any bad stuff into your food.

But just because they’re made of plastics doesn’t mean all plastic ones are the same. Some are more heavy-duty than others, and it’s important to look for a “food-safe” label. That way you know you are getting a good one.

It’s also good to know that not all plastic boards are BPA-free. BPA is a chemical that some people worry about, so choosing a plastic board that’s BPA-free is a good idea.

Pros of Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards are popular for a lot of reasons! Here are some of the good things about them:

Easy on the Wallet and Everywhere

One of the best things about plastic cutting boards is that they don’t cost a lot. Plastic boards are very affordable compared to some wood chopping boards or end-grain cutting boards. This makes them easy for everyone to get, whether you’re a kid just starting to learn to cook or a professional chef.

Also, you can find plastic ones in almost every store that sells kitchen tool. You will be sure to find one at your local store or online. You can also get them in all kinds of colors, sizes, and styles. Great for busy kitchens where you want to avoid putting certain meats chopped on the same surface as the veggies.

Here is a table showing the average prices of cutting boards:

MaterialAverage Price Range
Plastic$5 – $30
Wood$20 – $100+
Bamboo$15 – $50
Glass$10 – $40

Super Easy to Keep Clean

If you want something that’s super easy to clean, plastic cutting boards are great. Unlike wood, where you have to be very careful to dry it properly, you can usually just throw a plastic board in the dishwasher. Most plastic boards are dishwasher safe which is a huge time saver.

Because plastic isn’t very porous (which means water can’t soak in) it doesn’t hold onto food smells or stains as easily as wood. This makes it easy to just wipe it down quickly after using it.

Light and Easy to Move

Plastic cutting boards are usually very light, which makes them easy to carry around. If you need to move it, it’s not going to feel like you’re lifting something heavy. This can be helpful if you are doing some preparing outside or just need to move the board around the kitchen.

Just because it’s light doesn’t mean it’s flimsy. Most are still really sturdy and won’t slide around when you’re doing elaborate cutting tasks.

Not Soaked Up

Because plastic surfaces aren’t porous, they don’t soak up water, juices, or other liquids. This is important because if liquids soak into the board, that can create a place where germs can grow. They can’t soak into a new plastic one as easily as they can in a wooden board.

Fact: Food safety research shows that when surfaces that don’t soak up water. They are easier to keep clean and prevent things like bacteria from spreading.

Color-Coded for Safety

Many plastic cutting boards come in different colors. Some colors include are red for meats chopped, blue for fish, and green for veggies. This is great because it helps to prevent cross-contamination.

Cross-contamination is when you spread germs from one food to another. Don’t use the same board that you use for chopped meats and then put ready-to-eat items on it. These act could make you sick.

This color-coding makes it easy to pick the right board, which is especially helpful in busy kitchens.

Cons of Plastic Cutting Boards

White plasticboard

Even with all the good stuff, plastic cutting boards do have some drawbacks. Let’s look at the cons:

Scratches and Worn Out

Over time, using your knives on a plastic board can cause scratches and deep cut-marks. These knife-marks don’t just look bad; they can actually make it harder to keep your board clean. The cuts and grooves can trap germs making them difficult to clean properly. This is one of the bigger issues with these boards.

Not Great for the Earth

One of the biggest problems with plastic cutting boards is that they aren’t great for the environment. Most of the boards are made from plastics that don’t break down naturally. This means they can sit in landfills for hundreds of years, creating a lot of waste.

Some companies are looking into using recycled materials for plastic boards. But it’s not yet widely seen as an alternative, so this is still a major downside.

Not Good With Heat

Plastic cutting boards don’t handle heat very well. If you put a hot pan or hot food on a plastic surface, it can melt or warp it, or leak chemicals into the environment. So, you should avoid using them as a place to set hot things down.

Germs Can Still Hide

New plastic boards are non-porous. But when you make cuts and grooves, these can become places where germs can hide. That’s why you need to be super careful to keep them clean and sanitize them often.

Do this even if they are made from a non-porous material. You also need to replace your board when it is worn out because it will become more difficult to keep it board clean.

Not Great for Your Knife

Plastic cutting boards can be tough on your knives. The harder material of plastic can dull your knife edge more quickly than wood. This means you’ll have to do knife sharpening more often if you use a plastic board regularly. If you have good quality kitchen knives this could become an issue over time.

How Do Plastic Cutting Boards Compare to Other Materials?

black plastic cutting board

Plastic vs Wooden Cutting Boards

Wood and plastic are the most common choices for cutting boards. Wood cutting boards are usually very nice to look at and are good for your knife blades. But you have to put in some extra effort to take care of them. Plastic cutting boards are cheaper and easier to clean but not as durable in the long run.

FeaturePlastic Cutting BoardsWooden Cutting Boards
PriceCheaperCan be more expensive
CleaningEasy to wash, often dishwasher safeNeeds hand washing and special drying
DurabilityScratches easily, can warpCan crack or splinter but can last a long time if well taken care of
Knife FriendlyCan dull knives more quicklyGentler on your knife edge
LooksSimple and less fancyCan be very beautiful and unique
Food SafetyEasy to wash new ones; germs can hide in cut-marksCan hold onto bacteria, but the wood fibers can also have bacteria-fighting properties.

Plastic vs Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo cutting boards are often seen as a good middle ground. Bamboo is a natural material that grows back very quickly. It is more eco-friendly than some other wood type or plastic. Yet, it is more costly than plastic and needs to be cleaned and cared for properly, to make sure it doesn’t hold onto germs.

Plastic vs Glass Cutting Boards

Glass cutting boards are usually very tough and easy to clean, but they aren’t good for your knives. The glass is a harder material than your knife and it will make them dull very fast. Also there is always a risk of breaking them which is why they are not popular options.

How to Pick the Best Plastic Cutting Board

When you’re looking at plastic cutting boards, keep these things in mind:

  • Size: Pick the right size for your kitchen and how much food you usually cut.
  • Thickness: A thicker board will last longer.
  • Material: Look for HDPE cutting boards or polypropylene. They are great for durability.
  • Color: Think if you want different colors for different foods.
  • BPA-Free: Make sure it’s BPA-free for food safety.
  • Recycled: If you want something more eco-friendly. Then look for boards made from recycled plastics or something you can recycle later.
  • Brand: Go for well known brands that have good reviews.

How to Keep Your Plastic Cutting Boards in Great Shape

white-plastic-cutting-board-on-table

Cleaning and Sanitizing

It’s very important to keep your plastic board clean to avoid the spread of germs. Always wash your board after you use it, with hot, soapy water. If it’s dishwasher safe, use that regularly. To sanitize, soak it in a solution of bleach and water for a few minutes, then rinse and let it air dry.

Knowing When to Replace

Keep an eye on your plastic cutting board. If you see deep knife-marks, it starts to warp, or if it’s just very used surfaces, it’s time to get a new one. You don’t want to keep using something that is hard to keep clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it okay to cut raw meat on plastic cutting boards? Yes, but always clean them really well afterward.
  • Can you put hot foods on them? It is best to let hot foods cool down, before setting them on the board to prevent damage.
  • How long do they last? This depends on how often you use it, and how well you take care of it.
  • Do plastic boards dull my knives? Yes, they can dull your knife edge faster than wood.

Conclusion: Which Board is Right For You?

Choosing between different cutting boards, whether wood versus plastic, or something else. It comes down to your specific needs and how you like to cook. Plastic cutting boards are easy to use, affordable, and convenient. But they also have some downsides, like knife marks and their impact on the environment.

You should always consider all the pros and cons before making your choice. Always make sure you’re cleaning your board properly, no matter what kind of material you use. To make sure you’re keeping your kitchen safe and your food safe.

Resources

  1. FDA Guidelines on Cutting Board Safety
  2. Environmental Impact of Kitchen Tools and Utensils
  3. Latest Research on Microplastics in Food Preparation
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