A plastic cutting board is a necessary tool for every kitchen. It can be tricky to determine what are the best plastic cutting boards around. I will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a plastic cutting board. I will provide top recommendations, and share tips for caring for your board. After reading, you’ll know how to select the ideal plastic cutting board for your kitchen.
Key Takeaways:
- Look for durable plastics that resist stains, odors, and wear from knife cuts. Polypropylene and polyethylene are common.
- Consider the right size for your tasks, kitchen, and storage. Many sizes are useful.
- Focus on easy to clean boards that are dishwasher safe. Handwash any with special care instructions.
- Extra features like juice grooves, non-slip edges, and handles add functionality.
- Replace boards with significant nicks, cuts, warping, or odor absorption.
The best plastic cutting boards are durable. Yet they’re gentle surfaces for all your slicing, dicing, and chopping tasks. Plastic is affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean and sanitize. There are a variety of plastic cutting boards available today. So choose based on your priorities for your kitchen. These include durability, stain resistance, size, ease of cleaning, and special features needed.
The Best Plastic Cutting Boards for Your Kitchen
When selecting a plastic cutting board, durability and wear resistance are key factors. Polypropylene and polyethylene are common plastic types used. Opt for more durable boards that resist deep knife marks, warping, and odors.
Stain and odor resistance is also crucial. You don’t want a board harboring strong smells or stains from foods like garlic and beets. Focus on nonporous boards that come clean after washing.
Consider the size and thickness ideal for your kitchen and tasks. Larger boards accommodate proteins and extensive meal prep. Smaller boards suit limited spaces. Thicker boards are more durable and stable.
For easy cleaning, choose dishwasher-safe boards that fit your machine. Handwash any specialty plastic boards per instructions. Sanitizing your board is vital for food safety.
Extra features
- Juice grooves to catch drips
- Non-slip edges for stability
- Handles for transport to add functionality.
With these factors in mind, here are top plastic cutting board recommendations:
Top Plastic Cutting Board Recommendations
KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board
- Pros: Durable polypropylene plastic. Non-slip edges stabilize both sides. Reversible with juice groove. Affordable price.
- Cons: Shows cut marks quickly with use. Only available in smaller 13″ x 11″ size.
It has a sturdy rubber edge for stability and a handy juice groove. The KitchenAid Classic plastic board is a top choice for everyday tasks. Our testers found it easy to clean and resistant to stains, warping, and odors. The lightweight polypropylene board provides a smooth cutting surface that’s gentle on knives.
It does show cut marks faster than some boards. But the KitchenAid is a quality board at an affordable price point.
Wüsthof TPU Cutting Board
- Pros: Flexible thermoplastic polyurethane material. Resists grease and abrasion. Lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Cons: Limited color options. No juice groove.
It’s made of flexible, durable TPU plastic. This lightweight Wüsthof board stands up to heavy use without damage. Our testers found it maintained their knives’ sharp edges well. With its grippy bottom and smooth cutting surface, the board stays put while in use.
Then it’s easy to move around for tasks. While only available in red or black, the Wüsthof board resists stains and odors. It’s an excellent plastic pick for people wanting a sturdy yet portable board.
Gorilla Grip Cutting Board 3-Piece Set
- Pros: Affordable set with small, medium, large boards. Non-slip rubber grips on both sides. Handles for transport. Dishwasher safe.
- Cons: Takes up more storage space. Juice grooves only on large board.
For those seeking a range of board sizes, the Gorilla Grip 3-piece set is a budget-friendly option. The durable BPA-free plastic boards feature handy rubber gripping edges and built-in handles. Our testers found the set resisted odors, stains, and excess knife marks well.
With its non-slip stability and low price point, it’s one of the best values for a multi-board plastic set. The downsides are the larger storage space required and the lack of juice grooves on smaller boards.
How to Choose the Right Plastic Cutting Board
Beyond the top recommendations, keep the following key factors in mind when selecting a plastic cutting board for your needs:
Durability and Wear Resistance
Look for more durable plastics like polypropylene and polyethylene. They resist damage from regular use. Avoid boards that get deeply grooved or warped, which compromise stability.
Stain and Odor Resistance
Select nonporous boards that won’t easily absorb stains and odors. Wash boards thoroughly after cutting strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions.
Size and Thickness
Choose sizes to suit your kitchen space, storage, and typical tasks. Larger boards accommodate bigger tasks but take up more room. Thicker boards are more durable.
Ease of Cleaning and Sanitization
Focus on dishwasher-safe boards that fit your machine for easy sanitizing. Handwash any specialty plastic boards per instructions. Proper cleaning is crucial.
Additional Features
Opt for boards with handy juice grooves to catch drips when cutting juicy fruits or proteins. Non-slip edges enhance stability so the board stays put. Handles make transporting boards easier.
Check out Choosing the Right Cutting Board for High-End Chef’s Knives for insights into material selection.
Different Cutting Board Materials: A Comparison
While plastic boards have clear benefits, other popular cutting board materials include:
- Wood cutting boards – Gentler on knives but requires more maintenance like oiling. Avoid dishwasher.
- Rubber cutting boards – Extremely durable and gentle on knives but more expensive. Easy to handwash.
- Glass cutting boards – Not actually recommended as glass can damage knives.
- Bamboo cutting boards – More durable but can dull knives faster than wood. Go lighter on bamboo.
Caring for Your Plastic Cutting Board
With proper care, a quality plastic cutting board can last several years. Here are tips for caring for your board:
- Cleaning – For most plastic boards, the dishwasher on sanitize cycle is best for cleaning and sanitizing. Avoid extremely hot drying cycles.
- Replacing – Look for signs of extensive wear like warping, deep grooves, or odor absorption. Replace boards displaying excessive damage.
For safe and hygienic practices, explore How to Safely Use Cutting Boards.
Here is a video with more information on choosing the best plastic cutting boards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plastic Cutting Boards
Which cutting board is best, wood or plastic?
Both wood and plastic boards can be great options. Wood is gentle on knives but requires more maintenance. Plastic is lower maintenance but replace more often. Choose based on your priorities and kitchen habits.
See our comparison: Is a Wood or Plastic Cutting Board Better for Knives?.
How do I clean a plastic cutting board?
Most plastic cutting boards are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning straightforward. For hand washing, use hot soapy water then rinse thoroughly. Let air dry completely before next use.
How often should I replace my plastic cutting boards?
It depends on usage frequency and board quality. Look for significant wear signs like deep grooves, warping, and odor absorption. Replace boards with excessive damage for food safety. Higher quality boards last longer.
Can plastic cutting boards dull knives?
Any cutting board material can dull knives over time with repeated use. Harder plastic boards are more likely to dull knives faster. High-quality wood or rubber boards are gentler on knives than cheap plastic boards.
For knife maintenance tips, visit How to Care for Carbon Steel Knives.
Conclusion
When looking for a durable plastic board that’s gentle on your knives, cleans easily, and lasts for years. The KitchenAid Classic is a top choice. The Wüsthof TPU board is also recommended for its flexible yet sturdy construction. For a budget-friendly set of different sized boards, opt for the handy Gorilla Grip 3-piece set.
Whichever you choose, look for plastic boards that resist damage, odors, and stains. Consider your kitchen size and tasks. And care for your board properly so it lasts. The right plastic cutting board, has a perfect prep surface for all your cooking needs.