Where to buy chopping boards

Chopping blocks were created in response to the needs of the meat industry. The meat processors required a hard surface that would not wear down after hours of use, yet not dull their knives. The wood chopping block was the first development in chopping boards and it was a step up from the stumps that the original meat processors had used. This guide will detail the different kinds of chopping blocks and where you might buy them.

Wood and bamboo

These are the best cutting boards because they do not harbour bacteria and contain natural anti-microbial properties. Both share the same basic construction: boards cut and glued together on end. Both boards can be smoothly used with your knives and can also be easily cleaned. The better quality wood and bamboo cutting boards can be sanded and used again for years to come. Wood chopping blocks are available at most retail furnishing and cooking stores as well as at Durham Boards, Argos, Nisbets, Kitchen Fanatics and more. Bamboo chopping blocks are available at most stores as well as de Cuisine, Lakeland, Eccocenric, Amazon and more.

Plastic

Plastic shopping blocks are generally less expensive than wood and bamboo chopping blocks. However, the plastic has one major disadvantage, whereas bacteria dies when trapped in wood and bamboo, that is not the case with plastic. Once plastic cutting boards become scarred by knives, then bacteria can become tracked in them and they do not die. Experts like Harold Macgee (Keys to Good Cooking) recommend replacing them once they develop scratches. This can help to prevent harmful bacteria by spoiling your food or worse. These chopping blocks are also available at cooking supply stores as well as retailers like Argos, Nisbets, Arko, Amazon and more.

Glass

Glass chopping blocks look beautiful and can be cleaned very effectively. They can even be personalised. However, they are not compatible for knives. The best use of these chopping blocks is as pot warmers or trivets that protect the counter from the heat of a pot stove. They are made from tempered glass. These glass chopping blocks are also available at most cooking stores as well as at Argos, Glass Logic, Homecreations, Start2Cook and Amazon.