Are plastic cutting boards porous?

Food safety organizations usually recommend using a nonporous cutting board for raw meat, like plastic. If you do use wood with meat, make sure you sanitize it and dry it thoroughly. If you must use wood, choose bamboo. It's the least porous of the wood family.

Are plastic cutting boards non porous?

Plastic is non-porous, meaning it doesn't allow things to soak into it as easily as things made of natural fibers (aka wood). Proponents of plastic believe that since bacteria can't soak into the cutting board, it's a safer, more sanitary option.

Do plastic cutting boards absorb bacteria?

Both wood and plastic cutting boards will become contaminated with bacteria on contact with any raw animal product. Both types of cutting boards can transfer bacteria from raw meat to other foods unless they are sanitized.

What is more porous wood or plastic?

Contrary to popular belief, plastic cutting boards are not automatically safer than wood. Studies have shown that wood can actually be more sanitary in the long run. People assume that because wood is a porous surface and plastic isn't, plastic boards are more resistant to bacteria.

Are cutting boards porous?

Even though wood cutting boards are very hard, they're also porous so they absorb everything and anything you put on them, including bacteria. They require oiling to keep the wood in good condition -- the oil helps somewhat by creating a barrier against moisture.

Why I Chose A Plastic Cutting Board Over Wood

Is it better to cut meat on wood or plastic?

No matter which wood you choose, the biggest problem with most wooden cutting boards is they absorb juices from meats. This can lead to dangerous bacteria growth. Food safety organizations usually recommend using a nonporous cutting board for raw meat, like plastic.

Are plastic chopping boards better than wood?

While a plastic board can quickly end up scratched and damaged, a wooden board is more resilient as the knife slices between the fibres of the wood and doesn't leave marks. When marks or scratches do occur, these can be easily removed with a refinisher, leaving your board good as new.

What is the most sanitary type of cutting board?

Is it safe to use plastic cutting boards?

The good news is, both wood and plastic cutting boards are perfectly safe as long as they are sanitized properly. However, each type of cutting board has it's advantages and disadvantages.

What material is best for a cutting board?

The best cutting board material is one that can be easily cleaned, and doesn't damage or dull knives. Common options for cutting board material are wood, plastic, rubber, and bamboo. Wood cutting boards are superior for their hard-wearing and self-healing properties, and their ability to preserve a knife edge.

How do you disinfect plastic cutting boards?

You want to take one tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of water, and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or lemon essential oil (3 drops), and a tablespoon of table salt. Make a paste and slather it all over your cutting board. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes and then wash clean with a towel or bristle brush.

How often should you replace plastic cutting boards?

For plastic, you should replace them every one to five years, whereas wood will last much longer with proper care. Much like the five-day "when in doubt, throw it out" leftover food rule, use the one-year rule for ensuring your cutting board isn't contaminating your kitchen.

How do you clean a plastic cutting board after raw meat?

After cutting raw meat, poultry or seafood on your cutting board, clean thoroughly with hot soapy water, then disinfect with chlorine bleach or other sanitizing solution and rinse with clean water.

Is wood or plastic cutting board better for knives?

Stick with wood or plastic cutting boards to keep your knives in good condition. Our testers all agreed that wood boards felt better than plastic under a knife—and the professional chefs Wirecutter spoke with said they mostly used wood blocks over plastic boards.

What are plastic cutting boards made of?

These cutting surfaces are most often made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), a material engineered for durability, safety, and low maintenance. HDPE cutting surfaces can be produced according to need, in a variety of thicknesses, shapes, colors and surface textures.

Which cutting boards are easily contaminated?

Wood cutting boards

Although softwoods are less expensive and require less knife sharpening, they put you at a much higher risk of cross-contamination. The boards are more porous, making it easier for bacteria to live and grow.

Why are wood cutting boards more sanitary than plastic?

Hardwoods (like this maple cutting board from Boos) are better at resisting bacteria. “Hardwoods like maple are fine-grained, and the capillary action of those grains pulls down fluid, trapping the bacteria—which are killed off as the board dries after cleaning,” says Ben Chapman, a food safety researcher at NC State.

What type of plastic cutting board is best?

Material. When it comes to the best plastic cutting boards, you'll want to choose a high-quality, high-density polypropylene or polyethylene. If properly maintained, the construction shouldn't crack, warp, or chip.

Is bamboo cutting board better than plastic?

As for the effect, boards have on knives, studies have found that hardwoods, as well as plastic, protect the sharpness knives. However, bamboo did not protect them as well, and boards that were more solid than wood or plastic, like glass or metal, did not protect knives at all.

What kind of cutting board does Gordon Ramsay use?

Cutting board (The board Gordon uses is a Boos Block. We recommend any substantial wooden cutting board that is at least 24” x 18” in size and not prone to slipping.)

How do you maintain a plastic cutting board?

The method: ​In a small bowl, mix 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of dish soap (I used Dawn), and 1 to 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. Spread the mixture over the stain and let it sit overnight. Rinse and scrub with warm, soapy water.

What is the healthiest cutting board material?

You can argue that stone and glass make the most hygienic cutting board materials. For one, they're non-porous, so no concerns about bacteria absorption or warping. Plus, they're effortless to clean and maintain – neither glass nor stone needs oil. Stone and glass will destroy your blade's sharpness.

Can you cut chicken on a plastic cutting board?

According to the Meat and Poultry Hotline, both wood and nonporous surfaces like plastic are sanitary for cutting raw meat and poultry. However, it recommends using one cutting board for fresh produce and bread and a different board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.

Why do chefs use wooden cutting boards?

Wood and bamboo cutting boards are generally preferred by both chefs and home cooks alike because they are: Effortlessly cleaned. Easy on knife blades. Naturally antibacterial (particularly Bamboo)

What's the best surface to cut meat on?

Plastic: Plastic is generally considered the best option for raw meat because it's dishwasher safe and has a non-porous surface. Wood: Wood cutting boards (including bamboo) can be difficult to sanitize, as they can't go in the dishwasher.