Cutting board: Simple form, evolved function

The kitchen is an area that until even a few years back was relegated to the sidelines as opposed to the other visually prominent rooms of the home. However, the recent years have witnessed a radical overhaul in the function and role of the kitchen. Whereas the kitchen was earlier a space that was strictly delineated for culinary activities, it has now metamorphosed into an area that is privy to family meals and even hearty banter.

The functionality of the kitchen has therefore evolved on a parallel line in order to sustain these very activities. A fully functional kitchen is often dictated by the seemingly trivial factors that forlornly get visually beleaguered by the imposing aspects of kitchen decor. However, it is these very fundamental devices that contribute colossally towards the functionality of a kitchen at the grassroots level. Take for instance, the cutting board. Its practicality and resourcefulness accelerates the pace of the culinary activities while lending a handy avenue for processing food items. It is an exceptionally valuable kitchen tool that apart from serving as a space for cutting and chopping food items, also addresses issues related to hygiene and sanitation. The typical cutting board can easily be accommodated on the kitchen counter and comes in specific specifications at vitalwares.ca that bespeak their suitability for kitchen counters of varying dimensions. Materials like plastic, wood, acrylic and glass are utilized in the construction of these boards while popular shapes available at vitalwares.ca range from the classic rectangles to unconventional ovals. Moreover, it is more than just a functional inventory in the gamut of kitchen accessories and also displays a rare penchant for aesthetic finesse. Besides, the vast range of materials used in the construction is characteristic of their ability to attest to various styles of kitchen decor.

Why should I utilize the cutting board?

The cutting board is such an integral component of functional kitchens that their utilitarian worth is often not fully comprehended by home owners. The presence of a good board however, makes all the difference when it comes to establishing a kitchen that is efficient, well-equipped and resourceful. But some people tend to dismiss their functionality and instead prefer alternatives like the kitchen counter as a handy chopping block. However, this can have adverse effects on the quality of the food and additionally gives rise to lingering health concerns. In case, you have still not incorporated a suitable chopping board into your kitchen paraphernalia, here are a few convincing reasons for doing so.

• The establishment of a good kitchen counter is no mean fiscal investment. You would certainly be averse to damaging it in order to save a few bucks. Using the kitchen counter as a proxy cutting board results in the edge of the sharp knife scoring unsightly patterns into the smooth surface. Employing a board thus, keeps your kitchen counter in top shape.
• Most knives have sharp albeit delicate edges that can get tarnished when used on inappropriate surfaces like that of a kitchen counter. The surface of these boards is designed in order to take the cuts inflicted by the knife in its stride.
• Though it might be a tough proposition to clean and disinfect kitchen counters often involving an arduous regimen, this is not the case with these boards. Most of them can easily be washed in the dishwasher or in the kitchen sink.
• Multiple boards can be used in order to allot each to the chopping of particular food items. For instance, whereas one could serve for the chopping of meat, another can be used exclusively for vegetables or fruits. This move also negates the possibility of cross-contamination which can occur when several types of foods come into contact with a single cutting board.
• How often have you faltered when you want to transfer chopped food items from the kitchen counter to a pot or pan? The cutting boards can be expediently used to move the processed food items into the mouth of a waiting pan or skillet.
• They enable you to contain the mess resulting from chopping and cutting to a relatively smaller surface area.

How do I get to know about the different types of the cutting board?

These boards are a staple in every kitchen often illustrating a multi-faceted dimension to their functionality. From the chopping of food to the presentation of the prepared dish, they have effectively transcended their fundamental purpose to embrace a more comprehensive utilitarian worth. Though it is not unusual to find multiple numbers of boards in certain kitchens, every household boasts of at least one. Though conventionally hardwood was the predominant material used in the construction of these boards, modern times have seen the influx of more versatile and functionally flexible materials. Gaining awareness about the different types of boards on offer at vital wares is mandatory when you want to go about making a choice synchronized with your functional expectations. Here is a brief overview on the various types of the cutting board.

• Wooden: This type is exceptionally versatile and is quite popular because of its distinct ability to accommodate the edge of knives in the process preserving their sharpness. Most people prefer the comfort associated with chopping food on these because they have been around for a relatively longer period of time. However, the cleaning regimen involved in the maintenance might be slightly protracted in view of the fact that they are not suitable to be chucked into a dishwasher. Since wood is susceptible to developing cuts and grooves over a period of use, it should be kept in mind that the nooks can harbor bacteria and germs. Thus, these types of boards require a thorough and methodical cleaning schedule at regular intervals.
• Plastic: These types of boards predictably linger in the lower segment of the price band and can be purchased in startlingly bold colors. Moreover, at vital wares these come in various shapes and sizes with varying levels of thicknesses. The plastic versions are quite lightweight and therefore convenient when it comes to transferring food. It would be advisable to choose a plastic model that is thick and capable of enduring the cuts of sharp knives. The maintenance schedule is fairly simple and straightforward. Washing the board in the dishwasher is an effective way of sanitizing it. Another factor that works in the favor of these types of boards is that they are not as vulnerable to acquiring stains and mottles as their wooden counterparts. However, they are not very efficient when it comes to preserving the sharpness of your knifes edge.
• Glass: This type is extremely contemporary in looks and is as geared towards aesthetic appeal as functionality. These types come in striking patterns at vital wares and can be stylishly coordinated with the elements of kitchen decor. However, a point to retain in mind is that the hard and unyielding surface can be belligerently tough on the edges of knives.
• Acrylic: The acrylic board is renowned for its durability and its knack for protecting knife edges. Available in many designs, shapes and sizes at vital wares, these are dishwasher safe and can thus be effortlessly sterilized. Other than being lightweight, these boast of a non-porous surface that does not allow bacteria and germs to infiltrate it.

What type of chopping board is best suited for use?

The raging debate over which type of board yields optimum functional dividends has still not found a unanimous resolution. Though a section of people believe that wood definitively take precedence over plastic or acrylic, others tend to tow the line that materials like plastic and acrylic are preferable because of their less rigorous maintenance requirements. However, the simple fact is that irrespective of whether the board is constructed from wood, plastic or acrylic, it can become a festering ground for bacteria if not used and sanitized correctly. If you can take time out to disinfect these on a regular basis, it will be consistently safe to use. However, it should be remembered that unlike plastic or acrylic, the capability of the wood cutting board is much more pronounced when it comes to handling the knife edge.

What are the factors to keep in mind when investing in a cutting board?

There are several tools and implements that define a functional and efficient kitchen. One of these is the pivotal cutting board. The significance of this board is at par if not above essential tools like kitchen knives. The purchase of this board should therefore be examined in light of the critical role it assumes in the kitchen. Selecting the right one is almost as vital as choosing the right type of kitchen counter or the appropriate kitchen gadgets. Doing so will not only alleviate your culinary woes but will also contribute massively in underscoring the functionality of the space. Here are a few useful tips that you can utilize for choosing the perfect cutting board.

• What size would be right? : The size of the cutting board can have a major impact in delineating its functional worth. The size would also be influenced by your anticipated cutting needs. If your chopping needs are exaggerated, a large board would be more suitable. However, a small one can effectively address moderate chopping needs. Also examine the space that you have allocated for the storage of the board. It would be ill advised to invest in a large board when the available space can only accommodate a small one. In case, you are going for a plastic or acrylic board, make sure that it can fit into your dishwasher. On the other hand, if you prefer to wash these in the sink, ensure that its dimensions are slightly less than that of the kitchen sink. Since the size would be directly proportional to its price tag, it would be prudent to examine your spending capabilities as well.
• Ease of cleaning: The cutting board would need to be washed in the sink since they are not amenable to dishwashing. Therefore, you must be willing to indulge in a regular maintenance regimen if you want to integrate it into your kitchen inventory. Those crafted from plastic and acrylic can however be washed in the dishwasher and do not require a convoluted cleaning schedule.
• Hygiene issues: It should be kept in mind that with a regular and effective cleaning agenda in place, any type of board can be kept successfully sanitized. These have an intrinsic quality that quells the penetration of bacteria once they have been washed and cleaned. On the other hand, they are equipped with a surface that does not allow the bacteria to penetrate through its non-porous exterior.
• The board and the knife edge: The type of board that you choose can radically alter the condition of your kitchen knifes edge. For instance, the board helps the knife to hold its edge better as compared to a glass board. Hard surfaces like glass, marble and ceramic can deal a lethal blow to the knifes edge when used for a prolonged period of time.
• Cost: The cost of the cutting board is dictated by the materials used in construction, its size and the brand. The wood versions usually lurk at the higher end of the price spectrum whereas plastic and acrylic boards are relatively low priced. However, quality always wins and it should be advisable to invest in a superior product than an inferior one that would probably break down after several months of use. Choose from qualitatively superior cutting boards at vital wares.