What Do Professional Chefs Use for Cutting Boards? A Comprehensive Guide

Professional chefs prioritize cutting boards that offer durability, hygiene, and protection for knife edges. Wooden boards like maple and acacia are preferred for their natural antibacterial properties and knife-friendliness. Plastic and rubber boards are also popular for their easy sanitation. Discover what the pros use and why each board type serves a specific purpose in busy, high-demand kitchens.

Professional chefs know that the secret to perfect meal preparation often starts with the right tools, and one of the most essential tools in any kitchen is the cutting board. Choosing the right type, whether it's wooden cutting boards, plastic, or even rubber, affects not only the quality of food preparation but also kitchen hygiene and knife care. Among these options, wooden cutting boards are highly prized for their durability and lesser impact on knife blades, making them a top choice for professionals.

With considerations ranging from hygiene—pondering questions like "What Are the Most Hygienic Chopping Boards?"—to specific material advantages such as those offered by titanium cutting boards, chefs meticulously select their cutting boards to keep their kitchens in tip-top shape. Brands like OXO Good Grips frequently surface in discussions for their quality and ergonomic designs, further highlighting the importance of selecting the right cutting board for professional use.

Introduction to Professional Cutting Boards

Professional cutting boards come in various materials and sizes, each serving unique purposes and catering to different culinary tasks. The standard size that chefs often start with is 18 x 12 inches, providing ample space for a variety of food preparation activities. This size is considered versatile, fitting comfortably on most kitchen counters while offering enough room for efficient chopping, slicing, and dicing.

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The Importance of Choosing the Right Cutting Board

The right cutting board not only enhances a chef's efficiency but also plays a crucial role in maintaining kitchen hygiene. Different materials, such as wood and plastic, have distinct advantages and are chosen based on the specific needs of the kitchen, whether it's for chopping vegetables, preparing raw meat, or slicing bread. Balancing these needs with concerns about the longevity of the board and the maintenance of knives is crucial in making the right choice.

How Professional Chefs Select Their Cutting Boards

Professional chefs select their cutting boards with a keen eye on durability, hygiene, and the impact on knife edges. Wooden cutting boards are often preferred for their natural antibacterial properties and gentle impact on knives. Brands like OXO Good Grips are favored for their quality and innovative features that keep the boards in tip-top shape, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of the kitchen.

Top Choices of Cutting Boards Among Professional Chefs

Among the myriad of options, wooden cutting boards and those offered by OXO Good Grips stand out for professional chefs. These choices reflect a balance between durability, hygiene, and knife care, essential factors for any bustling kitchen.

1. The Preferred Wooden Cutting Board

Wooden cutting boards, renowned for their durability and natural antibacterial properties, are the top choice. They resist stains and odors well, especially when maintained with food-grade mineral oil to ensure the surface is smooth and safe for food preparation.

John Boos & Co Maple Wood Edge-Grain Reversible Cutting Board

While wooden boards are favored for their gentle impact on knives, many professional kitchens also include plastic cutting boards due to their ease of cleaning and color-coding options which aid in preventing cross-contamination. However, the John Boos & Co Maple Wood Edge-Grain Reversible Cutting Board stands out for its durability and versatility, making it a preferred choice for chefs who value quality and sustainability.

Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board

Maple cutting boards, especially those from Boardsmith, are highly regarded by professional chefs for their end-grain construction, which offers a durable yet knife-friendly cutting surface. These boards are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, making them a valued addition to any professional kitchen.

2. The Best Plastic Cutting Boards for Efficiency

While wood boards have their advantages, plastic cutting boards are celebrated for their ease to clean and sanitize, making them a practical choice in busy, professional settings.

Material (Grippy) ReBoard

The Material (Grippy) ReBoard stands out in the realm of plastic cutting boards for its eco-friendly composition and non-slip surface, offering chefs confidence and stability during food preparation. Its durability and ease of maintenance make it especially appealing for high-volume kitchens where knife blades are used extensively.

KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board

KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Boards are favored for their durability and ease of sanitation. These boards offer the practical benefits of plastic, including resistance to moisture and ease of cleaning, making them a staple in professional kitchens for tasks that require quick and hygienic chopping or slicing.

3. Outstanding Rubber Cutting Board Selection

Rubber cutting boards provide a unique option for chefs looking for a balance between wood and plastic benefits. They are gentle on knives and easy to sanitize, making them an outstanding choice for professional kitchens.

Yoshihiro Hi-Soft Cutting Board

The Yoshihiro Hi-Soft Cutting Board is highly prized in professional settings for its soft surface that preserves the edge of knives. Its composition offers a perfect balance of firmness and give, reducing fatigue during long prep sessions and contributing to its reputation among professional chefs.

4. Highly Recommended Composite Cutting Boards

Composite cutting boards, made from a combination of materials, are gaining popularity in professional kitchens for their durability and ease of maintenance.

Caraway Cutting Board Set

The Caraway Cutting Board Set offers chefs a versatile solution with its range of sizes and composite construction, combining the best qualities of wood and plastic boards. These boards are designed for durability and ease of use, meeting the diverse needs of professional kitchens.

Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set

The Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set stands out for its durability and user-friendly features, making it a favourite among professional chefs. These boards are known for their strong grip on kitchen surfaces, preventing slips and accidents during busy food preparation sessions. Their ease of cleaning and maintenance also makes them a practical choice for high-volume kitchens. Moreover, these boards are gentle on knives, ensuring that the cutting tools remain sharp and efficient over time. This combination of safety, durability, and knife-friendliness makes the Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set a reliable option for professional settings.