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If you want a gorgeous countertop centerpiece, you can’t beat a wooden cutting board. If saving money is the priority, plastic is the way to go. But if you’re going for durability, sanitation, and blade preservation, you can’t beat rubber.
While less common in home kitchens, this third option is the cutting board of choice for many professional chefs and several Delish staff members, including Javier Roncero, chef at Mercado Little Spain, and Justin Sullivan, Delish culinary producer. Here’s why you should consider buying one ASAP.
Rubber cutting boards are popular among professional chefs for several reasons. Synthetic and natural rubber are great board materials for preserving sharp knives; the surface flexes to the knife edge rather than wearing it down.
Notrax NoTrax 12″ x 18″ x 0.5″ Sani-Tuff T45 Natural Rubber Cutting Board
You know those little rubber grips on the edges of your plastic cutting board? They’re supposed to keep the cutting board from moving while you work– but most of the time they’re not strong enough to actually work, and the cutting board starts sliding around regardless. Rubber cutting boards win here too, since the entire board is basically one giant rubber grip. As Roncero says, they “provide excellent stability…reducing the risk of slipping” while you’re cutting on them. Toss out the wet paper towels—this board’s not going anywhere.
They’re also kinder to knives.
Knives inevitably dull with use—it’s a fact of life—but the material you’re cutting on can massively impact how quickly your knife loses its edge. Rubber is king in this category, too, since it is significantly softer than wood and plastic. According to Roncero, rubber “offers a smooth surface,” helping to “preserve the sharpness of the knife edge by minimizing wear.” If you’re taking your knives to be sharpened every other week, it might be time to invest in a rubber cutting board.
These are Great Rubber Boards
FAQ
What are the cons of rubber cutting boards?
What is the best material for chopping boards choose 2?
Are rubber cutting boards better than wood?
Rubber cutting boards are better in some respects and worse in others. They are easier on knives than both wood and plastic, so if you have expensive blades or hate sharpening your knives, you may love a rubber cutting board.
Should you buy a rubber cutting board?
If you have expensive knives, especially Japanese knives, a rubber cutting board is a smart purchase; it’s also great if you just hate sharpening knives and you want to keep your edges sharp for as long as possible.
Why are rubber cutting boards so popular?
Rubber cutting boards were created for a couple of reasons. One is that wooden cutting boards aren’t as sanitary (because of their porosity) and are not legal to use in many professional kitchens. Rubber offers a more hygienic cutting surface and most of them are certified for use in professional kitchens.
Are rubber cutting boards good for knives?
Rubber offers a more hygienic cutting surface and most of them are certified for use in professional kitchens. In fact, rubber cutting boards were designed to feel as close to wood as possible. Another reason is that rubber cutting boards are better for knife blades. The surface is soft and flexible, so it is extremely easy on knives.