Why Are Cutting Boards So Expensive? (Explained)
You may have walked into a store to purchase a cutting board only to realize that it’s way too expensive than you had anticipated. Does the higher price tag signify a longer-lasting product?
Maybe, but durability isn’t the primary determinant of the price tags placed on cutting boards.
Hardwood cutting boards use high-quality pieces of wood that are pretty expensive to acquire. These hardwood boards are desirable due to their hardness, ability to resist bacteria and durability.
However, not all cutting boards are expensive. Some softwood, bamboo, and plastic cutting boards are cheap and easily accessible.
The problem with cheap cutting boards is that they don’t last long and develop grooves from knife cuts easily.
If you’re interested in knowing more about cutting boards, you’re in the right place. Read on.
How Expensive Are the Cutting Boards?
You can buy cutting boards made of all types of non-toxic materials available. You’ll find plastic, wooden, bamboo, glass, or ceramic cutting boards in many homes.
Their prices vary significantly with the different materials, with the cheapest cutting boards costing around $10 and the higher quality ones coming in at well over $250. All other cutting boards come in at a price between the two end prices.
Plastic is generally less preferred than wood, and most of its boards have cheaper price tags that are less than $30.
For wood, specialty cutting boards are the most expensive. They’re handmade and, at times, tailored to suit the high-end market. These boards have prices well over $50/BF.
We estimate the value of cutting boards by Board Foot (BF). A BF is a 12” X 12” X 1” measurement of a piece of wood.
Is the Cutting Boards Price Tag Justified?
Yes. Expensive boards will outlive the cheaper ones depending on your use frequency and their quality.
The price tag on a cutting board isn’t an indicator of a good board since different materials have different prices. A $30 bamboo cutting board may serve you better than a $40 maple cutting board.
When it comes to cutting boards, those that have a better feel under a knife, aren’t easily dented, aren’t stained, and are resistant to odors are highly-priced.
An example of an expensive cutting board is the maple cutting board. A good quality board should not warp or split because of heavy usage.
Another important consideration when buying cutting boards is the safety of your food. Since you’ll be using the board to prepare an array of foods, there’s a high chance of cross-contamination.
Hardwood cutting boards don’t harbor bacteria and are the best for kitchen use.
We have plastic, softwood, glass, and bamboo cutting boards on the cheaper side. With time, plastic boards get contaminated by bacteria and may not suit persons who cook frequently.
Softwood boards are cheaper because they’re less durable, can warp easily, and dent from heavy usage.
Bamboo cutting boards are lightweight boards that are surprisingly very durable. They’re soft and smooth low-maintenance boards that are easy to clean and good-looking.
Bamboo cutting boards are cheaper since bamboo is readily available.
Therefore, for whatever price you’ll buy your cutting board, know that you’re getting as much quality as your money. Cheap boards are not so desirable, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t durable.
Bamboo cutting boards are pretty good and will serve you for a long time.
How Long Do Cutting Boards Last?
Wooden cutting boards will last for 4 to 10 years or more, depending on the extent of use. Plastic boards can last for 3 to 10 years, whereas stainless steel boards last more than a decade.
A cutting board’s durability relies on the material, maintained well, and how well the manufacturer made them.
Like home furniture, the quality of a cutting board also depends on the integrity and quality of the production process used in making it.
I’ve seen maple cutting boards that disintegrated after a year or so of medium use. I’ve also come across bamboo and plastic cutting boards almost ten years old.
Wood
Wooden cutting boards are the best cutting boards that we can use as serving boards.
The boards are solid with proper care and maintenance and may last for ages.
Always use the correct cleaning methods, store it when it’s dry, and inspect it occasionally for cracks.
If you notice that your wooden cutting board has deep cut lines, it’s time to put it aside. Alternatively, you can opt to sand and seal it for future use.
Plastic
Many cooks prefer plastic cutting boards for cutting meat products since they’re non-porous, durable, and easy to clean.
Due to their vulnerability to knife cuts, they don’t have much aesthetic appeal as wood cutting boards.
If you notice that your board has developed deep cut lines, you should replace the board instantly.
Bamboo
Depending on the extent of use and care, bamboo cutting boards last 5 to 10 years. The lesser you use your board, the longer it’ll last.
Bamboo boards are more porous than wood, and I’d recommend that you refrain from using bamboo boards for meat products.
The pores easily trap bacteria present in meat leading to contamination of other food items.
What To Consider Before Buying Cutting Boards
You shouldn’t use the price or material as the sole determinant of a cutting board’s value.
A good cutting board must be:
Easy to clean:
Everyday cutting boards should be easy to clean using common utensil detergents.
Cost vs. material:
A cutting board’s price tag must equal the quality of the material used in making it.
If you come across a cheap maple cutting board, shy away from it as there’s a chance that someone is scamming you.
Knife-friendly:
Avoid cutting boards that are too hard as they will often dull your knives. An example of such a board is the stainless steel cutting board.
Cheap to maintain and condition:
A cutting board should lessen your burden and not increase it. If you find that your board requires too much conditioning, it’s time for a new one.
Durability:
4 to 5 years is reasonable using a kitchen board. Any cutting board that lasts less than four years is not good.
Size:
Consider the size of your countertop or table space before going for a cutting board. Also, the amount of food you’ll prepare using the cutting board is crucial.
Buy a smaller cutting board if you have a smaller family and a bigger one if you serve more people.
Final Remarks
Cutting boards are expensive, and you must maintain them well to improve their durability. Also, invest in a good board that will serve you longer and remains free of contamination.
I’m not inferring that cheap boards are bad, but you’ll get better service from a higher-end cutting board than a cheaper one.
Just remember to observe a good cutting order, occasionally sharpen your knives, and clean your board immediately after using it.