Are Bamboo Cutting Boards Bad for Knives?

Is a Bamboo Cutting Board Bad for You Knives?

Getting a new cutting board? Which one is the best choice for your kitchen? Wood, bamboo, or plastic? More often than ever before bamboo is finding its way into people’s kitchens all across the country, but are bamboo cutting boards bad for your knives?

Bamboo cutting boards are bad for knives for a number of reasons. They are made from a harder material than regular wooden or plastic cutting boards and contain sand and glue which contribute to dulling your knife quicker.

Although, over time, all cutting boards dull knives, bamboo cutting boards blunt your blade a little faster than the rest.

Even though this may seem like a deal-breaker, most people are still happy to own a bamboo cutting board because they’re more hygienic, resilient, and stylish than their plastic or wooden competitors.

Does Bamboo Dull Your Knife?

If you’ve been using a bamboo cutting board in your kitchen you might have noticed your knives dulling a little quicker than usual.

Bamboo cutting boards have a tendency to dull knives quicker than a wooden or plastic cutting board since they are made from a harder material that is mixed with sand and a ton of glue.

Don’t go and throw out your bamboo cutting board just yet. There are many benefits to having bamboo in your kitchen. It’s strong, sustainable, easy to clean, and more resistant to germs and bacteria, than wood or plastic.

Do Bamboo Chopping Boards Blunt Knives?

A common question being asked around our community is, do bamboo chopping boards blunt knives?

Since I regularly use both bamboo and a wooden board, I’ve noticed the negative impact on my kitchen tools, and I believe bamboo does a little more damage.

Bamboo chopping boards blunt knives faster than wooden or plastic boards because of the strength of their surface. Since most bamboo chopping boards are made with silica(sand) and glue their surface is much less friendly to kitchen tools.

There are still many reasons to own a bamboo cutting board, even if you don’t use a chopping block.

They are made from a renewable material that is very environmentally friendly and can be used as delightful serving trays for cheese or charcuterie, but it’s good to know exactly what you’re getting into when buying a bamboo cutting board.

Bamboo Cutting Boards Pros and Cons

When looking for a new cutting board for your kitchen, you need to consider all your options. Here is a breakdown of all the benefits and drawbacks of having a bamboo cutting board instead of a wooden or plastic one.

Benefits of Bamboo Cutting Boards:

• Longevity – A bamboo cutting board can last a lifetime.
• Inexpensive – On average they cost less than their competition.
• Warp Resistant – Won’t bend or morph over time.
• Lightweight – Work as serving boards for cheese or charcuterie.
• Stylish – They are bright and filled with attractive unusual patterns.
• Sustainable – Easier to produce than wood.

Drawbacks of Bamboo Cutting Boards:

• Not Microwavable – Avoid using wood-like products in the microwave.
• Not Dishwasher Friendly – The heat, detergent, and pressure of a dishwasher can dry out or crack bamboo.
• Bad on Knife Edges – Tend to dull knives and kitchen tools quicker than wood or plastic.

There are certainly more reasons to love a bamboo cutting board than to hate one.

Summary

In general, bamboo cutting boards a fantastic addition to your kitchen whether you choose to use them daily, or as occasional serving boards for cheese, fruits, or charcuterie.

Yes, bamboo will dull your knife a little quicker than a wooden or plastic cutting board, but it has its benefits as well.

All cutting boards have pros and cons, but the benefits of bamboo outweigh their drawbacks every time. They are more sanitary, they last longer, and look better than any other cutting board.

Decide which option is best for your home and kitchen and stick with it. I hope this article helped you understand why people think bamboo cutting boards are bad for knives and the facts that come with the story.

Related Questions

Which Cutting Boards are Best for Knives?

From my experience, I’ve come to find the best cutting boards for knives are made out of softwood like chestnut or maple.

If you would like to know more about different types of cutting boards and their effects on knives, take a look at this article from cuttingboard.com