The Cooks' Den » Cutting Boards http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Ironwood Gourmet Square Cutting Board | Laminated Acacia Wood End Grain http://www.thecooksden.com/ironwood-gourmet-square-cutting-board-laminated-acacia-wood-end-grain/ http://www.thecooksden.com/ironwood-gourmet-square-cutting-board-laminated-acacia-wood-end-grain/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:33:57 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4846 Ironwood Gourmet Square Cutting Board Made from small blocks of laminated end grain acacia wood, this beautiful cutting board, 14" x 14" x 1.25", is durable in kitchen prep applications and pretty enough to double as a serving tray. While acacia wood has been described as an environmentally friendly product, acacia species large enough to harvest for lumber are not common worldwide and do take scores of years to grow. An American species, mesquite, is common but seldom reaches a size that is commercially useful.

Very dense and very hard, this dark and beautiful hardwood has the interesting ability to change color in different types of lighting. Called chatoyancy, this property causes the wood to have the color of dark walnut or the luster of fine teak, depending upon how the wood is viewed. Proper care of the wood is necessary to bring out the best of that feature. Regular treatment with butcher block oil protects the grain of the wood from expansion and contraction damage as well as enhancing the beauty of the wood.

Although this cutting board is sealed, end grain boards are more susceptible to moisture uptake and users should be careful to keep them off wet counter tops. Small cutting boards like these are appropriate for slicing or serving work, but not for heavy chopping.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/ironwood-gourmet-square-cutting-board-laminated-acacia-wood-end-grain/feed/ 0 Swissmar Bamboo Crumb Catching Bread Cutting Board http://www.thecooksden.com/swissmar-bamboo-crumb-catching-bread-cutting-board/ http://www.thecooksden.com/swissmar-bamboo-crumb-catching-bread-cutting-board/#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2009 21:58:03 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4488 Swissmar Bamboo Crumb Catching BreadAs one of those who does prefer good ecologically sensible products, I'll say up front that I like bamboo when used correctly. I have a bamboo cutting board I use every day. This Bamboo Crumb Catching Board from Swissmar may appeal to those who bake their daily bread more often than I do--from a purely practical point of view as a long time woodworker, I do have some reservations about this product, but I like the idea.

Bamboo is extremely hard, very fibrous and tight grained, something like a bundle of tiny hard rods glued together in perfect parallel. It's an excellent material for cutting boards, whether cross grain or end grain patterns are used. As a thin rod, it's more susceptible to damage, and I think the thin slats in the grill of this laminated bamboo board err towards the fragile. Especially since many bread knives are serrated, if you buy this board you'll have to be careful not to saw through the grill.

Aside from that, this is a beautiful board, well made and with a convenient storage slot for a medium sized bread knife. The usual procedure for breaking in such a board involves daily rubdowns for a week with mineral oil or special "bamboo oil" which is twenty times more expensive. I've used mineral oil with success. Keep the board dry and set it on edge for storage, otherwise there will be some warping--with this board that will definitely affect the fit of the grill.

A very renewable "green" resource, bamboo groves of the quality needed to make this board typically re-establish themselves in as little as three years, compared to from two hundred years to never for mature hardwood forests. It's a product that deserves a chance.

Here's a cutting board to consider from Totally Bamboo for your other kitchen needs.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/swissmar-bamboo-crumb-catching-bread-cutting-board/feed/ 0 Jenn Air Bamboo Countertop Cutting Board | Stove Range Burner Cover http://www.thecooksden.com/jenn-air-bamboo-countertop-cutting-board-stove-range-burner-cover/ http://www.thecooksden.com/jenn-air-bamboo-countertop-cutting-board-stove-range-burner-cover/#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2009 21:41:36 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4482 Jenn Air Bamboo Countertop CuttingDesigned to fit over the range or grill of a Jenn Air cooktop when burners are not in use, this cover of laminated bamboo expands counter space and can even be used as a cutting board. The bottom of the board is cut out to fit over burners or griddle and provide a stable working surface. The Jenn Air board will fit other range tops including Chambers, Maytag, and Magic Chef, but check first to see if the interior dimensions of 11" x 19.5" x 0.75" will fit yours.

There are some common sense limitations to how this board will actually function. Although the board is designed to rest on the grill, not on the burners, a cooktop was not designed for heavy chopping. If you use this for a cutting board, keep your cutting tasks on the light side.

Obviously, any time you're placing a combustible object on a range top, there could be trouble. If you have small children in the house who might be tempted to turn control knobs when no one is watching, this isn't something you would want to leave in place and unattended.

This is a "green" product, ecologically practical, made from renewable stands of bamboo rather than threatened hardwoods. As with any bamboo cutting board, a week of daily oiling with mineral oil or butcher block oil is recommended before use.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/jenn-air-bamboo-countertop-cutting-board-stove-range-burner-cover/feed/ 2 Berghoff Cheese Knife Set | Kitchen Stainless Steel Cutlery | Hardwood Cutting Board Rack http://www.thecooksden.com/berghoff-cheese-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-cutlery-hardwood-cutting-board-rack/ http://www.thecooksden.com/berghoff-cheese-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-cutlery-hardwood-cutting-board-rack/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 17:16:09 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/berghoff-cheese-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-cutlery-hardwood-cutting-board-rack/ Berghoff Cheese Knife Set This combination Cheese Knife Set, knife rack and storage block, and reversible serving tray cutting board from Berghoff Worldwide really does have a nice look. Either on kitchen counter or dining room table it will be a useful and stylish serving accessory or prepping platform.

As a set of knives it does leave something to be desired. All five are special purpose cheese knives with stamped stainless steel blades that are well designed for shaving and cubing cheese for fondue or snacks but not built solidly enough for other purposes. Limit their use to cheese, spreads, and other condiments and you'll be happy with this set.

The rat tail tang build of these knives is concealed by hollow stainless steel handles--a nice look but not the strongest when it comes to heavy work like quartering a cheese wheel. Save that for the kitchen and a stronger knife. These knives shine when it comes to serving.

Since they will be seen in public and that shine is an important feature, keep them out of the dishwasher. Newer stainless steels have been designed as much for edge holding as for stain resistance--for users today that means hand washing after use, before food dries on the blades, and in a mild detergent solution. Harsh cleansers and rough dishwasher cycles will damage the finish.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/berghoff-cheese-knife-set-kitchen-stainless-steel-cutlery-hardwood-cutting-board-rack/feed/ 0 Wusthof Trident Mezzaluna Knife Set | Kitchen Hardwood Cutting Board http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-trident-mezzaluna-knife-set-kitchen-hardwood-cutting-board/ http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-trident-mezzaluna-knife-set-kitchen-hardwood-cutting-board/#comments Sat, 04 Apr 2009 08:48:57 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3560 Wusthof Trident Mezzaluna Knife Set Mezzaluna sets often have more character than function, but this mincing knife and cutting board set from Wusthof actually works. The solid hardwood block has a wide and deep bowl, big enough for mincing and chopping small amounts of herbs without making a huge mess. The cutting block sits on rubber feet that prevent it from skating over the counter top during the work, and protect the board from water damage when set aside.

The 8" Mezzaluna blade, cut from tempered Solingen stainless steel, is compression riveted to the sturdy black plastic handle that is seamlessly molded to the blade back. The handle design allows use with one or both hands, the knife itself being large enough for efficient grip and cutting motion.

Many Mezzalunas come out of the box looking like a bad idea, with loose fitting turned handles and thin double blades that are blunt and impossible to sharpen. This one is different. The single blade is sharp and obviously made for work. Resharpening will still be tricky, but the low profile of the handle and the amount of steel you have to work with makes sharpening with a flat diamond hone practical, if not simple. The blade is designed to chop nuts as well as herbs and veggies, and the steel can withstand a few nutshell fragments without blunting or chipping. For best maintenance results, oil the board and handwash the knife after use.

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Wusthof 8 Mezzaluna 4740 Wusthof 8 Mezzaluna 4740
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MEZZALUNA Wusthof 8 High Carbon Steel Ergonomic Grip MEZZALUNA Wusthof 8 High Carbon Steel Ergonomic Grip
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/wusthof-trident-mezzaluna-knife-set-kitchen-hardwood-cutting-board/feed/ 0 Pinzon Round Bamboo Chopping Block Set | Mezzaluna Knife | Wood Cutting Board http://www.thecooksden.com/pinzon-round-bamboo-chopping-block-set-mezzaluna-knife-wood-cutting-board/ http://www.thecooksden.com/pinzon-round-bamboo-chopping-block-set-mezzaluna-knife-wood-cutting-board/#comments Tue, 31 Mar 2009 07:36:42 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3525 Pinzon Round Bamboo Chopping Block Set Although this is a nicely designed mincing block combo and would make an interesting table decoration for some types of meals, it's not totally functional as it is. The idea is good, because the mezzaluna knife fitting neatly into a gap in the laminated bamboo block, and is held in place magnetically when not in use.

But it's not likely to be in use unless you sharpen it, and even then it's small enough to be awkward in most user's hands. Sharpening this type of blade will be time consuming and probably not worth the trouble. A chef's knife and a cutting board make a simpler answer to mincing and dicing for anything but the tiniest quantities of herbs or veggies.

The cutting block itself is nice, although again it's a little small. One side is slightly dished and the other is flat, so if you have a mezzaluna that works you can use it on the bowl side of the cutting block.

In spite of the good ideas here--the neat storage trick, and the choice of renewable bamboo instead of hard maple--unless you want a centerpiece for a sampling of cheeses and herbs, something that looks good in spite of not really being involved in the work, this isn't a very useful tool.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/pinzon-round-bamboo-chopping-block-set-mezzaluna-knife-wood-cutting-board/feed/ 0 Mundial Wood Cutting Board | Large Laminated Hardwood Tray http://www.thecooksden.com/mundial-wood-cutting-board-large-laminated-hardwood-tray/ http://www.thecooksden.com/mundial-wood-cutting-board-large-laminated-hardwood-tray/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 01:30:18 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3503 Mundial Wood Cutting Board As much serving tray as it is cutting board, this 19 1/2" by 13 1/2" solid hardwood cutting board is perfect for carving roasts or poultry either on the kitchen counter or at the dining room table.

Rubber feet keep the Mundial large cutting board in place while you work, as well as lifting the board off the countertop and away from damaging liquids. Wet surfaces can cause wooden cutting blocks and boards to swell, warp, or crack. If you leave the Mundial board on the counter for a few hours while you serve dinner and relax, it won't be left sitting in the damp.

The cutting surface has a deep routed groove designed to catch drippings from cooked meat, but the routed handle area seems to me to be a pointless addition to an otherwise sensible board.

With a thickness of 1 1/4" this board is heavy enough for chopping work and the extra size leaves plenty of working surface, but a plain reversible cutting board might be more practical for everyday chores. The Mundial will be a little more difficult to clean, and some of the features make better sense as serving ware than as butcher block.

Regular oiling of the board is important if you want it to last and remain in good condition. Wooden boards are not dishwasher proof and should always be cleaned by hand.

Mundial cutlery is just as good as this cutting board, if not better. Here's a 3-piece starter set to whet your appetite.

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NEW Mundial Solid Wood Cutting Board Large NEW Mundial Solid Wood Cutting Board Large
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/mundial-wood-cutting-board-large-laminated-hardwood-tray/feed/ 0 J. K. Adams Monogrammed Cutting Board | Vermont Hard Maple 20 by 14 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-monogrammed-cutting-board-vermont-hard-maple-20-by-14-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-monogrammed-cutting-board-vermont-hard-maple-20-by-14-inch/#comments Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:40:29 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-monogrammed-cutting-board-vermont-hard-maple-20-by-14-inch/ J. K. Adams Monogrammed Cutting Board From the well known manufacturer J. K. Adams of Vermont, this 20" x 14" cutting board laminated from hard northern American maple is available with a laser engraved initial of your choice in the center of the serving side.

The monogrammed surface also has a routed and smoothly polished gravy trough cut into the outer edges, allowing the board to be used as a serving tray for juicy meats or barbecue. Only the font shown is available, but any letter of the alphabet can be selected during the ordering process.

Rock maple has long been one of the most durable American hardwood choices for professional cutting boards and blocks as well as fixtures for home kitchens. This inch thick board is plenty strong enough for counter top cutting jobs, and light enough to use beside the outdoor grill.

Maintenance is simple--before use the board should be well treated with mineral oil. It is not dishwasher safe; after use, the board cleans up easily with warm soapy water and a quick rinse. Do not leave it on a wet countertop for long periods of time, and prop it up on edge to dry. With normal care it should last many years.

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JK ADAMS CO ARTISAN CUTTING BOARD NEW JK ADAMS CO ARTISAN CUTTING BOARD NEW
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NEW by JK ADAMS CO THE ROOSTER cutting board NEW by JK ADAMS CO THE ROOSTER cutting board
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Cutting Board Dual Sided by JK Adams TBS2014 Cutting Board Dual Sided by JK Adams TBS2014
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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-monogrammed-cutting-board-vermont-hard-maple-20-by-14-inch/feed/ 0 Totally Bamboo Wood Cutting Board | Kitchen Congo Parquet End Grain Reversible http://www.thecooksden.com/totally-bamboo-wood-cutting-board-kitchen-congo-parquet-end-grain-reversible/ http://www.thecooksden.com/totally-bamboo-wood-cutting-board-kitchen-congo-parquet-end-grain-reversible/#comments Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:40:29 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/totally-bamboo-wood-cutting-board-kitchen-congo-parquet-end-grain-reversible/ Totally Bamboo Wood Cutting Board Bamboo cutting boards get better looking all the time, and this Parquet pattern board from Totally Bamboo is a fine example. The Congo Parquet board is laminated from precisely fitted blocks of split bamboo, a very hard and quickly renewable natural resource that's quickly taking a big piece of the kitchen market in America. In "green" terms it does make good sense to use a "wood" (in this case, a grass) that regrows in two or three years instead of two or three hundred.

What hasn't worked out particularly well is the exposed end grain surface that gives this board a look similar to rock maple, the wood of choice in this application since the Colonies were founded here. The densest bamboo still absorbs water through the end grain, and even after the recommended week long process of daily oiling, the parquet style boards are likely to swell and warp if left sitting on a damp counter top for long. That can be controlled by regular oiling with mineral oil or a more expensive oil the manufacturers supply. Placing an absorbent mat--a couple of paper towels is fine--under the board will also help, as will using alternating sides day by day. Clean and oil the board promptly after use and place it on edge to air dry.

Although guaranteed against splitting or cracking, the board has to be properly maintained to prevent trouble. Totally Bamboo makes other versions from strips of bamboo laminated lengthwise, a system that causes fewer faults but still requires maintenance. They are a little more trouble than hard rock maple, but using one may help save a tree someday.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/totally-bamboo-wood-cutting-board-kitchen-congo-parquet-end-grain-reversible/feed/ 1 J. K. Adams Cutting Board | Square Maple End Grain Chunk 12 Inch http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-cutting-board-square-maple-end-grain-chunk-12-inch/ http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-cutting-board-square-maple-end-grain-chunk-12-inch/#comments Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:31:17 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/j-k-adams-cutting-board-square-maple-end-grain-chunk-12-inch/ J. K. Adams Cutting Board This 12 inch square cutting board from J. K. Adams, built from overlapping rows of hard maple "chunk" blocks and oriented with the end grain as the cutting surface, is a durable and practical kitchen accessory. This maple block looks good enough to serve as a decorative spice shelf when it's not being used to prepare fruits, vegetables, or herbs.

Before its first use, once or twice daily for several days the block should be rubbed down with butcher block oil. After use it can then be hand washed with warm soapy water and re-oiled. The block is not dishwasher safe and should not be immersed in water for anything but a quick rinse, or left on a wet counter top. Store it where it can thoroughly dry after use.

The end grain surface is very wear resistant, allowing blade edges to slide between wood fibers rather than cut across them. Although wood block cutting boards have been shown to be safe for food preparation, a different board should be used for meat, fish, and poultry in order to prevent cross contamination of food.

J. K. Adams of Vermont has been making fine wood block cutting boards for more than sixty years at its Dorset, Vermont, facility and guarantees its products for five years of normal use. It's reasonable to expect these boards to last a lifetime with ordinary care.

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