Chopping blocks are a staple in the kitchen. They come in handy for a wealth of different jobs and applications. From chopping vegetables and slicing meat to using them to place hot items on to protect your worktops and dining tables, chopping boards are a versatile piece of kitchenware, but there are so many options on the market. 

From plastic and rubber to wood and glass, it can be tricky to know which one would be best for you, but there are so many other factors involved. Whether it be blunting your knives or not quite matching your matching kitchen decor, here’s everything you should look for in a chopping block.

A chopping block that isn’t prone to cracking

This might well be easier said than done, especially when it comes to a chopping board that’s made from wood or bamboo. That being said, you’re likely looking at a chopping board that is made from plastic, rubber or glass. However, you should always weigh up the pros and cons of each chopping board material before making the ultimate decision on which chopping block to choose. 

Would you rather your chopping board cracked over time or made your knives considerably more blunt as you continue to use it, which is something glass chopping boards can do over time. One of the best things you can do when it comes to purchasing a chopping board that doesn’t crack is to invest a little more money into it. A chopping block needs to be thick and durable, which is something you just won’t get with budget options. 

Here at School of Wok, we have a round chopping block available that’s made entirely of beachwood. Being both functional and beautiful, our beechwood chopping block is ideal for any kitchen chopping application. From cutting raw, chunky vegetables to slicing fresh bread with the thickest crust that crackles under the weight of the knife, you’ll always be able to rely on our hard-wearing beechwood chopping block that is also gentle on your knife blades - what more could you want in a chopping board?

A chopping board that doesn’t damage your knives

Chopping boards are primarily built to withstand the blows, chops and saws of even the sharpest of knives. To ensure your knives stay as sharp as possible, you need to be investing in a chopping board that protects the integrity of your knife collection. 

Chopping boards made from glass and plastic have a tendency to blunt even the sharpest of knives, so look to beechwood chopping blocks as opposed to boards made from cheaper materials. 

However, if your chopping boards have already made your knives blunt, to the point where the effects are irreversible, then School of Wok has a complete range of high-quality kitchen knives that are designed to do a wide range of jobs in the kitchen. From chopping the toughest of vegetables to slicing thick cuts of meat, our knife collection is unrivalled.

A chopping board that has a lot of space

It’s important, when it comes to chopping vegetables or slicing meats, that you have the right amount of space on which to get the job done. Granted, you need separate blocks and different stations to prepare your meats and vegetables, but it’s still paramount that you have an adequate amount of space on which to chop up your food, no matter what it might be. That’s where a chopping board, which is at least 30cm in diameter, is the best way to go if you’re looking for a chopping block that is sizable enough to get the job done.

A chopping board that looks the part

A decent chopping block is often quite sizable, whether it be its surface area or its depth. This means that they’re incredibly difficult to store in cupboards or draws in and around your kitchen. As an alternative, people use chopping blocks as a form of decoration in the kitchen, either having them propped up against splashbacks or leaving them laid over counter tops, whether they’re in use or not. 

This is why people will often choose aesthetics over functionality and practicality when it comes to purchasing a chopping block. However, you shouldn’t have to compromise on either one of those things. That’s where School of Wok comes in. We have a beechwood chopping block available that is both durable and pleasing to look at - you never have to compromise on quality or aesthetics with the chopping boards from School of Wok.

A chopping board that’s designed to do the job

Chopping boards can be made from a wide range of different materials, with each one being designed for various uses and applications. However, when you aren’t ‘in the know’, it can be difficult to choose a chopping block that is made from the right material and that will do the job you need it to do. With this in mind, let’s have a brief rundown of the chopping blocks on the market, what they’re made from and why you should, or shouldn’t, consider them as an option in your kitchen.

Plastic chopping blocks

These are becoming increasingly less likely to be bought by consumers today, mainly because of the impact they can have on the environment. It might well be tempting to choose plastic chopping boards over others, because of how cheap they are, but that’s really the only benefit they have going for them. 

Plastic chopping boards, however, scratch easily, look unsightly and can also harbour a wealth of harmful bacteria, mainly in the scars that are present on it, that are difficult to clean out properly. Essentially, steer clear of plastic chopping boards, both for the sake of the planet, your health and the aesthetic of your kitchen.

Bamboo cutting boards

Bamboo chopping boards are a great option for those who are looking to make more eco-friendly purchases in the kitchen. Bamboo is,essentially, a hard grass. This is what makes it an affordable, renewable and sustainable option for many. In addition to being eco-friendly, they also look the part, feel nice to use and don’t easily crack or warp over time. There is, however, a drawback to bamboo chopping boards - they’re incredibly tough. This means that they’re more likely to blunt your knives. 

Wooden chopping blocks

Wooden chopping blocks are incredibly popular with homeowners. Not only are they affordable, but they’re long-lasting, easy to clean and they look incredible when laid out on any kitchen worktop. They can also withstand copious amounts of daily use, without having to worry about them becoming scarred, cracked, broken or unhygienic over time. Keep your wooden chopping board in top condition and you’ll be able to continue to use it for years to come, safely.

Glass cutting blocks

Glass can be very aesthetically-pleasing, which is why many homeowners decide to add them to their collection of kitchenware. Although, that might well be the only benefit a glass chopping board has to offer you. As well as being incredibly noisy when in use, glass chopping blocks can also blunt your sharp knives and, in addition, they are prone to breakage, which can be dangerous. Stick to wooden chopping boards as an alternative. You can still purchase some beautiful beechwood chopping blocks that will look the part and will remain practical and functional for years to come.

School of Wok is pleased to offer cookery classes in London that will have you learning new skills and cooking up some of your favourite dishes and cuisines in no time. From guest cooks and cookbooks available on our online gift shop, we will arm you with the knowledge and expertise needed to master a wealth of meal options that will impress your dinner guests time and time again. For further information about how we can help you today, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team on 0736 526 6695 or email us on [email protected] - we’re always happy to hear from you.