Maple wood is considered the industry standard for cutting boards; in other words, it is the top-rated wood for use in crafting cutting boards. Not only are maple cutting boards excellent at doing their job, but they are also beautiful items. If you’re currently in the market for a new cutting board, keep maple wood in mind as you shop.
And while it is true that you are guaranteed a good cutting board if you choose any maple wood board, it is important to note that not all maple cutting boards are created equal. There are some boards that offer better features than others. So, let’s take some time to look for the key features that make a maple cutting board the best on the market and then look at several products available for purchase. Once you have finished reading through this article you will be equipped to locate and purchase the best maple cutting board for your kitchen.
Find these Features
As you begin your search for a maple cutting board, look for the following features:
Conditioning
This refers to how often the wood will need to be oiled. Some types of wood require that they are oiled more frequently than others or they will begin to shrink. Maple wood is typically very hardy in this area but is still a good idea to look at the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning conditioning care.
Juice Grooves
It is not necessary for a cutting board to have grooves running alongside its edges, but these are helpful to catch excess liquid and prevent messes on countertops. This may be a feature that you feel is necessary so do keep it in mind while you look through options.
Handles
Again, this is a feature that is not everyone feels is necessary. But, if you like to be able to quickly and easily pick up your cutting board and store it on a hook, a handle is very practicable.
Janka Hardness Rating
This refers to how hard the wood is and how well it stands up to knife cuts and any dents, dings, and scratches it may receive during the food prep process. Hard and soft maple wood both have high ratings in this area, but it is still a good idea to look at what the manufacturer has to say concerning this matter.
Personalization
Here is another preference-based feature. You may prefer a cutting board that comes personalized and you may not. Either way, we are going to list at least one option for cutting board personalization.
Porosity
This term is a reference to the open pores of the wood grain. These pores may be microscopic but they are incredibly important to how safe and healthy the cutting board is and how long the board will last. Large pores will allow food and liquid to seep into the wood, creating an environment where mold and bacteria can flourish. The smaller the pores are, the safer the wood is. Maple wood is known for its small pores, which is an awesome reason for choosing it.
Price
This is an important factor to consider since you don’t want to spend a ton of money on an item that you will use infrequently. Consider how much time you are going to spend in the kitchen with your cutting board and decide if you need a really expensive board that is designed to hold up to frequent usage or if you ought to buy something reasonable since cutting boards are not a frequently utilized tool in your kitchen supply.
Shape & Size & Weight
Cutting boards can come in all different shapes, sizes, and weights. Remember, the larger the board, the heavier the board, and the more weight you will be lifting and carrying across your kitchen. These features can impact how and where you store your cutting board and how sturdy it is when it is being used. If you use your cutting board a lot and chop large, heavy items on it, you need to get a board that will not wobble as your knife is impacting it. All three of these could be considered safety features.
Toxicity
Unfortunately, some types of wood can leak toxins into the foods that are being prepared on them. Maple wood is not one of those woods, but do keep this in mind if you should select any other wooden cutting board.
Warranty
If you are purchasing an expensive board, consider finding one that has a good warranty with it. This will give you a little more peace of mind as you spend your hard-earned money on a kitchen tool.
Purchase these Products
With this list of cutting board features to guide us, we can begin looking for a product that will best suit our kitchen and our cooking needs.
The Best Lightweight Maple Cutting Board
J.K. Adams Maple Wood Cutting Board
This little cutting board is perfect for home chefs that do not need anything extravagant. It is sturdy but lightweight and it is reasonably priced.
Pros
- Lightweight at just under 3 lbs.
- Large size
- Reversible
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Should be oiled frequently
The Best Maple Cutting Board Warranty
Sonder Los Angeles Thick Maple Wood Cutting Board
Those who like a little security behind what they purchase should choose to buy something from this company that stands behind their products. The Sonder Los Angeles store features a one-year money-back warranty, but it’s unlikely that you’ll need it. If this is something that is necessary to you, get one of these wonderful maple cutting boards and register for the warranty.
Pros
- Reversible
- Large size
- Deep juice groove
- Stable and durable
- Made in the US
- Includes a sorting compartment
- Includes side grooves for easy carrying
- Great online customer reviews and ratings
Cons
- Some customers have stated that it warped after a few uses and oil did not help
The Best Maple Cutting Board with Grooves
John Boos Maple Wood Oval Cutting Board with Juice Groove
If you are particular about messes in the kitchen, then you may want to opt for this lovely board with grooves. This feature will catch excess liquid and reduce kitchen cleanup.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Average size
- Thick
- Reversible
- Designed with finger grooves for carrying the board
Cons
- It will require careful cleaning and sanitizing
- Should be oiled regularly
The Best Maple Cutting Board with Handles
Large Long Ambrosia Maple Wood Cutting Board with Handle
For a cutting board that is stylish, elegant, and easy to store, this is the cutting board of your dreams. Not only is it a convenient board to use for food prep, but it is also designed to decorate walls, and to serve as a party food tray.
Pros
- Unique and stylish design
- Rounded edges
- Handle for carrying and hanging
- Reversible
- Can be used for both food prep and food service
Cons
- Small size
The Best Maple Cutting Board with Personalization
Blue Ridge Mountain Gifts
If you are looking for a special gift for loved ones or for yourself, you need to head over to this shop and select a personalized maple cutting board. There are so many wonderful options here and they are all reasonably priced. You may get more than just one.
Pros
- Varying sizes
- Varying shapes
- Varying typography
- Varying wood grains
- Side handles and juice grooves are optional
- Great online customer reviews and ratings
Cons
- Food will get into the carved letters and be difficult to clean
- Knives will scrape the carved letters and damage them
- Should be oiled regularly
In Conclusion
Finding and using a Maple Wood Cutting Board does not need to be a hassle. These are meant to be beautiful and helpful kitchen tools, not shopping disasters. This article has supplied all the information you need to select the best maple cutting board for your kitchen. My hope is that you will easily find what you need and be able to quickly begin using it for all your cooking adventures.