For many Americans, finding the best cutting board is a matter of considering materials and price. But for some Americans with a physical disability, it’s never been quite that simple. Luckily, it’s maybe the best time to find options for excellent one-handed cutting boards– making food prep easier and more comfortable for all.
The quandary of creating a cutting board for one-handed users took a while. First, too often, industries are catered towards able-bodied people and neglect the difficulties many face for everyday tasks. Then there’s the design itself. Many puzzled over how to make using a cutting board more accessible before coming up with an option.
And even now, those designs for one-handed cutting boards are being perfected. Ran Now, a blogger for Core 77, discussed just how much thought goes into designing a cutting board for one-handed users.
For light cutting assignments, just as chopping herbs, simple designs often work. But for more difficult, heavier tasks, such as chopping apples, vertical pins, T-tracks, and special clamps are needed. Specialized gears can also be used. Now points out that many of us don’t even think about the challenges both designers and users face.
And whether you’re looking for a one-handed cutting board for yourself or a loved one, you’re not alone. UK researchers estimated that around 3 million people in the world are largely excluded from what is considered “two-handed” operations.
The good news? While more needs to be done, there are some great, affordable options for one-handed cutting boards. This guide will tell you how to select the best one-handed cutting board and point you to some of my favorite options from Amazon.
Which type of cutting board is best?
While you have less variety and options for one-handed cutting boards, I want to start by touching on some of the most important factors to consider when choosing any cutting board. By having criteria in mind, you’ll at least be aware of the pros and cons of different materials and features common for your average cutting board.
Are wood cutting boards good?
Woodcutting boards are one of the most popular types, and it’s easy to see why. The classic option is relatively durable and provides smooth, even cutting without dulling blades. At the same time, wood boards stain and hold bacteria more easily than other materials. They’re best suited for produce, cheese, and grains but not preferred for cutting raw fish and meat.
What is the best material for a meat cutting board?
Meat cutting boards do far better with plastic and stainless steel. Plastic cutting boards are cheap and often dishwasher safe. However, they can be flimsy and tend not to last as long. The best plastic cutting boards have non-slip grips and are made certified and not manufactured with toxic ingredients. Many prefer to opt for BPA-free plastic cutting boards.
Can you use stainless steel as a cutting board?
Stainless steel, like plastic, is suited for nearly everything. It tends to be highly durable and also attractive. The biggest downside to stainless steel is that many of these cutting boards are harder on knives and wear down blades more quickly. Some can be tricky to cut on, so look again for grips or non-slip technology.
Can you use one cutting board for everything?
No matter what kind of cutting board you buy, it’s not recommended to use it for everything. Food safety experts and chefs alike recommend you have a designated cutting board for meat and fish and one for produce. This ensures you’re less likely to cross-contaminate and also allows you to have boards that are specialized for preparing that type of food.
What is a one-handed cutting board?
A one-handed cutting board is exactly as it sounds: designed for those who can only use one hand. That can be due to having a weak hand, an injury, or only having one hand for any reason. With over 3 million people fitting in this category– and likely more– there’s a need for cutting boards that make prep and chopping easier and accessible for more people.
Who is a one-handed cutting board for?
A one-handed cutting board may be used for people suffering from arthritis, loss of sensation, or inability to use one hand. One-handed cutting boards may be needed for short-term or long-term, or even permanent disabilities, including stroke survivors and those with Parkinson’s. One-handed cutting boards are even used for those with visual impairments. The goal is to allow independence in the kitchen.
How do you use a one-handed cutting board?
One-handed cutting boards are adapted with raised edges, spikes, and/or suction cups. They’re also referred to as pairing boards.
Every adaptive cutting board works a little differently. Generally, you want to look for raised edges, spikes, and or suction cups. Suction cups or gripping materials provide anti-slip use. Cutting boards typically have a habit of moving if you want to use both hands. Spikes help hold food in place, and raised edges have been helpful for traction. You may also see silicone straps or straps with other flexible materials to hold food in place.
The idea is that these features grip the food and secure the board for you, so you can chop and dice with just one hand.
How do you wash a one-handed cutting board?
Washing a one-handed cutting board is not so different from washing other cutting boards. For one, it’s advisable to wash your board after every use. This prevents cross-contamination. Use mild soap and warm water. With some one-handed cutting boards, the board itself is dishwasher-safe. However, be warned that one-handed cutting boards may have metal components that can’t go into the dishwasher. Always dry thoroughly.
What should you look for to find the best one-handed cutting board?
All good one-handed cutting boards have several features to improve both traction and control. You want to have features that keep the board and food in place. Usually, lightweight boards are also preferred. Your average one-handed cutting board will range from 1 to 3 pounds so that it’s easy to move when needed– but with the gripping power to stay in place when you want it to.
One-handed cutting boards should be multipurpose and versatile. Most are made out of plastic or wood. Make sure every one-handed cutting board you consider is designed by a reputable company and has at least one feature for both holding hold and securing the cutting board. For spikes, I prefer aluminum so that they both last and can be used for just about anything.
Consider some of the factors you would use for any cutting board. The pros and cons of different materials still apply. Consider the size of the cutting board that’s most comfortable for your use. Standard cutting boards range from 10 X 10 for a round cutting board to 20 X 30 for an extra-large cutting board. Your average, medium-sized cutting board comes in at 10 by 14 inches.
What materials are best for one-handed cutting boards?
Most one-handed cutting boards are either plastic or wood. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each of these materials below. If you’re creative, you may be able to find– or alter– other cutting boards, such as bamboo, rubber boards, and stainless steel. Wood cutting boards often come with hard maple wood, which is durable and suited for heavy use.
Bamboo is sustainable and economically friendly, but it should only be used for raw meat and fish, as, like hard maple, it can absorb odors and stains. Rubber boards share many similarities with plastic boards: they’re cheap and lightweight, and also suited to use for raw meat and fish. However, I prefer plastic because they’re easier to find, a little cheaper, and there aren’t many advantages for rubber vs plastic boards.
One-Handed Cutting Boards: My Picks
My picks for one-handed cutting boards are all affordable and highly rated by customers. Each one of these one-handed cutting boards is designed for comfortable and secure use. I’ve considered the materials used, price, and, most importantly, the features incorporated to make cutting food easier. From suction cups to spikes, grips, and more, these are all reasonable options. I’ve included options for plastic and wood, as well as a one-handed cutting board set.
The reason why I’m opting for Amazon is that, sadly, many websites dedicated to one-handed cutting boards have a poor to at least questionable history with pricing, shipping, and customer service. These options offer a more secure shopping experience.
Plastic One-Handed Cutting Boards
Plastic is one of the most popular materials– if not the most– for one-handed cutting boards, and that shows especially on Amazon. These cutting boards are easier to clean and maintain and can be used for preparing everything from produce to meat. While they may not be quite as durable in some ways, all of these are practical and thoughtfully constructed.
This sturdy one-handed cutting board is latex-free and weighs 6 pounds. The simple but helpful design includes four suction cups to hold your board in place, complemented by prongs to hold food for chopping, slicing, dicing, and mixing. It also includes jaws to hold small bowls and is frequently one of the most featured one-handed cutting boards across different online stores.
Snatch a similar design for under $40. This one-handed cutting board is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The small surface area works for simple chopping and dicing and can easily be stored wherever you need. Aluminum spikes keep food in place, complemented by corner guards for tasking-like buttering; rubber suction feet anchor the firs securely on surfaces.
This one-handed cutting board is deceptively simple — but thoughtfully designed. Designed by a stroke survivor, the one-handed cutting board is dishwasher safe with FDA-approved materials. Three small stainless steel prongs keep food in place, while side corners are ideal for a myriad of tasks. It’s been named as one of the best one-handed cutting boards and fetches nearly 5-star ratings, making the extra cost worth it. It can pair with silicone bands for extra control. It’s a heavy cutting board- so it may be best to store it in one place.
Another top-rated single-handed cutting board is highly versatile. Designed for slicing, dicing, and buttering, this cutting board has all the features you need for greater independence with your kitchen prep. Lightweight at just one pound, this cutting board can be taken on the go. Raised corners team up with two spikes to keep food in the place. The bottom of the board is secured with suction cups.
Wood One-Handed Cutting Board Sets
Looking for a classic, durable option? These wood one-handed cutting boards should last and offer a traditional allure too. Though a little harder to clean, these cutting boards allow for smooth and even cuts, all with the features you’d want to see from one-handed cutting boards.
Don’t want to shop for multiple one-handed cutting boards? It can be overwhelming to find one-handed cutting boards, especially if it’s a sudden and unexpected need. A set can provide tools for multiple projects. And there aren’t many options like this; I did find one fantastic set on Amazon, with multiple features you’ll use time and time again. I included these two categories together, as sets most often are how you can buy wooden cutting boards.
This sturdy wood one-handed food prep set is designed for stroke survivors and those with disabilities. The solid construction is both eco-friendly and durable, featuring stainless steel and genuine wood. The ser includes a one-handed vegetable peeler and grater. The wooden board features a full row of metallic spikes, allowing you to prep more at once. Prong settings can be used for tasks like buttering bread. Clamps are adjustable, and the board also doubles as a breakfast board for serving.
The name is a mouthful, but this complete set is a great gift and a great start towards independence in the kitchen. Stainless steel fork holders and pins include safety blunt ends instead of spikes for securing food. You’ll get both an acacia one-handed wood board and a one-handed plastic board– perfect for prepping everything from meat to vegetables. Herb strippers, suction cups, an ingredient prep tray, drip tray, and crinkle cutter are all included. The boards with the suction cups don’t require any assembly, and all plastic is BPA-free. Overall, this is my favorite option for getting started with one-handed cutting boards and kitchen prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: A Swedish cutting board is so-called for a specific Swiss brand, Etac. The cutting board is an adapted one-handed cutting board. Features include a grip for holding bowls or other materials, as well as spikes for food. The board is designed for those who no longer have use of one hand, have limited use, have gripping problems, or have coordination problems. These boards can be bought on medical tools websites as well as through major online retailers, such as Amazon and Walmart.
Answer: There’s no denying that wooden cutting boards are attractive in more ways than one. They provide smooth, consistent cutting surfaces, all with a classic appeal. They also tend to be durable. But they require more upkeep and thoughtful use than other cutting boards. Sticking to using wooden cutting boards for produce and grains is the best bet. Since wood absorbs stains and odors, raw meat and fish isn’t the best option.
Answer: You can stash your cutting board in a cupboard. Others even like to hang their cutting boards, especially if they’re attractive cutting boards or if you’re constantly using one. Some will leave their cutting boards on counters, but I don’t love this idea. It’s more likely they’ll become stained or contaminated. Never place cutting boards directly behind, above, or beside a stove, as heat can mar the cooking board’s durability. Extreme moisture can also warp wooden boards. If you have a nice wooden cutting board, it’s a good idea to seal it once a month with mineral oil. This reduces cracking, shrinking, or warping and keeps your board safe and effective for food preparation.
Answer: Of course, even the best cutting boards don’t last forever. Any cutting boards that have grooves that are not able to be cleaned even with professional cleaners and hard scrubbing may be best to toss out. Grooves are places where bacteria can become trapped. Excessive stains or burns, as well as odors that won’t go away, are other signs it’s time to retire your cutting board. Usually, it’s fairly easy to tell when it’s time to toss your one-handed cutting board away. When in doubt, throw it out.
Final Thoughts & Other Helpful Kitchen Tools
One-handed cutting boards can make kitchen prep easier or plain possible for those who’ve lost use or have limited use of one hand. The options have expanded, but I hope in the future we’ll see even more variety. For now, I recommend starting with either a basic plastic board with suction cups and spikes or with a set that gets you started. I also recommend caution when buying one-handed cutting boards online, as some websites have a less-than-stellar history of customer service.
Cutting boards aren’t the only kitchen tools designed for one-handed use. One-handed can openers, such as the Kitchen Mama Electric Opener, allow you to open up cans with a simple push of a button. One-handed salt and pepper shakers, like this GZOOGHome Electric Salt and Pepper Shakers Set, allow you to season your food with ease. There’s even an electric potato peeler. Hopefully, there will be even more options soon, but all of these are good first steps towards making kitchens accessible to everyone.