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Best Cutting Boards for Meat 2021- Top Rated of the Year

January 31, 2021 by woodhouse Leave a Comment

We have put the best cutting boards to test to compile this review. To begin with, we interviewed a bunch of industry experts. Based on their recommendations, few products were shortlisted and put to use. Believe it or not, the best among them made it to this review. Basically, we had to discard a lot of products to come up with these finalists. So, let’s cut the chase and begin with this tried and tested cutting board review.

Top 3 the Best Cutting Boards Reviews in 2021

# Prep Series Cutting Boards By Epicurean, 3 Piece, Natural (021-3PACK01)

In our quest to find the last cutting board you will ever need to buy, we landed on yet another marvel. The Prep Series Cutting Boards by Epicurean is definitely a cut above the scope. Hence, we found it worth our recommendation. So, is this cutting board the ultimate kitchen tool for food preparation? Let’s find out in a short while as we dig deeper into the product details.

Product Features:

The product is made from naturally renewable or recycled materials. It’s knife friendly, so this cutting board will not dull your knife. So, you can park your worries about damaging your favorite knife. Also, you won’t have to worry about bacteria colonizing on the surface because it’s nonporous.

The product is heat resistant up to 360 degrees. This is another distinct feature that sets it apart from the competition. Also, the product has a very thin profile making it easy to haul. Since it’s made from high-quality wood, it’s also maintenance free for the most part.

In Use:

We found the product nice to cut on. The unique surface stance makes it easy to smoothly slice through anything you are cutting. It’s pretty lightweight too, so it’s easy to carry or grab. Moreover, this kitchen equipment can be easily hanged or stored without any fuss.

We used it for nearly a year, and it has stayed flat all this time. It required minimal TLC, and it has shown only minor wear and tear. Other than a few subtle scratches, this product has no other visible signs of damage. On the whole, it held up well against all kinds of kitchen tests.

Pros:

Both sides of the cutting board can be put to effective use. One side can be used as a work surface, while the other side can be used to cut and chop all items. Moreover, it’s very thin and lightweight. So, storing them will never cause you a headache.

The Prep Series Cutting Boards by Epicurean is dishwasher safe. So, they can be effortlessly sanitized in any dishwasher out there. Also, this cutting board is not formulated in any far fleet corner of China. It’s made in the USA, and it meets all the necessary forestry guidelines.

Cons:

Right off the package, the product will release an unpleasant formaldehyde smell. If you are sensitive to smells, you may not be able to tolerate it. However, this is a temporary hassle. The smell dissolves quickly after the first wash.

Overall, this cutting board can prove to be one of your favorite go-to kitchen tools. It does have the ability to impress users with its usability, functionality, and ease of use.

# Mountain Woods 15-By-12-Inch Butcher Block Cutting Board

If you are looking for an extra thick wood cutting board, you have landed in the right spot. Given its thickness and strong built, the Mountain Woods 15-by-12-Inch Butcher Block Cutting Board would fit the bill perfectly over here. It’s one of those deals, which is deemed too good to be true. Oh, really? Let’s find out through this review.

Product Features:

This product is made from black wood and maple. It offers a spacious working area. Plus, the high-quality material makes it a durable piece of kitchen equipment. So, it can be put to daily use in the kitchen.

It’s reversible, which implies that one can use both sides of the cutting board. For easy gripping, it has finger grooves on the side. Better yet, it’s deemed safe to be used with foods.

In Use:

It has a solid weight to it to keep the tool from rocking while at use. Yes, it does hold well, and the smooth finish makes the job easier. Make no mistake; it’s not super heavy, yet very durable. Also, the wood was softer than what we imagined.

The built-in side handles come really handy during haul. After six months of heavy usage, the board still looks pleasant, and its performance is up to the mark. We must admit that it’s perfectly accurate to the item description for the most part.

Pros:

It’s a tough piece of wood. The product can easily stand up to a lot of slicing and dicing. So, it can be used on a regular basis. Yes, it’s nice, sturdy, and durable enough to withstand daily knife use.

Above all, it’s attractive even when it’s not in use. Yes, it looks pretty exquisite in person. Compared to the products in the same spectrum, this one is less susceptible to denting, scratching, and other damages.

Cons:The product is not meant to be dish washed because it can cause the wood to shrink. Also, one would require mineral oil to prevent the wood from drying out. So, expect to spend some time on maintenance. As such, the product arrives with the directions for care.

On the whole, the product doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it won’t be an understatement to claim that the Mountain Woods 15-by-12-Inch Butcher Block Cutting Board is one of those products that’s born to impress.

# CounterArt Flexible Cutting Mat With Food Icons

The CounterArt Flexible Cutting Mat is a unique item in its league. The ultra-flexible plastic cutting map is perfect for all kinds of food preparation. Spare a few more minutes and read till the end to know about this versatile cutting mat. Let’s begin with the product features.

Product Features:

The product is shipped in a pack of 4 — one for every food group. They all have different colors with little labels on the top. So, it leaves no room for cross-contamination of meat and other food items. Moreover, they are made from a high-quality plastic material, which can last for several years and beyond. Its flexibility is one of its strong points. It will help you easily transport the chopped food items from the cutting mat to the cooking bowl or food processor. Everything goes into the bowl like a breeze without any spillage because you can easily bend the mat to fit into the mouth of the bowl.

In Use:

From our testing, we can state that they are durable enough for sharp knives. Yes, they withstood the test of time with some of the sharpest knives we owned. Moreover, they are so lightweight that four of them combined weighed far less than a wood cutting board. Cleaning was never a hassle with these plastic cutting mats. They were thrown right into the dishwasher for easy and effortless clean up. Despite being plastic, they don’t show signs of wear and tear easily.

Pros:

They are more cost-effective and versatile than any other product in its class. Moreover, they arrive in bright colors, which are pleasing to the eyes. Plus, they are very easy to store in your kitchen cabinet. The CounterArt Flexible Cutting Mat would prove to be more sanitary than all other cutting boards out there. Also, the mats are odor free and lightweight. Unlike other inferior plastic cutting boards, you don’t have to hold these down to keep them flat.

Cons:

Some degree of learning curve would be required over here, especially if you are used to a wooden cutting board. Some people choose to place a wood cutting board below these plastic mats to cut short the learning curve. You can use it in a similar fashion until you get a good hang of the product. Overall, the CounterArt Flexible Cutting Mat is worth getting. By far, they are cost-effective and a highly functional kitchen tool. In a nutshell, they are good quality stuff sold at an affordable price point.

Round-Up Of The Best Cutting Boards

To cut back your work, let us sum up the review for you.

The OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board features nonporous and non-skidding surface. It can be used from both sides, and it will last for years to come. Moreover, it resists scratches and other damages. Better yet, it’s affordable too. So, this cutting board can be considered for all these glittering reasons.

The Woodworker’s Classic American Hardwood Butcher Block Cutting Board can prove to be a wonderful alternative for solid plastic boards. This wooden board is perfect for small kitchen owners who are possessive about their favorite knives.

If you are one of those environmental fuzzy guys out there, you can’t afford to miss the Prep Series Cutting Boards by Epicurean. It’s beautifully crafted to be a perfect cutting board, which is friendly for all types of knives.

The Mountain Woods 15-by-12-Inch Butcher Block Cutting Board could be your kitchen friend on several fronts. Money wise, space wise, and on the usability front, it won’t disappoint. Furthermore, it’s durable enough to withstand heavy kitchen use.

The CounterArt Flexible Cutting Mat with Food Icons is the most cost-efficient and versatile from the bunch. You can forget about food contamination for life by owning this kitchen tool. The product’s flexibility is its selling point too. It makes it super easy to transfer foods from the plastic mat to the pan or bowl.

Class dismissed for now. Hopefully, you have been able to decide which cutting board is best for your needs. So, go ahead and get one for yourself. Oh yes, happy shopping!

Which Type of Cutting Board is Best for Your Kitchen?

Filed Under: Kitchen

Wusthof Classic vs Classic Ikon- What is the Best Knife to Buy in 2021?

November 24, 2020 by woodhouse Leave a Comment

While there are countless brands available, Wusthof is one of the most reputable knife manufacturers. Based in Solingen, Germany, this family-owned company has been managed by seven generations. They offer a wide selection of mid-range to high-end knives, including those that are used by seasoned chefs.

The company has diverse knives for almost everyone. In this short guide, however, our focus is on Wusthof Classic vs Wusthof Ikon. Which one is more suitable for your needs? Keep on reading and find out.

If you are looking for a best kitchen knives set for 2020, you should visit here!

About Wusthof

Wusthof started in 1814 in Solingen, which is also dubbed as the City of Blades. It is home to some of the most reputable knife manufacturers in the world. The business was founded by Johann Abraham Wusthof. His three sons all took an active role in the growth of the company and soon took over. Under the helm of Eduard Wusthof, the company introduced over 1,200 knives in different categories, which also helped in the growth of their global reputation.

The knife manufacturer takes pride on how they are rooted in tradition. Despite the high cost of labor in Solingen, they stayed and kept their production in Germany. Many others left in search of cheaper human capital. With every Wusthof knife that you purchase today, you can be confident that its quality is similar to what made it popular since the company started in the 1800s.

A Quick Comparison of Wusthof Classic vs Classic Ikon

Over the years, Wusthof has released a collection of different knives, each with a distinct feature. Two of their best collections are Classic and Classic Ikon, the subjects of this buying guide. They are both exceptional in terms of quality. To help you decide what is better, let’s look at some of their similarities and differences below.

Origin

Like all other Wusthof knives, both are made in Solingen. They are made in the same manufacturing facility and by the same people, so you can be confident that the quality is second to none. Regardless of which one you choose, your satisfaction is a sure thing.

Handle

The handles of the Wusthof Classic and Classic Ikon are made using triple-riveted polyoxymethylene, which is a synthetic material that looks like wood. They both looked great and they are also long-lasting.

Bolster

This is one of the biggest differences between the two. In case you do not know, a bolster is the part where the handle meets the blade. It affects the shape of the knife and has a direct impact on its strength. This also lets you apply pressure on the blade without hurting yourself.

The Classic series comes with a full bolster, making it easier for you to cut. The Classic Ikon series, on the other hand, has a double bolster. You can find one at the bottom of the handle and one below the blade. However, for the cross section, there is only a half bolster. The latter is beneficial for making it easier to sharpen the blade.

Knives

The two are also different in terms of the knives that are included. The Wusthof Classic is a favorite of many because it has been around for a long time. As the name implies, it is a true classic. Almost any type of knife that you need is present in this collection. There are more than 70 knives available. They also vary in length.

With the Wusthof Classic Ikon, on the other hand, you will find a fewer selection of knives. Nonetheless, the sharpness is equally impressive, as well as the durability.

Construction

Both the Classic and Classic Ikon knives from Wusthof feature a forged construction using a one-piece steel. This helps ensure stability and durability. It is also reflective of how every knife is a product of unrivaled craftsmanship that has been tried and tested through time. This is unlike other knives that easily disintegrate.

Wusthof Classic vs Wusthof Ikon — What’s the Difference?

Wusthof Classic Vs. Classic Ikon Knives: Reviews of Top 5 Best German Knives Brand to Choose

If you have no idea about what to buy, we got your back. Below are some of the top products that are worth considering.

1. Wusthof Classic 10-inch Cook’s Knife

Wusthof Classic 10-Inch Cook’s Knife
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Unlike most of the products that are mentioned in this buying guide, this model comes as a single piece. Nonetheless, there’s no need to worry about versatility. I love how this 10-inch knife can deliver multiple functions in a compact body. From chopping to dicing to slicing, this knife is a versatile addition in the kitchen.

With the high carbon stainless steel blade, you can be confident of its durability. The blade is precision-sharpened by robots, ensuring its exceptional performance. Despite this, there are still some people who noted that the sharpness does not last long. We recommend that you pay attention to regular care and maintenance to prevent such issue.

Holding the knife is easy and comfortable, even for a long time. Thanks to its ergonomic handle with a triple-riveted design, it follows the natural contour of your hand. There are also no joints. Plus, there is a full tang, which is essential for your safety.

Lastly, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This is one thing that you will find in the other Wusthof knives on our list. You can have peace of mind knowing that it is covered by the manufacturer forever!

Pros:

  • Ergonomic handle
  • Multiple uses in a single knife
  • Precision-forged for exceptional durability

Cons:

  • Can easily loosen its sharpness

2. Wusthof Classic Knives 12-piece Cutlery Set with Storage Block

Wusthof Classic Knives Cutlery Set with Storage Block, 12 Piece
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If one knife is not enough, then this set is an excellent alternative. Aside from several knives, it also includes a honing rod, which makes it easier to retain the full performance of the blades. There is also a kitchen shears included, as well as a wooden block.

One of the highlights of this product is the Precision Edge Technology. This isn’t exclusive to this set. It is also found in other Wusthof knives and is the one responsible for enhancing the sharpness by more than 20% and significantly improving edge retention. Even after a long time, the blades remain sharp. If ever they dull, no need to worry since the set comes with a honing rod.

More so, another similarity with the other Wusthof knives on this list is the triple-riveted handle. The latter allows ease of control, especially because of the full-tang construction. There is also a full bolster, as well as a finger guard.

Pros:

  • Comes with a honing rod and shears
  • Exceptional sharpness
  • Has a finger guard for safety

Cons:

  • Wooden block is easily prone to cracks

3. Wusthof 7-Acacia Block 7-piece German Knife Set

WÜSTHOF Seven Acacia Block 7-Piece German Set | Precision Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife, 15 Slot Wood, Model 8347-6
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This is sure to be a stand-out in the kitchen. We love how it comes with an elegant acacia block, which is sure to turn heads. It is also a good thing that there are seven slots, making sure that you have more than enough space for the things that you already have in the kitchen.

One of the highlights of this set is the 3.5-inch paring knife. It has a small narrow blade that tapers as it reaches the handle. It may be small, but the design of the blade is optimized for more coverage.

We also love the 8-inch cooks knife, which is sure to be a workhorse in the kitchen. Other knives that are included in this set are 6-inch utility knife and 8-inch breading knife. You will also get multifunctional come-apart shears and a honing rod. The lather will align the microscopic teeth in the blade of knives, making it easy to restore its peak performance.

If there’s one drawback, it would be the price. Nonetheless, like anything else from Wusthof, we believe that the cost is justifiable. You can enjoy the best bang for the buck with this knife set.

Pros:

  • Elegant wooden block with extra slots
  • Slim half bolster design
  • Comes with multifunctional shears

Cons:

  • Expensive

4. Wusthof 1040330120 Classic Ikon 8-inch Cook’s Knife

WUSTHOF 1040330120 Classic IKON Cook’s Knife 8 Inch
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With a length of eight inches, this is smaller than the cook’s knife from the Classic series mentioned earlier, which is ten inches. Aside from the blade, the two are also different in the bolster design. This model has a double-bolster, which is perfect for professionals. Along with its small and sophisticated handle, you can be confident that handling the knife is effortless.

As it is common with Wusthof knives, it is also worth mentioning that this product is precision-forged. It is made from a single block of high-carbon stainless steel. With the one-piece construction, the durability is unquestionable. It has also been tempered to make it stronger. This alone is more than enough to justify the high price of the knife.

Lastly, it is also worth mentioning that this is a versatile knife. A cook’s knife is a multifunctional addition to the kitchen since it replaces the functions of multiple knives. You can use it for slicing, mincing, dicing, and chopping, among other tasks.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic handle
  • Delivers multiple functions
  • Precision forged construction

Cons:

  • Blade can be sharper

5. Wusthof Classic Ikon 8-piece Knife Block Set

WÜSTHOF CLASSIC IKON Eight Piece Knife Block Set | 8-Piece German Knife Set | Precision Forged High Carbon Stainless Steel Kitchen Knife Set with 15 Slot Walnut Wood Block – Model
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The first thing that you will notice in this knife set is its price. This is enough to drive some people away, but that should not be the case. Take a look at the inclusions and evaluate their quality. For sure, you will understand why it is priced that way.

This is similar to the third product that we mentioned in this guide. They are both from the Classic Ikon series. One of the main differences is that while the other one has an acacia block while this one has a mahogany wooden block. Nonetheless, both blocks are attractive.

There is also a slight difference in terms of the inclusions. The third product has seven pieces. This one, meanwhile, has eight pieces. The only difference is that it comes with a 4.5-inch utility knife.

As you would expect from the Classic Ikon series, it comes with a double bolster. The slim design of the bolster allows the knife to be lightweight while providing ease of control. The handle is also ergonomic, so there is nothing you will complain about regarding your comfort. Plus, with its contoured shape, it follows your hand will not easily slip.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic synthetic handles
  • Durable forged steel
  • Attractive wooden block

Cons:

  • Expensive

Conclusion

In sum, if there’s a key takeaway in this short guide about Wusthof Classic vs Classic Ikon, it would be that they are both exceptional! There is one major difference – the bolster. Honestly, that did not matter much. Regardless of which on you buy, you can be confident of top-notch quality and exceptional value for the money.

Filed Under: Kitchen

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