I have said this time and again – with pizzas, the devil is in the details. You might think that once the pizza is out of the oven, the hard work is done. But let me tell you, cutting a pizza can be just as important as baking it. And that’s where a pizza cutting board comes in.
You see, a pizza cutting board isn’t just a fancy accessory. It’s a tool that can help you achieve pizza perfection. With a good cutting board, you can slice your pizza with precision, keeping all those delicious toppings right where they belong. Plus, serving your pizza on a beautiful wooden board adds that extra touch of pizzazz.
Stick with me, and I’ll share my tips and tricks for choosing the best pizza cutting board.
đľď¸The Importance of a Good Pizza Cutting Board
A pizza cutting board is not just a tool for cutting pizza, but it also helps to keep your pizza cutters sharp and your pizza in good condition. Below I have highlighted a few legit reasons to grab yourself a pizza cutting board:
- Right off the bat, a cutting board can help prevent my pizza cutter from becoming dull too quickly. Iâve found that if I cut pizza directly on my countertop or baking stone, I risk damaging both my pizza cutter and the surface Iâm cutting on.
- Moreover, a good pizza cutting board is a versatile tool that should be found in any kitchen. Not only is it great for cutting pizza, but itâs also perfect for serving it!
- A pizza cutting board with a long handle, like the one by Ooni, can double up as a pizza peel too. The idea of having one tool for prepping, launching, retrieving, and serving the freshly baked pizza does sound appealing, doesnât it?
- Lastly, it helps keep your workstation mess-free by containing all the spills.
đ¤How to Choose the Best Pizza Cutting Board for Your Needs?
With so many options to choose from, it can get quickly overwhelming for anyone to pick the right pizza cutting board for the job. But fret not. You can refer to the guide below while weighing your options:
Material
The material of the cutting board is the most important factor to consider. Wooden pizza cutting boards are a classic solution. They have an authentic appearance and can make any table look much more delicious.
Next Read: Best Pizza Dough Presses for 2023 â [Tested & Reviewed]
However, they require specific care routines, but thatâs nothing when you understand how long your board can remain fresh and stylish. Plastic pizza cutting boards are also a popular choice because they are relatively low-priced and easy to clean.
Bamboo cutting boards are a good option too, but they can quickly take a toll on your knives. That said, if you are solely focusing on the aesthetic factor, bamboo cutting boards would be your best bet.
Size and Shape
Since most pizzas are round, I find that using a round cutting board is great for presentation. I also love using pizza peel-shaped cutting boards because they look good and give me that restaurant feeling.
Iâve found that some round pizza cutting boards come with grooves for slicing even pizza slices, which is really helpful. However, if I need a cutting board for all my cutting and chopping needs, not just for pizza, I find that a square or rectangular one is more convenient.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another important factor to take into account. Wooden cutting boards require specific care routines, such as washing them by hand and oiling them regularly. On the other hand, plastic cutting boards are easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher.
Price
The price of the cutting board is also a consideration. Wooden cutting boards are more expensive than plastic ones, but they can last longer if properly maintained.
Additional Features
Some pizza cutting boards come with additional features, such as a juice groove to retain all the liquids coming from certain foods, or a non-slip base to prevent unwanted accidents.
đHow to Prevent Warping and Cracking of a Wooden Pizza Cutting Board?
If you are looking for some actionable tips on prolonging the lifespan of your pizza cutting board, read this section carefully:
Cleaning and Maintenance
After each use, wash the board with warm water and soap, and dry it immediately with a towel. Never put a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher or submerge it in water for extended periods of time, as this can cause the board to warp and crack.
Oil the Board
Wooden pizza cutting boards require regular oiling to prevent them from becoming brittle and cracking. Use cutting board oil or food-grade mineral oil (not olive or avocado oil) to oil the board once a month.
Apply the oil to the board using a paper towel or clean cloth, and buff it onto the board, making sure to coat every surface. Let the oil soak into the board for a few hours or up to overnight, then wipe away any excess oil on the surface.
Next Read: Pizza Sauce Ladle: [Which one is Right for You?]
Properly conditioning your board also creates a protective barrier against moisture, and this helps keep the board clean and makes it less likely to warp or crack.
Keep It Away From Heat and Moisture
Heat and moisture are the enemies of wooden pizza cutting boards. Do not wash your cutting boards in hot water, including the dishwasher. Heat can make the wood or plastic material more susceptible to damage.
Next Read: Best Countertop Pizza Oven (2023âs Reviews & Comparison)
Getting a cutting board nice and hot in the sink and then standing it on end to air-dry creates the ideal conditions for warping. Instead, rinse the board with warm water and dry it immediately with a towel. Avoid leaving the board in a damp or humid environment, as this can cause the board to warp and crack.
Proper Storage
Make sure to store your wooden pizza cutting board properly. Keep it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. I also avoid stacking other items on top of the board, as this will inevitably lead to warping.
â ď¸Signs that a Pizza Cutting Board Needs to be Replaced
Cutting boards, whether plastic or wooden, have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced eventually. Here are some signs that a pizza cutting board needs to be replaced:
Deep Grooves and Cuts
When a cutting board has deep grooves and cuts, it can be difficult to clean and sanitize properly. These grooves and cuts can also harbor bacteria, making it unsafe to use the board for food preparation. If the grooves and cuts are too deep, it’s time to replace the board.
Warping and Cracking
Warping and cracking are common issues with wooden cutting boards. If a wooden pizza cutting board is warped or cracked, it can be difficult to use and can also harbor bacteria in the cracks. If the board is severely warped or cracked, it’s time to replace it.
Foul Odor
If a cutting board has a rancid smell, it’s a sign that bacteria has built up on the board, and it’s time to replace it. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help prevent this issue, but if the smell persists, get a new board!
Stains and Discoloration
Stains and discoloration on a cutting board usually indicate that the deep grooves and cuts have absorbed food particles and bacteria. If the stains and discoloration cannot be removed with proper cleaning, then you know the drill.
Age
While there’s no set time for replacing cutting boards, most last at least a few years and can last longer when cared for properly. If a cutting board is showing signs of heavy use and has been in use for several years, you should get a new cutting board. As simple as that!
âBest Pizza Cutting Boards in 2023
Iâve been using it for a while now, and I have to say, itâs a pretty solid product. While itâs not the best choice for a traditional peel (itâs a bit too thick for that), the same quality makes it an excellent cutting board.
The thing that stands out to me about this peel is its sturdiness. Itâs definitely not lightweight, but thatâs a good thing in my book. It feels like it will last me a long time. And the size is just right for my pizza stone, whether Iâm cooking in the oven or on the grill.
All in all, Iâm really happy with the Ooni 12″ Bamboo Pizza Peel. If youâre in the market for a reliable pizza cutting board, this one is definitely worth considering. Get the 14 or 16â version if you are planning on using it for turning the pizza in the oven as well.
This one is a pizza cutter and cutting board rolled into one beautiful, sturdy, and compact unit. The cutting boardâs grooves facilitate the cutting of uniform slices, and the rocker pizza cutter glides effortlessly through the pizza, unlike roller cutters which can displace toppings.
The blade is very sharp, making it much easier to use than a rolling cutter. The wooden surface is sturdy and easy to clean, and the blade cuts clean and doesn’t mess with the toppings, ensuring beautiful, perfect cuts. It doubles as a great pizza serving tray and a charcuterie board!
This one is by far the prettiest pizza cutting board/peel on my shelf. I absolutely adore the detailing on this board. The wooden surface is not super thick, though. So, I wonât suggest using this one as your everyday cutting board. Occasional use should be alright.
Itâs not super heavy and doesnât take up too much storage space either. Cleaning up is a breeze. Iâd recommend oiling the board from time to time to maintain the shine of the beautiful wooden surface. If you are on the lookout for a cutting board that would look great in your kitchen, go for it!
đ§ Pizza Cutting Board – FAQs
Can you cut pizza on a wooden cutting board?
Yes, you can cut pizza on a wooden cutting board. In fact, a wooden cutting board is an excellent choice for cutting pizza as it is sturdy yet pliable, allowing for a smooth cutting surface that wonât dull your knives.
What is the best surface to cut pizza on?
The best surface to cut pizza on is a matter of personal preference. Most people prefer to use a wooden cutting board due to its durability and heat resistance.
What can I use instead of a cutting board?
If you donât have a cutting board, you can use other alternatives, such as laminated wooden boards used for cupboards, a laminate sheet, a kitchen plate, or a lid from a plastic container.
Can you put a hot pizza on a plastic cutting board?
You can put hot pizza on a plastic cutting board, but you need to ensure that the plastic can withstand heat. Since plastic easily gets burnt or gets charred marks when exposed to heat, I wonât personally recommend it.
In Conclusion
A pizza cutting board is one of those tools that will significantly improve your efficiency in the kitchen. Most cutting boards available come do act as a pizza peel, while some are armed with a pizza cutter as well. If you are serious about baking, and you still donât have a dedicated pizza cutting board in your kitchen, itâs time to change that!
