Chopping Blocks vs. Cutting Boards

No pun intended, but let's cut right to the heart of the matter. It's important for all us to know what we're looking at when we intend to purchase a wood product either online or at our local retailer.

The main difference between a cutting board and a chopping block is how each is constructed. This directly translates into the cutting surface you are using in your kitchen.

Let's illustrate the difference this way: Imagine that you have a handful of uncooked spaghetti noodles. For the most part you have two different surfaces - the part where you see all of the 'ends' of the spaghetti, and the side where you have all of the 'edges'. If you had a chopping block, you would be cutting on a surface that is basically the 'ends' of strips of wood. And just like the sides of the spaghetti, a cutting board is constructed so that you're cutting on the 'edge' of the strips of wood.

With these two types of construction you are left with two different durabilities.

1. If you're planning to do some serious chopping, like chicken and other meats, then the chopping block is what you're after. It will hold up to long term use that involves a serious amount of force. And of course it's more expensive, but you will save your knives from dulling too quickly.
2. If you're after a less expensive version that is meant for less intense cuts - like for those veggies - then choose a cutting board.

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