Marble cutting boards may be an aesthetical pleasure, but they’re a nightmare for knives!
Similar to glass, marble is a tough surface that can outlast the lifespan of your blades if you’re using the two together, regularly.
Despite numerous benefits like longevity, versatility, etc., marble cutting boards may not be suitable for regular use with knives, especially more expensive ones.
Considering this, if your goal is to keep your blades safe while chopping, dicing, and slicing, avoid using the marble cutting boards for this.
Opt for wooden, bamboo, or softer plastic ones. But, don’t sign off marble cutting boards just yet: they have some awesome benefits to offer!
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Do Marble Cutting Boards Dull Knives?
Marble is a metamorphic rock. This rock changes over time, both physically and chemically, from high heat and pressure. Its life begins as limestone. This soft stone is made of calcite.
The heat and pressure from the magma and the tectonic plates cause recrystallization and change their texture. As a result, the calcite crystals begin to connect and grow. Marble is found throughout the world: from Vermont to Macedonia, as well as in Greece and Italy.
A lovely and popular stone, every piece of marble is one-of-a-kind and true art.
In the home, it adds a feeling of luxury and beauty.
It’s also commonly used for the production of cutting boards; however, this board is more suitable for serving food or as a trivet for hot pots and pans.
It’s not the best option for use with knives because it’s quite tough. In most situations, this board will outlive your knives. With every use, it will dull them more.
What Are the Benefits of Marble Cutting Boards?
Just because they’re not recommendable for use with knives due to dulling steel, it doesn’t mean you should sign these boards off right away.
In fact, you should have at least one due to its amazing benefits. Check out some of the best ones below:
- Hygienic
Due to its non-porous and smooth surface, there’s no juice from the foods on it that can enter its pores.
Unlike natural wood which has natural pores and may increase the risk of bacteria, this isn’t possible with a marble cutting board.
It’s, therefore, one of the most hygienic boards for use with food. It lowers the risk of cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses significantly.
- Easy to maintain
Cleaning your marble cutting boards is effortless; you just need warm water and nice dish soap for a shiny board.
Unlike other cutting boards like wood, for example, marble doesn’t need extra maintenance like oiling or sanding. And, feel free to soak them in warm soapy water for extra cleanliness; they won’t warp as wood does!
- Longevity
Strength and durability are often associated with marble cutting boards.
Invest in a lovely marble cutting board and it will reward you with longevity. This type of stone is long-lasting and tough and even tougher than steel.
This is why users should be extra cautious when using their knives with this board.
What Are the Disadvantages of Marble Cutting Boards?
Despite the numerous benefits, marble cutting boards aren’t ideal.
In fact, they have several cons which you should take into account before making a purchase.
Here are the most common ones:
- They’re tough on knives
Being a very hard surface, marble can make blades duller.
This is why marble cutting boards are often used for other purposes, rather than actual cutting, chopping, and dicing.
- Requires extra caution
When using a marble cutting board, especially if it’s wet, you need to be extra cautious while cutting or chopping on it.
You should also put it on a suitable surface so that it doesn’t slide off and on and disrupt your work. Also, learn more about how to use a knife with it so that you prevent any slips and cuts.
- More expensive
Marble cutting boards and blocks tend to be more expensive than some other options. However, despite being an investment, they’re quite long-lasting so they won’t need a replacement any time soon.
- The friction is low
Since this board doesn’t offer any friction, cutting or dicing on the board will require you to hold the foods being chopped tightly.
If you don’t, they’ll fall or move to the sides because the friction that holds them in place lacks.
Avoid slicing a pack of veggies or meat at once, but rather hold the smaller pieces while cutting.
How to Care for Marble Cutting Boards?
The good news with marble cutting boards is that they’re easy to care for, supposing you’re sticking to all the dos and don’ts. Marble cutting boards make awesome surfaces for working with dough because they’re not sticky and remain cool to the touch.
Avoid it for chopping, cutting, and slicing. We’ve already discussed why! When caring for your marble cutting boards, do it by washing them in the sink.
Use mild dish soap, warm water, and a sponge. You can also sanitize the board after working with raw meat or acidic foods. Use a solution of white vinegar and water (50:50).
Don’t expose the board to harsh temperatures in the dishwasher or sudden temperature changes to avoid cracks.
Feel free to show off your marble cutting board, especially when guests are coming over. Cool it off in the fridge, and then serve charcuterie at your upcoming get-together.
Marble isn’t damaging to the blunt edges of butter or cheese knives.
Marble Cutting Board Is Not The Best Option
Although it may not be the smartest option to use with sharp knives, marble cutting boards are wonderful additions to any home and kitchen.
They’re not just exceptional serving boards, but also make great trivets for hot pans and pots and are a personal favorite of food photographers.
It’s one of the best backdrops you could think of! It’s highly hygienic and easy to care for. Pick some of the stunning designs and enrich your food experience starting today.
