Wood is one of the most versatile and elegant materials for kitchen utensils. From cutting boards to spoons and trays, choosing the right wood not only affects the durability and functionality of the product, but also its aesthetics and safety.
In this article, we will explore which is the best wood for cookware, considering factors such as resistance, ease of maintenance and contact with food or heat sources.
Wood for cutting boards
Cutting boards are an essential tool in any kitchen, and their wood must be durable, knife-safe and wear-resistant.
Woods most suitable for cutting boards:
Walnut: Gentle on knives, resistant and with an elegant dark tone.
Hard maple: Very durable and with a balanced hardness that protects the knives.
Cherry: Lightweight, easy to maintain and with a warm color.
Oak: Resistant, but requires a suitable finish to prevent it from absorbing humidity.
Olive tree: Ideal for its natural resistance to bacteria and its attractive grain.
Important note: Avoid woods that are too hard, such as exotic woods, which can dull knives quickly.
Where to include an image: Different types of wood for cutting boards. Alternate text: woods such as walnut, maple and cherry ideal for cutting boards in the kitchen.
BoxwoodCherry WoodOlive WoodOak WoodWalnut wood
Wood for service tables
Serving boards are designed to present food in an elegant and functional way. In this case, the wood should be more resistant to stains and moisture, as wet or greasy foods may remain on the surface for longer.
Woods more suitable for service boards:
Iroko: Moisture resistant, with a warm color that enhances food presentation.
Wenge: Dark, elegant and not prone to stain, ideal for wet food.
Why not use the same woods as for cutting boards?
Although walnut or maple are excellent for cutting, they can be more susceptible to staining and are not designed for prolonged exposure to liquids.
Still life of our service tables
Wood for trays and bread bins
Trays and bread bins require woods that combine strength with aesthetics, as they often transport or store food and are exposed to daily use.
Woods most suitable for trays and breadbaskets:
Oak: Resistant, strong-grained and highly durable.
Bubinga: Aesthetically striking, with reddish tones and great resistance to intensive use.
Special considerations:
These woods withstand weight and wear well, but require proper maintenance to preserve their appearance and functionality.
It is advisable to treat them with food grade mineral oil to prevent them from drying out.
Ligna Tray made of jatoba wood
Wood for utensils such as shovels and spoons
Utensils that are in direct contact with heat sources, food and boiling water need woods that are light, resistant and do not release harmful substances when heated.
Most suitable woods for shovels and spoons:
Boxwood: Very resistant, fine-grained and non-porous, ideal for kitchen utensils, as recommended by Karlos Arguiñano.
Olive tree: Resistant to heat and humidity, with natural antimicrobial properties.
Why avoid exotic woods?
Exotic woods may contain natural oils that are not safe for food contact, especially when heated.
In addition, they tend to be harder and more difficult to work with for small utensils.
Close-up of boxwood grain, the best wood for kitchen utensils and kitchenware
Comparison of the best wood for kitchen utensils according to type
Type of utensil
Recommended woods
Main reason
Cutting boards
Walnut, maple, cherry, oak, olive tree
Resistance to cutting and care of knives.
serving boards
Iroko, wenge
Resistance to stains and humidity.
Trays and bread bins
Oak, jatoba, bubinga
Weight support and durability.
Shovels and spoons
Boxwood, olive tree
Resistance to heat and food contact.
Conclusion
Choosing the best wood for cookware guarantees not only good performance, but also the safety and durability of the product.
For cutting boardsFor cutting boards, choose sturdy, balanced woods such as walnut or maple.
For service boardsprioritize woods that can withstand humidity, such as iroko.
Trays and breadbaskets need strong woods such as oak or jatoba.
For utensils such as shovels and spoons, opt for boxwood or olive wood, avoiding exotic woods.
With proper selection and maintenance, your wooden utensils can last a lifetime and add warmth and beauty to your kitchen.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Wood for Cookware
What is the best wood for cutting boards?
The most recommended woods for cutting boards are walnut, hard maple, cherry, oak, and olive. These woods offer a combination of strength, durability, and smoothness for knives, making them ideal for this type of utensil.
What woods are ideal for serving boards?
For serving boards, woods such as iroko and wenge are recommended. These woods are resistant to moisture and stains, making them suitable for food presentation.
What woods are recommended for trays and bread baskets?
Suitable woods for trays and bread bins include oak, jatoba, and bubinga. These woods are strong and durable, holding up well to weight and daily use.
What woods are best for utensils like shovels and spoons?
Boxwood and olive are ideal woods for utensils such as shovels and spoons. They are resistant to heat and moisture, and do not release harmful substances when heated.
Why avoid exotic woods in kitchen utensils?
Exotic woods may contain natural oils that are not safe for food contact, especially when heated. In addition, they tend to be harder and more difficult to work with for small utensils.
What characteristics should wood have for kitchen utensils?
The ideal wood for kitchen utensils should be durable, heat-resistant, non-reactive with food, low porosity, and easy to clean.
How should wooden utensils be maintained?
It is recommended to hand-wash wooden utensils with warm water and mild soap, dry them thoroughly before storing, and regularly apply mineral oil or specific wood oils to protect the surface.
Which woods have natural antibacterial properties?
Olive wood has natural antimicrobial properties, making it ideal for kitchen utensils.
Which woods are gentler on knives?
Walnut and hard maple are woods that offer a balanced hardness, being gentle on knives and protecting their edge.
Which woods require a proper finish to prevent moisture absorption?
Oak, although durable, requires proper finishing to prevent it from absorbing moisture and deteriorating over time.
