When it comes to equipping your kitchen with the right tools, a high-quality cutting board is one of the most important investments you can make. Among the wide range of cutting boards available on the market, Epicurean cutting boards have steadily gained popularity for their durability, sustainability, and eco-friendly design. Whether you’re a home cook who loves experimenting or a professional chef who demands reliability, these cutting boards are worth a closer look.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Epicurean cutting boards, including their safety, materials, benefits, and whether they’re the right choice for your kitchen.
What Are Epicurean Cutting Boards?
Epicurean is a trusted American brand best known for producing high-quality, eco-friendly kitchen products. Their cutting boards are unique because they are made from a material called Richlite, which is a composite of FSC-certified wood fibers and resin. The result is a board that’s both lightweight and extremely durable while being much more sustainable than traditional plastic or exotic hardwoods.
Unlike plastic cutting boards, which can harbor bacteria in knife marks, or hardwood boards that require regular oiling and maintenance, Epicurean cutting boards are designed to offer the best of both worlds—functionality and low maintenance.
Why Choose an Epicurean Cutting Board?
Epicurean cutting boards are not just another chopping surface; they’re engineered for performance, longevity, and safety. Here are some notable advantages:
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Eco-Friendly Materials: Made from recycled wood fibers, they are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
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Lightweight but Durable: Unlike heavy wooden blocks, they are easy to handle and move around the kitchen while still withstanding heavy chopping.
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Heat Resistant: They can withstand temperatures up to 350°F, which means you can even use them as trivets.
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Knife-Friendly: The surface prevents dulling of knives, ensuring sharpness lasts longer.
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Dishwasher Safe: Most Epicurean cutting boards can go straight into the dishwasher, unlike wooden boards that warp or crack.
Common Types of Epicurean Cutting Boards
Epicurean produces a variety of cutting boards to meet different cooking styles and preferences. Among their range, the following products stand out:
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Everyday Cutting Board: Perfect for daily kitchen tasks like chopping vegetables, fruits, or meat.
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Gourmet Series: Sleeker boards with built-in juice grooves, great for slicing roasts and juicy fruits.
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Big Game and Fish Series: Designed for outdoor cooking, grilling, hunting, and fishing enthusiasts.
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Kitchen Series: Slim, all-purpose boards ideal for small kitchens and quick preparations.
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Epicurean Cutting Board Set: Bundles that usually feature boards in multiple sizes, giving you flexibility depending on whether you’re dicing garlic or breaking down a turkey.
If you cook often, investing in an Epicurean cutting board set is particularly handy because you can dedicate certain boards to different food groups—for example, one for raw meat, one for vegetables, and one for bread.
Are Epicurean Cutting Boards Safe?
One of the most frequently asked questions by cooks is: Are Epicurean cutting boards safe?
The answer is yes. Epicurean boards are FDA-approved and NSF-certified, which means they meet food safety standards set for both home and professional kitchens. The boards are non-porous, which prevents liquids and bacteria from seeping in, unlike traditional wooden boards that can trap harmful microbes.
Additionally, their smooth surface makes them easier to sanitize, and the fact that they are dishwasher-safe adds another layer of hygiene assurance.
Are Epicurean Cutting Boards Toxic?
Another major concern some people have is whether the resins or binders used in Epicurean cutting boards are harmful. So, are Epicurean cutting boards toxic?
No, they are not toxic. The Richlite material used in their construction has been tested for food safety. It does not leach harmful chemicals, even under high heat or when wet. Unlike some low-quality plastic boards that may release microplastics or BPA when scratched, Epicurean boards are free from such risks.
Their composition of natural wood fibers and safe resin makes them one of the healthiest alternatives on the market. That makes them not only safe for you but also safer for the environment.
Epicurean Cutting Boards vs Other Materials
When deciding which cutting board to buy, you may be torn between several popular options—plastic, bamboo, hardwood, or Epicurean. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Plastic Boards | Hardwood Boards | Bamboo Boards | Epicurean Cutting Boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygiene | Can trap bacteria in cuts | Naturally antimicrobial | Moderately hygienic | Non-porous, dishwasher safe |
| Maintenance | Low, but can warp/melt | Requires oiling, heavy | Requires oiling | No oiling required, easy clean |
| Knife-Friendliness | Harsh on knives | Gentle | Can dull knives quickly | Gentle on knives |
| Durability | Prone to warping/cracking | Long-lasting but heavy | Can crack easily | Long-lasting, lightweight |
| Eco-Friendliness | Poor | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
From the table, it is easy to see that Epicurean cutting boards strike a great balance between durability, safety, and sustainability.
How to Care for Epicurean Cutting Boards
Though they require much less maintenance compared to hardwood or bamboo boards, proper care can extend the life of your Epicurean cutting board.
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Wash with warm, soapy water after use or place it in the dishwasher.
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Avoid leaving the board soaking in water, even though it is non-porous.
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If knife marks accumulate after long-term use, lightly sanding the surface can refresh it.
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To prevent slipping, consider using a non-slip mat underneath while chopping.
Where to Buy Epicurean Cutting Boards
You can easily find Epicurean cutting boards across major retailers and online marketplaces. If you’re looking for authentic products and a wide selection, the best place to start is the official Epicurean website, which provides a detailed catalog of their cutting board collections and accessories.
Purchasing directly from trusted sources ensures you get genuine products, as counterfeit cutting boards may not meet the same safety or durability standards.
Should You Invest in an Epicurean Cutting Board?
If you want a cutting board that combines modern design with eco-conscious durability, then an Epicurean cutting board is a worthwhile investment. They are:
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Health-conscious: Non-toxic and food-safe
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Eco-friendly: Made from recycled wood fibers
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Practical: Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
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Long-lasting: Resist warping, cracking, and dulling knives
Whether you opt for a single Epicurean cutting board or go for a full Epicurean cutting board set, you’ll get a versatile tool that supports both efficiency and sustainability in the kitchen.
For families, busy home cooks, and professional chefs alike, Epicurean cutting boards provide a healthy, eco-friendly alternative to traditional boards while adding a sleek and modern look to your kitchen.
Read More: Why an Epicurean Cutting Board Belongs in Every Kitchen
Final Thoughts
A good cutting board is just as essential as a sharp knife in the kitchen, and Epicurean boards provide a reliable, eco-friendly, and safe option for everyday cooking. They’ve become popular not just for their sustainability but also their practicality. Customers who use them often find they don’t want to go back to traditional plastic or heavy hardwood boards.
If you care about a product that’s safe for your loved ones, gentle on your knives, and kind to the environment, then Epicurean cutting boards are an excellent choice. Whether you’re just slicing vegetables for a salad or carving up a holiday turkey, you’ll appreciate the reliability and craftsmanship behind these boards.
With multiple styles, sizes, and bundled options available, you can find an Epicurean cutting board set that fits every cooking need, making food preparation cleaner, easier, and more enjoyable.
