As Head of Living, I have an eagle eye for spotting kitchenware that really works hard for its price tag. I also want it to look good and be useful on a daily (or at least very regular) basis. That's why this STOLTHET cutting board from IKEA stopped me in my scrolling tracks.
Firstly, it's made from sustainable bamboo, which, if you're wondering how to pick a non-toxic cutting board, is a great material to go for. Secondly, I was struck by the unique raised design, which I know will help to reduce mess and save counter space (more on that later), and last, but not least, the myriad ways you can use it (spoiler: it's not only good as a cutting board).
Scraping chopped veg off a cutting board and into a dish without losing some to the kitchen floor is pretty much impossible, I find, but this raised design allows you to neatly slot your receptacle underneath to nudge everything neatly into. No more shuffling your cutting board awkwardly to the edge of the counter and wrangling your chopped veg into a heavy bowl underneath.
If you're not sure how to clean and care for your cutting board, it couldn't be easier. Bamboo is really easy to hand-wash with hot soapy water, and you'll just need to rub a little vegetable oil on it occasionally to maintain the surface. The only downside is you can't put it in the dishwasher, but I think I can live with that.
What has really caught my eye though, are the Instagram pics of the different ways people are using it in their homes. From a mini kitchen shelf to maximise counter space, to a perfect raised table centerpiece base for vases of flowers or candles, perfect for fall table decor ideas.
But perhaps my favorite idea is using it as an antipasti board. It's just perfectly sized for two and can be laid up with delicious meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruit in the kitchen and carried straight through to the dining room for a cozy charcuterie moment. Come summer, I'll be flinging out a picnic blanket and taking it outside.
Come to think of it, I might buy a few to use around the house. It'll be perfect for extra bedside table space, if, like me, you're always looking for small bedroom storage ideas, or in the sitting room for candles and ornaments.
More Hard-Working Cutting Boards to Shop
With a handy ridge for collecting meat juices, this butcher's block-style board can be flipped over for chopping veg or other ingredients, and it comes with a beeswax cream to keep it in pristine condition.
This super durable recycled wood fiber board won't dull your best knives, and features a detachable BPA-free tray with a sliding divider to collect and separate chopped food and scraps.
The foldable rim on this cutting board helps prevent spills as you chop and allows for easy funnelling of ingredients into dishes or pans. Plus it's dishwasher safe, making clean-up that little bit easier.
