News — kitchen

If you cook most days in a UK kitchen and want a long lasting wooden board, maple is usually the better choice than oak for a chopping board because it is less porous, gentler on knives and easier to keep hygienic over 5 to 10 years of use. Oak can work, but its open grain and tannins mean it needs more care and is less forgiving for everyday home cooking. Oak vs maple chopping boards in the UK: quick answer For most home cooks in the UK, a maple cutting board is the safer, more practical option. Hard maple sits...

If you want to keep sharp knives in top condition, the best end-grain style chopping board in the Deer & Oak range is the Large Acacia Board (DNO-ACB-LG), sized 45x35 cm and 2.1 kg. It uses a forgiving hardwood surface that is kind to knife edges and, with regular oiling, will support daily cooking for at least 5 to 10 years in a busy home kitchen. Why end-grain style boards protect sharp knives Knife edges last longer on wood that lets the blade sink slightly between the fibres instead of crashing onto a hard, flat surface. True end-grain boards show...

If you want the best thick cutting board for raw beef, a board that is at least 2 cm thick, over 40 cm long and weighs around 1.8 to 2.1 kg is ideal. Within the Deer & Oak range, the Large Acacia Board (45x35 cm, 2.1 kg) is the strongest single choice for regular raw beef prep, with the Carbonised Bamboo Board (45x35 cm, 1.9 kg) a close second for those who prefer bamboo. Why thickness matters for raw beef Raw beef preparation is tougher on a board than slicing bread or fruit. You are often using heavier knives, trimming...

If you want the most practical everyday cutting board for a busy kitchen, hard maple usually beats oak because its tighter grain absorbs less liquid and is gentler on knife edges, often lasting 5 to 10 years with monthly oiling. Oak can work, but its open pores stain more quickly and need more care, which is why many cooks now choose alternatives like bamboo or acacia boards in the 38x28cm to 45x35cm range for daily use. Oak vs maple chopping boards in real kitchens On paper, both oak and maple sound ideal for chopping boards. They are hardwoods, they feel...