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A butcher block is not just a chopping board, it can also be a decorative accent in the kitchen. Consider the amount of space available when buying, and choose between a built-in or portable option. A wheeled butcher island may be the best option for maximum portability and decorative value.
A quality butcher is not just a chopping board. There is some decorative cache around a well-used block placed prominently on a counter or rotated into position for serious food preparation. Cutting boards are often useful, but a butcher block, with its signature parquet pattern, can also be a nice accent piece in the kitchen. When buying, consider the amount of space available in your particular kitchen.
Some countertops can be installed with a butcher block section already in place, an option that can be ideal for new kitchens or during renovations. Another option is a separate unit, much like a very sturdy wooden cutting board. It can be placed on any solid kitchen surface for food preparation, then left in place or hidden away. You may also want to consider a butcher island, a wheeled cart consisting of a cutting board and drawers.
An over-the-counter butcher may be the sturdier choice, but it can also prove inconvenient at times. Non-cooks may choose to place dirty or greasy items directly into the space, creating an additional cleaning need. It can be very practical for households where everyone understands the form and function of a butcher and will instinctively keep that area free from possible contamination. A built-in cutting area should be located near a water source to facilitate cleaning and disinfection, but not so close that cleaners and other chemicals can escape.
Perhaps a better option for limited kitchen space is a portable butcher block with rubber or plastic grips for safety. Whenever the need arises to cut meat or other cuts, the portable block can be moved into position and then returned to a storage area after use. This can be easier said than done, however. A quality cutting board can be quite heavy, so buy one based on size and weight if portability is a factor. Many people find a large one very convenient when it comes to preparing large cuts of meat and poultry. Preparing vegetables, however, rarely requires such a large work area, so consider your particular food preferences before investing.
For maximum portability and decorative value, a butcher island on wheels may be your best bet. It can be rolled into place near a counter or in a kitchen island for prep work, then rolled up to store flatware. If a very large and, consequently, very heavy cutting block is desired, the carriage design should make maneuvering easier. The island should have some means of locking the wheels for safety, so that it can’t move when you use it. Find out about a floor model for stability before buying or assembling it.
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