Titanium cutting boards are the latest kitchen fad. But are they a good choice? We look at the pros and cons here.
What Is a Titanium Cutting Board?
To state the obvious, a titanium cutting board is a cutting board made of titanium (although beware low cost "titanium" cutting boards, because they may not be actual titanium). But what is titanium?
According to a Google Chrome AI overview, "titanium is special due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent resistance to corrosion, and exceptional biocompatibility [meaning that it is inert and non-reactive], making it ideal for aerospace, medical implants, and other critical applications. It can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, bonds with bone tissue, and is non-toxic to the human body."
Though AI doesn't always get it right, in this case it does. We'll add that titanium is an element: number 22 on the periodic table.
The properties of titanium make it a really special metal. It's extremely strong and very light. These features are what make it so great for aerospace applications, camping cookware (especially when carried in a backpack), and high-end bicycles. Its non-reactivity is what makes it great for medical implant devices and cookware--but only when paired with a metal that transfers heat well, such as aluminum, because, like stainless steel, titanium transfers heat poorly.
How does all of this apply to cutting boards? Let's find out.
Pros of a Titanium Cutting Board
Titanium boards are very easy to clean, by hand or in the dishwasher.
Here are the pros of a titanium cutting board:
Important note: You'll see titanium board prices all over the place, but the cheap ones are likely not pure titanium but rather a cheaper metal with a titanium coating, or possibly contain no titanium at all. Titanium is an expensive metal, so expect to pay a fair amount for a good quality titanium cutting board, about $70 for a 14"x10" board.
See a real titanium cutting board
These are all excellent attributes, and may make a titanium board seem appealing. But don't decide until you read the cons, as well.
Cons of a Titanium Cutting Board
Unfortunately, these cutting boards also have several cons:
So Should You Buy a Titanium Cutting Board?
If you want a board to use for charcuterie or other displays, then yes, a titanium board is a decent choice (though not as pretty as most glass and wooden boards).
But if you want a cutting board you can actually use with your knives to prepare food, then no, a titanium board is an absolutely terrible idea.
Titanium cutting boards are marketed as being "softer" than knife steel, which theoretically means they won't dull your knives. This is true--titanium is softer than knife steel--but when compared to wood, plastic, bamboo, and even composite cutting boards, titanium is a much harder surface, and it is terrible for your knives.
If you have expensive knives, then you don't want to abuse them by using a titanium cutting board. If you have cheaper or lower-end knives, they will dull extremely quickly when used on a titanium cutting surface, or any other hard cutting surface, such as glass.
Also, despite marketing to the contrary, you will never see a professional chef use a titanium cutting board for actual cutting.
Incidentally, this is also true for glass and other hard cutting surfaces. Don't do it: save these cutting boards for displays, but don't abuse your knives by using them for food.
Cutting Board Recommendations
An end-grain maple cutting board is one of your best options.
Plastic, bamboo and wood are our recommendations for cutting boards, with wood being our number one choice. Plastic cutting boards can transfer microplastics into your food (a growing concern). Bamboo is the best choice of you're concerned about sustainability and is not bad for your knives.
Even composite boards are better than titanium, although they can sometimes have a chemical odor when wet (and though they claim to be food safe, it's impossible to know for sure).
There are several types of wood cutting boards, and a few different configurations, as well (that is, end-grain and edge grain). Different woods have different hardness ratings, so some woods make better boards than others. Maple is considered one of the best woods for cutting boards, especially end-grain maple. Teak, black walnut, and beech are also good choices.
For a more detailed discussion, see our article on The Best Woods for Cutting Boards.
Titanium Cutting Board FAQs
Here are some common questions about titanium cutting boards.
Are Titanium Cutting Boards Sanitary?
Yes, titanium cutting boards are very sanitary because they're very hard so they won't harbor bacteria.
Are Titanium Cutting Boards Safe?
Titanium cutting boards are safe for food and humans, but not safe for knives.
Will Titanium Cutting Boards Last?
Yes: titanium is a durable material and will last for a long time.
Are Titanium Cutting Boards Bad for Knives?
Titanium cutting boards are terrible for knives. Contrary to the marketing, titanium cutting boards will dull knife edges very quickly. The only material that's worse than titanium is glass. Also, because of the hardness, the sound of metal-on-metal when cutting can be quite unpleasant.
Final Thoughts
Titanium cutting boards have some great features, but they are so bad for your knives that we do not recommend them.
Don't buy titanium cutting boards for cutting.
This has been a public service announcement from The Rational Kitchen.
Thanks for reading!
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