The knives each serve different functions, from a spade knife used to cut hard cheeses into wedges to a narrow plane knife that can easily slice semi-hard and soft cheeses. I was pleasantly surprised by the sharpness of the knives — they were able to cut into harder cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino Romano with little effort. It was also convenient to just reach into the drawer and grab what I needed, and became especially useful when visiting friends and family since the cutlery didn’t have to be transported separately.
The board is made from bamboo, which is harder and less porous than hardwood and absorbs very little moisture, making it more resistant to bacteria than other woods, according to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service. However, it’s not maintenance free: The brand recommends applying a food-grade mineral oil that’s FDA approved (and sold separately) to season the board 24 hours before initial use, and continue to apply once a month to ensure the bamboo doesn’t dry out over time. Be sure not to use cooking oils like olive, vegetable and avocado oil since they’ll go rancid and the smell alone can ruin your party hosting reputation — not to mention your precious meats and cheeses.
The brand also suggests cleaning the board with a mild detergent and warm water after each use and drying completely before storing. The instruction manual notes to store the board in “a dry and cool place” since long exposure to water and excessive heat can damage it, leading to warping and cracking. Needless to say, the board isn’t dishwasher safe.
In my experience, the board can fit a lot of different foods but, at 13 inches by 13 inches, it isn’t as large as some of the popular ones seen online. I’ve found myself having to sacrifice some crackers or fruit slices to make room for more meats and cheeses which, frankly, adds to the creativity of it all. A full board can likely feed a group of around five, but you can always refill it when necessary.
If you’re hoping to simply hop on the trend or impress your family and friends in a post-pandemic world, here are a few more options to help you get creative.
This round, multi-layered board features a swivel function that extends from a compact (and portable) shape. You can designate a specific charcuterie food to each level, which works especially well for those who don’t prefer their foods to touch. Like the CTFT board, this one comes with a slide-out drawer with cheese knives. You can choose between a 13-inch diameter size that features two cheese knives (an all-purpose, stainless steel cheese knife and a cheese fork) or a larger 17-inch size that includes an additional flat cheese knife.
If you want to really put emphasis on the visual appeal of a charcuterie board, this Agate Cheese Board is a unique option primarily consisting of chalcedony and quartz. It’s offered in a range of colors, including White Quartz, Dyed Blue, Rose Quartz, and all come with a gold-colored rim to add an elegant touch.
This bamboo board comes with a 7-piece stainless steel cutlery set — including three skewers, a 2-prong serving fork, soft cheese spreader, flat edge knife and a wedge knife — and features a magnetic wedge that holds the cutlery for easy access while serving guests. It also includes a small dish for dips and spreads. At 9 inches long and just over 12 inches wide, this option is slightly smaller than the CTFT board but still large enough to fit a variety of meats, cheeses and fruits.
These affordable mini boards come in a pack of six and are an option worth considering if you hope to create different types of charcuterie boards for larger gatherings or dinner parties. They’re made from slate — a durable natural rock — and can complement a sleek, dark-colored aesthetic. It also includes three pieces of chalk so you can easily label the contents or write the name of your guests for a more personalized board (and it can wash right off).
An elegant option for small get-togethers, this large, 15-inch-long board is made from sustainable and durable Acacia wood. It’s also relatively lightweight compared to other options on this list, weighing a little over 1 pound. According to the brand, the board can also serve multiple purposes, from a cheese and serving platter to a prep station and cutting board.
Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
