The Norpro 370 Bread Slicer and Guide offers a row of parallel slots spaced to match the standard 1/2-inch-thick slice of sandwich bread. Set the home-baked loaf of bread between the guides, and lay the bread knife in the slot. The slot keeps the knife blade running true all the way to the bottom of the crust. Most crumbs fall into the crumb-catcher base. Just turn the Slicer Guide over to empty the crumbs. The slots yield eight slices in one setting, but just slide the remaining section of loaf against the guide's acrylic end stop to keep cutting perfect slices.

Since there's no way to adjust the guide, you'll have to settle for cutting bread loaves that match it. If your loaf rises higher than the guide's top, the first part of the cut depends on your skill alone. Loaves wider than the 6-3/4-inch guide box simply won't fit. Adjusting recipes to create loaves that fit is certainly possible. An eight-inch-long bread knife blade won't provide a lot of guided cutting edge in this slicer, but a ten-inch bread knife blade allows a back-and-forth slicing movement of about two inches without leaving the guides.

The Norpro 370 Bread Slicer and Guide uses small screws to hold the acrylic guides to the wooden base. That's not much support, and a careless move with the knife could cause problems. The soft wood in the crumb catcher also damages easily if you drag a serrated blade across the slats. If you're used to a hardwood cutting board designed to take abuse, you'll need to adjust your technique to use the Norpro 370.

For a bread knife long enough to work well with this guide, see the R.H. Forschner Bread Knife.

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Bread Slicer with Crumb Catcher Acrylic Norpro NEW US $17.89   Auction Ends: 17d 16h 45m

Norpro 370 Kitchen Slice Cut Bread Loaf Slicer Cutter Guide Crumb Catcher NEW US $21.75   Auction Ends: 22d 12h 54m

Looking for a natural cutting board that's dishwasher safe? Stop looking, you won't find one. But, the Epicurean Gourmet cutting board comes very close, combining natural fibers with epoxy resin for a classic look that goes in and out of the machine without damage.

The non-porous surface of Epicurean boards won't harbor bacteria -- a claim verified by the National Sanitary Foundation. Epicurean claims these boards also won't dull the edges of knives as quickly as poly or wood, but you'll have to verify that through actual use. Lighter in weight than wooden cutting boards, the Epicurean Gourmet series features a slate-grey core layer sandwiched between two surface layers with a look of natural wood. These board also include a black juice groove cut 3/8 inches deep in one side for serving, and on the reverse, a completely flat side for prep.

Originally, what went into Epicurean cutting boards were the wood scraps left over from construction of skateboard parks. Chipped and combined with food-safe epoxy resin, the waste wood made cutting boards with what Epicurean claims to be the best cutting surface available today. As demand increased and the supply of leftover bits of skateboard parks ran low, Epicurean turned to pulp wood and other sustainable natural fibers for backup raw material.

For a beautiful "green technology" cutting board with a more natural look, see the Terre Verde Bamboo Cutting Board.

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Epicurean Gourmet Series 20 Cutting Board Natural w Slate Groove 003 201501025 US $54.65   Auction Ends: 1d 8h 47m

EPICUREAN GRIPPER CUTTING BOARD NEW WITH TAG US $19.99   Auction Ends: 14d 10h 11m

The laminated bamboo sections of the board average 16 percent harder than the rock maple traditionally used in good wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks. Food-safe adhesive creates a permanent bond between the hard bamboo splines which make up the board. The board only needs an occasional treatment with oil to remain waterproof and stable. The surface holds up to heavy cutting and has the same sanitary features as hardwood boards.

The 13.6-inch by 11.6-inch by 1-inch cutting board is usable on either side. Rounded edges are easy to pick up from the countertop, and the handle cut in one end makes storage easy. Hang it from a peg if possible so that air flows around all sides -- uneven drying could cause the board to temporarily warp. Don't leave the board on a damp countertop overnight.

This environmentally friendly board made from totally renewable bamboo isn't meant for the dishwasher. Hand wash the board with warm soapy water when needed, and reapply a light coating of mineral oil after the board dries. You could also use the much more expensive bamboo block oil specially formulated for dense bamboo cutting boards.

For a dishwasher-safe cutting board, see the white polyethylene version.

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The mezzaluna is an old idea -- a curved blade with a high hand grip designed to fit the slight hollow of the special cutting board. Place herbs in the hollow and rock the blade back and forth quickly over the top to chop and mince without the usual mess. Although many recommend this procedure for nuts and other harder items, expect pieces to fly if you tackle anything with weight. In skilled hands, it's better than a flat board, but it's not perfect. Many chefs today choose the mezzaluna more for atmosphere than practical use.

For serving and entertaining, the mezzaluna set works better, adding charm to the meal, and this one doubles as a cheese cutting and serving tray. Lift the mezzaluna board from the base, turn it over, and it's an equally good-looking serving fixture for cheese and other snacks.

Four knives include the curved mezzaluna knife and three stainless steel cheese knives with blades appropriate for soft, hard, and sliced cheeses. Keep the board and base block lightly oiled to prevent swelling and shifting. Also, be cautious of spills since the routed area holding the cutting board will be difficult to clean. Don't immerse the block or board in water -- wipe the set down thoroughly after use. Store the mezzaluna block where it will stay dry -- the base sits flat on table top or counter and could trap moisture beneath.

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AK ULU KNIFE CUTTING BOWL BOARD Mezzaluna Chopper US $21.50   Auction Ends: 24d 19h 49m

Füri Rachael Ray Froggy Mezzaluna Knife and Cutting Board NIB US $29.99   0 Bid Auction Ends: 4d 14h 1m

Designed for outdoor barbeque service as well as indoor dining, the laminated solid maple tray is a full inch in thickness -- actually lighter than the original models J.K. Adams manufactured until 2003, and easier to carry. The curves in the juice moat mark the location of fingerholds cut into the bottom of the tray. Extra grip means extra balance when carrying slippery and awkwardly weighted cooked meats. Use it in the dining room for carving roasted meat and poultry or as the base for a centerpiece dish.

The finish protects the wood from stains and heat damage, but oiling the board with cooking or mineral oil occasionally gives it continued protection against moisture. Sugar maple is one of the best choices of wood for cutting boards, and the barbeque board holds up well to both carving knife and carving fork.

Cleanup is easy -- just wash the board in warm water with a mild detergent. This serving tray isn't designed for machine dishwashing -- a quick dip and rinse is enough. Leaving the board in water for long periods could cause warping or splitting. Make sure the board is completely dry before storing it away.

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JK Adams Barbeque Maple Wood Cutting Board 24x16x1 US $81.95   Auction Ends: 17d 17h 44m

JK Adams 20x14 in Barbeque Board 6402 US $73.69   Auction Ends: 24d 10h 58m

Now only an inch thick, the board weighs less than before its update in 2003. Undercut fingerholds milled into the bottom of the board match up to the curved parts of the juice moat, eliminating any awkward searching for a grip while balancing a heavy cut of meat. The moat itself is wide and deep, able to contain sauce drippings and meat juices without spills. Carve poultry, divide barbequed ribs, and slice roasts without concern for the tough surface of this heavy duty serving board. The rock maple barbeque board holds up to both carving fork and carving knife and fits indoor dining service as well as outdoor dinners.

The sealed wood board should be regularly oiled to maintain its water resistance and protect it from warping or cracking. Don't test it in the dishwasher -- the food grade adhesive used in its construction is designed for hand washing with a mild detergent. A short immersion in warm dishwater won't do it any harm, but don't leave it submerged longer than a few minutes.

Store the board on edge to allow air circulation on all sides. Putting the board away wet encourages mildew that could permanently stain the wood surface.

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JK Adams Barbeque Maple Wood Cutting Board 24x16x1 US $81.95   Auction Ends: 17d 17h 44m

JK Adams 20x14 in Barbeque Board 6402 US $73.69   Auction Ends: 24d 10h 58m

The 4.3-pound turntable features a smoothly turning heavy duty ball bearing swivel and a wide turned base of matching hardwood. Loaded with food as a serving centerpiece, this Lazy Susan sits on the table with stability. The unobtrusive lip prevents unfortunate incidents involving children or careless diners. Fourteen inches across, the useful diameter of the Lazy Susan drops by an inch because of the raised edge. That edge does come in handy for many potential uses such as keeping small items in place when the Lazy Susan becomes countertop storage. On the bottom shelf of a cabinet, the Lazy Susan could be a handy spice rack, making your favorite herbs and spices conveniently accessible at the touch of a finger.

The lacquered finish of the turntable requires little care and cleans up with a damp cloth. A polish now and then with mineral oil helps keep the humidity of the kitchen out of the wood and gives the turntable an extra level of shine. Since the hardwood base sits close to the counter or tabletop, be careful to keep the turntable out of standing water. Don't immerse it in water for cleaning -- just a quick rubdown will do.

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Catskill Craftsmen Wood Lazy Susan with Lip US $82.79   Auction Ends: 28d 23h 38m

There are a few drawbacks to tempered glass cutting boards. Silicon blunts steel with every stroke of the knife, so the edges of your fine cutlery will not appreciate this treatment. In fact, the higher the quality of the cutlery you own, the more trouble you'll have -- Global knives and other top-end blades will chip rather than dull when they encounter this impenetrable surface.

Tempered glass also is not shatterproof. This board is shatter resistant and could survive being dropped on the kitchen floor -- if it lands right. Landing at the wrong angle could create much different results. Don't use this board for chopping -- it isn't a butcher block.

As a serving tray, this glass cutting board makes better sense. The tempered glass, raised above the table surface on four small glass feet, makes a convenient setting for hot pots, carved meats, cheese, and condiments. Unless you're accustomed to working with dull knives, don't use it for cutting. Serrated blades fare better with this board than plain edge blades -- utility knives, pastry knives and other "never sharpen" blades include cutting edges which never contact the board itself.

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Cutting Board Tempered Glass Blessed is She 15 5 8 x 11 3 4 NEW US $12.99   Auction Ends: 24d 10h 47m

TUFTOP Tempered Glass Round Cutting Board Trivet From England Pears Grapes US $12.00   0 Bid Auction Ends: 1d 9h 25m

I've worked with polyethylene cutting boards since the early '70s, both at home and in restaurant kitchens, and there are very logical reasons that these rugged and sanitary boards are the industry standard. Slip them into a dishwasher, punch the button on the control panel, and they're clean. The surface yields just enough to a cutting edge that the blade doesn't dull faster than normal. The flawless new surface of a poly board gives bacteria and food particles no hiding places -- sanitize regularly during use and cross contamination isn't a worry.

Poly boards are slick and do skate a lot during use unless you fold a towel under them or work on a rubber mat. The dropped lip on this board doesn't completely solve problems, but it does help. A paper towel or two under the main board makes it even more secure. Fourteen-and-a-half inches is actually a lot of working space unless you're using a very large chef's knife, so the raised lip shouldn't get in the way of most techniques.

Poly boards raise only a few concerns. Some of today's best knives use very hard steel which chips if used improperly, and poly boards grab knife edges as they slide across the surface. With an ordinary knife, you can feel that when mincing herbs and slicing vegetables, but there's no real damage to less tempered steel. The hardest steel could chip under that same pressure, so be sure this board matches the quality of your own cutlery. For the best knives, you'll need to learn new methods.

Poly also scars, developing cuts and grooves that could harbor germs. Dishwashers are the best treatment for poly boards, but badly worn boards should be replaced. At least for the home, consider a good bamboo cutting board as a more permanent replacement.

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NEW 2 Polar Ware White Polyethylene Cutting Boards 24 x 18 US $37.98   Auction Ends: 5d 16h 3m

Carlisle 1089702 Cutting Board 24 x 24 x 1 2 in NSF White Polyethylene US $31.81   Auction Ends: 28d 1h 15m

A grooved edge helps keep juices on the board instead of the counter, with a large smooth work surface inside the groove. There are just a few limitations that go along with this design, and you'll find the same issues with virtually any wooden cutting board you buy.

Regular oiling is absolutely essential, either with expensive butcher block oil or cheap mineral oil. Every time you wash the board, you'll be removing that protective coating and exposing the board to moisture. A quick hand wash and dry is all it needs -- when thoroughly dry, re-oil the board.

This board should be stored on edge when not in use. The mat feet do keep it off the counter surface, but moisture will still collect beneath the board. If the bottom gets damp, you'll see the board dipping in the center as the bottom layer expands. If the distortion goes too far, the laminations will separate or the wood will crack.

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Architec Gripperwood Cutting Board Set 11x14 and 8x11 US $17.99   Auction Ends: 9h 54m

NEW Architec Gripperwood Gourmet Sheesham Cutting Board 10 by 15 Inch US $32.35   Auction Ends: 27d 19h 34m