Part 7/9:
Beyond traditional wood and plastic, various alternative materials have entered the market, including tempered glass, stainless steel, TPU (thermal polyurethane), and self-cleaning UV-enhanced boards. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks:
Tempered Glass: Non-porous, easy to disinfect but noisy and can dull knives faster.
Stainless Steel: Durable and hygienic, yet heavy and noisier.
TPU (Thermal Polyurethane): Flexible, scratch-resistant, and can be self-disinfecting via UV and hot air technology, but more expensive and still susceptible to scratches over time.
Self-Cleaning UV Boards: Use UV light to sanitize, reducing bacteria, but the cost and ensuring proper use can be barriers.