Do you ever look at your kitchen and think that you would have an easier or better time if you had more space in the kitchen? If you do, then you might just be reading the article that will change your life.
Have you ever heard of a noodle board? To be honest, not most people have but we are going to change that.
What is a noodle board? In simple terms, a noodle board is simply a board that you place on your stovetop when you are not using the stove. This board is mainly meant to give you more space you can use on the countertop. But that is not all. You can use the noodle board for decoration purposes as a cover for your cooker when not in use.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about noodle boards and why it would be important to get one for your kitchen. Stay tuned!
Noodle Board Overview
Most people think that noodle boards have something to do with noodles, which is not the case. The basic idea behind a noodle board is to have something that sits on a cooker or stovetop.
What is a noodle board used for?
The basic reason for acquiring a noodle board is to cover up a certain section of a kitchen that people might think is not pleasant to the eye.
Noodle boards are made of different materials. You can have one made of stone, wood, glass, or even a personalized one. But most people get them to decorate their kitchens. When you see some of the products, you will understand exactly why you would get this product for your kitchen.
Even though they are decorative, there is no reason why they cannot be more than decorative items for your kitchen. Noodle boards will help you turn a certain area into a work surface. That means that you get more space on your kitchen counter.
Some will work perfectly as cutting boards, a place for rolling your pastries or dough, or even a place to place some hot pans and pots.
Why call it a Noodle Board?
If it does not have anything to do with noodles, why is it called a noodle board? It is very simple. Chefs would traditionally use noodle boards as an extra place they can use to make noodles. This board was placed on a stovetop so that you can make pasta dough on it.
However, the term has evolved to mean a cover for electric and gas stoves. You can make noodles on it but that depends on the manufacturer’s recommendation.
What to Avoid with Noodle Boards
The type of noodle board you purchase will determine the work you can do on it. You must consider recommendations from the manufacturer because you might damage it. Certain things can damage your noodle boards.
First, cutting and chopping might damage the surface. If you have a noodle board that is not designed to work as a chopping board, any sharp objects might ruin the surface.
Not all noodle boards are best for hot pans. Some are designed to withstand the heat but they are few in the market. Placing a hot pot or pan on your noodle board might lead to certain burn marks that might lead to the peeling of the decorative surface.
Is your noodle board sealed? If not, there are chances that liquids might damage the surface. Even moisture is just enough to mess it up.
Using a Noodle Board
If you want to use a stovetop noodle board, all you need to do is place it on a stove that is not being used. Most of these boards are not resistant to heat, which is why you need to make sure that the stove is cold before you place a board on it.
If the board comes with some legs, you will be able to properly adjust it so that it fits perfectly on top of your stovetop.
After you use your board, you have to clean it and dry it properly before you store it. Most handmade boards tend to warp or deform easily. Some will even develop mold if not stored properly. That is why you need to store it in a flat, cool, and dry place.
You should also avoid storage under strong sunlight since the sun might bleach some of the wooden boards.
Caring For Your Noodle Board
The way you utilize your board will determine how well it is taken care of. I would use hot water, a sponge, and a small amount of mild dish soap to gently scrub the board, drying it right away after washing. I have even used mild Lysol wipes for boards that I would only use for decoration.
Here are some additional useful hints:
Before storing, let the noodle board thoroughly dry out in the air.
The noodle board should not be put in the dishwasher or submerged in water.
To keep it in good shape, apply a little coating of vegetable oil or food-safe oil every few months.
The Right Board – A Buyer’s Guide
There are different boards in the market. These boards differ in regard of styles, functions, and more. With that in mind, you can see why it would be a bit of a challenge to find the right board for you.
Here are several things you should consider when you are trying to find the right noodle board.
Function
The first thing you need to think about is the function. Here are some noodle board functions.
Some are strictly meant to provide you with adequate counter space. These are boards that would work perfectly for the preparation of a buffet or lunches.
Other boards have been designed so that they can work as chopping boards when required to. You can dice and slice without messing up the board at all.
Some are resistant to water so you will be able to do anything related to liquids without messing them up.
Decoration
Some of the boards in the market are extremely appealing and you cannot use them as cutting boards. Some extremely appealing boards will fit perfectly in your kitchen. You can decorate your kitchen further using such kinds of boards.
The Size
The size of a noodle board will determine if it is the right one for you. Luckily, there are different noodle board sizes for different stoves. Bespoke noodle boards can be altered according to your precise requirements.
What’s more, there are those boards with removable and adjustable legs. These help in creating a level working space above the cooker top.
Recommended size: The stove should be 1 1/2″ shorter than the width of the noodle board and 3/4″ shorter than the depth of the front-to-back stove.
Edges and Handles
Some of the boards can be a bit heavy, which means transporting them can be challenging, especially when there are dishes on top of it.
You should find a noodle board that is fitted with handles. That way, you can have a very easy time transporting it from one place to another. If there is an edge around the board, dishes will not slip off the sides easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where to buy noodle boards?
You can purchase a noodle board from a range of offline stores. However, the easiest method of getting a noodle board would be to purchase it online. You should go on an online platform such as Amazon, consider the options, select the one you like, make a payment, and it will be delivered to your house. (Check out Etsy for custom models)
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Are noodle boards safe?
The answer is yes. However, you will realize that several situations would make wooden noodle boards unsafe when covering stoves. The most relevant problems include unidentified exposure to heat, gas buildup, as well as exposure to the pilot light.
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How thick should a noodle board be?
In general, your noodle board should be 1.5 inches less in width compared to your stove. It should have ¾ inches less than the depth of the stove.
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Can you use a noodle board as a cutting board?
Cutting boards are made in different manners and that might simply determine the purpose of the board. To be honest, some of the noodle boards in the market would be easily messed up by sharp objects. Some, on the other hand, are made to resist scratches so that you can use them as cutting boards if you need them. Find one that is made with cutting in mind.
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What is the best wood for a noodle board?
If you plan to use the noodle board for tasks such as making pie dough, you would need a hardwood such as Maple, Beech, and Walnut. But you need to make sure that the finish is food-safe.
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How do I keep my noodle board from warping?
Some of the reasons why a noodle board would warp include exposure to moisture and uneven drying. That is why you should store the board as directed by the manufacturer.
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What kind of paint do you use on noodle boards?
You can use almost any type of paint on a noodle board. All you need to do is find a paint color that you appreciate and get to painting. Some people prefer to stain the board instead.
Wrapping Up
We hope that all the information we have provided in the article will make your work easier. There are different types of noodle boards and you should be able to find one that is simply perfect for your kitchen. Make sure that you find a perfect fit with the perfect color combination to match your kitchen décor. Increase your kitchen space today!
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