The Prep Station

Published September 2011

We compared cutting performance, durability, and user­-friendliness. We diced onions, chopped chipotle chiles, minced herbs, and hacked up chicken thighs. Each board ran through high­-heat commercial dishwashers 40 to 75 times and suffered a fall from the counter after testing.

Published January 2016

We compared seven widely available sets of prep bowls, filling and emptying them with a variety of different foods. We noted accumulated stains and odors and the bowls’ condition after repeated washing. A nudge off the counter helped assess durability. Microwave­-safe and/or oven-safe bowls earned extra points.

Published June 2014

We quantified absorbency by dangling an inch of each towel into a tub of water for 15 minutes, weighing the towels before and after. We also used the towels to wring water from frozen spinach, hold hot baking dishes, and dry slim, delicate champagne flutes. A set of 26 full laundry cycles mimicked 6 months of weekly washing and helped us test long­term durability.

Published March 2018

These mats were some of the thickest and sturdiest in our lineup but were still flexible enough to funnel food into skillets and bowls. Both sides are textured, which kept the mats in place on the counter and prevented foods from sliding across the cutting surface. The textured surface also prevented deep knife marks and concealed cosmetic nicks.

Includes:
OXO Carving and Cutting Board
Anchor Hocking Custard Cups, Set of 4
Now Designs Kitchen Towel
Dexas Grippmats, Set of 4
Item Number: ATKPREP
Item Weight: 8.05 pounds