Believe it or not, noodle boards have been around since the 1800’s. But, they have just begun gaining in popularity, bringing warm and cozy vibes to today’s bright white kitchens.
Beautiful and functional, there are so many good reasons to get one for your home.
But first, exactly what is a noodle board?
A noodle board is a large piece of wood used to cover your cooktop when your stove is not in use. This handy kitchen item adds counter space, protects your stove from scratches, and transforms a plain, or even unsightly, cooktop into a unique conversation piece.
So, why is it called a noodle board?
When making fresh pasta, counter space is of the essence. Traditionally, cooks (with small kitchens) would use a noodle board for extra work space. Rather large in size, noodle boards were a spacious surface to spread flour, crack eggs, knead and roll dough, and cut noodles by hand. Hence the silly, but straightforward name!
What is a noodle board used for?
Today, noodle boards are often called stove top covers, and can be made from materials other than wood, like stainless steel or aluminum.
With care, a wooden stove cover can be used on a gas, electric or induction stove. Always be sure your stove is off and completely cool before putting your wood noodle board back on the stove top.
Now that we know what is a noodle board and how they came to be, it’s time to dig into why noodle boards are must-haves in the kitchen!
Protect your stove top
Meal preparation or sliding cookware can cause permanent scratches to an induction or electric stove. So, one of the most common reasons to use a noodle board is to provide a protective cover for your glass stove top.
You can also use a noodle board for gas stove top protection. Unwanted crumbs, dust and pet hair settling on and under burners will make a stove top very difficult to clean.
A noodle board on the other hand can be easily wiped with a wet towel.
So whether you have a not-so-careful teen or a shedding pet, a stove top cover has you covered!
Create extra kitchen counter space
A noodle board stove cover adds work space that would otherwise not be in use when the stove is off.
That can be a huge benefit for people who live in a very small studio apartment, condo, RV or camper. Noodle boards dimensions vary and are often found in smaller sizes for these compact living situations.
Even if you have a standard size stove top, a noodle board can be a godsend in the kitchen.
Have you ever hosted a buffet style party? If yes, then you know the stove top is prime real estate for putting out food. A noodle board offers a spacious and flat surface to do just that.
Heck, a food safe noodle board can be a practical and beautiful serving tray for your whole Thanksgiving turkey.
So, whether you need extra counter space before popping food in the microwave or putting on a family feast, a noodle board is as solid a choice as they come.
Transform the look of your kitchen
A noodle board is kitchen decor with renovation-level impact!
A wooden stove cover is beautiful to look at. There is nothing like the richness of wood to add warmth to a light, bright kitchen.
With so many varieties of wood and types of handles, a noodle board is a surefire way to show off your style and add character to your kitchen.. with none of the work!
Prepare and serve food
Above and beyond the reasons we’ve covered, a noodle board can be a very functional kitchen tool to prepare, serve and display food.
Be sure to check the use instructions regarding the food safety of the finish used to seal your board.
Many noodle boards are sealed with a polyurethane, but if you find one that uses a “food safe” sealant instead, the practical uses of your noodle board in the kitchen are endless.
Extra large cutting board
If food-safe, noodle boards can be extremely useful in the kitchen because of their spacious surface for food prep. Cuts caused by chopping will lessen the life of your smooth surface.
However, with simple, occasional maintenance, there is absolutely no reason not to let your noodle board do double duty as a large cutting board.
Wood serving tray
Move the buffet to wherever your friends and family roam. Whether it be movie night on the ottoman or a dinner party out on the patio, a noodle board is where the party is at!
Large charcuterie board
Some get-togethers are so big, only an extra large charcuterie board will cut it. Load on the cheeses, crackers, grapes, and jams because only a noodle board is spacious enough to fit it all.
Gather around the stove.. finally!
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and the stove is the heart of the kitchen. But, we don’t always treat it that way. Fearing scratches and stains, we push the party to the side.
A noodle board is built for messes and every day use. Whether you choose to put decor on it, or use it for food prep, a noodle board invites people to enjoy the stove even when it’s not in use.
Get (or give) a high-quality noodle board
A good noodle board will last a lifetime with very little care.
Get one made from solid hardwood and finished with oils that are food safe and resist liquids and sun exposure. This kind will offer the most practical uses all around the kitchen and home.
Because of their handsome looks and usefulness, noodle boards make a thoughtful and completely unique housewarming or wedding gift idea.
What foodie or outdoor entertainer wouldn’t like to wow their guests with a striking centerpiece that commands conversation?
Hopefully our article covering what is a noodle board and why you need this time-tested kitchen tool was helpful!
If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality, premium noodle board, ours are Amish-made of solid 100% hardwood.
Because they are finished with a food-safe oil that soaks completely into the pores of the wood, our noodle boards are resistant to liquids, stains and juices! With only minimal maintenance required, our noodle boards will truly stand the test of time.
We would love to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to email us at ask@elliro.com and we will get back to you within a day or two.