A product review: Progressive chopping mats

I have always liked the idea of chopping mats, you know, those thin, translucent flexible things you can use as cutting boards. The thing I like most is when you are done chopping and mincing, you can pick them up and fold them into a "U" shape and pour whatever you have just sliced and diced into your pot or pan without spilling any of it. In theory. In practice, however, every time I have tried using one, I have sliced and diced it right along with the product I was cutting.

Tonight, however, I decided to give a new brand a try. Three bucks for two 12x15 flexible cutting surfaces. We can all use more cutting surfaces in our kitchens, right? Especially if when we are done using them, we can just chuck them in the dishwasher and have them come out all sanitary again.

I was walking down the kitchen wares aisle in my local supermarket, and I happened upon a set of two by Progressive. Written on the label was "Chopping surface will not dull knives." I snorted; this was the least of my worries. But I decided to risk the three bucks, brought them home, and proceeded to cut up carrots, celery, and onions. I was astonished to discover that not only did my very sharp knife not cut the mat to ribbons, but when I was done, I could barely tell I had been slicing on it at all. As the packaging said my satisfaction was guaranteed, and if I was not satisfied I could return the item, I had carefully saved the packaging and receipt. After I got done testing the chopping mat, the packaging and receipt went in the recycling. I'm satisfied.

I highly recommend these. Go buy some today. :)