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Elizabeth Laseter is a writer and editor with more than a decade of digital content experience in the food and cooking industries. She is the senior digital editor at Whole Foods Market and has worked at Cooking Light, EatingWell, MyRecipes, Allrecipes, and the James Beard Foundation.
Emily Belfiore is a writer of buying guides for Meredith brands including InStyle, People, Food & Wine and more. She always picks the best products recommended by critics, covering fashion, beauty, health and wellness. In her free time, you can find her testing products for articles, watching beauty tutorials or catching up on the latest binge-worthy shows.
Black Friday Deals: Some of our favorite cutting boards—the Virginia Boy Kitchen Black Walnut Cutting Board, Farberware Large Cutting Board, John Boos Reversible Cutting Board, and All Bamboo Kona Cutting Board—are on sale now.
Like a good chef’s knife or a reliable frying pan, a good cutting board can make a huge difference in your home kitchen. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, shredding herbs, or slicing steaks, the right cutting board will provide ample surface area and help protect your knives. But the big question is: which cutting board should you use?
Choosing the best cutting board for your kitchen will depend on the type of food you prepare, the knives you use, and the amount of storage space you have. You may even need more than one type of cutting board. From affordable flexible plastic boards to durable wooden boards with juice grooves, there are enough models on the market to find just the right one for you. To help you make your choice, we tested the best cutting boards on the market, highlighting important features like durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and overall value.
We rounded up some of the best cutting boards made from plastic, wood, bamboo, and composite materials, but we intentionally left glass cutting boards out of our product lineup because they can damage knives. We also asked Allrecipes editors and staff to recommend their favorite cutting boards.
Next, we asked product testing expert (and cutting board connoisseur) Rachel Johnson to put all of our cutting boards through their paces. Rachel made a Thai beef salad using each cutting board to assess their ability to handle tasks like slicing vegetables and cutting meat. For each test, she looked at the following metrics:
We conducted a second round of testing using Allrecipes Allstars. Allstars LisaLynn Backus and Kim Shupe use a variety of cutting boards in their cooking and rate each one on the same criteria.
San Jamar cutting boards are a must-have in the professional kitchen, and the Saf-T-Grip cutting board is no exception. It may not be the prettiest, but this affordable kitchen cutting board will do the job well for a variety of kitchen tasks. In fact, Allstar Lisa Lynn really appreciates how durable this cutting board is under the knife, especially considering its very affordable price.
Made from durable copolymer plastic, this cutting board is dishwasher safe, and the sturdy, non-slip feet keep it securely in place while you cut. During our testing, we handled tasks like slicing cucumbers, chopping fresh herbs, and slicing steaks with ease. The cutting board’s hard surface was gentle on our knives, and we especially liked the built-in ruler grooves on the sides—a unique feature that made portioning ingredients a breeze.
This cutting board comes in five different sizes and seven different colors. While we prefer the 18 x 12-inch size, it’s probably too big to fit in a standard dishwasher. Finally, the cutting board has a built-in hook for easy storage; simply hang it on a rack or wall hanger in your kitchen.
Details: Plastic; 12 x 18 x 0.5 inches. Available in white, black, blue, brown, green, purple, red or yellow only;
The John Boos Maple Cutting Board (also known as the “Boos Block”) is the most expensive cutting board in our roundup, but it’s also one of the most stunning. Made from sustainably sourced, high-quality maple wood, the Boos Block is durable and easier on knives than plastic cutting boards. At 24 x 18 x 1.5 inches, the cutting board is large (and tall), but still has plenty of room for prepping a variety of ingredients. This reversible cutting board features drip grooves on one side that are perfect for carving your Thanksgiving turkey, while the other side is flat. If space allows, this cutting board can be stored and displayed on your countertop.
Allstar Kim tried the Boos Block in her kitchen. “The benefit is that it’s heavy: it doesn’t move when you’re cutting something,” she says. “It leaves fewer knife marks than any cutting board, even with the same amount of use. It’s sturdy and durable.”
Although the Boos Block comes pre-seasoned, it does need to be oiled before first use (try Mystery Oil) and periodically thereafter. This cutting board also requires hand washing, so cleaning and sanitizing is a bit more involved. Either way, this cutting board is truly gorgeous and would be the perfect accent to any kitchen.
Pros: Made from environmentally friendly bamboo; one side has a groove for collecting juice;
The Kona Groove Cutting Board from Totally Bamboo looks and feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. We gave this cutting board top marks across the board, and we especially loved its smooth surface that won’t damage your knives.
Made from eco-friendly bamboo, this surfboard is surprisingly lightweight and measures an ideal 18 x 12 inches. The dual-sided grooves and flat sides of the surfboard make it suitable for everyday use or special occasions.
Like Boos wooden plates, Totally Bamboo plates need to be seasoned regularly. It is also not dishwasher safe, but should be hand washed and rinsed with warm, soapy water. Totally Bamboo dinner plates are not as durable as Boos dinner plates, but they are equally beautiful to look at and very economical.
Why it’s great: Teak is durable and strong; it has a stunning look and color that’s easier to maintain than other woods;
Bamboo cutting boards were once seen as an inexpensive wood cutting board alternative to traditional hardwoods, but teak is gaining traction as a durable, eco-friendly, and reliable cutting board material. This is because teak is more water-resistant and requires less maintenance than other wood and bamboo boards. Although it requires more cleaning than plastic cutting boards, it protects knife blades just as well as other types of wood.
End grain boards are more difficult to handle with knives than end grain boards, which are made by gluing both sides of the board together. However, end grain boards are more resistant to moisture accumulation and, as a result, cracking and warping than end grain boards.
This 20 x 15-inch cutting board is probably too big for most kitchens, but its decent size and pretty color make it perfect for displaying on a counter or leaning against a backsplash. Its sturdy construction means it’s less likely to slip while in use.
The Oxo Good Grips Carving and Chopping Board scored highly in our testing and is one of our favorite cutting boards. However, because it measures a little larger than a standard cutting board (14 x 21 inches), it may not be the best choice for people who don’t need (or like) a large cutting board.
This durable cutting board is made of polypropylene plastic, is dishwasher safe, and has non-slip feet to keep it in place. The juice grooves on the side of the cutting board aren’t particularly deep, but they allow juices to collect when you’re slicing through large cuts of meat, like beef tenderloin or roast chicken.
When it comes to the durability of this cutting board, Lisa Lynn is impressed. “The Oxo seems pretty durable and is now a staple on my kitchen island,” she says. “I hope it lasts for years to come, but if not, I’ll be buying another Oxo!” In addition to the cutting board’s durability, she praised its stain resistance, noting that green cilantro and purple onions didn’t stick to the white surface. It leaves lasting marks.
We love the large size of this cutting board, which helps us stay organized while we’re preparing food. However, in smaller kitchens, storing this cutting board can be a challenge. It’s probably not dishwasher safe either, but it’s easy to clean and rinse in the sink.
If you like the look of a wooden cutting board and the convenience of plastic, Epicurean Composite Cutting Boards are a great choice. Made from eco-friendly Richlite paper composite, this one-piece cutting board is lightweight, completely dishwasher safe, and has convenient non-slip feet. It’s also reversible, with a grooved side for slicing meat and a flat side for chopping and dicing. And since it’s heat-resistant to 350°F, it can even be used as a tripod.
It’s easy to store because it’s thin and small enough (14.5 x 11.24 inches) to lay flat in a drawer or stand upright in a cabinet. The built-in center hole at the top of the cutting board is a clever solution, allowing you to hang it on a wall hook. While composite can be more wear and tear on knives and a little noisy, this is a quality cutting board that will handle all the demands of everyday work.
The Farberware Large 11″ x 14″ Plastic Cutting Board has a basic design but is more affordable than similar models, making it ideal for everyday use.
Made from BPA-free polypropylene, this cutting board is non-absorbent, non-porous, and stain-resistant. While it’s not as gentle on knives as a wooden cutting board, its edges won’t dull as quickly as other plastics.
The cutting board flips over, so you have twice the cutting surface. Hand holes cut out help you easily move the cutting board or hold it in place while chopping, mincing, and dicing. This cutting board is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Why it’s great: Great for slicing meat; gorgeous enough for serving; can be used as a cheese tray or a reversible charcuterie board;
The Virginia Boys Kitchens Double Sided Cutting Board is slightly smaller than the Boos Block (17 x 11 x 0.75 inches) and much lighter. During our testing, we were impressed with the quality and price of this cutting board. It is especially useful for people who frequently cut meats, such as steak and chicken breast, as the blade has a soft texture;
But it’s important to note that this cutting board comes completely unseasoned and requires some preparation before use. Regular seasoning will make your cutting board darker, smoother, and more beautiful over time. The brand also sells wood care products, such as all-natural wood fragrances and wood waxes.
Walnut veneer is darker than maple, which makes walnut a beautiful cutting board. Unlike plastic or laminate cutting boards, walnut cutting boards are so beautiful that you might just want to show them off on your counter.
If you have limited kitchen space, you should definitely buy this Dexas Grippmat cutting board set. This lightweight cutting board set is made of thin, flexible plastic and can be easily stored in a drawer or cabinet. You can also fold or roll the cutting board for storage, which is great for a college dorm or small apartment. They are dishwasher safe and measure 14 x 11.5 inches.
These cutting boards are also great value. You get four different colored cutting boards—we like them because they prevent cross-contamination. While the non-slip backing keeps the cutting board in place while you’re using it, we found it slipped easily when quickly chopping vegetables. But for simple cooking tasks, these cutting boards are great value for money and reliable quality.
Personalized cutting boards make great gifts for newlyweds, new homeowners, or friends who appreciate beautiful and functional items. Most customizable cutting boards are wood cutting boards because they are carved or charred for personalization. Many brands offer standard monograms, but we like the large BBQ cutting board from Mark & Graham because you can choose between a simple monogram or a fully personalized one, and the cutting board itself can be a high-quality gift.
This 24″ x 16″ cutting board is a sight to behold and is designed for long-term use, display, and maintenance. This cutting board is handcrafted in Vermont from sustainably sourced maple. It’s 1″ thick, so you won’t have to worry about it warping quickly (which won’t happen if you hand wash and dry it as recommended). This cutting board should be oiled periodically with mineral oil or beeswax to prevent it from drying out.
We chose the San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board as our top pick because of its non-slip design, easy storage, and reasonable price. We also like the built-in ruler grooves for measuring food and ingredients during testing. If you’re looking for a beautiful cutting board that can double as a platter or charcuterie board, check out the stunning Large Walnut Cutting Board from Virginia Boys Kitchens.
The cutting board that is best for you, your kitchen, and your cooking style depends on your personal needs and preferences. Yes, there are certain parameters for choosing a good cutting board (and we use them all here), but for many people, the difference between a good cutting board and a great cutting board can be just that. you feel it when you use it.
A wooden cutting board is basically a cast iron skillet on a cutting board. They are the best, but a little bulky. For example, wooden cutting boards tend to be less likely to damage the edges of your knives, meaning you won’t have to get out the knife sharpener as often. On the downside, they also require more manual cleaning and maintenance. You shouldn’t put wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher or leave them dirty or unwashed for long periods of time, as they can become stained and warped. They can also get scratched from frequent use, but you can sand them down and re-oil them for long-term use.
Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean, and because they are lightweight, plastic cutting boards are generally easier to store, but their weight also makes them less stable and durable when in use. However, they are generally cheaper, so replacing them after a few years of use may not hurt your wallet as much as expensive boards.
Teak and bamboo are considered a cheaper alternative to wood, and are easier to cut than plastic (and glass, which should never be used as cutting boards). Many teak and bamboo cutting boards are as durable as wood, but they are much cheaper. Composite materials are often environmentally friendly because they are made from recycled materials, but they are not always suitable for knives.
A large cutting board is like a big, beautiful canvas. The more space, the more creativity you can have. Ultimately, the size you use depends on your storage space, but if you’re not sure where to start, a 21-inch cutting board is a good choice. If you have a smaller kitchen or less storage space, a 15-inch cutting board may be more practical.
Larger, thicker boards are less likely to slip and therefore remain stable when cutting and chopping. Plastic boards require non-slip rubber frames or handles to prevent them from moving around on the countertop while you work. You can also look for handles on the board to make it easier to carry.
Finally, while appearance may not be a useful yardstick for measuring the value of other kitchen appliances, when it comes to cutting boards, appearance is definitely worth considering. Cutting boards are one of the most used items in the kitchen, so you’re likely to spend a lot of time looking at this board. Likewise, larger cutting boards can be difficult to store, so they may even be semi-permanent on your countertop.
While the Gorilla Grip Extra Large Cutting Board Set is one of the most popular and affordable sets on Amazon, it didn’t perform very well in our tests. We found that it would slide around on the counter as we sliced, chopped, and diced, which wasn’t ideal. Several reviewers noted that the cutting board also left knife marks after the first use.
Post time: Nov-30-2024