You might be thinking that any cutting board will get the job done in the kitchen, but the reality is there are a few factors to consider when picking out a cutting board. It’s important to consider what you’re cutting (vegetables versus meat), where you’re cutting (do you have access to a dishwasher), and how you’re using the board (just for cutting or as a personalized cutting board that makes a beautiful display piece).
Cutting boards are typically not a one-size-fits-all product, which means you may need to outfit your kitchen with several options and sizes (one inch of space around a diagonally laid knife is a good rule of thumb for cutting boards). Plastic cutting boards work for most jobs and are often dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. But those little nicks and even larger dings aren’t as easy to hand wash and can hold bacteria. Plastic cutting boards are typically more affordable than wood, but they have a shorter lifespan.
Wood cutting boards on the other hand are typically most expensive, but they are also easier on knife blades, anti-microbial by nature, and are often less porous than other materials. Hardwoods like maple and teak won’t trap moisture, which can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria. Bamboo boards share all these properties too but because they tend to be a bit harder, they can dull blades quicker. Wood cutting boards also self-heal, making them a kitchen staple that if cared for properly can last decades. If you opt for a wooden board, you will want to prep it with a coating or two of mineral oil.
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Whether you’re chopping up fruit for a snack or slicing bread for dipping, it’s important to use the cutting board best designed for the task at hand. Check out our top picks below. Bon appetite!
1. Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
BEST OVERALL
It’s a cutting board, it’s a serving tray, it’s a kitchen accessory that will last for years if taken care of properly. The Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Board checks all the boxes on our must-have list for cutting boards. Made with eco-friendly and sustainably harvested organic bamboo that is naturally antimicrobial, the Royal Craft is resistant to bacteria growth. Deep, built-in grooves keep messes contained and off kitchen counters. The water-resistant, durable cutting board is double-sided to help reduce contamination and features built-in side handles for easy carrying. The professional-grade board is knife friendly and easy to maintain with regular coats of oil. Plus, it’s attractive enough to double as a serving tray. The Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Board does just about everything except actually cook dinner.
2. OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
BEST MULTIPURPOSE BOARD
For a multipurpose cutting board that stays in place and keeps spills and liquids contained, we like the OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board. The large cutting board is just under 15” x 11”, making it small enough for everyday use and large enough for big jobs like carving meat or slicing loaves of bread. Double-sided for added use, the plastic cutting board is made with a nonporous surface won’t collect bacteria and is gentle on knife blades. We like the drip catcher that surrounds the board and helps to keep liquids and juices contained. The dishwasher-safe cutting board also features nonslip feet that help hold it in place.
3. Qualtry Personalized Wood Cutting Boards
BEST GIFT OPTION
Cutting boards make a great housewarming, wedding, shower, holiday and birthday gift. For a present that is practical and personal, we like the Qualtry Personalized Wood Cutting Boards. The company offers a variety of board styles and personalization designs to fit most gifting needs. Not only does this board make a beautiful décor piece that users can keep on display, but the bamboo wood cutting board is also functional and can be used as a regular cutting board.
4. HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board
BEST SET
Some recipes require a lot of chopping, which is why we like the HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board set. Made with heavy-duty BPA-free plastic, the set includes three different sizes, one for each sous chef. Each board features deep grooves for catching liquid and reinforced non-slip rubber handles for easy carrying. The dishwasher-safe cutting boards are gentle on knives and are latex-free, which is good news for people with allergies. We also like that the boards are double-sided to help ward off cross-contamination.
5. Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Cutting Boards
BEST FOR AVOIDING CROSS-CONTAMINATION
The Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Cutting Boards provide an affordable and easy way for users to ensure there is no cross-contamination with their cutting boards. The Cooler Kitchen set is ideal for small prep jobs or for use in homes that include people with dietary restrictions or allergies, ie. vegetarians and non-meat eaters, people with nut allergies that don’t want peanut butter residue on their cutting board. At only 1 mm thick, the colorful EZ-Grip cutting boards are also a great option for users who are short on storage space. Each color-coded flexible plastic board includes a symbol indicating its primary use (meat versus fruit, etc.). The BPA-free boards are nonstick and nontoxic and though they don’t have the same life span as other boards on our list, they are one of the best options in the affordable cutting board market.
6. Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
MOST HEAT RESISTANT
If you want an alternative to plastic or wood cutting boards, we recommend the Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board. Available in a variety of colors and made from eco-friendly paper composite, the Epicurean cutting board is not only attractive to look at and gentle on blades, but it’s also more versatile than wood and plastic. The dishwasher-safe cutting board is heat resistant up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, giving it a triple purpose of cutting board, serving tray and trivet. The durable board is NSF-certified for use in professional kitchens and will not absorb odor or bacteria.
7. Greener Chef Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
BEST ORGANIC OPTION
Organic doesn’t always mean expensive and that is the case with the affordable Greener Chef Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board. Available in four sizes ranging from 12” x 9” to 24” x 18”, the Greener Chef cutting board is made from organic bamboo that is naturally designed to resist cracks, warping and splitting. The 18” x 12.5” option shown here is designed to fit comfortably over standard sinks, giving users the ability to prep their veggies and fruit directly over the garbage disposal. A deep groove encircles the board to help catch liquids and the double-sided design means one size can be used for cutting and the other can be for display as a serving tray. We also like that Greener Chef sells its own cutting board oil spray, making it easy for users to maintain their bamboo board.
8. Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board
BEST OVERSIZED OPTIONS
A moving cutting board is a dangerous cutting board, which is why we like the Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board. The set of three BPA-free and dishwasher-safe plastic cutting boards all feature a slip-resistant TPR border that helps keep them in place even during messy jobs. Deep juice grooves are designed to contain liquid and rubber handles on either side of the board make it easy to move prep areas around the kitchen. The nonporous cutting boards don’t require any maintenance and are double-sided to help reduce cross-contamination. We like that the boards come in a variety of sizes for different needs and are available in several colors to match just about any kitchen decor.
9. HHXRISE Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
BEST SERVING SLOTS
For a cutting board that can go from the kitchen to the dining table, we like the HHXRISE Organic Bamboo Cutting Board. The heavy-duty organic bamboo wood cutting board is BPA-free and arrives polished with a smooth surface that is gentle on knife blades. The board is designed with several useful features, including a deep juice groove for catching liquids, a handle for easy carrying and three separate compartments that can be used for garnish and condiments. Measuring 17″ x 12.6″ x 0.76″, the HHXRISE is one of the largest cutting boards on our list and an excellent choice for carving a whole turkey, chicken or roast.
10. TeakHaus by Proteak Edge Grain Carving Board
MOST SPLURGE-WORTHY
The TeakHaus by Proteak Edge Grain Carving Board comes with a big price tag, but with regular care, the board can last for years. Teak resists staining and moisture at a higher rate than other woods, making it naturally resistant to bacteria build-up. The smooth edge grain of the hardwood cutting board provides an even carving surface that won’t dull knives. We also like that each side of the board has finger indents for easy carrying. Made with a focus on sustainability, the teak wood cutting board is easy to maintain with regular handwashing and oil application.
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