With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to get a carving board that can handle a prize turkey.
You probably already have a go-to cutting board, but serious meats require the upgrades provided by a dedicated carving board (a.k.a. butcher block). Firstly, a carving board will feature trenches to catch all that juice that should be coming out of your Thanksgiving turkey. Not only will these trenches prevent a mess of juices spilling onto the counter, but they’ll also let you drizzle your meat with those tasty juices later for extra flavor.
Plus, carving boards are typically heavier than regular cutting boards, or at least feature sturdier grips on the bottom. This is essential when you’re doing serious carving, as low-level cutting boards will slip around on the counter.
A great carving board will also come in handy as a serving platter for cheese, charcuterie, crackers and appetizers during any holiday festivities. They’re sturdier and more handsome than regular cutting boards too, offering a welcome upgrade for entertainers.
If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen and prepare for Thanksgiving, read on. We’ve rounded up 8 of the best carving boards that you can choose from right now on Amazon.
1. Sounder LA Acacia Carving Board
BEST OVERALL
Our favorite carving board for Thanksgiving festivities is this one from Sounder Los Angeles. It offers ample cutting space for big birds, deep grooves to catch all that delicious juice, convenient side handles and a reverse side designed for serving. It’s made of a heavy acacia wood (6.5 pounds) that provides a durable, steady surface, but also gives the board a very sophisticated look when using it as a serving tray.
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2. Heim Concept Bamboo Cutting Board
BEST VALUE
Dedicated carving boards might seem like a luxury, but they don’t have to break the bank. This bamboo board from Heim Concept costs just under $18, but features decent quality wood for carving that turkey in style. This can be a deciding factor if you’re worried about rarely using a carving board, and judging by the board’s high ratings, the lower price doesn’t mean lower quality.
3. J.K. Adams Reversible Carving Board
PREMIUM OPTION
If you can afford this J.K. Adams carving board, we highly recommend making the investment. One one side, the board has a unique “roast holder” that secures your turkey while you carve, and the opposite side also has juice trenches. It’s perfectly weighted at almost 6 pounds and features a pressure-bonded maple wood that will perform better (and last longer) than other materials.
4. OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
BEST PLASTIC
We highly recommend a real wood board for turkey carving, but some cooks prefer a plastic board. Their main benefit is easy cleaning, as you can throw it in the dishwasher instead of scraping it clean by hand. If you do opt for plastic, go for this OXO cutting board, which features juice trenches and non-slip grips.
5. Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Cutting Board
BEST BAMBOO
Bamboo is one of the best, most widely-used materials for carving boards. This affordable, very highly-rated board from Royal Craft makes the best use of the famous wood. It’s large at 18” x 12” and features side handles for carrying and serving. Customers seem to be happy, as the board boasts over 1,300 reviews and 4.5 stars.
6. Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
HIGHEST-RATED
Going by satisfied customers, this bamboo cutting board from Greener Chef is the winner. It has over 1,500 reviews and 4.5 stars. These rave reviews are due to a few things: easy cleaning, a handsome look and a lasting build quality. Some cutting boards (especially plastic boards) can be a hassle to scrub, but users say this board is very easy to get clean. Also, be sure to put some coconut oil on the board every week, or after rare uses, to keep it in good shape.
7. Élever Cutting Board
BEST AS SERVING PLATTER
While any carving board will make a decent serving platter, this one from Élever will seriously upgrade the festivities. It’s made of a premium maple, giving it the edge over bamboo in terms of looks. Of course, it can still deliver for carving meat thanks to deep trenches with a handy juice well and spout for accurately drizzling over your masterpiece.
8. Bambusi Kitchen Cutting Board Set
BEST SET
If you’re expecting a big event in your house for Thanksgiving, you may need more than one cutting board. This set from Bambusi will ensure that you’re prepared for multiple cutting and carving stations. The set includes 4 cutting boards of various sizes, including a professional-grade 18” x 12” carving board. Use the smaller boards for serving, chopping veggies or prepping.