The Best Cutting Board
1. Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
Key Features
100% organic, sustainable bamboo
Smooth surface prevents dull blades
Deep grooves for catching juices
Set of three sizes
Whether you’re looking for simple cutting boards or boards that conveniently double as beautiful serving trays, this set of 3 from Royal Craft Wood is worth your attention. The Royal Craft Wood Organic Bamboo Cutting Boards’ smooth bamboo construction is handcrafted from 100% organic and sustainable bamboo which naturally repels moisture and kills bacteria. These classic boards feature a deep groove to collect liquid produced from your food and a discreet side handle for easy transportation. With these wonderful features and solid, high-quality construction, this might be the best cutting board for your next kitchen upgrade.
Pros
Eco-friendly cutting board
Side handles make it easy to move
Classic design works as cutting or serving boards
Bamboo repels liquid and fights bacteria
Cons
Side handles may be difficult to grip
2. Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board Set
Key Features
Dishwasher safe
Large:16″x11.2″
Medium:13.8″x9.6″
Small: 11.8″x8″
Many colors available
Strong, durable grip
The Gorilla Grip Oversized Cutting Board comes in a convenient set of 3 boards – large, medium, and small. Each board features a classic look with a colored, durable grip in BPA-free rubber covering both sides, and a handle for easy maneuvering. The boards also feature a groove around the perimeter which assists in catching liquids from the food you’re preparing, or they work as convenient finger grips for additional sturdiness. After preparing your delicious food, the boards can safely be cleaned in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort.
Pros
10 year guarantee
BPA-Free
Set of 3 different sizes
Classic design with grip handle
Cons
Thin boards
Can lose grip
3. Virginia Boys Kitchens Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Key Features
Large walnut cutting board
Deep groove for collecting liquids
Responsibly sourced wood
The Virginia Boys Kitchens Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board comes in a deep, rich walnut wood made from responsibly sourced materials and is made in the USA. It features a groove around the edge to collect juices and the solid wood material prevents gauges and saves blades from dulling. Although the board arrives unfinished, this gives you the chance to get creative with seasoning oil or finishing wax to create the best cutting board for your needs. While it may be slightly too big for some kitchens (17″x11″), it looks perfect sitting on a counter or dining table, making the perfect new addition to any kitchen.
Pros
Made in the USA
Naturally absorbent, antimicrobial wood
100% money-back guarantee
Cons
Unfinished wood
May be too large for some kitchens
4. HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board Set Of 3
Key Features
BPA and latex-free boards
Budget-friendly
Convenient handles for moving
Durable plastic construction
If you’re looking for a set of 3 durable plastic boards with some neat features, all at a reasonable price, you’re in the right place. The HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Boards come in 3 convenient sizes, each with grips on either end, grooves for catching liquid, and a handle for easy moving and storing. The boards feature a modern design in gray and white, and the durable plastic material is BPA free, latex-free, nonporous, and dishwasher safe too! This is easily one of the best cutting board sets at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
Juice grooves to catch dripping
Dishwasher safe
Sleek, modern design
Set of three in various sizes
Cons
Smaller than others
5. Farberware Basic Plastic Cutting Board
Key Features
Dishwasher safe
Reversible, plastic board with handle
Medium-sized (11″x14″)
The Farberware Basic Plastic Cutting Board features a classic, reversible design complete with a handle for easy moving around the kitchen. The material is completely BPA-free making it safe for all your cooking needs and it’s even non-porous and non-absorbent, making it easy to clean up the mess. To make clean up even easier, you can simply wash the board in a dishwasher without worrying about it warping or damaging. The convenient size (11″x14″ and 0.25″ thickness) makes it easy for using and storing in practically any kitchen while its classic design means it never looks out of place.
Pros
Budget-friendly
Non-porous, BPA-free material
Coarse surface provides some grip
Cons
No juice grooves
No durable grip
6. Carrollar Flexible Plastic Color Coded Cutting Board Mats
Key Features
Lightweight, flexible material
Non-slip grip underneath
Medium size (12″x15″)
Colour coded set of 4 mats
If your kitchen has limited storage space then these thin, flexible cutting mats might be your best choice. The flexible BPA-free material allows the mats to be folded or rolled to fit into even the tightest of storage units. The Carrollar Flexible Plastic Color Coded Cutting Board Mats are also perfect for adding a splash of color to any kitchen as each mat is color-coded with an artistic icon corresponding with a food category (e.g green for veg, blue for fish). With these unique features, the cutting mats would also be perfect for traveling or for introducing young children to cooking. Plus, at an affordable price, they’re perfect for any budget too!
Pros
Super easy to store
BPA-free plastic
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Thin material may not be as durable
Requires flat surface
7. HHXRISE Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board With Built-In Compartments
Key Features
Dual function wooden cutting/serving board
3 built-in compartments
Large chopping board area (17″x12.6″)
100% natural bamboo
If you’re looking for a carving board for daily food preparation and you like to create beautiful food displays, stop your search because we’ve found the one for you. The HHXRISE Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board With Built-In Compartments features three compartments for grated cheese, veggies, meats, or any other kind of nibbles you’d like to serve on a food display. Perfect for dinner parties or special dinners, this board is perfect for food presentation and preparation thanks to the classic wood finish, solid construction, and handle design which helps when moving the board. Plus, thanks to the smooth solid build, this is one of the best cutting board options which helps to prevent dulling knives.
Pros
Juice grooves to catch dripping
Handle for convenient moving
Thick, solid wood won’t dull knife blades
Perfect for food preparation and displays
Cons
Compartments take up cutting space
8. IFELES Bamboo Cutting Board With Storage Trays
Key Features
Multifunctional kitchen unit
Cutting board with 4 drawers
100% natural bamboo
Deep groove for liquids
Handle for easy moving
This multipurpose kitchen unit features a large cutting board (17.4″x11.5″x4.9″) with 4 plastic storage drawers underneath which hold your prepared food. Simply slice, dice or chop your food on the board and slide it into the first drawer with a convenient open top. The IFELES Bamboo Cutting Board With Storage Trays comes with deep juice grooves to prevent dripping and a handle which makes it easy to move. Whether you choose to use this for food preparation or food displays (or both), this solid, durable unit will be a versatile and essential addition to any kitchen.
Pros
Eco-friendly board
Solid, smooth finish prevents dull blades
Makes cooking easier and cleaner
Cons
Large unit
9. OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board
Key Features
Double-sided cutting board
Strong OXO good grips
Classic, minimalist design
Groove drip-catcher and easy pour-corners
The OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board is a modern and minimalist board that boasts a high-quality build and premium features, perfect for cooking connoisseurs or newcomers alike. Whether you’re expecting to carve up roasts or simply prep some veg, the durable, non-porous surface makes it perfect for any occasion. Plus, the surfaces resist odors and can easily be cleaned in a dishwasher. The board comes with two non-slip feet on either end, keeping your cutting board secure and preventing accidents, while the juice grooves save your surfaces from the unnecessary mess. These high-quality features and it’s slim size make the board one of the best available and perfect for any kitchen.
Pros
Durable and dishwasher safe
Easy to carry with tapered edges
Non-porous and non-absorbent surface
Cons
More expensive than some
10. KARRYOUNG Knife Friendly Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Key Features
Solid acacia wood construction
Ergonomic handle for easy moving
Easy to wipe clean
Affordable, high-quality board
The KARRYOUNG Knife Friendly Acacia Wood Cutting Board makes a beautiful addition to any kitchen thanks to its solid acacia wood construction and ergonomically designed handle. The reversible board works perfectly as a cutting board or as a serving board, with its high-quality build making it perfect for food displays at dinner parties or celebrations. Thanks to the smooth wood finish, the board protects your knives from dulling and is easy to clean with just a cloth and warm soapy water. Premium features, minimal maintenance, and affordable price – now that has been one of the best cutting boards.
Pros
Reversible multifunctional board
Large cutting board surface (17″x7″)
Smooth surface prevents blade dulling
Cons
Not safe for dishwasher
No juice grooves
11. Sonder Los Angeles Large Reversible Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Key Features
100% natural, sustainable acacia wood
Multifunction cutting/serving board
Deep juice groove along all edges
On your search to find the perfect cutting board, you might have to decide between practical cutting and display boards, but not with Sonder Los Angeles Large Reversible Acacia Wood Cutting Board. On one side you get a traditional cutting board, complete with a deep groove around the edges to collect dripping. On the other side, you get a smooth display board with a curved food compartment for storing veg, bread, cheese or other tasty nibbles to accompany the main attraction. In a solid, sustainably sourced acacia wood, this durable board requires regular oiling (3-4 weeks) to give the wood a perfectly smooth and shining finish.
Pros
Handles for easy carrying
Large cutting surface (16″x12″x1.5″)
Built-in food compartment
Cons
Hand wash only
Requires continual maintenance
12. Nicole Home Collection Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats
Key Features
Set of 3 cutting boards
Color-coded for food groups
Flexible, BPA-free plastic
Non-porous surface
The Nicole Home Collection Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats are perfect for use in the home or for camping trips thanks to their flexible design. The bright colors make them perfectly coded to specific food groups and make them visually intriguing, perfect for getting children involved in home cooking. Plus, the flexible plastic material is completely BPA-free, ensuring it’s safe for all of your food preparation needs. With these useful features and an unbeatable low price, these are some of the best cutting boards available on a budget.
Pros
Budget-friendly boards
Perfect for small kitchens or for children
Dishwasher safe
Cons
No grip/slip protection
13. John Boos Block Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Key Features
Solid maple wood cutting board
Made in the USA
Sustainable sourced materials
Reversible board with handles
The John Boos Block Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board is a heavy-duty option with high-quality construction. Made with sustainably sourced solid maple, this cutting board is a premium piece of kitchen equipment, perfectly suited to those with a passion for making delicious food. With plenty of room (24″x18″x2.25″), you can prepare and serve any type of food with confidence that you won’t run out of space on the cutting board. The solid edge grain construction protects your knives from dulling while making the board easy to wipe clean and care for with regular maintenance. With high-quality construction and features, it’s no surprise that this John Boos product is one of the best cutting boards on the market.
Pros
1 year warranty
Heavy duty (20+ lbs)
Beautiful edge grain construction
Premium, long-lasting board
Cons
Hand wash only
Requires regular maintenance
14. Ironwood Gourmet Square Charleston End Grain Chef’s Board
Key Features
Premium end grain wood board
Sustainable harvested acacia wood
Heavy-duty multifunction board
The Ironwood Gourmet Square Charleston End Grain Chef’s Board is made with 100% sustainably sourced acacia wood in an end-grain pattern, perfect for regular use without jeopardizing your kitchen knives. This is down to the smooth finish which prevents blades from dulling easily and resists deep cuts and gauges, unlike many other boards. Whether you use this board for cutting veg, carving meat, or serving food, it guaranteed to be a stunning and versatile addition to your kitchen.
Pros
Comfortable medium size (14″x14″)
Smooth end grain wood prevents dull blades
Simply wipe clean
Cons
Requires finishing with oil
Not dishwasher safe
15. Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board Set of 3
Key Features
Set of three different sized boards
Natural bamboo construction
Antimicrobial, non-absorbent material
The Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board Set of 3 makes a perfect addition to any home. The three sizes give you plenty of options whether you’re serving food or preparing it, simply choose from small (5.5″x8″), medium (8″x10″), or large (11″x14″) boards. As they’re made of solid, natural bamboo, the boards are non-absorbent and antimicrobial, making them easy to clean simply with warm soapy water. Now isn’t that easy?
Pros
Reversible board
Perfect for serving or preparing food
3 ideal sizes for any occasion
Cons
Not safe for dishwasher
No handles
16. Belwares Large Plastic Cutting Board with Juice Groove
Key Features
Large cutting board (18″x12″)
Non-porous plastic build
Deep juice grooves
Double-sided design
This lightweight and durable plastic cutting board is perfect for any kitchen, no matter if you’re an experienced chef or culinary novice. The Belwares Large Plastic Cutting Board with Juice Groove has a thin design that makes it perfect for storing in tight spaces, without compromising on necessary features. With BPA-free plastic grips at either side, the board is safe and secure while preparing food and the juice grooves help to avoid a mess. When you’re finished using it, you don’t have to worry about wiping it down as it’s dishwasher friendly.
Pros
BPA-free plastic
Grips for added safety
Dishwasher safe
Cons
Thin board (0.33″)
No handles
17. Simply Genius Extra Thick Cutting Boards 8-Piece Set
Key Features
Set of 8 cutting boards
Flexible yet durable plastic
Dishwasher safe
Non-slip waffle pattern on reverse
The Simply Genius Extra Thick Cutting Boards are, well, simply genius! The flexible colored cutting mats add a pop of color to any kitchen and are great for encouraging kids to try cooking. The BPA-free plastic is super durable yet flexible, so you’ll get a reliable set of boards without worrying about storage space. With two sizes (11.5″x15″ or 8″x11″) of color-coded boards, you can prep any type of food imaginable without worrying about cross-contamination. Plus, since they’re dishwasher safe you don’t need to worry about cleaning up either. Thanks to the different sizes and friendly colors, this is one of the best cutting board sets available for family homes.
Pros
4 large and 4 small boards
Color-coded for food groups
Perfect for adding color or for kids
Cons
No handles
More flimsy than thick plastic
Features To Consider With Cutting Boards
Cleaning
Cleaning your cutting board can be a quick process or more lengthy, depending on the material and the type of stains it attracts. It's widely known that cutting raw meat or tenderizing steak on a wooden board will require more rigorous cleaning as it stains more easily than plastic carving boards, but it isn't impossible. For normal, daily cleaning, cutting boards can be washed in warm soapy water just like any other kitchen dish. However, if your wooden board has attracted some serious stains during its use, you can sand down the surface until the stains are gone. Not all cutting boards are dishwasher safe so it's important to check the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning if you'd like to wash your board in a dishwasher. Since we're mentioning cleaning, you should keep in mind keeping your wardrobe clean while using cutting boards, hence we recommend some of the best kitchen aprons currently available.
Design
There are a few design features to keep in mind when choosing the best cutting boards, from rectangle to round ones that can also be used for serving and cutting pizza slices. Firstly, it's a good idea to search for a board with an integrated handle. This gives you more space for chopping or carving and makes it easier to store. Finger grooves are crucial for providing good grips around the board, making it easier to move and transport. If you want your board to be on display, you may want to choose an aesthetically pleasing design that matches your decor. This could work by choosing a board that matches your color scheme, compliments wood around the kitchen or simply choosing a good-looking design.
Material
The best cutting boards are made of either wood or plastic. While there are various other materials that can be used to make carving boards (such as slate, glass, or composite boards), plastic and wood are the most durable and useful materials for most people. Plastic is lighter, more affordable, and easier to clean and store, making it perfect for those who don't want to worry about cutting board maintenance and for those who may be tight on budget or space. Wood boards (either end-grain or edge-grain) offer a more durable, longer-lasting solution that requires a little more maintenance and can (sometimes) cost a little more. That being said, a wood cutting board will last much longer than plastic and has been proven to be gentler on kitchen knives, stopping them from becoming dull quickly when compared to other boards.
Size
The size of your carving board depends on the size of your kitchen storage space. Chefs will agree that a good cutting board should be big enough to cut multiple items on the same board and should subsequently be no more than 15"x20". This size is also likely to be the maximum limit for cleaning in most kitchen sinks, as anything larger will simply be too difficult to clean for most households. Although, if you have a larger sink or dishwasher, a larger board might be ideal for you.
Storage Capability
Storage capability is an important feature to consider when choosing a good cutting board. If you're tight on space then a smaller, lighter board might be a good choice for you. However, whether you're tight on space or not, many people choose to leave their wooden boards on kitchen islands or dining tables as they're an aesthetic yet functional piece of decor. Since wood is heavier and bulkier to store in a cupboard, plastic boards are popular thanks to their slim, lightweight design which makes it easy to fit in most kitchen storage units.
Weight
Just like size, weight is another important aspect to consider which varies depending on your storage space and general needs. Plastic boards are always lighter than wooden boards (of equal size). However, thanks to its weight, wooden boards are typically more sturdy and are less likely to move while you're using it. If you choose to go with lighter plastic cutting boards, ensure it has good grips under the board to stop it from slipping and to avoid accidents.
For more useful reviews for products in the kitchen, check out our guides of the best measuring spoons, measuring jugs, spatulas, steak tenderizers, mixing bowls, salad spinners and pizza cutters.
Cutting Board FAQ
Q: What type of cutting boards do chefs use?
Chefs typically use different types of boards depending on the food they're cutting or carving and the health regulations of their kitchen. However, most chefs will agree that either end-grain or edge-grain wooden boards are far superior as they make cutting easier, quieter and prevent kitchen knives from becoming dull too quickly. However, chefs will also admit that wooden boards aren't ideal for everyone as they require more maintenance and can be more difficult to clean.
Q: What's the best material for a cutting board?
Choosing the best material for your chopping board depends on a few factors, as mentioned above. Put simply, choosing between a plastic and wooden board depends on your personal preferences. If you want a cutting board that can be cleaned easily, kept with minimum maintenance, and easy to move and store around your kitchen, a plastic board would be the best option for you. However, if you want a board that is easier on your knife, more aesthetically pleasing, quieter, and long-lasting, then a wooden board would be the better choice.
Q: Should you cut raw meat on a wooden chopping board?
People are usually advised against cutting raw meat on a wooden board because it's more difficult to clean up the mess on wood than on plastic. However, when you cook at home you don't have to worry too much about adhering to health code standards you'd expect in a professional kitchen. So, if you're comfortable and willing to clean up a little mess on wooden chopping boards then this isn't a problem. If over time, your wooden board has picked up some stains, you can easily sand off a layer, giving your board more longevity while keeping it clean.
Q: Do wood cutting boards dull kitchen knives?
Wood cutting boards are much better for your knives than a plastic board. Over time and with general use, it's normal for your knives to dull but this process is exacerbated when using plastic cutting boards. Not only are wooden boards better for your knife, but they also feel better when cutting, produce less sound are less easily marked or gauged by simply using a knife on them.