The 6 Best Cutting Boards, Expert Tested and Approved
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Out of the 40+ cutting boards we tested, these are the ones that deserve a place on your countertop.
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The right cutting board is more than just a kitchen essential—it’s a crucial tool for food safety. The surface you choose can help prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that your fresh veggies stay free from harmful bacteria. But with options ranging from naturally durable wood to easy-cleaning and convenient plastic, how do you pick the best one for your kitchen?
To save you time, we had the experts in our test kitchen do all the dirty work. After testing over 40 different boards, we’ve developed some (understandably) strong opinions about what constitutes an ideal cutting board. Our favorites vary among material types and features, so instead of choosing one board to rule them all, we’ve opted for a few top picks that really stood out from the rest. These are our favorites.
Best Overall, Wood: Food52 Five Two The Happy Medium Bamboo Double-Sided Cutting Board
What we like: This board covers all the basics, plus some fun bells and whistles, like an extra-deep juice groove and a slot for your phone.
What to know: While this board doesn’t wobble, it also doesn’t boast any non-slip features, so you may need to employ some of your own stability strategies.
Oftentimes the best kitchen equipment lives at the intersection of practical basics and innovative design, and that’s how we feel about The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board from FiveTwo. For starters, this board is made of bamboo, which lends durability and affordability while remaining surprisingly light despite its thickness. The size of this board keeps things stable (another necessity for knifework), and there’s an extra-deep groove around the outside of the surface to catch drips and juices.
What really impressed us were the details that added utility that other brands lack. The Happy Medium cutting board is double-sided, with a juice groove on one side and a slot for your phone on the other. This lovely little add-on gives you a secure spot for your phone to sit while you scroll through your recipes or follow along with your favorite cooking demo. During testing we found this board provided a generous amount of space and a safe and stable surface. While it’s hand-wash only, it’s also easy to clean, making it our top pick overall for wooden cutting boards.
Materials: Wood | Dimensions: 11.25” x 14.5” x 1” | Weight: 3.75 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe? No
Best Overall, Plastic: KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board with Perimeter Trench and Non Slip Edges
What we like: This double-sided board has rubber feet at the corners, giving it heft and stability.
What to know: During testing, we found that this board was susceptible to knife marks, so fans of a pristine board may want to steer clear.
While we sometimes appreciate the flair and drama of unexpected design elements, we also love a board that speaks to the basics and does them so well that we reach for it over and over again. This is where the KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board comes in. Called “classic” for a reason, this board may seem no-frills, but there’s plenty here to love. Made from nonporous and BPA-free polypropylene plastic, the surface of this cutting board is gentle on knives but tough enough to resist wear, though we did note a bit of sticking at times during testing. Beyond that, the nonslip features at each corner make this board a pleasure to work on, as you don’t have to fret about your base moving beneath you while you cut.
Of course, we love that these are dishwasher-safe. While the white color resisted staining admirably during testing, there are three other fun colors to choose from. The variety of sizes means that there’s an option for every kitchen. Combine that with their stability and durability, and you have our favorite plastic cutting board.
Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 13.98” x 11.02” x 0.59”| Weight: 1.9 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
EatingWell / Annie Probst
Best Budget Set: Gorilla Grip Durable Cutting Board Set
What we like: This set is a steal at twice the price. It is under $10 per board, and the value is simply unmatched by the functionality and longevity you get.
What to know: Though they are available in many color options, these aren’t as pretty as other picks.
We’ll go out on a limb and guess that these Gorilla Grip Cutting Boards get their name from their incredible non-slip border and the large handles that make pickup no problem. These boards are made of nonporous plastic, and in testing we found they put up a serious fight against stains and smells while being lightweight and easy to move around the kitchen.
With dual sides for dual use, you can prep all the veg you like on the flat side while you carve up juicy meats or melons on the grooved side, catching the liquid rather than watching it make its way across your countertop. The clincher for us is the ability to throw them in the dishwasher, and that, combined with the handle and light body weight, makes them appropriate for many households, especially those with seniors or folks with upper body strength or mobility limitations. Plus, at just under $10 a board, the Gorilla Grip set offers serious value.
Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 16” x 11.2” x .37”; 13.8” x 9.6” x .37”; 11.8” x 8” x .37” | Weight: 4.3 lbs.(combined weight) | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Best Splurge: The Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board
What we like: This board is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a kitchen workhorse.
What to know: The price of this board is nearly 10 times that of some of our other favorites.
The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board is not so much a cutting board as it is a work of art. Expertly crafted and made to order, the distinctive design comes from the end grain of the wood, matched together and formed into a single sheet. Weighing in at about 10 pounds, this butcher block-style board is not as mobile as others. However, the addition of concave handles made it maneuverable and easy to tip into the sink despite its heft. Unsurprisingly, this board didn’t budge an inch during testing, and the maple wood was also easy on our knives.
While your basic butcher block model starts at just over $200, additions like finger grooves, juice grooves and non-slip feet cost extra. (The only add-on Boardsmith recommends are the feet, as they help the board dry thoroughly after washing.) The board is also hand wash-only, and to keep it in good condition, you need to apply cutting board oil or board butter once a month, a task that takes under a minute. You may experience sticker shock at the price, but this board pulls its weight in looks, functionality and lifespan, as it can last for years with proper care.
Materials: Wood | Dimensions: 12” x 18” x 2”| Weight: 10 lbs. | Dishwasher-safe? No
Best Lightweight: Material the rePrep Set Set of 3
What we like: Champions in the featherweight division of cutting boards, these also come in a delicious array of colors.
What to know: The light weight of these boards means you may want something with more heft if you’re carving a roast or doing some heavy chopping.
This board will travel, and we mean both across your kitchen and if you genuinely want to pack it up and take it with you. Both the materials and the design are responsible for this board’s lightweight nature. Made from recycled plastics and sugarcane, and coming in at under a half-inch thick, the boards in this set help take the “work” out of prep work. While one of the boards, “the grippy,” is equipped with non-slip corners, the other two boards will slide around on you, but if you place a wet paper towel underneath them, you’re home free for safe and stable chopping.
During our tests, the textured surface did take some getting used to. Still, the available colorways and overall design have a significant wow factor that is unusual for plastic boards. (We honestly want a set in every color.) We also love that you can throw these in the dishwasher and go about your day. They make a fun addition to your countertop décor and can pull double duty as serveware for parties. No matter what the task, you’ll never have to fear fatigue in your forearms from lugging around a weighty board.
Materials: Plastic| Dimensions: 14.75” x 10.75” x 0.38”; 13.3” x 8.5” x 0.38” | Weight: Not indicated| Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Best for Easy Cleanup: Epicurean Gourmet Series Groove Cutting Board
What we like: This durable board stands up to knife wear and your dishwasher with equal ease.
What to know: Dishwasher-safe doesn't always mean it will fit in a dishwasher—take note of the size when ordering!
Epicurean cutting boards deserve all the praise they receive, especially when it comes to ease of cleaning. It’s highly unusual to come across a wood-type board that’s also dishwasher-safe. While the Epicurean board is not wood (it’s made of a paper composite), the feel of chopping on it is similar—plus, you get the benefits of a non-wood board. You can throw Epicurean boards in the dishwasher (assuming they fit), but it’s also important to note that they’re sturdy as all get out: You won’t find yourself trying to scrub away stains and odors or digging herbs out of cut marks.
In terms of aesthetics, these boards have a bit of a different look than most boards, especially the Gourmet Series, with dual tones that highlight the juice groove and a corner hole for hanging or easier handling. In testing, we also loved the vast amount of prep space that these provide. These boards are also heat resistant up to 350°F, which is handy when you have a hot dish in hand.
Materials: Paper Composite | Dimensions: 14.75” x 11.25” x .38”| Weight: Not indicated| Dishwasher-safe? Yes
The Bottom Line: The Best Wooden Cutting Boards
It’s hard to beat the one-two punch of functionality and form in the FiveTwo The Happy Medium Bamboo Cutting Board (view at Food52). The design works on many levels and for a variety of kitchen styles, and the fun, forward-thinking phone slot brings your favorite creators’ recipes right to your fingertips. On the flip side, if you’re after something easier to care for, we really love the KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board (view at Amazon). It may have fewer frills, but these boards can make light work of any prep work without slipping, staining or attracting odors.
Choosing a Cutting Board
Durability and Stain Resistance
Every kitchen needs a board that can be used daily, and durability and stain resistance are critical. Look for tougher materials like hardwoods, bamboo or non-porous but thick plastic rather than softer woods or soft plastic sheets, which can quickly develop grooves and have a much shorter lifespan. If you frequently cook with beets or other highly pigmented foods, colorful plastics can be a great way to camouflage stains. Cutting boards that you can put in the dishwasher also give you your best shot at preserving the original color of your cutting surface.
Size Options and Weight
Great cutting boards come in all shapes and sizes, but choosing the right dimensions comes down to determining what you’ll be using your cutting board for. Smaller jobs like cutting lemons and limes for garnishing cocktails can work on a small board. However, you’ll definitely want a larger work surface for most vegetable prep or carving cooked meats. A lighter-weight board can help make the trip from the prep area to the cooking area less arduous. Heavier boards can be challenging for those with mobility or strength limitations, but they often represent the best choice if you want a consistent working surface for daily tasks.
Cleanup
Not every kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, but we’re kidding ourselves if we say hand-washing is just as easy or as beneficial for sanitization. Unfortunately, most wooden boards won’t withstand the high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher. A plastic or composite board is more likely to be dishwasher-safe. If easy cleanup is at the top of your list of priorities, you may want to consider a plastic cutting board. Just be sure you buy a size that actually fits in your dishwasher!
Our Cutting Board Tests
To ensure unbiased reviews and selection, each of the 40-plus cutting boards we evaluated was put through the same battery of tests, no matter its material, size, structure or special features. Boards were tested for odor resistance, durability, and how well they stood up to routine use. No odor lingers quite like garlic, so assessing a board’s ability to stay odor-free involved mincing and crushing garlic into a paste on the board, allowing it to sit and then cleaning per the manufacturer’s instructions. We assessed durability by using a serrated knife, which is known to leave the most immediate and deepest grooves. Attributes like design, performance, versatility and ease of cleaning were key to our decision-making when naming our favorites.
We Also Considered
KitchenAid Classic Rubberwood Cutting Board ($25 at Amazon): This board makes a great runner-up if you aren’t sold on our top choices. For under $30, it felt durable, sturdy and stable but still light enough to carry around.
Cup Board Pro Synthetic Cutting Board ($58 at Williams Sonoma): The catch-all tray was a game changer for cleanup or separating prep work. However, despite its grippy feet, the board was more slippery than others we tried.
Ironwood Charleston End-Grain Prep Station ($90 at Amazon): In testing, this board was a little tricky to maneuver due to its size (14 by 20 inches) and lack of handles; however, it made for a functional countertop fixture. The dark color of the wood helped reduce the appearance of any staining, but we did find it tended to retain garlicky odors.
Common Questions
What is the best material for a cutting board?
The best type of cutting board for you really comes down to how you plan to use it and how you prefer to clean it. Wood is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a board for day-to-day use and are open to hand-washing. Wooden boards are great as a countertop work surface staple, especially if they have some heft, and they’re often attractive enough to count as a décor choice. You can definitely use these for prep work, but we also love them for building sandwiches, serving charcuterie and working with ready-to-eat ingredients. If you work with a lot of raw ingredients, especially meat and poultry, we lean more toward plastic or a composite, both for their resilience and the increased likelihood that they can go in the dishwasher, which can help eliminate bacteria.
How do you clean a wooden cutting board?
Most wooden cutting boards, especially our favorites, are not recommended for the dishwasher. As wood absorbs water, it can cause swelling and, especially over time, it will warp and dry out your precious cutting surface. Possibly for this reason, as well as the fact that wood is porous, there is a long-held belief that wooden boards are less sanitary than plastic. However, with proper cleaning, this isn’t necessarily the case. A thorough hand-washing is your best bet with wood. Warm, soapy water is ideal, and it’s always a good idea to dry your board right away rather than let it air-dry. Again, water is the enemy; a good rubdown with vinegar can also help disinfect your surface. Once they’re clean, wooden boards also often require oiling with a food-grade mineral oil to ensure the wood is moisturized and improve its longevity.
How often should I replace my cutting boards?
Replacing your cutting boards depends on how much you use them and how well cared for they are, not necessarily a specific amount of time. You want to look out for permanent scoring of the board that creates grooves where bacteria can thrive. Some surfaces, like wood, can be sanded down to remove cut marks, but plastic boards reach a point where they can’t be redeemed and need to be discarded. A well-maintained wood board, especially a butcher block style, can last years if cleaned, oiled and sanded when needed.
Our Trusted Expertise
Tori Martinet, M.S., R.D. is a culinary and intuitive eating dietitian with a background in recipe development and helping make healthy home cooking easier. She has been testing, reviewing and writing about food products, meal delivery services and kitchen equipment since 2021. Her work has been featured in publications like Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, Verywell Health, Verywell Fit, US News 360 Reviews, Shape and more. As a recipe developer and avid home cook, she has worked with all manner of materials for cutting board materials and reaches most for her Epicurean Gourmet Series cutting board, but she thinks there’s a great fit for every kitchen among our favorites.
This article was edited by Katie Tuttle, a commerce editor and contributor to publications such as Food & Wine and The Spruce Eats. She swears by her Epicurean BBQ Board for most of her kitchen tasks.
Read the original article on Eating Well.
