Best Cutting Board for Your Kitchen
Cutting boards are an essential tool in any kitchen. They protect your countertop from knife marks and keep your food from touching unsanitary surfaces. However, not all cutting boards are created equal.
Some materials are more durable than others, and some are easier to clean. That's why we've spent hours researching and testing cutting boards to identify the best ones on the market.
We tested bamboo, wood, plastic, and plastic sheets.
Jump ahead - Best Cutting board is Virginia Boys Kitchens Walnut Wood
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Considerations:
When it comes to choosing a cutting board, there are a few critical things you need to consider.
First, you want to think about the material. Plastic, wood, and bamboo are the most common materials used in cutting boards. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.
For example, plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe and affordable, but they can develop deep grooves that harbor bacteria. On the other hand, wood and bamboo are more durable and have natural antimicrobial properties, but they require more maintenance. We tested it to see if it's still worth it.
Another factor to consider is the size of the cutting board. A larger cutting board is more versatile and can accommodate larger items like watermelon or a whole chicken, or food prep.
However, a smaller cutting board may be more convenient if you have limited counter space or need to chop smaller items like herbs or just cutting an apple or a lemon.
After testing multiple cutting boards, we've identified the best ones on the market. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, our top picks will help you prepare your meals with ease and keep your kitchen clean.
Best Cutting Boards
We all know that having a good cutting board is essential in any kitchen. It not only protects your countertop but also ensures that your knives stay sharp for longer. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've done the research for you and compiled a list of the best cutting boards that are worth investing in. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, we've got you covered. So, without further ado, let's take a look at our top picks for the best cutting boards.
TOP CHOICE: Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board
If you're looking for a sustainable and durable cutting board, the Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board is a great choice.
Pros
- Made in the USA from 100% sustainable walnut wood grown in America
- Preseasoned with pure fractionated coconut oil, making it ready to use right out of the box
- Knife-friendly surface that won't dull your knives
- Reversible - one side has juice groove to catch juice from things such as carving steaks. The other side is smooth, for when you don't need this.
- Wood is our top choice when it comes to material
Cons
- No non-slip feet, so it can move around on smooth surfaces
- Requires hand washing and regular oiling to maintain its quality
- Slightly heavier than some other cutting boards on the market
We love using this cutting board because it's made from sustainable walnut wood, which is antimicrobial and can be renewed with regular oiling. Plus, walnut wood is the perfect hardness level for knives, so it won't dull them over time.
The Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board is also reversible, with a built-in juice groove on one side and a solid surface on the other. This makes it versatile for all types of cutting and carving.
One thing to note is that this cutting board doesn't come with non-slip feet, so it can move around on smooth surfaces. However, it's still a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality cutting board that's made in the USA and will last for years. Because it weighs 4 lbs, it can move around a bit, but not bad.
Overall, we highly recommend the Virginia Boys Kitchens Cutting Board for anyone in the market for a sustainable and durable cutting board.
The 17x11 medium is the perfect starting size, but if you prefer a set, this set is a good choice - it has both the medium 17x11 that we recommend as well as a larger one, for when you need to do some serious food prep. Price is discounted when purchased as a bundle.
BEST FOR BUDGET-CONSCIOUS HOUSEHOLDS - OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set
If you're looking for an affordable and practical cutting board set, the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set is a great option. We've been using this set for a few weeks now and we're impressed with its features.
Pros
- The set includes two different sizes of cutting boards, making it easy to choose the right size for the job.
- The double-sided, non-porous surfaces make it easy to prevent cross-contamination and keep the boards clean.
- The soft, tapered edges make it easy to carry the boards around the kitchen.
Cons
- The boards are made of plastic, which means they may not last as long as wooden cutting boards.
- The non-slip feet work well, but they can make it difficult to slide the boards around on the counter.
- The boards are dishwasher safe, but they can warp or crack if they're washed on high heat.
- This set is quite small, not the best for someone who does any sort of food prep. But perfect for small kitchens.
Overall, we think the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set is a great choice for anyone who needs a practical and affordable set of cutting boards. The double-sided surfaces are easy to clean and prevent cross-contamination, and the soft edges make it easy to carry the boards around. However, if you're looking for a long-lasting cutting board, you may want to consider a wooden board instead.
BEST RUNNER UP - Bamboo Cutting Board from Empune
If you're looking for a cutting board that can handle all your chopping needs, then the Extra Large Cutting Board from Empune is worth considering. Made from bamboo, this cutting board is built to last and can withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. It has a lot of the properties of wood, without the price tag.
Pros
- The built-in juice groove catches excess liquids, keeping your countertop clean.
- The built-in side handles make it easy to carry the board from one place to another.
- The cutting board is easy to maintain and doesn't absorb stains from food.
Cons
- The board is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The surface of the board can be a little rough, which can damage your knives over time.
- The board may warp over time if not taken care of properly.
- It's called "XL" but actually more of a "medium" cutting board. At 12" x 17", I would hardly call this "large", let alone "XL". For size reference, look at the below image.
We tried this board out anyway, despite the misleading size labeling. This bamboo material is hard enough to provide a smooth cutting surface, yet soft enough to prevent damage to our knives. The juice groove is a great feature that catches all the excess liquids, so we don't have to worry about making a mess on our countertop.
The built-in side handles are also a nice touch, as they make it easy to carry the board from one place to another. We've even used the board as a serving tray for cheese and bread, and it worked perfectly.
Cleaning the board is a breeze, as it doesn't absorb stains from food like most cutting boards do. We simply wash it with soap and water, and it's good as new.
Overall, if you're looking for a cutting board that can handle heavy use and is easy to maintain, but don't have the budget for wood, then this "Extra Large" Cutting Boardis not a bad choice.
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Best for Ease of Cleaning - The Original Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set
If you're looking for a durable and easy-to-use cutting board set, then the Original Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set might be what you need. We've been using this set for a while now and we're pretty impressed with its features.
Pros
- These cutting boards are incredibly durable and will last you a long time. They won't splinter, crack or peel, even after many washes.
- The slip-resistant handle and rubber border help to reduce slipping and sliding on countertop surfaces, making food prep easier than ever.
- The set comes with three sized boards. Each board is 0.37 inches thick and combined, weigh 4.25 pounds.
- (mostly) dishwasher safe
Cons
- The boards are small, as the largest one is just slightly larger than a piece of paper (see photo below)
- The deep juice grooves can be a bit difficult to clean, so you might need to spend some extra time cleaning them after use.
- The boards are not as aesthetically pleasing as some other cutting boards on the market.
Overall, we would recommend the Original Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set to anyone who is looking for a durable and easy-to-use cutting board set.
The set is BPA-free and food-grade, making it a great choice for all homes. The reversible design with deep juice grooves allows you to chop on both sides to help prevent flavor mingling, and the boards also feature shallow juice grooves on one side to help prevent countertop mess by catching runoff juices.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a set of cutting boards that are durable, easy to use, and dishwasher safe, then the Original Gorilla Grip Cutting Board Set is definitely worth considering.
However, I would opt for a larger board if you do a lot of food prep, as these boards just don't have the size.
BEST FOR SMALL HOUSEHOLDS WITH ALLERGENS Goodluck 5 Pieces Flexible Cutting Boards
If you're looking for a set of color-coded cutting boards that are perfect for slicing various food items, then the Goodluck 5 Pieces Flexible Cutting Boards could be the perfect choice for you. It's not great for chopping but if all you're really doing is slicing and dicing it's suitable.
Pros
- The flexible design makes it easy to transfer chopped food to pots and pans.
- The non-slip lattice pattern on the back of the board ensures stability while cutting.
- The boards are dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
- If you have a severe allergy this color coding makes it easier to remember which boards can be used for what, no more worries about cross contamination!
Cons
- The boards are not meant for chopping and you may damage your countertop if used for heavy-duty cutting or chopping of any kind.
- The thin plastic may not be suitable for all types of cutting tasks.
- Some users may prefer larger cutting boards for preparing bigger food items.
These cutting boards are perfect for slicing fruits, vegetables, cheese, and meat. The flexible design allows you to bend the board at an angle to transfer the chopped food to pots and pans easily. The lattice pattern on the back of the board ensures stability while cutting, and the slight texture on the surface stabilizes the knife and doesn't dull the blade.
The set includes five color-coded cutting boards, each representing one kind of food, which helps avoid food stringing due to mixing chopping boards when cutting food. The lightweight design makes them great for small kitchens, college apartments, RVs, or camping.
These cutting boards are made of food-grade material and are BPA-free. After use, they can be washed directly in the dishwasher (<90°C) for re-use. The boards are thin and flexible, which makes them easy to store in a drawer or on a shelf.
Because of its thin flimsy nature, it is definitely best as an addition to a house that already has other cutting boards. You cannot rely on this set as your only cutting boards - but they do make a great addition.
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Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best cutting board, there are a few things to keep in mind. We want to make sure you find a product that fits your needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
Material
Cutting boards come in a variety of materials including wood, plastic, bamboo, and glass. Each material has its own pros and cons. For example, wood and bamboo are durable and gentle on knives, but require more maintenance.
Plastic and glass are easy to clean and maintain, but can dull knives over time. Consider your preferences and needs when choosing a material. It's really up to you to decide what's more important - ease of cleanup, or a durable antimicrobial cutting board such as walnut wood.
See related article: Best Wood For Cutting Boards - not all wood are created equal, find out why you can't use pine wood from Home Depot to make a cutting board.
Size
The size of the cutting board is important to consider. A larger board may be more convenient for preparing large meals, while a smaller board may be easier to store.
Consider the size of your kitchen and your typical meal preparation needs when choosing a size. Do not be misled by the size labeling on these products - we've found too many products labeled "XL" when they should really be called "medium".
Thickness
The thickness of the cutting board can affect its durability and stability. Thicker boards are generally more durable and less likely to warp over time. However, thicker boards can also be heavier and more difficult to store and move around your kitchen.
Consider your preferences and needs when choosing a thickness. Generally 0.75" is decent and not too heavy (a medium 0.75" thick board is 3-4lbs). If you opt for any board thicker than that it should have a handle for ease of movement and storage.
Features
Some cutting boards come with additional features such as non-slip grips, juice grooves, and built-in knife sharpeners. These features can be helpful, but may also add to the cost of the board. Consider which features are important to you and your meal preparation needs.
By considering these factors, you can find a cutting board that fits your needs and budget. Remember to properly clean and maintain your cutting board to ensure its longevity and effectiveness.