After a fine chef’s knife, the most essential tool we use is the best cutting board. It offers a flat, durable surface to prepare, thus shielding counters and plates from scratching. It even acts as a decent trivet when handling hot pots and pans. Even when you feel lazy, it works like a plate. They vary in size from large enough to carve a turkey to small enough to cut a lime for salad, come in materials such as wood, plastic, or glass, and can range from heavy-duty, three inches thick, to barely a millimeter.
Every year, at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test a wide range of kitchen equipment in both clinical and real-life scenarios. To find the perfect cutting board, we rounded up 39 of the newest, most exclusive, and best-selling boards and narrowed down our choices to test the 26 with the broadest range of labels, shapes, heights, textures, and designs. We measured if the cutting boards held juices, how easy they were to clean after the cheese had been sticking to them, and how well they treated rough, slippery ingredients. Here’s what we find out.
Kind of Cutting Board
Beyond that, the type of cutting board you’re using is a matter of personal preference. Wiseman, chef and owner of Otium, CJ Boyd’s, and Free Play in Los Angeles, enjoys purchasing timber from lumberyards and claiming it as his own. The strongest cutting board should be sturdy enough for him. I’ve had the same wooden board for over 20 years now, he says. I sand it down occasionally and spray it.
According to Tiffani Faison, the Boston-based chef and restaurant owner behind Big Heart Hospitality, no matter what kind of board you use, you can still invest in a cutting board mat, such as the San Jamar Guardiola Board-Mate ($14.99), to be placed under it. It’s going to last forever and keep your board still.
Here, Hollingsworth and That Enough share the boards they used and enjoyed throughout their culinary careers. From right-winged rubber to the beautiful maple wood alternative that will last for decades, these are among the best cutting boards in your kitchen.
OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board – Best Cutting Boards
Our pick
If you have minimal counter space in your kitchen or want to use a smaller board, we suggest the 10.39-inch-by-14.78-inch OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board, a smaller version of our plastic pick-up. It’s best for basic tasks like slicing an apple or cutting a single big carrot. The OXO Utility Board features the same rubber legs as the larger OXO carving board, holding the board firmly in place while cutting.
Unlike our main choice, the juice groove doesn’t have the potential to accommodate the drippings of a whole roast chicken, but it’s always handy when slicing a few juicy tomatoes. Like the larger OXO carving board, we propose that the Utility Cutting Board avoids warping, staining, and heavy odors better than the competition.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 14.75″ L x 10.4″ W x 0.5″ Th
- Material: Durable, non-porous plastic
- Weight: 695 grams
- Care: Dishwasher safe
- Special Features: Non-slip feet, drip-catcher, pour corners, double-sided use
Pros:
✅ Double-Sided & Non-Porous – Resists odors and prevents knife dulling, enhancing hygiene and performance.
✅ Integrated Drip-Catcher & Pour Corners – Reduces mess and makes transferring chopped items easier.
✅ Non-Slip Feet – Keeps the board stable and secure during chopping, adding safety.
Cons:
❌ Relatively Heavy (695g) – May feel bulky or less portable for some users.
❌ Plastic Material – Lacks the aesthetic and feel of wooden or bamboo boards.
❌ Manual Use Only – Doesn’t include any advanced features, such as built-in scales or compartments.
John Boos Chop-N-Slice Maple Wood Reversible Cutting Board
Our pick
This John Boos best cutting board is substantial, so you won’t feel like it’s slipping around on your desktop, but it’s not bulky or awkward. Made of oak, this attractive cutting board is both stylish enough to serve cheeses and vegetables and a reliable workhorse in the kitchen. Since it is reversible, you can turn it over and use the other side anytime you need a fresh cutting board.
The cutting board has a one-year warranty. Since it’s made of wood, it takes a little more maintenance to keep it in top condition. It should never be left wet or cleaned in a dishwasher, and it should be pre-treated before use. This extra treatment is worth it, according to our reviewer: “Since this board was designed with skilled use in mind, most home cooks can last a lifetime.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 20″ L x 15″ W x 1.25″ Th
- Material: Maple Wood
- Color: Natural Maple
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only; condition with oil and board cream
- Special Feature: Reversible cutting surface with eased corners
Pros:
✅ Premium Craftsmanship – Made in the USA with high-quality maple wood and edge-grain construction for durability.
✅ Reversible Design – Both sides can be used, increasing lifespan and versatility.
✅ Gentle on Knives – The wood surface helps preserve blade sharpness, making it ideal for quality cutlery.
Cons:
❌ Hand Wash Only – Requires careful cleaning and maintenance (not dishwasher safe).
❌ Requires Regular Oiling – Needs Boos Block Mystery Oil and Cream (sold separately) for upkeep.
❌ Heavier and Bulkier – Thicker wood boards may be less portable and more complicated to store than plastic options.
The Epicurean Kitchen Series – Best Cutting Boards
Our pick
The Epicurean Kitchen Sequence is a beautiful cutting board composed of hybrid paper made from recycled materials, including plastic and FSC-certified sheets, according to Hollingsworth. I enjoy using this board to cut onions, garlic, or other ingredients that can perfume the board, because, unlike a wooden board, the aroma washes away quickly.
Epicurean boards are available in four different sizes and are secure and temperature-resistant to 350°F, making them extremely useful and suitable for use as trivets.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 14.5″ L x 11.25″ W x 0.25″ Th
- Material: Richlite paper composite (non-porous, knife-friendly)
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
- Special Features: Heat resistant up to 350°F; NSF certified for commercial use
Pros:
✅ Knife-Friendly & Durable – Made from Richlite paper composite, it’s tough yet gentle on knife blades.
✅ Dishwasher Safe & Low Maintenance – Unlike most wood boards, it’s non-porous and easy to clean.
✅ Multi-Purpose & Heat Resistant – Can double as a trivet (resistant up to 350°F) and is safe for food prep and serving.
Cons:
❌ Not Traditional Wood – May lack the natural aesthetic appeal of classic wood boards.
❌ Can Develop Minor Surface Wear – The thin profile may exhibit light knife marks over time.
❌ No Juice Groove – Lacks a drip channel, which can lead to spills with juicy foods.
OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
Our pick
The best advantage of a plastic cutting board is that it can be easily washed in a dishwasher, whereas a wooden cutting board can break and deteriorate with dishwasher use. One side of this OXO cutting board features grooves along the sides to trap liquids until they run off your table, and rubber grips to prevent the board from slipping around on your kitchen counter.
Our reviewer particularly appreciated the fact that these grips were designed in such a way that she could quickly pick the board off the counter without having to paw at it or slide it to the side of the counter. The other side of the cutting board does not have grooves, it can be used for chopping a reversible board comes in handy if you are slicing meat or fish and want to prevent cross-contamination.
The board is made of polypropylene, which holds no smell and also protects against the kind of deep cuts that can arise when you use a sharp knife.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Material: Soft, PVC-free silicone
- Size: Small – ideal for double sinks (exact dimensions not listed)
- Care: Dishwasher safe
- Special Features: Heat-safe, customizable drain opening, anti-scratch cushioning
- Function: Protects sink and dishware, allows water flow and aeration
Pros:
✅ Protects Sink and Dishes – Soft, PVC-free silicone cushions delicate items, preventing chips, cracks, and scratches.
✅ Elevated Design – Built-in feet enable improved water drainage and airflow beneath the mat.
✅ Heat-Resistant & Dishwasher Safe – Can handle hot pots and pans directly from the stove, and is easy to clean.
Cons:
❌ May Shift Easily – Lacks suction or grip, which might cause it to move around in the sink.
❌ Can Stain Over Time – Light-colored silicone may absorb stains from certain foods or minerals in water.
❌ Drain Hole Must Be Cut Manually – Requires user to cut a hole if needed for drain alignment.
Sonder Los Angeles Large Multipurpose American Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Our pick
This board is a show master. It is made of American walnut with decorative highlights in cherry and oak wood. You may find yourself leaving this one on your fridge, rather than putting it in a drawer, to show it off a bit. It is also perfect for displaying food; cheese plate enthusiasts will find that the board is ideal for serving cheese and charcuterie. This is particularly true because one side of the best cutting board has a long groove that is perfect for a baguette or a cracker. I especially liked the way it looked when lined with tiny, bright red tomatoes.
However, the cutting board remains practical. Since it is reversible, you can use any side of it during food preparations. The indentation on one side is useful for cutting off one ingredient while slicing multiple items or preventing circular ingredients from falling off the board.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 18″ L x 12.5″ W x 0.7″ Th
- Material: Sustainably sourced Moso bamboo
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only; condition regularly with board oil
- Special Features: Lightweight, deep juice grooves, two-tone finish, doubles as a serving or charcuterie board
Pros:
✅ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Made from responsibly sourced Moso bamboo, ideal for environmentally conscious kitchens.
✅ Versatile & Multi-Functional – Extra-large size accommodates everything from meal prep to serving meats, fruits, and cheeses.
✅ Naturally Durable & Knife-Friendly – Lightweight yet rugged; bamboo is gentle on knife edges and naturally food-safe.
Cons:
❌ Hand Wash Only – Not dishwasher safe, which adds time to the cleanup process.
❌ Requires Regular Conditioning – Needs frequent oiling with board spray to maintain longevity and prevent cracking.
❌ No Non-Slip Base – May slide slightly during heavy chopping unless placed on a damp cloth or mat.
Carrollar Flexible Plastic Cutting Mats
Our pick
Carroll Versatile Plastic Cutting Mats are lightweight and easy to use, yet are more durable than other plastic boards on the market. Made of BPA-free stuff, it coils to an angle so that you can conveniently dump the chopped ingredients into a pan or oven. Colour-coded and labeled with food symbols, red for beef, green for vegetables, blue for fish, and yellow for fruit, these boards help home cooks prevent cross-contamination or combining food flavours, and they are affordable enough to replace after a long period of use.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 15″ L x 12″ W x 0.2″ Th
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Color: Green (part of color-coded set)
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe under 90°C; harsher cleaning may reduce life span
- Special Features: Flexible, lightweight, non-slip backing, color-coded with food icons
Pros:
✅ Flexible & Lightweight – Easy to handle, bend, and funnel chopped food directly into pots or bowls.
✅ Color-Coded System – Helps prevent cross-contamination with different boards for meat, veggies, fish, and fruit.
✅ Gripped Back – The non-slip surface provides decent stability during cutting (which can be improved by placing a damp paper towel underneath).
Cons:
❌ Thin Build – At 0.2″ thickness, may wear down faster with heavy or sharp knife use.
❌ May Warp with High Heat – Dishwasher safe up to 90°C, but temperatures above that can cause bending.
❌ No Juice Grooves – Liquids from fruits or meats may spill over during cutting.
Nonslip Bamboo Cutting Board – Best Cutting Board
Our pick
This bamboo cutting board did not wobble during our experiments. Although it was heavy, it was still lightweight and quick to pass around for cleaning. We liked it to be pretty soft and clean, right out of the packaging, due to pre-oiling, and it remained that way after a few washes. It’s double-sided with a medium-thin wrap-around well on one side. The grips come in three different colours, so you can pick your preferred one or purchase a couple for other purposes.
We enjoyed Keechee’s 15″ x 21″ hardwood cutting board. It was big enough to carve a turkey, and light enough to drive about and clean it.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 10.4″ L x 8″ W x 0.4″ Th
- Material: Carbonized bamboo
- Special Features: Reversible, juice groove, heat- and water-resistant, lightweight
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe (quick wash recommended); hand oil weekly for longevity
- Weight: Lightweight and travel-friendly (exact weight not listed, but ultra-thin and 3-layer design)
Pros:
✅ Dishwasher-Safe Bamboo – Unlike most bamboo boards, this one withstands quick dishwasher cycles without warping or cracking.
✅ Reversible & Functional – Features one side with a deep juice groove and another flat side, great for separating raw and fresh foods.
✅ Slim & Lightweight Design – At just 0.4” thick, it’s ultra-portable and ideal for compact kitchens, travel, RVs, or outdoor use.
Cons:
❌ Recommended Quick Wash Mode Only – Although dishwasher-safe, prolonged or high-temperature cycles may reduce the lifespan.
❌ Requires Regular Oiling – Needs weekly maintenance with oil to maintain smoothness and durability.
❌ Not for Heavy-Duty Use – Thin profile may not be ideal for cleaving or chopping large bones.
Polysafe Pastry/Cutting Board with Well – Best Cutting Boards
Our pick
This large 15″ x 20″ cutting board is certified by the National Sanitation Foundation for being non-porous and non-absorbing. This ensures that after cleaning, it can be used for both meat and vegetables. We love its size, and we want it to catch the juice. It’s also lightweight, which makes cleaning and storage simple, a common pain point among carving boards. A common pain point amongst the carving boards. The best thing is it’s a healthy dishwasher, a big pro when you’re working with meat.
The board is reversible; it can be turned over and used as a serving platter or a pastry board. Using it to blend or roll out the dough, to the benefit of its large scale and non-absorbent surface.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 15″ L x 20″ W x 0.4″ Th
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Care Instructions: Dishwasher safe
- Special Features: Reversible, non-porous, non-absorbent
- Compliance: Meets FDA and NSF standards; made in the USA
Pros:
✅ Large & Reversible Surface – With a 15″ x 20″ size and double-sided usability, it’s ideal for big meal prep tasks.
✅ Non-Porous & Hygienic – Won’t absorb moisture or odors, making it easy to clean and maintain.
✅ Dishwasher Safe – Allows for quick and thorough cleanup without warping.
Cons:
❌ No Juice Groove – Lacks a channel for catching liquids, which can result in countertop messes during the preparation of juicy foods.
❌ Slick Surface – May slide during cutting unless placed on a damp towel or mat.
❌ Basic Design – Functional but minimal in features compared to boards with grips, handles, or texture.
The Epicurean Kitchen Series – Best Cutting Board for Vegetables
Our pick
The Decadent Kitchen Series is a beautiful cutting board made from a hybrid material composed of recycled acrylic and FSC-certified paper, according to Julie. I love using this board to cut onions, garlic, or other ingredients that can leave a scent on the board, but unlike a wooden board, the fragrance washes away instantly.
Epicurean boards are available in four different sizes and are secure and temperature-resistant to 350°F, making them extremely useful and suitable for use as trivets.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 14.5″ L x 11.25″ W x 0.25″ Th
- Material: Richlite paper composite
- Weight: 1.6 pounds
- Care: Dishwasher safe
- Special Features: Reversible, heat resistant up to 350°F, NSF certified, thumb hole for easy storage
Pros:
✅ Durable & Knife-Friendly – Made from Richlite paper composite, it resists deep cuts and protects knife edges.
✅ Dishwasher Safe & Heat Resistant – Easy to clean and safe for use as a trivet (up to 350°F).
✅ Lightweight & Space-Saving – The slim profile with a thumb hole makes it easy to store and handle.
Cons:
❌ No Juice Groove – May not contain liquids when cutting juicy foods like tomatoes or meats.
❌ Can Show Wear Over Time – Thin design may develop visible cut marks with heavy use.
❌ Not Ideal for Heavy Chopping – Better suited for slicing and light prep than heavy-duty butchering.
Hiware Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen
Our pick
The Luxury Bamboo Wood Cutting Board is made from a bamboo wood material that is smoother on your knife and contains fewer bacteria than any other cutting board, says Faison. I haven’t seen them gain attention outside specialist kitchens, and I’ve always wondered why. The board is perfect for cutting vegetables, beef, or anything else. It’s easy to clean and can handle decent bleach. They don’t crack or split, and they’re going to last forever.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18″ L x 12″ W x 0.8″ Th
- Material: FSC-certified natural bamboo
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only; treat with edible oil
- Special Features: Juice groove, hidden inner handles, smooth polished finish
- Included Components: Bamboo board (serves as cutting surface or tray)
Pros:
✅ Spacious & Practical Size – At 18″ x 12″, it provides ample room for slicing meats, chopping vegetables, or serving snacks without being bulky.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Knife-Friendly – Made from FSC-certified organic bamboo that’s BPA-free, food-safe, and gentle on knives.
✅ Juice Groove & Inner Handle Design – A bright layout maximizes the cutting surface while catching liquids and offering easy handling or hanging.
Cons:
❌ Hand Wash Only – Requires manual cleaning and occasional oiling for long-term care.
❌ No Non-Slip Base – May slide during heavy cutting unless stabilized on a damp cloth.
❌ Not Ideal for Heavy-Duty Chopping – While durable, bamboo may not withstand forceful cleaving as well as hardwood boards.
Indigo Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen
Our pick
This cutting board resembles the fans of the Shark Pool. Crafted by Keith Young, a Los Angeles firefighter and chef, this removable board features a detachable tray that hangs just over the edge of the counter, allowing you to avoid missing food while transferring ingredients from the cutting board to the plate.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 17.5″ L x 13.5″ W x 0.75″ Th
- Material: Natural two-tone bamboo (Moso variety)
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only; condition with mineral oil regularly
- Special Features: Deep juice groove, reversible, eco-friendly, gift-ready packaging
Pros:
✅ Spacious & Functional – Generously sized (17.5″ x 13.5″) with a deep juice groove to catch liquids and prevent mess on the counter.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Durable – Made from sustainable Moso bamboo, pre-treated with food-grade mineral oil for durability and hygiene.
✅ Knife-Friendly Surface – Won’t dull knife edges, making it ideal for cutting meats, fruits, veggies, pizza, and more.
Cons:
❌ Hand Wash Only – Not dishwasher safe; requires manual cleaning and regular oiling to maintain quality.
❌ No Non-Slip Grip – Smooth underside may slide slightly on some surfaces without added grip or a towel.
❌ Slightly Heavy for Some Users – At 4 pounds, it’s heavier than many bamboo boards and may not be ideal for those seeking a lightweight option.
Personalized Engraved City Skyline Cutting Board
Our pick
A customized best cutting board makes such a wonderful housewarming or wedding gift, especially for a food-loving couple. A word to the wise: go for a more minimalist style that does not require the whole cutting board. Because of the irregular grooves, you’ll prevent uneven cutting.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 16.75″ L x 9.25″ W x 0.63″ Th
- Material: Bamboo
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only
- Special Features: Shaped like Massachusetts, laser-engraved with towns and landmarks, a hang tie included for wall décor
Pros:
✅ Unique State Design – Shaped like Massachusetts, it’s both functional and a fun conversation starter.
✅ Dual Purpose – Can be used as a serving board or flipped to the blank side for cutting.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Lightweight – Made from sustainable bamboo, it’s knife-friendly and easy to handle.
Cons:
❌ Hand Wash Only – Requires gentle care; not suitable for dishwashers.
❌ Limited Cutting Space – The irregular shape reduces the usable cutting area, especially for larger prep tasks.
❌ No Juice Groove – Not ideal for cutting juicy items as it may spill over the edges.
Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block
Our pick
John Boos is known for his high-duty cutting boards and surfaces. We checked three types, including the Maple Wood End Grain Rounded Chopping Block, the Walnut Wood Edge Grain Adjustable Best Cutting Board, and the Strawberry Rustic Edge Pattern Cutting Board.
Although we liked all three of them, we were particularly fascinated by how well Maple Wood covered knife marks. We enjoyed the thickness and robustness of the boards, while also being light enough to pass about and wash. The built-in handles on the Shagreen Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board made it easier to port, and we couldn’t avoid looking at and touching it! a stunning style.
📋 Top 5 Specifications:
- Dimensions: 18″ L x 18″ W x 3″ Th (Round Shape)
- Material: Hard Rock Maple (End Grain)
- Weight: 20.4 pounds
- Care Instructions: Hand wash only; condition with Boos Block Oil & Cream
- Special Features: Reversible, oil finish, handcrafted in the USA
Pros:
✅ Premium End-Grain Construction – Gentle on knives and highly durable, making it ideal for heavy-duty chopping, slicing, and carving.
✅ Reversible & Extra-Thick – At 3 inches thick, this block offers serious heft and stability, and can be used on both sides.
✅ Crafted for Longevity – Made in the USA with superior craftsmanship and a food-safe oil finish to withstand years of daily use.
Cons:
❌ Heavy Weight – At over 20 pounds, it’s not easy to move or clean frequently.
❌ Hand Wash Only – Requires manual cleaning and regular oiling and conditioning to maintain quality.
❌ Premium Price – Its high-end design and brand reputation come with a higher cost compared to standard boards.
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