Prepping for meals involves a fair bit of chopping and slicing. A cutting board provides a stable surface to get this done, thus eliminating any chances of spillages on the countertops.
In this article, we will explore the best cutting boards. But before we delve deeper, let’s talk about the importance of a cutting board.
Table of Contents
Why do you need a cutting board
Do you chop vegetables and cut meat on granite kitchen counters? You will agree with us that this causes significant damage to your knives. Other than this, preparing your raw ingredients on such a surface increases the risk of germs. Therefore, you really need to use a cutting board.
Cutting boards help you in maintaining proper hygiene. Unlike the kitchen counter, cutting boards are specifically designed for prepping your ingredients. They can be easily disinfected and when properly maintained, they are quite sanitary.
Materials like wood, bamboo or plastic (which are most commonly used for cutting boards) do not damage knives in any way. They are completely safe and are much more reliable surfaces to work on.
The best cutting boards
The list below features several cutting boards which are currently the best products available in the market.
1. Virginia Boys Kitchens Extra Large Walnut Wood Cutting Board
This dark, chocolate brown cutting board is made of porous walnut wood. The soft texture of the board allows your knives to remain sharp. This walnut cutting board has a carved groove that stops any liquids from spilling onto your counter and this minimizes the mess, especially when you are slicing fruit or cutting meat. Now, while it is a cutting board, you can also use it to serve cheese, bread or even sushi to your guests.
Pros
- Each board is polished with coconut oil to make the surface smooth.
- The board is very sturdy and durable.
Cons
- The carved groove is not sanded.
- The board has a tendency of getting warped.
2. Royal Craft Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
Cutting boards should be scratch and scar-resistant. Thankfully, this particular product is very sturdy and durable. The board is made of bamboo and can be used for chopping everything from vegetables to meat. It also has a juice groove to trap any liquid. This cutting board also has handles and you can use it as a tray as well.
Pros
- The BPA free bamboo used is antibacterial and antimicrobial.
- The surface does not dull knives.
- It can be washed with soap and water.
Cons
- The sticker wrapped around the board will leave a sticky residue.
- After frequent use without proper maintenance, the board might crack.
3. Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board
These cutting boards are sold in sets of three and each one of them is of different size. The surfaces of all three boards are non-porous and so chances of them splintering are less. They are extremely durable and have deep grooves to prevent any liquid from spilling.
Pros
- The boards can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
- They are BPA free.
- They will not affect knives in any way.
Cons
- The white surface of the board gets stained very easily.
- The boards do not have a good grip and might slide on very smooth countertops.
- The surface gets scratched easily.
4. Sonder Multipurpose Thick Acacia Wood Cutting Board
Designed to be a multipurpose product, this cutting board is very versatile. On one side, it has very deep juice grooves and this side can be used for chopping. The other recessed channel side is perfect for serving crackers, bread, fresh fruits or vegetables or even a cheese board. The board needs to be maintained properly. You can do that by oiling the surface at regular intervals.
Pros
- There are handles attached to the board which make it convenient to carry it around.
- The acacia wood used is sustainable and durable.
Cons
- The surface can get scarred easily.
- The wood is very soft so it might peel when used too often without proper maintenance.
5. Tableboard Co Reversible Cutting Board
Handcrafted and extremely versatile, this cutting board can be used for chopping as well as for kneading the dough. The side used for kneading dough should be kept smooth and you can use the other side for cutting. Both surfaces are made of sturdy, good quality maple wood. There is a 1 to 1.5-inch lip on either side to keep the board in place.
Pros
- The surface is polished using FDA approved mineral oil.
- The board can be cleaned with just a damp cloth.
Cons
- A wet dough will stick to the surface.
- The surfaces are quite rough.
6. HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board
Sold in sets of three, these boards are made of heavy-duty plastic. Each set has boards of three different sizes and all of them feature juice grooves and non-slip handles. The non-porous surfaces are durable and safe for all kinds of knives and cutlery.
Pros
- The plastic used is BPA free and latex-free.
- The boards can be washed in the dishwasher.
- The surface does not retain any stains.
Cons
- The rubber used in the handles is too soft and breaks off easily.
- The boards slide when placed on very smooth counters.
- After frequent use for a long time, the boards might get warped.
7. OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
This cutting board is made of non-porous polypropylene. It has black, non-slip edges and deep juice grooves. The board is very durable and can be used for cutting fruits, vegetables as well as meat. To maintain hygiene, you can use the grooved side for cutting meat and the other side for chopping vegetables.
Pros
- The board has tapered handles and so it can be lifted or carried easily.
- The surface does not retain any odor.
Cons
- The board has a tendency of getting warped when putting into the dishwasher too often.
- The surface might get scratched when a very sharp knife is used.
8. Farberware Nonslip Plastic Cutting Board
Made out of polypropylene plastic, this cutting board is a non-porous board that does not harm or dull the edges of knives. You can use both sides of the board and it is very stable. The board also has a handle that allows you to control it and carry it.
Pros
- The board is stain-resistant and it does not retain any odors.
- You can clean the board in the dishwasher.
Cons
- The board does not have a juice groove.
- It is thinner than most cutting boards and is not an ideal over the sink cutting board.
9. Rottogoon Cutting Board
This particular cutting board in one of the most stable ones available. It does not slip even on the smoothest of surfaces. The board is reversible and you can use both sides. With a juice groove, this is the ideal board for cutting meats as well as fruits and vegetables. It is made up of BPA-free plastic which is safe and quite long-lasting.
Pros
- The board can be easily washed in the dishwasher.
- It features handles with non-slip feet for enhanced stability.
- This board is more affordable than other products.
Cons
- The board has a tendency of retaining stains.
- The adhesive from the sticker on the board is difficult to remove.
10. W. Innovations Bamboo Cutting Board
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Made of good quality bamboo, the cutting board has antibacterial mats kept inside the board. The mats make the cutting board look really modern and are also a great safety feature. The mat allows you to maintain proper hygiene and you can change the mat inserts for different items to prevent contamination.
Pros
- The mats are safe and BPA free.
- The bamboo board is sturdy and durable.
- The board can be easily cleaned with soap and water. The mats are dishwasher safe.
Cons
- The mats are not very long-lasting.
11. Walnut Wood Cutting Board
This is another very versatile cutting board. You can use it to chop vegetables or slice meat but you can also carry it easily and it is quite convenient for serving food items. Made out of high-quality walnut wood, the cutting board has ideal size and both sides can be used.
Pros
- The surface is great for knives as it does not dull the edges.
- The walnut wood is very durable.
- The surface is polished and smooth.
Cons
- The board will warp if it is washed in water.
- It does not last long if it is exposed to too much sunlight or high temperatures.
12. Utopia Kitchen Natural Bamboo Cutting Board
Three different sizes of this bamboo cutting board are available and often they are sold together as a set. The boards can be used for cutting fruits and vegetables and slicing meat or cheese. You can also use it serving purposes. The boards are made of natural bamboo. They can be easily maintained by polishing with food-safe mineral oil.
Pros
- Both sides of the boards can be used.
- The boards are very sturdy.
Cons
- After using the boards for some time, loose wooden fibers might be seen.
- The boards are not dishwasher safe.
13. Seville Classics Easy-to-Clean Bamboo Cutting Board
This elegant cutting board made of strong bamboo is very durable and sustainable. One board comes with seven brightly colored mats. You can use each for cutting different ingredients, from fruits and vegetables to meat, fish and even bread or cheese. The bamboo surface is good for the edges of knives.
Pros
- The cutting mats are very flexible and are BPA free.
- The board has non-slip feet that prevent it from slipping across the countertops.
Cons
- After long term use, the mats will get scratched.
- The mats might not fit properly on the slots.
14. Mar’villa Acacia Wood Cutting Board
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This board is solid and very reliable and the acacia wood does not harm knives. The wood itself contains many oils and this makes the board naturally resistant to water. From slicing fruit to chopping vegetables and carving meat, you can do it all with this cutting board.
Pros
- Both sides of the board can be used.
- The board is very sturdy and has a great design.
Cons
- The board does not have a juice groove.
The best wood for a cutting board
Wood cutting boards are preferred by most people not only because they are durable, but also because the wood has a self-healing property. Scars or shallow cuts on the surface of wooden cutting boards heal up on their own.
Hardwood is the best type to use for cutting boards. Hardwoods like walnut, teak, or acacia are the most popular choices. The reason is that hardwood has tight grains and is not porous. If the wood has pores (for example, red oak) then the chances of dirt accumulating in these pores are very high.
If you have to choose the best cutting board material for wooden boards, then it will have to teak. Teak has very tight grains and rich natural color. It contains tectoquinones or natural oily resin components that make it resistant to water. It is also the best wood for cutting boards because it is anti-septic and prevents warping, rot, fungal or microbial attacks.
Types of cutting boards
Cutting boards can be of various types depending upon their purpose. Most cutting boards are reversible and multipurpose but some do have specific functions.
Given below are the five most common types of cutting boards. The information provided will help you make the right choice when you buy one.
Chopping board
Chopping boards are very versatile and can be used for cutting fruits and vegetables, slicing meat and even bread. They are the best multipurpose boards available. Chopping boards are often color-coded so that you can keep track of which board to use for what purpose.
This allows you to maintain hygienic conditions in the kitchen. Chopping boards are usually about an inch thick and this makes them quite steady. Now, while they are steady, they do not weigh much and can be lifted and carried quite easily.
Carving board
Carving boards are cutting boards with a juice groove. When you are cutting meat, the juice from the meat will spread and might even spill on to the countertop. Juice grooves on carving boards hold the liquid and prevent it from spilling over.
Carving boards are slightly heavier than usual chopping boards. While carving boards are traditionally used to carve or cut meat, you can use them to cut particularly juicy fruits or vegetables. They help in reducing the mess and maintaining a clean workspace in the kitchen.
Bread board
Most of us enjoy fresh, sliced bread to munch on during dinner. You can use a bread board to easily slice your bread. Bread boards are long cutting boards that can accommodate the length of longer pieces of bread like baguettes.
Using a bread board minimizes the mess as the crumbs to not scatter all around, but only over the board. This makes it easy to clean up after dinner. A bread board is also multipurpose and you can use it as a regular cutting board for everyday meal prep.
Butcher block
Butcher blocks are thick and heavy cutting boards. They weigh more than carving boards and are used for chopping large chunks of meat and bones. Butcher blocks are very sturdy and can sustain the use of heavy chopping knives without getting scratched or scarred.
They are large enough to hold the meat and prevent it from slipping on to the counter while chopping. This keeps the workspace clean and also prevents contamination. The weight and thickness of a butcher block allow it to stay steady and not slide on the countertop, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Flexible mat
If you do not want to use hard, wooden or plastic cutting boards, then a flexible mat is a great option. A flexible mat is very durable and you can easily roll in into a funnel and transfer your chopped ingredients to your pot.
Flexible mats are easy to store and maintain. They do not scratch easily and the surface does not affect knives.
What to look for when buying a cutting board
There are three things that you should take into consideration when you are buying a cutting board. They are the material of the board, the type of board and what features does it have.
Material
Glass
Glass cutting boards usually look very nice but it is best to avoid them. Glass surfaces dull knives very quickly. They are also prone to breaking. If you do have a glass cutting board, it is best to use it as a serving tray.
Plastic
Plastic cutting boards are actually quite convenient to use. They are multipurpose and have a reversible design. However, make sure that you are using the right kind of plastic. It should be safe and BPA free. Plastic boards can also be of several kinds and keep the following points in mind when you decide to buy one.
- Plastic cutting boards that are too smooth make knives slip while cutting.
- Acrylic plastic boards are very bad for knives. They dull the edges in just a few strokes.
- Polypropylene plastic is the best choice. These boards are durable and safe.
Wood
Wooden cutting boards are the most popular choice. They are sturdy and good quality ones last a long time. Wood does not harm knives in any way and can be used for cutting everything from vegetables to meat.
Bamboo
If you want to go with a more sustainable and environment-friendly option, then bamboo is a great one. Bamboo cutting boards are as sturdy as wooden ones. They actually have a couple of advantages over wooden boards.
- Bamboo cutting boards are very lightweight but they are stable.
- Maintaining them is easier and they do not need to be polished with oil frequently.
Type (depending upon what purpose the board will serve)
Chopping board or carving board
If you wish to chop fruits or vegetables and slice meat, then buy a chopping board. But if you are going to slice meat then make sure it is a multipurpose one with a juice groove or get a carving board.
Butcher’s block
If you need to cut bones and chop large pieces of meat, then opt for a heavy and sturdy butcher’s block.
Bread board
While you can easily slice bread in a chopping board, a bread board is necessary if you want to slice longer loaves. Regular cutting boards are not large enough for baguettes or similar bread.
Features
Non-slip feet
This will allow the board to be stable and to not slip on the countertop. But most boards that come with feet do not have a reversible design. This means that you can only use one side of the board.
If you wish to get the most out of your cutting board then go for one without feet. Cutting boards that have a proper weight and are not too flimsy, will always be stable, even without any feet.
Size
Make sure that the size you choose is the right one. Do not buy a very small cutting board. But do not go for an oversized one that will take up too much space. Consider what exactly you are going to cut and how much space you will require for that. Then buy a size that is convenient.
Maintenance
Wooden boards are usually the best but you will need to regularly polish and oil them. If you cannot spend much time maintaining a board then go for one that is low maintenance like bamboo or plastic.
The Next Steps
Choosing the best cutting board is easy if you know what you are looking for. A cutting board makes work in the kitchen much simpler and you can easily your best fit, by weighing the pros and cons.
There are a number of great options available and you can easily find a good quality product.
So which one will you like to go for? Let us know in the comments below.
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