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Our favorites are durable, high-quality, and won't slide around on your counter. phenolic resin glue
Elizabeth Laseter is a writer and editor with over a decade of digital content experience in the food and cooking space. She's Senior Digital Editor at Whole Foods Market, and has worked for Cooking Light, EatingWell, MyRecipes, Allrecipes, and the James Beard Foundation.
Emily Belfiore is a Buying Guides writer for Meredith brands including InStyle, People, Food & Wine, and more. Always in pursuit of the best reviewer-vouched products, she covers topics spanning across the fashion, beauty, and health and wellness verticals. In her free time, you can find her testing products for articles, watching beauty tutorials, or catching up on the latest binge-worthy show.
Much like a quality chef's knife or a dependable skillet, a good cutting board can seriously upgrade your home cooking game. Whether you're cutting veggies, chopping herbs, or slicing steak, the right cutting board will provide an ample surface area and help protect your knives. But here's the ultimate question: Which type of cutting board should you use?
Choosing the best cutting board for your kitchen will depend on the foods you cook, the knives you use, and the amount of storage space you have. You might even need more than one cutting board. From budget-conscious, flexible plastic boards to sturdy wooden boards with juice grooves, there are more than enough types of cutting boards to find precisely what you need. To help you choose, we tested the best cutting boards available, highlighting important attributes like durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and overall value.
We tested several top-rated cutting boards made from plastic, wood, bamboo, and composite materials, intentionally leaving glass cutting boards out of our lineup since they can damage knives. We also asked the Allrecipes editors and staff to recommend their favorite cutting boards.
For our first round of testing, Rachel Johnson, expert product tester (and cutting board connoisseur), prepared a Thai Beef Salad using each cutting board to gauge how they handled tasks like chopping veggies and slicing meat. We turned to the Allrecipes Allstars—our dedicated team of trusted experts—for a second round of testing. Allstars Lisa Lynn Backus and Kim Shupe incorporated the cutting boards into their cooking routines to see how they held up to everyday cooking. For all of the testing, we considered these metrics:
Why It's Great: Anti-slip feet; rulers on the sides for food portioning; multiple sizes and colors
Grain of Salt: Might not fit in a dishwasher
San Jamar cutting boards are a staple of professional kitchens, and the Saf-T-Grip board is no exception. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but this workhouse board will serve you well in various kitchen tasks. Allstar Lisa Lynn really admired how sturdy the board was under her knife, especially given its wallet-friendly price.
Made of durable co-polymer plastic, this dishwasher-safe board features sturdy nonslip feet that hold it securely in place while cutting. During testing, we plowed through tasks like dicing cucumbers, chopping fresh herbs, and slicing steak with ease. The hard surface of the board was gentle on our knives—and we especially loved the built-in ruler notches along the side, a unique feature that makes portioning ingredients a breeze.
This cutting board is available in five different sizes and seven different colors. While we preferred the 18 x 12-inch size, it may be too large to fit in a standard dishwasher. Lastly, a built-in hook on the board allows for easy storage; simply hang it on a wire shelf or a wall-mounted hanger in your kitchen.
The Details: Plastic; 12 x 18 x 0.5 inches; available in white, black, blue, brown, green, purple, red, or yellow; hand-wash only
Why It's Great: Beautiful maple wood; reversible; has grooves to catch juices
Grain of Salt: Expensive; hand-wash only
The John Boos Maple Cutting Board (also called the "Boos Block") is the priciest board in our recommendations, but it's also one of the most stunning. Made from sustainably-sourced, high-quality maple, the Boos Block is strong, durable, and much easier on your knives than plastic cutting boards. The 24 x 18 x 1.5-inch pick is large (and tall), but it offers plenty of room for prepping multiple ingredients. One side of this reversible board features juice grooves, perfect for carving a Thanksgiving turkey, while the other side is flat. Space permitting, this board is made to be stored and displayed on your countertop.
Allstar Kim tried the Boos Block in her home kitchen. "A benefit to it being a hefty board: it absolutely does not move when cutting any ingredient," she says. "It also showed the least amount of knife marks of all the boards, even with the same amount of use. It's a tough, durable board meant to last."
While the Boos Block is pre-seasoned, it needs to be oiled before the first use (try their Mystery Oil) and regularly after that. This board also should be hand-washed, so cleaning and sanitizing are a bit more involved. Regardless, this is truly a gorgeous cutting board that would make the perfect focal point of any kitchen.
The Details: Maple; 24 x 18 x 1.50 inches; hand-wash only
Why It's Great: Made from eco-friendly bamboo; reversible; one side is grooved to capture juices; lightweight
Grain of Salt: Needs regular oiling
Totally Bamboo's Kona Groove Cutting Board looks and feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. We gave this board top marks in every category, and we especially liked its smooth surface that was gentle on knives.
Made from sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo, this surprisingly lightweight board is a perfect size at 18 x 12 inches. The reversible grooved and flat sides on this board make it practical for everyday or special occasion use.
Like the Boos' wooden board, Totally Bamboo's board requires regular seasoning. It's also not dishwasher-safe and should be hand-washed and rinsed with warm water and soap. Totally Bamboo's board isn't as durable as the Boos board, but it looks just as beautiful and offers great value.
The Details: Bamboo; 18 x 12.50 x 0.63 inches; hand-wash only
Why It's Great: Sustainable and strong teak wood; stunning look and color; easier to maintain than other types of wood
Grain of Salt: Heavy; no juice groove
Where bamboo cutting boards were once seen as the cheaper wood-like cutting board alternative to traditional hardwoods, teak has been gaining momentum as a durable, sustainable, and reliable material. That's because teak is more water-resistant and requires less upkeep than other wooden and bamboo boards. While it does require more diligent cleaning than a plastic board, it's as good for your knives' edges as other woods.
The edge-grain board is a bit harder on knives than end-grain boards, which are made by gluing the sides of boards together. However, the edge-grain style is better at resisting moisture build-up and the ensuing cracking and warping than end-grain boards.
At 20 x 15 inches, this cutting board may be too big for storage in most kitchens, but with its substantial size and beautiful color, it's nice enough to leave displayed on the counter or tucked up against the backsplash. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, it is unlikely to slip and slide while in use, either.
The Details: Teak; 20 x 15 x 1.50 inches; hand-wash only
Why It's Great: Large size; nonslip feet; one side has grooves to catch liquid; dishwasher safe
Grain of Salt: Too large to fit in some dishwashers
The OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board received high marks during testing and was almost our pick for best cutting board overall. However, due to its size—14 x 21 inches—it's a bit larger than standard cutting boards, which may not be a great fit for people who don't need (or prefer) a big cutting board.
Made of polypropylene plastic, this sturdy board is dishwasher safe and features nonslip feet to hold it in place. Although not especially deep, the juice grooves along the sides of the board are a nice feature and allow the juices to collect when you're slicing larger cuts of meat like beef tenderloin or roast chicken.
When it came to the board's durability, Lisa Lynn was impressed. "The OXO seems quite durable and is now a permanent fixture on my kitchen island," she says. "I expect it to last for years, but if it doesn’t, I’ll buy another OXO!" In addition to the board's sturdiness, she praised the stain resistance, noting that green cilantro and purple onions didn't leave a lasting mark on the white surface.
We love that the larger size of this cutting board helped us stay organized during prepping. However, storage may be an issue for this board in smaller kitchens. It probably won't fit in your dishwasher either, but it can easily be scrubbed and rinsed in your sink.
The Details: Plastic; 14 x 21 inches; dishwasher safe
Why It's Great: Compounded wood; reversible and lightweight; heat resistant
Grain of Salt: Hard on knife edges
If you love the look of a wooden cutting board and the convenience of plastic, Epicurean's composite board is an attractive option. Made from an eco-friendly paper composite material called Richlite, the All-in-One board is lightweight, completely dishwasher safe, and features handy non-slip feet. It's also reversible—the grooved side is intended for cutting and carving meat, while the flat side is intended for chopping and dicing. And because it's heat-resistant up to 350°F, you can even use it as a trivet.
Storage is easy, as it's thin and small enough (14.5 x 11.24 inches) to be placed flat in a drawer or upright in a cabinet. The built-in, centered hole at the top of the board is a thoughtful feature, allowing you to store it on a wall-mounted hook. While the composite material can be tougher on knives and a bit noisy, this is a quality cutting board that checks all the right boxes for everyday tasks.
The Details: Hardwood composite; 14.5 x 11.25 x 0.25 inches; dishwasher safe
Why It's Great: Built-in handle; reversible; easy to clean
Farberware's generously sized 11 x 14-inch plastic cutting board has a basic design, but it is more affordable than similar models and excellent for everyday use.
This cutting board is made of BPA-free polypropylene, which is non-absorbent, non-porous, and will resist stains. Although it won't be as gentle on knives as a cutting board made from wood, it won't dull the edges as fast as other types of plastic.
The board is reversible, so you can get double the cutting surface. A cut-out hand hole helps you move the cutting board easily or hold it in place while you chop, mince, and dice. The board is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
The Details: Plastic; 11 x 14 x 0.50 inches; dishwasher safe
Why It's Great: Good for carving meat; gorgeous enough to keep out; can be used as a cheese tray or charcuterie board; reversible
Grain of Salt: Needs to be seasoned before first use
Virginia Boys Kitchens' reversible board is a notch smaller (17 x 11 x 0.75 inches) and significantly lighter than the Boos Block. During testing, we were impressed by the quality of this board for its price point. It's especially valuable for people who frequently find themselves slicing meats like flank steak and chicken breast; the soft grains are easy on knives' edges.
However, it's important to note that this cutting board arrives completely unseasoned and requires a bit of work to be primed for use. Regular seasoning will make the board darker, smoother, and more beautiful over time. The brand also sells wood care products, such as all-natural wood seasoning oil and wood wax.
Walnut has a darker finish than maple, making this an attractive cutting board for serving. And unlike plastic or composite cutting boards, this one is so beautiful you may just want to leave it on your counter to show it off.
The Details: Walnut; 17 x 11 x 0.75 inches; hand-wash only
Why It's Great: Lightweight; each board is a different color; easy to store
Grain of Salt: Can slip when chopping or slicing
If space is limited in your kitchen, this set of Dexas Grippmat Cutting Boards is a must-buy. Made of thin, flexible plastic, this lightweight board is easily stored in a drawer or cabinet. You can also fold or roll up the boards for storage, a very nice feature for a college dorm or small apartment. They are dishwasher safe and measure 14 x 11.5 inches.
The boards also offer a great bang for your buck. You get four cutting boards in various colors—which we love for avoiding cross-contamination. While the nonslip backing keeps the board in place during use, we found that it's prone to slipping during rapid chopping. But for simple cooking tasks, these are reliable and quality cutting boards for the price.
The Details: Plastic; 11.50 x 14 inches; dishwasher safe
Why It's Great: Made to order; handmade; great to show off on the counter
Grain of Salt: Will dry out without regular conditioning
Personalized cutting boards make wonderful gifts for newlyweds, new homeowners, or a friend who appreciates nice but practical things. Most customizable cutting boards will be wood cutting boards because they are engraved or burned for personalization. Many brands offer generic monogram lettering, but we like Mark & Graham's large BBQ Carving Board because you can pick between a simple monogram or complete personalization, and the board itself is a high-quality gift.
At 24 x 16 inches, this is a statement piece of a cutting board, meant to be used, displayed, and cared for a long time. The sustainably grown and harvested maple wood is handcrafted into the cutting board in Vermont. With a 1-inch thickness, you don't have to worry about warping any time soon (which shouldn't happen if you hand wash and dry, as recommended). This board should be conditioned with mineral oil or beeswax regularly to keep it from getting dry.
The Details: Maple; 24 x 16 x 1 inches; hand-wash only
We chose the San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board as our top pick because of its nonslip design, easy storage, and reasonable price. We also loved the built-in ruler notches for portioning food and ingredients during testing. If you're looking for an aesthetically pleasing board that can double as a charcuterie platter or serving tray, then consider the stunning Virginia Boys Kitchens Large Walnut Cutting Board.
The best cutting board for you, your kitchen, and your cooking style comes down to personal needs and preferences. Yes, there are certain parameters for picking a good cutting board (all things we've applied to the choices here), but for many people, the difference between an OK cutting board and a great one may be as simple as how it feels when you're using it.
Wooden cutting boards are the cast iron skillets of cutting boards. They're the best, but they're a bit of a bother, too. For example, wooden cutting boards typically do less damage to knife edges, meaning you won't have to break out your knife sharpener as often. On the other hand, they also require a bit more hands-on cleaning and maintenance. You shouldn't wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher, and you're not supposed to leave them dirty or unwashed for long periods as they can stain and warp. They also can get scarred from frequent use, but you can sand them down and re-oil them for long-term use.
Plastic is much easier to clean, and plastic cutting boards are often easier to store because they're lightweight, but their weight also makes them less stable and sturdy when in use. But, once the surface of a plastic cutting board becomes rough with scratches and grooves, it should be replaced as the grooves can harbor bacteria or cause cross-contamination. However, they tend to be cheaper, so replacing them after a few years of use may not hurt the wallet as much as a pricier wooden board.
Teak and bamboo are considered less expensive alternatives to wood, and they're also easier on knives than plastic (and glass, which shouldn't be used as a cutting board at all). Many teak and bamboo boards are also as substantial as wooden cutting boards at a fraction of the cost. Composite materials are often eco-friendly, as they're made from repurposed products, but they aren't always good for knives.
A large cutting board is like a big, beautiful canvas. The more space you have, the better you can create. Ultimately, the size you can use depends on your storage space, but if you're wondering where to start, a 21-inch width is a fantastic choice. If you're working with a smaller kitchen or less storage, a 15-inch may be more practical.
There are two parts to cutting board safety: avoiding cross-contamination and safety in use. For the first issue, we recommend having one board for meats and another for everything else.
For safety during use, larger, thicker wooden boards are less likely to slip around since the weight keeps them stable when you're cutting and chopping. Plastic boards need a nonslip rubber frame or grips, or place them atop a silicone baking mat, so they won't move across your countertop as you're working. You can also look for grips on boards to make them easier to carry.
Appearance may not be a helpful measure of worthiness for other kitchen tools, but it's something to consider when it comes to cutting boards. Cutting boards are one of the most frequently used items in the kitchen, so you'll likely look at this board often and for a long time. If you know you'll be cutting meats or juicy vegetables often, a juice groove will help keep your counters clean (and avoid water getting under the board and causing slippage). Likewise, bigger boards can be difficult to store, so they might even have a semi-permanent home on your countertop.
Although the Gorilla Grip Oversized Cutting Board Set is one of Amazon's highest-rated and inexpensive sets, it fell flat during our tests. We found them to slip and slide on the counter while we sliced, chopped, and cut, which wasn't ideal. Additionally, several reviewers commented that boards show knife marks after the first use.
Most plastic boards are dishwasher safe, and the dishwasher's high heat will help to sanitize them. It's important to keep in mind that nonporous plastic can harbor bacteria once the surface shows some wear and tear. If you want to truly sanitize a plastic board, you can clean it with a solution of a tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water, then clean it again with hot, soapy water.
Wooden boards should always be hand-washed to avoid warping or the board splitting into multiple parts. All you need to do is wash the board in hot, soapy water and a sponge, then rinse and allow it to air dry thoroughly.
Use mineral oil, beeswax, or an oil that is designed specifically for wooden cutting boards and apply it with a lint-free cloth or dish towel. After putting the oil on the cloth, rub the wooden cutting board, going with the grain. It might be necessary to apply more than one coat of oil. Do not use the board until all the oil has soaked in (typically overnight).
Cutting boards do wear out after some time. They can warp, crack, or dry out. Also, as you use them, they can acquire deep or excessive grooves and cuts from knives, which can harbor bacteria or mold or cause cross-contamination. Water pooling in your board or the smallest amount of food getting caught in a ridge are signs that the cutting board should be replaced. In general, if you're using your cutting board daily, it's a good idea to replace it every few years.
This piece was written by Elizabeth Laseter, writer and a former editor for Allrecipes, Kimberly Holland, senior editor of Allrecipes, and Emily Belfiore, buying guides writer for Meredith brands. Our product tester and cutting board connoisseur, Rachel Johnson, tested and evaluated several cutting boards from top-rated brands, including OXO, Farberware, and John Boos. We determined our winners based on their ease of use, durability, and value, as well as how easy they were to store and clean.
Allstars Lisa Lynn Backus and Kim Shupe also tested several cutting boards in their home kitchens, analyzing them thoroughly while bringing their unique insights to the review.
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