After having read reviews on every thread on Reddit in search of the best cutting board among hundreds of brands and types, I finally found several cutting boards that people really stand by.
With the number of brands that manufacture cutting boards of sorts on a daily basis, I took the liberty of compiling together the best brands out in the market today and came up with this list of 8 brands that are popular for the different purposes they serve.
As for me, the best cutting board I’ll go for myself is the John Boos. I particularly like how they manufacture different types and sizes of cutting boards for different purposes! Their boards are sturdy and well-made that comes with a service warranty — definitely a good value for money.
Here are several types of cutting boards (and some general information) that you should know before finally purchasing the right one for you:
- Plastic board – Usually polypropylene in material. Plastic cutting boards are easy to clean but can harbor bacteria in the grooves left by knives. This means that you have to scrape them periodically with wood scrapers to do the cleaning efficiently. Best for cutting chicken or seafood.
- Wooden board – Has natural antibacterial properties. With proper maintenance, it will last for a very long time. Wooden boards generally look nicer and are kinder to knives. Best for vegetables and/or fruits.
- End grain board – Made out of something like acacia, walnut, maple, or cherry. It is also composed of many short pieces of hardwood, each of them arranged vertically and grafted together, side-by-side — which make up the cutting surface. Best for vegetables and/or fruits.
Pro tip: When cleaning your board, frequently oil it because doing so will make your board water repellent and will not absorb smells or flavors from your food you used it with. For utmost results, use butcher’s block oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil. Remember not to use olive oil or any other type of cooking oil as they go rancid.
Depending on your preferences, however, there are a few more options and products for you to consider. If you’re in search of the best cutting board for you and for your kitchen, you might as well start going over this categorized list.
Best for all-around: Sonder Los Angeles
If you are looking for a high-quality cutting board that serves a double purpose of being a centerpiece for your food display or even just left on your counter top for aesthetic purposes, then this board from Sonder Los Angeles is the one!
The cuts from your knife will leave some light marks on your dark wood. If you’re bothered by it,
Due to the dark wood the cuts left by knives do leave some light marks that caught my eye but this is mainly because the wood is so damned gorgeous I felt bad for cutting it! The color of the cutting board side has gotten a little lighter as we have used it more, but this was easily restored with a little mineral oil as Sonder Los Angeles themselves.
The finger “cubby” holes on each side will give you good grip if there is a need for you to carry it, especially if it has food on top. Do you need to cut some veggies? Do you need a board for your charcuterie presentation? This is definitely the board for you!
Best bang for buck: Gorilla Grip
Gorilla Grip’s cutting board is a reasonably-priced, functional household product. They are both strong and durable to help ensure that they remain in place on most smooth and clean surfaces, thanks also to its non-skid edges.
Cutting boards from Gorilla Grip have been designed to satisfy even the most demanding chef’s needs! The set of three comes in three sizes, specifically large (16” x 11.2”), medium (13.8” x 9.6”), small (11.8” x 8”). These cutting boards are thicker and larger than most other cutting boards and contain deep grooves to catch juices so your countertop stays clean.
All the boards are dishwasher-safe and BPA Free. They’re also non-porous (unlike bamboo and other types of wood), so they won’t splinter, crack or peel. No oiling or maintenance necessary! These are a great choice for serving cheese and chopping vegetables and meats, not to mention that they take knives very well. Although knives will typically leave marks, they are shallow — almost like light scratches — and not a gouge like the softer boards.
Best BIFL-quality: John Boos
If you want a cutting board that also serves as a main kitchen centerpiece, John Boos is the way to go for your cutting board. Handmade from North American hard rock maple, cutting boards from John Boos represent true American craftsmanship by their famed woodworkers.
As the original manufacturer of American butcher blocks, they have been producing their flagship blocks for over 100 years! Sure, their board might be a little too hefty but you should probably consider it as an investment for its BIFL-quality.
There are sous chefs who used this board daily for several years bearing extremely abusive usage and the cutting board still holds up. Over time, when signs of usage are all too visible such as marks and crevices, you can even sand down a layer off your board for a brand-new feel.
Best versatile design: Progressive International
For over 40 years, Progressive International’s mission has always been to create innovative kitchen tools and gadgets that make food preparation fun and fast while inspiring culinary creativity. Their philosophy is simple — to offer stylish designs complimented by no-nonsense functionality that help cooks of all skill levels create meals worth sharing.
Plastic cutting boards, specifically from Progressive International, are generally safe and easy to clean with their utmost quality. The biggest benefit, especially when working with meat, is it can be placed in the dishwasher to make sure you get rid of all nasty foodborne illness-causing bacteria.
The only downside is that plastic cutting boards will start to get pretty chewed up over time — creating “grooves” that bacteria can hide in. They also stain over time unless you bleach them every once in a while. But at least, you can throw it in the dishwasher and that it’s relatively cheap.
Best eco-friendly: Epicurean
Epicurean cutting boards have earned their place in the heart of the kitchen, meeting the highest standards of cooks and chefs worldwide. Cutting boards from Epicurean are unusual — they aren’t plastic or wood, but an eco-friendly paper composite with all the strengths and none of the weaknesses of either material.
They are lovely and warm like wood, but light and easy to clean like plastic! Yup, you can throw them in the dishwasher, too. Epicurean cutting boards range from about $30 to $70, “affordable” for something you can use for a relatively long time.
It also looks good enough to stay out on the countertop for aesthetic purposes. They also don’t warp or develop deep grooves that will affect performance later on. With a natural look and texture, these boards are durable, nonporous, and knife-friendly.
Best for juice collection: Ikea
This Lamplig chopping board from Ikea collects food juice in its milled groove and prevents it from spilling on to your countertop. Its weight also provides a stable base for cutting. Made of bamboo, it’s generally a durable natural material that’s also gentle on your knives. But the catch is you absolutely must oil and cure it.
The oiling technique is pretty simple — pour some oil, rub it with your hands, get the sides, get the bottom, then wipe with some paper towels. After doing so, you may let it stand against the wall so the board gets air on both sides.
Pro tip: You can use this board for anything but raw meat to avoid stains and foul smells.
Best butcher blocks: BoardSMITH
A lifelong craftsman, David Smith built his first butcher block in 1993 and refined the design and techniques over the years. As a result, BoardSMITH has earned a reputation for creating one of the finest butcher blocks in the world.
Cutting boards from BoardSMITH will arrive at your doorstep from the manufacturer damp with oil — a great sign that it’s treated with care right from the very start. BoardSMITH takes deep pride in being able to accommodate customizations for their customers. Should you have requests for custom specs, including different sizes and wood types, they’ll have it done specifically for you!
Best for flexibility: Imeko
Imeko’s cutting board is not as thin as the other plastic mats for cutting, which resists knife marks. If you are wanting a flexible cutting mat instead of using a bulky cutting board, this is the one for you to purchase.
It is durable but still flexible to lift and bend so you can pour your sliced items into wherever you want. You can easily store it inside a drawer (or a cabinet) or hang on a hook. You can also clean it by simply throwing it in the dishwasher.
Pro tip: You can purchase it with occasional discounts so it’s best to be on the lookout!