A good cutting board is the surface every recipe starts on, so it pays to choose one that suits your knives and your routine. Wood boards are kind to blades and look good on the counter, plastic boards go in the dishwasher, and bamboo sits in between with a firm, light feel.
The six boards below cover those materials. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the size, the thickness and the care instructions on the current listing before buying. Board sizes vary a lot, so measure your counter space and sink first and treat our descriptions as general guidance. Think about what you cut most. Raw chicken and fish are easiest on a plastic board you can sanitize, while vegetables, bread and cooked meat feel natural on wood. Many kitchens keep one large wood board for daily prep and one plastic board for raw meat, which is a simple way to keep things separate.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood is gentle on knives; plastic is easy to sanitize; bamboo is firm |
| Size | A large board gives room to work; a small one stores more easily |
| Thickness | Thicker boards resist warping and feel stable |
| Juice groove | A groove catches liquid from roasts and fruit |
| Care | Wood needs oil and hand washing; plastic often goes in the dishwasher |
Specs at a Glance
| Board | Material | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Boos Maple Board | Hard maple | Large; check the listing | Reversible |
| Epicurean Gourmet Board | Paper composite | Several sizes | Dishwasher safe, per maker |
| OXO Carving and Cutting Board | Plastic with soft edges | Large; check the listing | Juice groove |
| Totally Bamboo Kauai Board | Bamboo | Several sizes | Juice groove |
| Teakhaus Edge Grain Board | Teak | Several sizes | Edge grain |
| Farberware Plastic Cutting Boards | Plastic | Set; check the listing | Dishwasher friendly |
The 6 Best Cutting Boards
1. John Boos Maple Reversible Cutting Board
A thick hard maple board from a long-established American maker, reversible so you can flip it as one side wears. It is the sort of board that is meant to last for years with oil.
Suits: serious cooks. Strengths: a thick, durable build. Weaknesses: heavy and needs oiling. Skip it if you want a dishwasher board.
View John Boos Maple Board on Amazon
2. Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board
A slim, paper-fiber composite board that is light, knife-friendly and designed to be dishwasher safe, per the maker. It stores easily and handles hot pans better than plastic.
Suits: easy cleanup. Strengths: slim and dishwasher friendly. Weaknesses: thin and lightweight. Skip it if you want a thick butcher block.
View Epicurean Gourmet Board on Amazon
3. OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board
A large plastic board with a juice groove and non-slip edges that is aimed at carving roasts and everyday prep. A practical choice for cooks who want grip and easy washing.
Suits: carving roasts. Strengths: a juice groove and grip. Weaknesses: plastic dulls over time. Skip it if you want a wood look.
View OXO Carving and Cutting Board on Amazon
4. Totally Bamboo Kauai Cutting Board
A bamboo board with a juice groove and a firm, light feel, sold in a number of sizes. A common pick for people who like the look of bamboo.
Suits: bamboo fans. Strengths: a light bamboo build. Weaknesses: harder on edges than soft woods. Skip it if you prefer softer wood.
View Totally Bamboo Kauai Board on Amazon
5. Teakhaus Edge Grain Teak Cutting Board
A teak board from a brand that specializes in teak, with an edge grain build that is meant to be tough and attractive. Teak has natural oils that some cooks prefer.
Suits: a warm look. Strengths: natural teak oils. Weaknesses: needs hand washing. Skip it if you want an easy-wash board.
View Teakhaus Edge Grain Board on Amazon
6. Farberware Professional Plastic Cutting Boards
A set of plastic boards in different sizes, meant for everyday prep and easy cleaning. It offers a low-cost way to keep raw and cooked foods separate.
Suits: raw meat prep. Strengths: a set in a few sizes. Weaknesses: plastic scars over time. Skip it if you want a showpiece.
View Farberware Plastic Cutting Boards on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Wash wood by hand and dry it upright.
- Oil wood boards now and then.
- Replace plastic boards when they are deeply scarred.
- Place a damp towel under the board for grip.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Putting a wood board in the dishwasher.
- Using one board for raw meat and salad.
- Leaving a wet board flat on the counter.
- Choosing a board too small for your knife.
Cutting Board FAQ
Is wood or plastic better?
Wood is gentler on knives and lasts. Plastic is easier to sanitize and cheaper.
Is bamboo a good option?
It is firm and light. Some find it a little hard on knife edges.
How big should a cutting board be?
Large enough for the ingredients you chop at once. Check your counter space too.
How often should I oil a wood board?
When it looks dry. Use a food-safe oil, as the maker advises.
The Short Version
For a long-lasting wood board, the John Boos Maple Board. For easy cleanup, the Epicurean Gourmet Board. For carving roasts, the OXO Carving and Cutting Board. For bamboo fans, the Totally Bamboo Kauai Board. For a warm teak look, the Teakhaus Edge Grain Board. For raw meat prep, the Farberware Plastic Cutting Boards.