A cutting board decides how long your knives stay sharp, how easily you can sanitize raw meat and how much counter you give up. Material is the main choice: wood is kind to knives and looks good, plastic is easy to clean, and composite boards sit in between.
The six boards below cover those materials. Details come from the product listings, and we have not used these boards ourselves. Check size, thickness and care instructions on the product page.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
Materials Compared
| Material | Good at | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Wood, edge grain | Knife-friendly, durable, looks good | Needs hand washing and oiling; heavy |
| Wood, end grain | Very gentle on edges | Heavier and needs regular oiling |
| Plastic | Light, dishwasher friendly, easy to sanitize | Can scar and stain over time |
| Composite | Dishwasher safe, light, durable | Check the listing for care notes |
Our Six Picks
| Board | Material | Size and weight as listed |
|---|---|---|
| John Boos R-Board | Maple, edge grain, reversible | 18 x 12 x 1.5 in, about 10 lb |
| Epicurean Gourmet Series | Composite, dishwasher safe, microplastics free | 17.5 x 13 in |
| OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board | Plastic, non-slip base, juice grooves | 14.34 x 21.11 in |
| Teakhaus Thick End Grain Butcher Block | Teak, end grain, reversible, juice groove | 24 x 18 x 1.5 in |
| Joseph Joseph Cut&Carve Plus | Plastic, non-slip, double-sided | Several sizes; see product page |
| Ironwood Gourmet Hudson Carving Board | Acacia wood, grip pad, juice well | 15 x 20 in |
The 6 Best Cutting Boards
1. John Boos R-Board 18 by 12 Inch
An edge-grain maple board that the listing describes as reversible, 1.5 inches thick and about 10 pounds.
Suits: cooks who want a traditional wood butcher block. Strengths: thick and stable. Weaknesses: heavy, and it needs hand washing and oiling. Skip it if you want a dishwasher-safe board.
View John Boos R-Board 18 x 12 on Amazon
2. Epicurean Gourmet Series 17.5 by 13 Inch
A composite board that the listing says is dishwasher safe, lightweight and microplastics free, reversible, available with a juice groove in other versions.
Suits: cooks who want an easy-clean board without wood care. Strengths: light and dishwasher safe. Weaknesses: check care notes for the finish. Skip it if you want a thick wooden block.
View Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board 17.5 x 13 on Amazon
3. OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board
A large plastic board of about 14.3 by 21.1 inches with a non-slip base and deep juice grooves, which suit carving a roast.
Suits: carving and big prep jobs. Strengths: a stable base and a large surface. Weaknesses: plastic can scar. Skip it if you want a wooden board.
View OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board on Amazon
4. Teakhaus Thick End Grain Butcher Block, Extra Large
A 24 by 18 by 1.5 inch reversible teak end-grain board with a juice groove and grip handles, described as knife-friendly.
Suits: serious cooks with counter space to spare. Strengths: end grain is gentle on knife edges. Weaknesses: large and heavy. Skip it if your counter is small.
View Teakhaus Thick End Grain Butcher Block XL on Amazon
5. Joseph Joseph Cut&Carve Plus
A double-sided, non-slip plastic board with multi-function features, sold in several sizes and colors that the listing says are dishwasher safe.
Suits: everyday prep and carving. Strengths: easy cleanup and a non-slip design. Weaknesses: plastic scars over time. Skip it if you want to protect knife edges as much as possible.
View Joseph Joseph Cut&Carve Plus on Amazon
6. Ironwood Gourmet Hudson Carving Board
A 15 by 20 inch acacia wood carving board with a grip pad and a juice well.
Suits: carving and serving. Strengths: a large surface with a juice well. Weaknesses: needs hand washing and oil. Skip it if you want a dishwasher-safe board.
View Ironwood Gourmet Hudson Carving Board on Amazon
Size Guide
- Small kitchens: about 12 by 18 inches.
- Everyday prep: about 15 by 20 inches.
- Carving and big jobs: 20 by 15 inches and up.
Wood boards of 1.5 inches thick weigh about 10 pounds at 18 by 12 inches and more at larger sizes, so check whether you can lift it to wash.
Care Basics
- Wood: hand wash, dry upright and oil it regularly.
- Plastic and composite: follow the dishwasher guidance in the listing.
- Use separate boards for raw meat and for produce.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Soaking a wooden board.
- Using one board for raw meat and ready-to-eat food.
- Buying a board larger than your sink or counter.
- Cutting on glass or stone, which dulls knives.
Cutting Board FAQ
Wood or plastic?
Wood is gentler on knives and looks good but needs care. Plastic is easy to clean and sanitize but scars over time.
What is end grain?
End-grain boards use the cut ends of the wood fibers facing up, which is gentler on knife edges.
Do I need a juice groove?
For carving meat, yes. For vegetables, a flat board is fine.
The Short Version
For a traditional wood board, the John Boos R-Board. For easy cleanup, the Epicurean Gourmet Series. For carving, the OXO Good Grips or the Ironwood Gourmet Hudson. For gentle edges and counter space to spare, the Teakhaus end-grain block.
