In the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we tested 26 of the best cutting boards, including a variety of brands, materials, shapes, sizes and styles. We used various knife styles, including sturdy Western-style knives and nimble Japanese knives to slice fresh mozzarella, salami and a variety of produce, including ripe, soft tomatoes and crunchy, raw carrots. Our tests evaluated how easy the boards were to clean, how delicate they were on our knives and how they handled hard or slippery ingredients.
After our picks, keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of various cutting board materials plus what to look for while shopping for them.
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
OXO cutting boards have been our favorite for years. We love how they grip the counter to prevent slipping and can be used for a variety of foods, from raw meat and chicken to fresh veggies since they're made of an easy-to-wash plastic that's dishwasher safe. They’re slim and lightweight, which makes cleanup easy — one of the most important factors we consider when we review tools.
In our tests, we found the 13" x 9" board to be a little smaller than we're used to, but it grew on us very quickly, mostly because it fits into the dishwasher so easily. The board felt good against our knives and ingredients didn't roll around when we cut them. The juice groove, which is built into only one side for added versatility, proves to be helpful when cutting juicy chicken, steak and tomatoes. The cutting board material does wear over time, but we've been using these almost daily for years and have yet to replace them. OXO also offers a large carving board, our preferred size for special occasions and large tasks.
Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board
Epicurean makes composite cutting boards that look and feel like wood but are thin, durable and can be washed like plastic. They come in a wide assortment of shapes and sizes. Our top pick is the Gourmet Series Cutting Board due to its size and versatility. At 14.5" x 11.25", it’s big enough to carve a whole chicken with a wide well to catch the juices on one side, but it's thin and light enough to toss in the sink or dishwasher for easy cleanup.
It can also be flipped for an even larger cutting surface that doesn't feature the juice groove. We liked how flat and sturdy it felt on the counter, even with a wet paper towel placed beneath it. While pricier than other cutting boards, these have become a go-to item in the Kitchen Appliances Lab. They've stood up to years of use and are easy to clean and store.
J.K. Adams Maple Wood Williston Duo Set of Three Boards
We had a hard time picking our favorite J.K. Adams cutting board out of the seven we tested. Overall, they were our top wooden boards in terms of design, portability and ease of cleaning. We loved that these maple boards come in a set of multiple sizes.
These maple boards are gentle on knives, and the included sizes are sturdy and durable but can fit into a home sink for easy washing. Our testers found that this style of board from J.K. Adams is great for pastry when working with flour. They do, however, need to be treated to help prevent cracking. Over time, J.K. Adams' boards have developed some stains, but they tend to go away as you wash them more.
Dexas Polysafe Pastry/Cutting Board with Well
This 15" x 20" cutting board claims to be nonporous and nonabsorbent for better peace of mind when using it to cut raw meat. (Just remember to always wash it between uses!) We love its large size and the trough designed to collect juices. It’s also lightweight, which makes cleaning and storing easy (a common pain point with carving boards). The best part is that it's certified dishwasher safe according to the National Science Foundation, a huge pro for sanitizing it after cutting meat.
The board is reversible; it can be flipped and used as an ungrooved pastry board designed for mixing or rolling out dough, an advantage of its nonabsorbent surface. In our tests, we needed to put a damp paper towel underneath it to prevent slipping, which is common and didn't deter us from using it. Over the years, it has developed stains, but we still reach for it when we need to cut large pieces of food.
Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board Set
The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board
This gorgeous wooden cutting board is Kitchen Gear Awards for its durability, sleek design and the unique feature of feet that raise it off the counter for easy drying and additional air circulation.
Because it’s made of end-grain wood, this board should be long-lasting and very gentle on knives, but it may require oiling more often and with more oil than other types of cutting boards. Testers found it to be heavier and more expensive than other boards they tried, making it a little trickier to wash and maneuver around the kitchen, but the quality and durability of the board made up for it. Testers were excited to cut veggies on it and then display it in their kitchens.
Totally Bamboo Three-Piece Cutting Board Set
Like maple, walnut and cherry wood, bamboo is dense and good at keeping water and juices out. It makes a good material for cutting boards because it’s lightweight and can be cleaned easily. If allowed to fully dry after washing, it requires little maintenance, although oiling bamboo every so often helps prevent cracking.
This three-piece set has stood the test of home use for years. The smallest size is good for quick prep work, while the biggest one is good for larger tasks; the middle is a nice catch-all for everyday tasks like chopping carrots and onions. In our tests, we liked that the boards felt sturdy and didn’t move around when a wet paper towel was placed beneath them. We also liked the various sizes and built-in handles for portability. Sometimes the boards warped, but quickly reshaped after a quick wash and proper dry.
