The cutting board holds a vital place in a chef’s arsenal as one of the most essential tools. Your kitchen may be equipped with all the fancy gadgets imaginable, but if your cutting surface is tainted, odorous, or refuses to stay in place, it’s not just the onions that are bound to make you shed tears.
Food and Meal conducted an in-depth evaluation of some different cutting boards, including wooden, plastic, and composite options. Through rigorous testing involving slicing, dicing, staining, washing, and even subjecting them to abuse as any good chef would, we chosen the 7 best cutting boards of 2024.
What to find out when buying the best cutting board?
| Material | Cutting boards come in various materials: plastic for versatility and easy cleaning, wood for a knife-friendly surface needing upkeep, and bamboo for low maintenance but limited durability. Avoid glass boards as they dull knives, risk slips and cracks. |
| Size | Choose a easy-to-clean cutting board, ideally 15 inches or smaller to fit sink or dishwasher. While larger ones have uses, smaller boards are more convenient for everyday tasks. |
| Cleanability | If dishwasher cleaning is preferred, opt for plastic or composite material cutting boards. Wooden boards should not be placed in the dishwasher as they may warp and have difficulty drying completely, leading to potential issues like premature molding and cracking. |
| Nonslip grip | Look for cutting boards with a textured bottom or rubberized edges that enhance stability and prevent slipping. While it is possible to place a dampened paper towel beneath the board to help it stay in place, it’s more convenient to choose a board that doesn’t require this additional step or waste paper towels. |
| Juice groove | When cutting meat or juicy fruits, it is advantageous to have a cutting board with a “moat” or juice groove around its perimeter to capture liquids. For those primarily using the board for carving meat, a deeper moat or trench, along with a pour spout, can facilitate easy drainage of collected juices. |
The 7 best cutting boards of 2024
Sonder LA Winsome Cutting Board
Deep juice groove
Built-in handles
Cracker well
Sonder LA’s Winsome Cutting Board is truly exceptional, boasting a range of ingenious design features that will make you reach for it every day.
One side of the board features a deep juice groove that effortlessly captures any excess liquids, ensuring a clean and mess-free workspace. On the other side, a unique cracker well is designed specifically for serving cheese and charcuterie boards, adding a touch of elegance to your presentation. The board is also equipped with convenient built-in handles on both ends, making serving and maneuvering a breeze.
Crafted from sturdy and sustainable acacia wood, this cutting board measures 1.5 inches in thickness. This makes it lightweight enough to flip and move around with ease during use, while still offering exceptional durability for years to come. The board’s surface cleans beautifully and resists staining, maintaining its impeccable appearance. For your peace of mind, the Winsome comes with a one-year warranty and helpful care instructions to ensure you properly oil and care for it.
We adore this cutting board for its superior quality, stunning design, and versatile functionality. Sonder LA boards offer incredible value for their exceptional craftsmanship. If you’re in search of a cutting board that seamlessly transitions from food preparation to elegant serving, while also being visually appealing for display, the Winsome is an absolute no-brainer.
Food52 The Big Deal Bamboo Cutting Board
Sustainable and hygenic bamboo
Lightweight
We adore the remarkable comfort provided by this bamboo cutting board for our daily usage. Its generous size allows us to chop multiple ingredients simultaneously, yet it remains incredibly lightweight, weighing just five pounds. This feature makes it effortlessly portable, allowing us to effortlessly retrieve and store it for any culinary task. Moreover, this cutting board boasts exceptional design elements that enhance its functionality, such as an iPhone slot on one side, ideal for mess-free recipe reading, and a deep drip canal with a convenient pour spout on the opposite side.
While it’s true that bamboo can potentially dull knife blades faster than wood, we appreciate its sustainability compared to other wood alternatives. Furthermore, bamboo has exhibited greater resistance to bacteria. Nonetheless, it necessitates the same regular care as wood, so it’s essential to diligently maintain it by regularly applying oil.
OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
Convenient drip canals
Dishwasher safe
The OXO Utility Cutting Board embodies all the features we desire in a plastic cutting board. It offers non-slip grip edges that ensure steadfast stability during use. Cleaning up is a breeze, thanks to its convenient drip canal with pour corners. It provides ample workspace for everyday culinary endeavors without overwhelming your entire countertop.
One of the standout features of this cutting board is its double-sided design, allowing for seamless preparation of multi-step recipes. With one side dedicated to produce and the other specifically for poultry, you can switch between ingredients without the need for constant washing in between. Additionally, this cutting board is dishwasher safe, offering the convenience of effortless cleaning after every use, eliminating any concerns or hesitation.
Gorilla Grip Cutting Boards (Set of 3)
Non-slip edges
Built-in handles
Dishwasher safe
If you’re in search of a practical plastic cutting board set that provides excellent value for your money, we highly recommend the Gorilla Grip set.
This set offers three convenient sizes to cater to various needs. The smallest board measures 11.8 by 8 inches, the medium-sized one is 13.8 by 9.6 inches, and the largest board measures 16 by 11.2 inches. With these options available, you can confidently tackle any culinary task, whether it involves finely chopping herbs or precisely slicing steak, without the concern of overcrowding.
Each board in the set is equipped with nonslip rubber edges, although we did find that they were not as reliably slip-resistant as their OXO counterparts. However, these boards do feature grooves to capture liquids and comfortable handles that facilitate easy carrying. Additionally, all three pieces in the set are fully reversible and can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher, enhancing their convenience and ease of use.
ProTeak TeakHaus Marine 510 Cutting Board
Water-resistant
We have a deep admiration for teak, a wood known for its high oil content, which grants it superior resistance to moisture compared to other wooden cutting boards. In our testing, this board showcased remarkable non-absorbency, as it did not soak up any water. Additionally, its grooves possess an impressive capacity to hold liquids without spillage. Furthermore, the durability of teak allows it to withstand most knife marks and scratches, ensuring its enduring beauty even with everyday use.
One aspect we particularly cherished about this board is its ideal size relative to its weight. Teak is heavier than bamboo and acacia, making it challenging to maneuver larger boards. However, this board strikes the perfect balance, offering ample space for most kitchen tasks while remaining manageable and easy to clean.
Moreover, the Teakhaus board holds great appeal for sustainability-conscious shoppers. It is crafted from FSC-certified teak wood sourced from Proteak Renewable Forestry, guaranteeing its sustainable origins. The board’s unique natural grain pattern adds a touch of style, making it suitable for countertop display even when not in use. Additionally, it doubles as an excellent serving board for entertaining purposes.
J.K. Adams Maple Wood Pro-Classic Cutting Board
Gentle on knives
Selecting our favorite J.K. Adams cutting board proved to be quite a challenge, given the impressive performance of all seven options we tested. These wooden boards emerged as the clear winners, excelling in design, portability, and ease of cleaning. One standout feature we particularly adored in the Pro Classic 2.0 Maple Kitchen Prep Board is its built-in slot, perfect for securely holding your phone or tablet, ensuring easy reference while cooking.
Measuring an inch in thickness, this cutting board strikes the perfect balance between sturdiness and manageability. With its 20″ x 16″ dimensions, it conveniently fits into most home sinks for hassle-free washing. Crafted from maple, a wood renowned for its softer nature, it remains gentle on knives while still demonstrating remarkable durability. The board’s versatility shines through, making it an excellent choice for pastry preparation, especially when working with flour. It has proven its resilience throughout the years of regular use. However, it is crucial to treat the board to prevent any potential cracking. While it may develop some stains over time, regular washing tends to effectively remove them, ensuring a clean and pristine appearance.
In terms of overall performance, design, portability, and easy maintenance, J.K. Adams cutting boards stand head and shoulders above the rest. The Pro Classic 2.0 Maple Kitchen Prep Board, in particular, delivers an exceptional experience with its thoughtful features, including the convenient phone or tablet slot. Trust in the quality and reliability of J.K. Adams for a cutting board that effortlessly complements your culinary adventures.
Dexas Polysafe Pastry/Cutting Board with Well
NSF-certified for better peace of mind when cleaning
With its generous dimensions of 15″ x 20″, this cutting board offers a nonporous and nonabsorbent surface that brings peace of mind when working with various ingredients such as meat, chicken, and vegetables. Its large size is a standout feature, and we particularly appreciate the well-designed feature that collects juices effectively. The board’s lightweight construction adds to its appeal, making both cleaning and storing hassle-free, addressing a common concern often encountered with carving boards. Moreover, the fact that it is dishwasher safe is a significant advantage, especially when used with meat, as it simplifies the cleaning process.The board’s reversible nature is another advantage, allowing it to be flipped and used as an ungrooved pastry board, ideal for mixing or rolling out dough. During our tests, we found that placing a damp paper towel underneath the board helped prevent slipping, which is a common precaution and did not discourage us from using it. Over time, the board has developed some stains; however, we still find it reliable when it comes to cutting large pieces of food.
FAQs about Cutting Boards of 2024
Q1: What materials are popular for cutting boards in 2024? A1: Common materials for cutting boards include wood, bamboo, plastic, and composite materials. Each material has its advantages, such as durability, knife-friendliness, and ease of maintenance.
Q2: How do I choose the right size of cutting board for my kitchen? A2: Consider the available countertop space and your typical food preparation needs. A larger cutting board provides more surface area for chopping and slicing, while smaller ones are convenient for limited space.
Q3: Are there cutting boards that are dishwasher safe? A3: Some cutting boards, especially those made of plastic or certain composites, are dishwasher safe. However, it’s recommended to check the manufacturer’s guidelines, as frequent dishwasher use can affect the board’s lifespan.
Q4: What is the best way to clean and maintain cutting boards? A4: Handwash cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use. For disinfection, use a mixture of vinegar and water or a mild bleach solution. Wooden boards may require occasional oiling to prevent drying and cracking.
Q5: Can I use both sides of a cutting board? A5: Many cutting boards are designed to be reversible, allowing you to use both sides. This can be useful for preventing cross-contamination between different types of food.
Q6: What cutting board material is best for knife longevity? A6: While all materials can be knife-friendly, certain hardwoods like maple are popular for their ability to maintain sharp knife edges. Plastic and bamboo cutting boards are also gentle on knives.
Q7: Are there cutting boards with features like juice grooves or non-slip grips? A7: Yes, many modern cutting boards come with features such as juice grooves to catch liquids and non-slip grips to enhance stability during food preparation.
Q8: Can cutting boards be used for both meat and vegetables? A8: While reversible cutting boards can be used for both meat and vegetables, it’s important to practice proper sanitation and cleaning to avoid cross-contamination. Consider using different boards for raw meat and produce.
Q9: Are there eco-friendly options among the best cutting boards of 2024? A9: Yes, bamboo cutting boards are considered eco-friendly as bamboo is a fast-growing and sustainable material. Additionally, some recycled or composite materials are designed with environmental considerations.
Q10: Can cutting boards be used as serving platters? A10: Many cutting boards, especially those made of aesthetically pleasing materials like wood or bamboo, can double as stylish serving platters for cheeses, fruits, and appetizers. Ensure proper cleaning between uses.
