We Tested Cutting Boards—These 11 Deserve a Spot in Your Kitchen

Much like a quality chef's knife or a dependable skillet, a good cutting board can seriously upgrade your home cooking game. Whether you're cutting veggies, chopping herbs, or slicing steak, the right cutting board will provide an ample surface area and help protect your knives. But here's the ultimate question: Which type of cutting board should you use?

Choosing the best cutting board for your kitchen will depend on the types of foods you cook, the knives you use, and the amount of storage space you have. You might even need more than one style of cutting board. From budget-conscious, flexible plastic boards to sturdy wooden boards with juice grooves, there are more than enough models on the market to find precisely what you need. To help you choose, we tested the best cutting boards available, highlighting important attributes like durability, ease of cleaning, storage, and overall value.

Our Favorites

• Our Top Pick: San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board
• Best Large: John Boos Reversible Maple Wood Cutting Board
• Best Bamboo: Totally Bamboo Kona Groove Cutting Board
• Best Wooden: Teakhaus Edge Grain Carving Board
• Best Plastic: OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board
• Best Composite: Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board
• Best Budget: Farberware Plastic Cutting Board
• Best Design: Virginia Boys Large Walnut Cutting Board
• Best Flexible: Dexas Heavy-Duty Grippmat Cutting Board
• Best Small: Kerryoung Acacia Wood Cutting Board
• Best Personalized: Mark & Graham Personalized BBQ Carving Board

Our Top Pick: San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board

San Jamar cutting boards are a staple of professional kitchens, and the Saf-T-Grip board is no exception. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but this well-priced workhouse board will serve you well in a variety of kitchen tasks.

Made of durable co-polymer plastic, this dishwasher-safe board features sturdy non-slip feet that hold it securely in place during cutting. During testing, we plowed through tasks like dicing cucumbers, chopping fresh herbs, and slicing steak with ease. The hard surface of the board was gentle on the knife—and we especially loved the built-in ruler notches along the side, a unique feature that makes portioning ingredients a breeze.

This cutting board is available in five different sizes and seven different colors. While we preferred the 18-inch by 12-inch size, it may be too large to fit in a standard dishwasher. Lastly, a built-in hook on the board allows for easy storage; simply hang it on a wire shelf or a wall-mounted hanger in your kitchen.

The Details: Plastic; 12 x 18 x 0.5 inches; available in white, black, blue, brown, green, purple, red, or yellow; hand wash only

Best Large: John Boos Reversible Maple Wood Cutting Board

The John Boos Maple Cutting Board (also called the "Boos Block") is the priciest board in our roundup, but it's also one of the most stunning. Made from sustainably-sourced, high-quality maple, the Boos Block is strong, durable, and much easier on your knives than plastic cutting boards. The 24-inch by 18-inch by 1.5-inch pick is large (and tall), but it offers plenty of room for prepping multiple ingredients. One side of this reversible board features juice grooves, perfect for carving a Thanksgiving turkey, while the other side is flat. Space permitting, this board is made to be stored and displayed on your countertop.

While the Boos Block is pre-seasoned, it needs to be oiled before the first use (try their Mystery Oil), as well as on a regular basis. This board also needs to be hand-washed, so cleaning and sanitizing are a bit more involved. Regardless, this is truly a gorgeous cutting board that would make the perfect focal point of any kitchen.

The Details: Maple; 24 x 18 x 1.50 inches; hand wash only

Best Bamboo: Totally Bamboo Kona Groove Cutting Board

Totally Bamboo's Kona Groove Cutting Board looks and feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. We gave this board top marks in every category, and we especially liked its smooth surface that was gentle on knives.

Made from sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo, this surprisingly lightweight board is a perfect size at 18 inches by 12 inches. The reversible grooved and flat sides on this board make it practical for everyday or special occasion use.

Like the Boos' wooden board, Totally Bamboo's board requires regular seasoning. It's also not dishwasher-safe and should be hand-washed and rinsed with warm water and soap. Totally Bamboo's board isn't as durable as the Boos board, but it looks just as beautiful and offers great value.

The Details: Bamboo; 18 x 12.50 x 0.63 inches; hand wash only

Best Wooden: Teakhaus Edge Grain Carving Board

Where bamboo cutting boards were once seen as the cheaper wood-like cutting board alternative to traditional hardwoods, teak has been gaining momentum as a durable, sustainable, and reliable cutting board material. That's because teak is a bit more water-resistant and requires less upkeep than other wooden and bamboo boards. While it does require more diligent cleaning than a plastic board, it's as good for your knives' edges as other woods.

The edge-grain board is a bit harder on knives than end-grain boards, which are made by gluing the sides of boards together. But the edge-grain style can often avoid moisture build-up and the ensuing cracking and warping better than end-grain boards.

At 20 inches by 15 inches, this cutting board may be too big for storage in most kitchens, but with its substantial size and beautiful color, it's nice enough to leave displayed on the counter or tucked up against the backsplash. Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, it is unlikely to slip and slide while in use, either.

The Details: Teak; 20 x 15 x 1.50 inches; hand wash only

Best Plastic: OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board

Oxo Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board received high marks during testing and was almost our pick for best cutting board overall. However, due to its size—14 inches by 21 inches—it's a bit larger than standard cutting boards, which may not be a great fit for people who don't need (or prefer) a big cutting board.

Made of polypropylene plastic, this sturdy board is dishwasher safe and features non-slip feet to hold it in place. Although not especially deep, the juice grooves along the sides of the board are a nice feature and allow the juices to collect when you're slicing larger cuts of meat like beef tenderloin or roast chicken.

We love that the larger size of this cutting board helped us stay organized during prepping. However, storage may be an issue for this board in smaller kitchens. It probably won't fit in your dishwasher either, but it can easily be scrubbed and rinsed in your sink.

The Details: Plastic; 14 x 21 inches; dishwasher safe

Best Composite: Epicurean All-in-One Cutting Board

If you love the look of a wooden cutting board and the convenience of plastic, Epicurean's composite board is an attractive option. Made from an eco-friendly paper composite material called Richlite, the All-in-One board is lightweight, completely dishwasher safe, and features handy non-slip feet. It's also reversible—the grooved side is intended for cutting and carving meat, while the flat side is intended for chopping and dicing. And because it's heat-resistant up to 350° Fahrenheit, you can even use it as a trivet.

Storage is easy, as it's thin and small enough (14.5 inches by 11.24 inches) to be placed flat in a drawer or upright in a cabinet. The built-in, centered hole at the top of the board is a thoughtful feature, allowing you to store it on a wall-mounted hook. While the composite material can be tougher on knives and a bit noisy, this is a quality cutting board that checks all the right boxes for everyday tasks.

The Details: Hardwood composite; 14.5 x 11.25 x 0.25 inches; dishwasher safe

Best Budget: Farberware Plastic Cutting Board

Farberware's generously sized 11-inch by 14-inch plastic cutting board may not be the most beautiful option on this list, but it is more affordable than similar models and excellent for everyday use.

This cutting board is made of BPA-free polypropylene, which is non-absorbent, non-porous, and will resist stains. Although it won't be as gentle on knives as a cutting board made from wood, it won't dull the edges as fast as other types of plastic.

The board is reversible, so you can get double the cutting surface. A cut-out hand hole helps you move the cutting board easily or hold it in place while you chop, mince, and dice. The board is also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

The Details: Plastic; 11 x 14 x 0.50 inches; dishwasher safe

Best Design: Virginia Boys Kitchens Large Walnut Cutting Board

Virginia Boys Kitchens' reversible board is a notch smaller (17 inches by 11 inches by 0.75 inches) and significantly lighter than the Boos Block. During testing, we were impressed by the quality of this board for its price point. It's especially valuable for people who frequently find themselves slicing meats like flank steak and chicken breast; the soft grains are easy on knives' edges.

However, it's important to note that this cutting board arrives completely unseasoned and requires a bit of work to be primed for use. Regular seasoning will make the board darker, smoother, and more beautiful over time. The brand also sells wood care products, such as all-natural wood seasoning oil and wood wax.

Walnut has a darker finish than maple, making this an attractive cutting board for serving. And unlike plastic or composite cutting boards, this one is so beautiful you may just want to leave it on your counter to show it off.

The Details: Walnut; 17 x 11 x 0.75 inches; hand wash only

Best Flexible: Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board

If space is limited in your kitchen, this set of Dexas Grippmat Cutting Boards is a must-buy. Made of thin, flexible plastic, this lightweight board is easily stored in a drawer or cabinet. You can also fold or roll up the boards for storage, a very nice feature for a college dorm or small apartment. They are dishwasher safe and measure 14 by 11.5 inches.

The boards also offer a great bang for your buck. You get four cutting boards in various colors—which we love for avoiding cross-contamination. While the non-slip backing keeps the board in place during use, we found that it's prone to slipping during rapid chopping. But for simple cooking tasks, these are reliable and quality cutting boards for the price.

The Details: Plastic; 11.50 x 14 inches; dishwasher safe

Best Small Option: Karryoung Acacia Wood Cutting Board

From time to time, you'll want to get your hands on a small cutting board for scaled-down kitchen tasks, like slicing citrus, cubing cheese for a party tray, or just displaying fresh brownies on your dinner buffet. With this small cutting board, you get the best of both worlds: a beautiful acacia wood cutting board so eye-catching that you may want to leave it out all the time, and a highly-rated cutting board that is gentle on knives and easy to clean (just not in the dishwasher).

It measures 17 by 7 inches and is made from acacia wood, which has a reputation for its beautiful grain patterns. The handle is ergonomically designed and gives this petite pick its fan-favorite non-slip capabilities.

The Details: Acacia; 17 x 7 inches; hand wash only

Best Personalized: Mark & Graham Personalized BBQ Carving Board

Personalized cutting boards make wonderful gifts for newlyweds, new homeowners, or a friend who appreciates nice but practical things. Most customizable cutting boards will be wood cutting boards because they are engraved or burned for personalization. Many brands offer generic monogram lettering, but we like Mark & Graham's large BBQ Carving Board because you can pick between a simple monogram or complete personalization, and the board itself is a high-quality gift.

At 24 inches by 16 inches, this is a statement piece of a cutting board, meant to be used, displayed, and cared for a long time. The sustainably grown and harvested maple wood is handcrafted into the cutting board in Vermont. With a 1-inch thickness, you don't have to worry about warping any time soon (which shouldn't happen if you hand wash and dry, as recommended). This board should be conditioned with mineral oil or beeswax on a regular basis to keep it from getting dry.

The Details: Maple; 24 x 16 x 1 inches; hand wash only

Our Takeaway

We chose the San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board as our top pick because of its non-slip design, easy storage, and reasonable price. We also loved the built-in ruler notches for portioning food and ingredients during testing. If you're looking for a small cutting board that can also be used as a cheese board or charcuterie board, the Karryoung Acacia Wood Cutting Board is an ideal choice.

How to Pick the Right Cutting Board

The best cutting board for you, your kitchen, and your cooking style comes down to personal needs and preferences. Yes, there are certain parameters for picking a good cutting board (all things we've applied to the choices here), but for many people, the difference between an OK cutting board and a great one may be as simple as how it feels when you're using it.

Material

Wooden cutting boards are the cast iron skillets of cutting boards. They're the best, but they're a bit of a bother, too. For example, wooden cutting boards typically do less damage to knife edges, meaning you won't have to break out your knife sharpener as often. On the other hand, they also require a bit more hands-on cleaning and maintenance. You shouldn't wash wooden cutting boards in the dishwasher, and you're not supposed to leave them dirty or unwashed for long periods of time as they can stain and warp. They also can get scarred from frequent use, but you can sand them down and re-oil them for long-term use.

Plastic is much easier to clean, and plastic cutting boards are often easier to store because they're lightweight, but their weight also makes them less stable and sturdy when in use. However, they tend to be cheaper, so replacing them after a few years of use may not hurt the wallet as much as a pricier wooden board.

Teak and bamboo are considered less expensive alternatives to wood, and they're also easier on knives than plastic (and glass, which shouldn't be used as a cutting board at all). Many teak and bamboo boards are also as substantial as wooden cutting boards at a fraction of the cost. Composite materials are often eco-friendly, as they're made from repurposed products, but they aren't always good for knives.

Size

A large cutting board is like a big, beautiful canvas. The more space you have, the better you can create. Ultimately, the size you can use depends on your storage space, but if you're wondering where to start, a 21-inch width is a fantastic choice. If you're working with a smaller kitchen or less storage, a 15-inch may be more practical.

Safety

Larger, thicker wooden boards are less likely to slip around, which keeps them stable when you're cutting and chopping. Plastic boards need a non-slip rubber frame or grips so they won't move across your countertop as you're working. You can also look for grips on boards to make them easier to carry.

Looks

Lastly, while appearance may not be a helpful measure of worthiness for other kitchen tools, it's definitely something to consider when it comes to cutting boards. Cutting boards are one of the most frequently used items in the kitchen, so you'll likely be looking at this board often and for a long time. Likewise, bigger boards can be difficult to store, so they may even have a semi-permanent home on your countertop.

About Our Tests

We rounded up several top-rated cutting boards made from plastic, wood, bamboo, and composite materials, but we intentionally left glass cutting boards out of our lineup since they can damage knives. We also asked the Allrecipes editors and staff to recommend their favorite cutting boards.

Then, we called on expert product tester (and cutting board connoisseur) Rachel Johnson to rigorously test them all. Rachel prepared a Thai Beef Salad using each cutting board to gauge how they handled tasks like chopping veggies and slicing meat. For each test, she considered these metrics:

• Knife Feel: How efficiently does the cutting board handle tasks like chopping, dicing, and slicing? Will it dull your knives?
• Durability: Is the board made to last? Does it show wear and tear?
• Cleanup: Is the board dishwasher safe? If not, how difficult is it to clean?
• Storage: Does it take up unnecessary space in your kitchen?
• Overall value: Most importantly, is it worth the investment?

The Leftovers: Other Cutting Boards We Tested

Although the Gorilla Grip Oversized Cutting Board Set is one of Amazon's highest-rated and most affordable sets, it fell flat during our tests. We found them to slip and slide on the counter while we sliced, chopped, and cut, which wasn't ideal. Several reviewers commented that boards show knife marks after just the first use, as well.

Common Questions

What is the best way to clean a cutting board?

Plastic boards that are dishwasher safe should be put in the dishwasher on high heat to sanitize them. Wooden boards should be hand washed in hot, soapy water and a sponge, then rinsed and allowed to air dry thoroughly.

How do you condition or oil a wooden cutting board?

Use mineral oil, beeswax, or an oil that is designed specifically for wooden cutting boards and apply it with a lint-free cloth. After putting the oil on the cloth, rub the wooden cutting board, going with the grain. It might be necessary to apply more than one coat of oil. Do not use the board until all the oil has soaked in (typically overnight).

When is it time to throw out a cutting board?

Cutting boards do wear out after a period of time. They can warp, crack, dry out get deep and excessive grooves and cuts from knives, and get old and worn. These are signs that the cutting board should be replaced.

Why Take Our Word For It?

This piece was written by Elizabeth Laseter, freelance writer and a former editor for Allrecipes, Kimberly Holland, senior editor of Allrecipes, and Emily Belfiore, buying guides writer for Meredith brands. Our product tester and cutting board connoisseur, Rachel Johnson, tested and evaluated several cutting boards from top-rated brands including Oxo, Farberware, and John Boos. We determined our winners based on their ease of use, durability, and value, as well as how easy they were to store and clean.