Reviews You Can Rely On

The 6 Best Cutting Boards

We tested cutting boards from brands like Sonder, Farberware, Boos Block, OXO, and more to find the best models
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Best Cutting Board Review (We tested each model side-by-side by leaving beef brisket and strawberries on them for hours to best compare how easy...)
We tested each model side-by-side by leaving beef brisket and strawberries on them for hours to best compare how easy they were to clean off.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Our Top Picks

By Ian Nicholson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 22, 2023

The Best Cutting Boards


Is it time to replace your old, beat-up cutting board? We researched over 50 of the best cutting boards available today before purchasing the top 11 to test side-by-side. We put each through the paces, slicing and dicing veggies, fruits, bread, and more. We looked at the durability of its materials and evaluated how well it stores in a cupboard or drawer, how easy it is to clean, and how well it stays in place when in use. We considered options including plastic, composite, and bamboo to give you a solid overview of the market. After hours of culinary work, we offer you our insights to help you find the best option for your needs.

If you need a top-quality kitchen knife set to use with your cutting board, have a look at our reviews to see our favorite chef's knife and the top-ranked bread knives. We've done a lot of chopping to determine the best models. Check out our favorite knife sharpeners for keeping your knives in good shape after all that slicing and dicing. See our full range of kitchen reviews, from the best salad spinners to the top food dehydrators.


1

Best Overall Cutting Board


Sonder Large End Grain Walnut Cutting Board


Material: Hardwood | Size available: 17 x 13 x 1.5" in
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile and beautiful design
Bumpers on both sides help it to stay in place
Anti-microbial wood construction
Knife-friendly end grain walnut
Deep juice grooves for meat or fruit
Handmade in the USA
Flips over with pockets for use as a cheese platter
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Thicker design requires more storage space
Not dishwasher safe

In our eyes, the Sonder is the best overall cutting board on the market. Handcrafted in Los Angeles, CA, Sonder pulls out all the stops to produce an incredible product for your kitchen. Its end-grain wood construction offers an anti-microbial design that should help keep your cooking space germ-free. It's heft helps keep it in place, but it also features little rubber “feet” to minimize slippage. Its hardwood construction is more knife-friendly than other bamboo options, and we love its deep juice groove that keeps messy jobs from overflowing onto the counter. We found the dimensions just right, not overwhelmingly large or too small to be useful.

Price is the main issue with this cutting board; it's nearly twice the price of many other high-end hardwood boards and several times more than the bamboo or plastic models. The Sonder's other drawback is that it's hard to store. At 1.5 inches thick and roughly 10 pounds, this board will feel hefty for folks used to thinner bamboo or plastic boards. Still, we highly recommend the Sonder and feel it is best for those seeking a top-rated wooden cutting board with an anti-slip grip and a beautiful finish.

cutting board - the sonder pulls out all the stops. this is one of the nicest, most...
The Sonder pulls out all the stops. This is one of the nicest, most functional cutting boards we've used, from the anti-microbial and knife-friendly end-grain construction to the deep juice groove and rubberized feet that help keep it in place.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

2

Best Bang for the Buck


HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board 3-Piece Set


Material: Plastic | Size available: 10 x 5.8", 12.5 x 7.8", 15.8 x 9.5" in
REASONS TO BUY
Dishwasher safe
Great price
Includes three different-sized boards
Rubberized segments keep board in place
Low profile and easy to store
Textured surface helps keep items in place
Durable
No oiling or maintenance is necessary
REASONS TO AVOID
Textured surface requires a little more effort to clean
Not as knife-friendly as other materials
Will need to be replaced more frequently than models made with other materials

Two plastic models that stood out from the pack were the HOMWE Kitchen 3-Piece Set and the OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board. While both models are well-designed and solid, this set from HOMWE Kitchen edged out the OXO model as our favorite plastic board. Three great sizes provide plenty of versatility, and we love the rubberized pads that keep it from shifting around. The tough and durable textured surface is more blade-friendly than many other plastic options. We appreciate that it's dishwasher safe, and its handles make pulling it out of deep cabinets as easy as it gets.

While we can appreciate this model, there are a few downsides to plastic in general. It's more durable, but it will dull knives faster, necessitating more frequent blade sharpening than hardwood and bamboo options. We also don't love that knives will produce cuts on the board that can harbor bacteria, meaning this board will need to be replaced more often than many wooden models. Still, if you're in the market for a low-priced plastic design, this value pack is a wonderful option to consider.

cutting board - with its textured surface, rubberized pads that significantly reduce...
With its textured surface, rubberized pads that significantly reduce slipping, and easy-to-clean material, this set was our review team's favorite plastic option.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

3

An Excellent Buy for Bamboo


Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Cutting Board


Material: Bamboo | Size available: 12 x 8", 10 x 15", 18 x 12" in
REASONS TO BUY
Great price for a non-plastic board
Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and resists harboring bacteria
Low profile design makes storage a breeze
Recessed handles make lifting it off smooth surfaces easy
Deep and functional juice groove
Durable and resists deep cuts and gouges better than other models
REASONS TO AVOID
Some maintenance required to maintain good performance
Will dull knives faster than hardwood designs
Stains more easily than other bamboo products we tested

If you want to buy one of the best bamboo boards you can get for the least amount of money, look no further than the Royal Craft-Bamboo series. These are solid all-around options regardless of price; however, this model is difficult to beat when you consider the low cost. All of our testers loved the deep juice grooves and recessed handles, which made it easier to pick up off of smooth surfaces.

Like most other bamboo options, the Royal Craft-Bamboo does need some maintenance. But generally speaking, it needs to be oiled less than once a month and less overall than most other bamboo or hardwood models. It is not dishwasher safe and needs to be hand-washed. In our experience, some things (like strawberries) will leave stains, which is something to keep in mind. Fortunately, it does share the same superior anti-microbial properties as other hardwood and bamboo products. It's tough to beat for the price, and we'd choose this board every time over nearly any plastic version. The Royal Craft-Bamboo is great for folks wanting to try out something other than plastic but not willing to throw down a ton of money.

cutting board - there are a lot of inexpensive bamboo options on the market; for...
There are a lot of inexpensive bamboo options on the market; for those not wanting to spend a ton on their cutting surface but also want something that has the anti-microbial properties of wood, we'd recommend this one.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

4

Best Composite Board


Epicurean Kitchen Series 8 x 16-Inch


Material: Composite | Size available: 8 x 6", 11.5 x 9", 14.5 x 11.25", 17.5 x 13" in
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Dishwasher safe
Easy to store
USA-made, with recycled materials
Lightweight
Long-lasting
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard on knife blades
So-so at staying in place

The Epicurean board is versatile, easy to clean, and boasts a low-profile design. It's made of a durable and ultra-hard composite material that resists warping; it held up better than any other composite or plastic material we tested. One of the primary advantages of the hard-cutting surface is that the board will have fewer gouges in its surface over time, offering fewer places for bacteria to hide. Additionally, unlike nearly all of its wood counterparts, it is dishwasher safe, making for easy cleanup. Considering how thin it is, the board is impressively strong. This thin design allows for easy storage, practically disappearing in your cabinet when not in use.

The downsides are mostly related to its hard material. While it's ultra-tough, regular cutting on such a hard surface will dull your knives at a much faster rate. That said, this model is far more durable, anti-microbial, and thinner than many plastic models, and only a little less knife-friendly than other plastic or bamboo options. The Epicurean is perfect for those desiring something stronger and more durable than plastic but who don't want to deal with the bulk and maintenance required of a hardwood model.

cutting board - the new wave of composite boards is dominated by epicurean, and with...
The new wave of composite boards is dominated by Epicurean, and with good reason. This impressively durable board is easy to clean, dishwasher friendly, and among the thinnest models available, helping it to disappear when not in use. While it has a lot going for it, it should be noted that this model can be hard on your knives.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

5

Best Bamboo Board


Greener Chef Bamboo Extra Large Cutting Board


Material: Bamboo | Size available: 12 x 9", 14.5 x 11.5", 18 x 12.5", 24 x 18" in
REASONS TO BUY
Naturally anti-microbial
Lower profile than hardwood boards
Lightweight and easy to store
Far less expensive than hardwood models
More long-lasting than plastic
REASONS TO AVOID
Not dishwasher friendly
Some maintenance required
Not as knife-friendly as hardwood
Stays in place so-so

In recent years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of bamboo models offered on the market. The reasons behind this proliferation are as plentiful as the options. Many bamboo boards share the same positive characteristics as their hardwood counterparts, such as being naturally anti-microbial and durable but are also thinner, lighter, and significantly less expensive. After directly comparing several of the highest-rated and most popular bamboo models, the Greener Chef was our review team's favorite. It resisted staining and splintering better than any other bamboo option and was thinner and easier to store.

The main downside is that it isn't nearly as blade-friendly as hardwood options (though still not as harsh as a composite board). As with any wood board, you should oil your board around once a month, but we found this model was more forgiving in this regard. The Greener Chef is perfect for someone who wants something more anti-bacterial than a plastic board but doesn't want to deal with a thick, heavy, expensive hardwood model.

cutting board - the greener chef stands out as the best bamboo cutting board we have...
The Greener Chef stands out as the best bamboo cutting board we have ever used. It resists staining and splintering far better than other options of the same material without being much more expensive.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

6

Best Flexible Board


IMEKO TPU Cutting Board


Material: TPU | Size available: 11 x 7.8", 13.7 x 9.4", 15.7 x 11.5" in
REASONS TO BUY
BPA free
Fairly knife-friendly
Narrow profile is easy to store
Resists warping over time
Cleans off easily and is easy to sanitize
Dishwasher safe
REASONS TO AVOID
Stains easily
"Juice grooves" too shallow to be effective
Slides around in use

If you are after the best flexible cutting surface, look no further than the IMEKO TPU. While it's on the pricey side, we think any serious home cook will appreciate this board. It makes a terrific complement to a primary board that you don't want to use for particularly messy and more bacteria-ridden jobs, such as cutting raw chicken. The IMEKO is easy to clean, as it is very easy to wipe down and is dishwasher safe. It also resists getting cut up significantly longer than any plastic cutting board we tested, either hard or soft. It doesn't get deep cuts, limiting places for bacteria to grow and allowing your run-of-the-mill dishwasher to clean it thoroughly.

While we absolutely love this model as a secondary board, some key aspects keep it from being our review team's pick for an all-around board. It doesn't stay in place as well as some and tends to stain. While it's not our first choice for a kitchen's primary cutting surface, the IMEKO TPU is an easy-to-clean option for poultry or any other messy kitchen job.

cutting board - for those in search of a flexible cutting surface, look no further...
For those in search of a flexible cutting surface, look no further. No other flexible model can match this one for its resistance to deep slices and warping. It's perfect for those wanting an easy to clean dishwasher safe cutting surface.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

7

High Value Bamboo


John Boos Block BBQBD Reversible Maple Wood


Material: Wood | Size available: 18 x 12 x 1.5" in
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
End grain design and wood construction is among the most anti-microbial
Knife-friendly end-grain maple
Deep juice grooves
Nice looking
REASONS TO AVOID
Some maintenance required
Pricey
Thicker design takes up more room when stored
Not dishwasher safe

Boos Block is one of the most recognizable names in cutting boards, and the BBQBD Reversible Maple Wood is one of their most popular. Made in Illinois, this workhorse of a cutting board is among the most anti-microbial and knife-friendly. Its juice grooves are deep enough for even the messiest watermelon or brisket meals. While it doesn't feature any special rubber molded pads, its hefty design more than helps keep it in place.

Its downsides are that it's heavy and bulky, and those with smaller kitchens will find this 1.5-inch thick model (weighing 10 pounds) takes a little getting used to. The other downside is that it takes a bit of maintenance; the maintenance is basically spreading Boos Mystery Oil (or something similar) on it once a month. While most folks who are into cooking won't find this to be a big deal, it's more than the zero maintenance required of plastic or composite boards.

cutting board - the tried and true boos block is a top-tier, made-in-usa board that...
The tried and true Boos Block is a top-tier, made-in-USA board that isn't quite a top-tier price. While it does need to be oiled and is hardly cheap, it is every bit as functional as many other USA-made end-grain boards that might be double the price.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

8

Another High Value Plastic Model


OXO Good Grips Carving and Cutting Board


Material: Plastic | Size available: 7.23 x 10.75", 9 x 12.9", 10.4 x 14.8", 14.3 x 21" in
REASONS TO BUY
Rubberized feet help hold it in place
One of the most stable plastic boards out there
Smooth surfaces clean easily and resist staining
Dishwasher friendly
No maintenance required
REASONS TO AVOID
Once it gets cut up, it will need to be replaced, as the cuts can harbor bacteria

The OXO Good Grips was a very close runner-up for our best plastic model. It only barely missed out on the HOMWE model, which was just a little more knife-friendly. The OXO has rubberized feet, making it the most stable plastic cutting surface we have ever seen. We also appreciate its price point and durability.

While we loved many aspects, this model wasn't quite as knife-friendly as the HOMWE cutting board. However, those who prioritize stability will be happy to hear it stayed in place more securely. It is also available in larger sizes. In general, we found this model is fairly comparable with our top plastic board and feel both can be good options for someone not wanting to deal with the upkeep of a wooden board.

cutting board - a very close runner up for our review team's selection for the best...
A very close runner up for our review team's selection for the best overall plastic cutting board. The OXO offers a couple of distinct advantages, such as the grippest rubberized feet, which could be the difference for some debating between this and the HOMWE model.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

9

Best Novelty Board


Totally Bamboo Washington State Destination Bamboo


Material: Wood | Size available: Variable based on state, province, or country
REASONS TO BUY
Very tough
Needs to be oiled less than any bamboo model we have tested
Great gift idea
Naturally anti-microbial
A narrow profile makes for easy storage
REASONS TO AVOID
Preference is to only cut on the non-lasered side
Bamboo is not as knife-friendly as other options
Not dishwasher friendly

The Totally Bamboo is a very functional cutting board that provides a fun and beautiful representation of major cities, states, National Parks, and a handful of other territories, countries, and Canadian provinces. While most people will buy this model for its unique shape, it should be noted that it's a very functional board. It easily proved to be among the most durable, resisting slices and cuts as well as any other top-performing model. It also comes with a hefty pre-treatment, and we found it needed to be oiled the least frequently of any model we tested. Like all other bamboo models, it's more sanitary and anti-bacterial than plastic options because of bamboo's naturally anti-microbial characteristics.

The big downside is you should really avoid chopping on the “art” side. Although this board is durable, consistently chopping on the side with laser-etched landmarks may ruin the artwork. The other drawbacks are the same as other bamboo models, in that it is less knife-friendly than hardwood options and should not be put in the dishwasher. Regardless, this very functional cutting board makes for a great gift or a commemorative piece to show state pride or teach your children about your state's geography.

cutting board - not just a work of art, this fun option is not only a great gift or...
Not just a work of art, this fun option is not only a great gift or commemorative piece, but it is also a very functional and utilitarian cutting surface.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

10

Knife-Friendly Plastic Model


Gorilla Grip Original Oversized Cutting Board


Material: Plastic | Size available: 11.8 x 8", 13.8 x 9.6", 16 x 11.2" in
REASONS TO BUY
More knife-friendly than most cutting boards
Available in many colors
Shape makes it feel bigger than you'd expect
Dishwasher friendly
Grippy material provides decent stability
Thick material helps resist warping
REASONS TO AVOID
Plastic gets cut and sliced up
Needs to be replaced more frequently

The Gorilla Grip boards offer solid all-around performance at a good price. They stand out for their knife-friendly design, and the tacky material that lines the perimeter of the board helps keep the board in place, reducing slipping. Gorilla Grip also opted to make this board thicker than many other plastic options, which helps it reduce warping, even after repeated cycles in the dishwasher.

The softer plastic gets cut up quickly and thus needs to be replaced more frequently than other top-tier plastic models. We think this makes this board perfect for folks who care a lot about the sharpness of their knives but still want a plastic board. It's also ideal for folks shopping for their kitchen's secondary board for certain meals or other applications where it won't be used as a primary board.

cutting board - if you want a plastic board, but want something on the more...
If you want a plastic board, but want something on the more knife-friendly side, the Gorilla Grips boards could be perfect for you.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

11

Excellent Durability for the Money


Farberware Plastic Cutting Board


Material: Plastic | Size available: 8 x 10", 11 x 14", 12 x 18" in
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Dishwasher safe
BPA Free
Durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Among the harshest and quickest dulling for kitchen knives
Doesn't stay put as well as some
Doesn't resist warping as well as some

The Farberware cutting boards are some of the longest-produced and most popular plastic models on the market. They are inexpensive, dishwasher safe, resist staining, and easy to clean. They are also made of a very hard, durable material that resists deep slices better than many plastic options.

That same very hard material makes the Farberware boards some of the least knife-friendly of any model on the market. They also don't resist warping in the dishwasher as well as some. It isn't that they will start to warp on the first wash, but in our experience, they will generally start to warp after repeated washes. The Farberware remains a solid option for those on a tight budget furnishing a second home or just want a second or third cutting surface for those messy jobs.

cutting board - farberware is one of the longest manufacturers of plastic models...
Farberware is one of the longest manufacturers of plastic models. They continue to produce some of the longest-lasting boards at a great price.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Why Trust GearLab


For this review, we analyzed over 50 of the best options on the market. After carefully considering many options, we purchased 11 of the best models and put each one through our signature extensive testing process. We chopped, minced, and diced our way on each contender, testing each one based on a series of metrics. The result is a high-quality collection of cutting boards in which there is sure to be something for every chef.

Ian Nicholson is the lead tester for this review, and his enthusiasm literally can not be overstated. Before the selection and review process, he spent hours discussing cutting boards with professional chefs and other food service professionals. Ian himself is a passionate home chef and long-time reviewer who prides himself in taking great care throughout the entire testing process.

Analysis and Test Results


We thoroughly researched over 100 models before settling on what we felt were the best eleven options available. We purchased all eleven and analyzed each one, comparing metrics like cutting, resistance to stains, ease of cleaning, and how knife-friendly they are. We also evaluated bigger-picture performance characteristics like longevity and versatility.

cutting board
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Ease of Cleaning


For our ease of cleaning metric, we placed a similar-sized portion of barbeque brisket on all of the boards for 30 minutes and then compared how easy it was to clean them. To further compare ease of cleaning, we left six sliced strawberries on each board for exactly two hours before removing and cleaning them. We compared how well each model resisted staining (as strawberries are one of the more notorious foods for staining cutting boards). We then scrubbed each with the same sponge and soap, focusing on the same overall effort. For our scores, we did boost our ratings if they could be cleaned in the dishwasher.

As it is not realistic for us to measure the number of bacteria or microbes on a given surface, we researched the best practices regarding materials and designs in commercial food operations, as well as several University and Ph.D. level studies on the cleanliness of different cutting boards. Some of the most noteworthy and widely accepted studies in the foodservice industry are ones done by Dr. Cliver at Univerity of California at Davis and the University of Illinois.

Starting and ending your food prep with a clean cutting surface is essential. A major contributing factor to this is how the board's material wears and if it's naturally resistant to harboring bacteria. A nice hard material with minimal knife grooves can simply be washed clean by hand, while a soft board with tons of gouges may need to be regularly sanitized.

cutting board - to test bacterial growth, we used best practices and guidelines of...
To test bacterial growth, we used best practices and guidelines of commercial food operations, as well as the most widely accepted university-level studies. We were then able to see how easy it was to clean.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Plastic

It is common to think that plastic options are less likely to harbor bacteria and are easier to clean. Several studies, including the definitive study done by Dr. Cliver at the University of California at Davis and another by the University of Illinois, found the contrary. Once plastic options are used in the slightest, they are far more likely to harbor germs than wooden or composite cutting boards.

Studies have shown that several types of bacteria can actually hide inside the sliced plastic and even survive dishwasher cycles. This means that while brand-new plastic models are bacteria-resistant, as soon as they have a significant number of grooves, they become an ideal habitat for bacteria to grow and thrive. We found the most sanitary and easiest to clean plastic models to be the flexible IMEKO TPU, which resisted deep cuts. If you plan to buy a hard plastic board, we'd recommend the HOMWE or OXO models, as they were some of the hardest plastic we tested. They also resisted getting deep grooves and were safely cleaned by hand or in a dishwasher.

cutting board - wood and bamboo options are generally not dishwasher safe, while...
Wood and bamboo options are generally not dishwasher safe, while most plastic and composite options are.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Hardwood and Bamboo

One of the upsides of wood is that it's said to be naturally anti-microbial with several anti-bacterial properties. For example, wood is very porous, and in this environment, bacteria are pulled inside the end grain wood and bamboo designs and cannot survive. Studies show that wood also contains naturally occurring enzymes that kill bacteria.

cutting board - contrary to popular belief, wood and bamboo boards are more sanitary...
Contrary to popular belief, wood and bamboo boards are more sanitary than an even slightly sliced up plastic model. While plastics do offer the advantage of being able to be washed in the dishwasher, once they have deep slices, even the fanciest dishwasher may not be able to clean out the bacterial. This is where end grain wood and bamboo offer a big advantage, as they are naturally anti-bacterial.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Out of all the hardwood boards we tested, we think the end grain designs are best due to their anti-microbial properties. Our favorites are the Sonder and Boos Block, as both resisted getting deep cuts. The Greener Chef stood out among the bamboo products for being easy to clean by hand. We also appreciate that it resisted deep cuts during our extended test period. Unlike plastic models, a downside of all wood models is that they should not be cleaned in a dishwasher but hand-washed instead. Additionally, it's important to periodically sanitize your wooden boards or any cutting surface you're not running through a dishwasher.

cutting board - composite models like this one from epicurean are made of an...
Composite models like this one from Epicurean are made of an ultra-hard material which is generally very difficult to slice deeply. This reduces the odds of the board being able to harbor bacteria; it has the advantage of being dishwasher safe.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Composite

Composite cutting boards are made of a blend of hard materials, which allows them to be a sanitary option. This is because their hard material makes it difficult to put deep cuts or gouges; unlike wood, they can also be washed in the dishwasher. These characteristics make composite products some of the easiest to keep clean. The Epicurean was by far our review team's favorite composite model.

cutting board - a sharp knife is arguably an even more important part of a cutting...
A sharp knife is arguably an even more important part of a cutting process than the board. While you can sharpen any knife, we found that boards that are easier on your blades were the second most important factor next only to providing a clean surface to cut on.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Knife Friendliness


To assess knife friendliness, we broke out our knife sharpener and got all of our blades razor-sharp. We then dedicated a knife to each board for a week at a time before re-sharpening and swapping boards.

cutting board - with razor-sharp blades, we went to work testing the knife...
With razor-sharp blades, we went to work testing the knife friendliness of each of these models. We assigned each board a knife for a week and then swapped trying to use them as evening as possible.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

We found some differences in how fast bamboo models dulled our blades, but there was a significant difference between plastic models. There was no question that composite boards were the hardest of all materials and the ones that dulled our knives the quickest; however, we didn't find any difference between models of this material. If you are preparing a significant portion of your meals at home, how blade-friendly, or how quickly (or slowly) a cutting surface will dull your kitchen knives is nearly as important as hygienic factors. While the type of material the board is constructed from will have the biggest impact on this metric, we still found significant differences between models of the same materials.

cutting board - end-grain hardwood models like this one from sonders were the...
End-grain hardwood models like this one from Sonders were the easiest on our knives of any material in our review.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Models with end-grain hard construction are by far the best, as the knife blade can slip in between the fibers without much damage to the board or the knife. This is why the two most knife-friendly models we tested were the Sonder and the Boos Block, which allowed our blades to remain sharper than when using others in our testing fleet.

cutting board - bamboo models were easier on our knife blades than most plastic or...
Bamboo models were easier on our knife blades than most plastic or composite models but were still harder than end-grain hardwood models.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Bamboo and wood are generally similar but tougher on knives than end-grain hardwoods. We found the Imeko TPU and the HOMWE to be the most knife-friendly. The textured surface of HOMWE helps prevent food from slipping around on the surface and reduces wear on the blade. The Imeko TPU struck the best balance for plastic boards, as the blade could penetrate its surface ever so slightly, reducing wear on the blade without making slices too deep (which results in harboring bacteria).

cutting board - composite models like the epicurean have lots of advantages, but...
Composite models like the Epicurean have lots of advantages, but their material is unquestionably the hardest and dulled our knives the quickest.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

The least knife-friendly options are composite models like the Epicurean. Typically these types of boards are comprised of an ultra-hard material with no give, which can end up dulling the thin edge of a kitchen knife much faster than soft plastic or wood. The primary advantage of composite boards is that they are more bacteria-resistant than plastic, and unlike wooden boards, they're able to handle a spin through the dishwasher.

cutting board - being able to chop efficiently or cut large melons or pieces of meat...
Being able to chop efficiently or cut large melons or pieces of meat without fear of your board slipping is incredibly important.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Staying in Place


To test how well each model could stay in place, we pushed each board directly from the side — with five pounds of pressure — to see how much and how easily it was to move them. We also tested this category by aggressively chopping and monitoring how much each model moved as well; we also cut one-handed.

cutting board - we agressively chopped melons and big hunks of meat to best compare...
We agressively chopped melons and big hunks of meat to best compare who effectively each model could avoid being pushed around.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

The last thing you want is to have your cutting board move while you're chopping thick butternut squash, quickly dicing garlic, or cutting larger pieces of meat. Typically, manufacturers help boards stay in place with one of three design aspects. Often there are rubberized feet or pads to help grip your counter. Some might depend on the weight of the board itself, while others make the entire board out of a tacky, grippy material.

cutting board - the sonder uses grippy rubberized pads (seen here) and weighs nearly...
The Sonder uses grippy rubberized pads (seen here) and weighs nearly 10 pounds, making it the most stable cutting surface we tested.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Hands down, the most stable board we tested was the Sonder; it was a hefty 10 pounds and featured rubberized pads on both sides of the board. This was one of only a small handful of hardwood models to also feature rubberized pads, and it proved rock-solid (and counter-friendly). Among plastic models, we loved the OXO, thanks to its super-grippy rubberized feet. While the HOMWE was decent, it just couldn't compare to the OXO.

cutting board - among the plastic models, no board could match the grippiness of the...
Among the plastic models, no board could match the grippiness of the OXO oversized rubber feet which practically nailed the board in place and was more forgiving for more sensitive surfaces like soapstone or wood.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Durability and Longevity


To ensure longevity, hardwood boards require good care, such as oiling them once a month. Thus, while models like the Boos Block and the Sonder are 2-4 times the price as many in our fleet, they will easily last that much longer. The Epicurean is also extremely durable and resists warping far better than most plastic options. The Greener Chef was the most durable bamboo board we tested, making it our favorite overall bamboo model. While costly, it resists slices, staining, and warping better than any other bamboo option.

cutting board - plastic boards are often the cheapest but are also the least...
Plastic boards are often the cheapest but are also the least durable. Once it has deep cuts, it can harbor bacteria which is extremely difficult to clean.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

In general, we found that plastic boards are the least durable and should be replaced every so often. However, the difference between longevity and durability (among plastic options) is where we found the most significant differences. The OXO and the HOMWE are easily the toughest plastic cutting boards in our fleet. No other plastic contender could match them regarding their resistance to excessive cuts or warping, even after repeated washings.

cutting board - with a little bit of maintenance, which involves rubbing oil on your...
With a little bit of maintenance, which involves rubbing oil on your board once a month when it is new and slightly less frequently over time, hardwood models are by far the most long-lasting.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Lastly, no other plastic board came close to the Imeko TPU. While it's pricier than other flexible cutting surfaces, it blows the competition out of the water. It stays flexible, resisting deep slices, and did not warp during our testing period.

cutting board - models made of hardwood, bamboo, or composite materials will outlast...
Models made of hardwood, bamboo, or composite materials will outlast plastic models.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Ease of Storage


Regardless if you store your cutting board on your countertop, in a pull-out drawer, or tucked away vertically in a cabinet, cutting boards can take up a great deal of real estate when not in use. Since nearly all of these boards are available in multiple sizes, we mostly focused on how thick they were. The thickness of these models varied greatly. We measured the thickness of all of these boards ourselves to ensure accuracy.

cutting board - since all cutting surfaces are broad in nature and sold in several...
Since all cutting surfaces are broad in nature and sold in several sizes we compared how thick each model was. We found a large difference between models with the thinnest models being less than a quarter the thickness of the fattest ones.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

While some folks have a cutting board that may live on the counter all of the time, few people have their collection displayed on the counter at all times. We often encourage people to get a bigger board than they think they need, though the downside is finding a place to store it when not in use.

cutting board - all the cutting surfaces in our review are available in a variety of...
All the cutting surfaces in our review are available in a variety of size. However, regardless of what size you buy, they are going to take up a fair amount of room in your kitchen whether that be on a countertop, flat in a drawer, or tucked vertically in a cabinet.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Since nearly every model we tested is available in multiple sizes (most from 8 x 10" to 18 x 24"), we didn't find it helpful to compare their actual surface area. Instead, we focused on their thicknesses, as most people stack them flat in a drawer or vertically in a cabinet or pantry. We also noticed the softer boards not wanting to stand up if stored on end, typically falling over.

cutting board - while you can buy whatever size board you want, they still vary...
While you can buy whatever size board you want, they still vary wildly in thickness. Typically, plastic and composite boards are the thinnest, bamboo models are in the middle, and hardwood options are the thickest.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Ease of storage is where the Epicurean really stood out. The same ultra-hard material that makes it so resistant to cutting also lets it be ultra-thin. In fact, you can stack two Epicurean boards in the same space it takes to store one bamboo board or 3-5 inches of a hardwood board.

cutting board - the epicurean or the imeko tpu (top two in photo) are the thinnest...
The Epicurean or the IMEKO TPU (top two in photo) are the thinnest in our review and may be best for folks with limited storage.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Conclusion


We truly put our all into this review, testing each board and highlighting the top performers. We've discussed the pros and cons of each model, discussing their specific uses. Whether someone is a newfound culinary aficionado or a full-on professional, our review team made this the most informative and comprehensive review for folks of all levels and needs.

cutting board - our review team carefully considered over 50 models before...
Our review team carefully considered over 50 models before purchasing the best eleven options available. We then compared each model directly through a series of side-by-side tests.
Credit: Ian Nicholson

Ian Nicholson