A high-quality cutting board is an essential tool in any professional kitchen, providing a safe and reliable surface for food preparation. With so many options available, selecting the right cutting board can make a significant difference in durability, sanitation, and ease of use. From wood to plastic, each type of cutting board offers distinct advantages for various kitchen tasks. This guide breaks down the best cutting boards across different categories to help chefs and kitchen staff choose the ideal board for their needs and preferences.
Based on feedback from our industry experts, we compiled our top choices for the best cutting boards by their distinguishing features.
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Check Out Our Top Choices for The Best Cutting Boards of 2024
Best cutting board overall: Epicurean Big Block Series Cutting Board
Best budget cutting board: American Metalcraft Bamboo Round Cutting Board
Best wood cutting board overall: John Boos Reversible Maple Wood Cutting Board
Best budget wood cutting board: Choice Wood Cutting Board
Best end grain cutting board: Teakhaus Butcher Block End Grain Teakwood Cutting Board
Best plastic cutting board overall: OXO Good Grips Cutting Board
Best budget plastic cutting board: Tablecraft Flexible Cutting Board
Best cutting board set: San Jamar 6-Piece Color-Coded Cutting Board System
Note: All prices are current to time of publication. See product page for updated, specific pricing.
The Epicurean Big Block Series Cutting Board offers professional chefs a high-performance surface that's both functional and eco-friendly, making it the best cutting board overall. Made from Richlite wood fiber, this board is non-porous and resists stains, odors, and bacteria to maintain a sanitary kitchen environment. Its sturdy construction can withstand heavy-duty chopping, while its heat-resistant properties allow it to double as a serving board for hot dishes. Additionally, the board is dishwasher-safe, making cleanup fast and easy.
Price: $279.99
Best for: Chopping meat, garlic, onions, vegetables, fruit, and hot food items
Shop Epicurean Big Block Series Cutting Board- Dishwasher-safe and temperature-resistant
- Durable and resistant to cuts, scratches, and stains
- Does not damage or dull knives
- Eco-friendly
- Might require additional stabilizers, such as non-slip feet
- Black options can sometimes flake on the surface
- More expensive than other options
The American Metalcraft Bamboo Round Cutting Board is an attractive choice for kitchens looking to stay within budget while acquiring a reliable, attractive cutting surface. Made from eco-friendly bamboo, this board has a higher density than wood and won't absorb liquids. Its natural antibacterial properties help maintain a hygienic workspace, while the round design adds a stylish touch.
Price: $23.22
Best for: Chopping vegetables, prepping small dishes, and serving appetizers or pizzas
Shop American Metalcraft Bamboo Round Cutting Board- Eco-friendly
- Less porous than wood options
- Uniform grain, unlikely to crack
- High density makes it tough on knives
- Requires extensive care and maintenance
- Handwashing required
Best Wood Cutting Boards
Professional chefs love wood cutting boards due to their durability, self-healing properties, and natural aesthetic. Wood offers a stable surface that protects knife blades, reducing dullness over time. Its ability to resist deep knife grooves helps maintain a sanitary workspace, though wooden boards require specific care to maximize longevity. Check out our picks for the best wood cutting boards for your establishment.
John Boos is known for high-quality, beautifully crafted wooden cutting boards, and their Reversible Maple Wood Cutting Board stands out as the best wood cutting board on the market. Made from hard rock maple, this board is known for its durability and ability to withstand heavy daily use. Its natural antibacterial properties make it ideal for maintaining a hygienic surface. The reversible feature allows chefs to use both sides, maximizing its lifespan, and the convenient hand grips make it easy to move around the kitchen.
Price: $170.95
Best for: Chopping vegetables, fruits, and slicing meats
Shop John Boos Reversible Maple Wood Cutting Board- Durable and long-lasting with proper care
- Easy on knives
- Maple creates aesthetic appeal
- Non-slip, stable surface
- Requires regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking
- Not dishwasher-safe, needs manual washing and care
- Stains and absorbs liquids if left unwashed
The Choice Wood Cutting Board delivers reliable performance at an affordable price, making it the best budget wood cutting board for commercial kitchens. Constructed from sturdy rubberwood, it provides a durable, knife-friendly surface that handles regular use without breaking the bank. The rounded edges give it a sleek, polished look, while its thickness offers stability during prep work.
Price: $37.99
Best for: Chopping vegetables, fruits, bread, and light meat prep
Shop Choice Wood Cutting Board- Affordable price without compromising on durability
- Rounded edges for a sleek, comfortable design
- Thick and stable surface for reliable cutting
- Not as long-lasting as harder woods like maple or walnut
- Requires regular oiling to maintain its condition
- Shows knife marks and wear more quickly than premium boards
The Teakhaus Butcher Block End Grain Teakwood Cutting Board is the best end grain cutting board for professional kitchens due to its durability, elegance, and self-healing properties, making it ideal for heavy-duty prep work. This board is made from sustainably harvested teak and features an end grain design that is gentle on knives, reducing wear and tear on blades. The end grain construction also absorbs and conceals knife marks more effectively, making the board long-lasting and resilient in high-traffic kitchen environments.
Price: $102.49
Best for: Heavy meal prep, chopping meats, cutting vegetables, and preparing bread or dough
Shop Teakhaus Butcher Block End Grain Teakwood Cutting Board- End grain design reduces knife wear and resists deep cuts
- Teakwood offers natural resistance to moisture and bacteria
- Large surface area and hand grips for convenience
- Heavier than other cutting boards, making it harder to move
- Requires regular oiling and maintenance to prevent damage
- Higher price point compared to other wood options
Best Plastic Cutting Boards
Plastic cutting boards are a staple of commercial kitchens known for their affordability, replaceability, and easy maintenance. In busy settings, these boards are often color-coded to prevent cross contamination during food preparation. While they lack durability and can dull knives, the best plastic cutting boards enable chefs to work effectively and efficiently in the prep tasks.
The OXO Good Grips Cutting Board is the best plastic cutting board for professional kitchens, offering a light weight yet durable design with excellent usability. Made from sturdy, non-porous polypropylene, this board resists deep knife grooves, stains, and odors to provide a clean, hygienic cutting surface. Its double-sided design allows versatility, while the non-slip edges ensure stability during use. With built-in juice grooves to catch liquids, it's perfect for cutting meats, vegetables, and fruits without creating a mess.
Price: $18.99
Best for: Prep work in a busy kitchen with fast turnover
Shop OXO Good Grips Cutting Board- Less expensive than wood, easy to replace
- Non-slip edges provide stability during cutting
- Easy to clean and dishwasher-safe for convenience
- Not as gentle on knives as wood or end grain boards
- No resurfacing options available
- May show cut marks more quickly over time
The Tablecraft Flexible Cutting Board is the best budget plastic cutting board, offering flexibility and functionality at an affordable price. Made from durable polyethylene, this board is light weight yet strong enough for everyday kitchen tasks. Its flexible design allows easy ingredient transfer into pots or bowls for more efficient food prep. Additionally, the large surface provides ample space for cutting, while its thin, bendable material ensures easy storage in tight spaces.
Price: $33.99
Best for: Light prep work and transferring ingredients
Shop Tablecraft Flexible Cutting Board- Extremely affordable and budget-friendly
- Flexible design allows easy transfer of ingredients
- Large surface area for efficient prep work
- Lacks the durability of thicker plastic or wood boards
- Can warp over time if exposed to excessive heat
- More prone to showing knife marks and cuts
The San Jamar 6-Piece Color-Coded Cutting Board System promotes food safety and efficiency through its innovative design, making it the best cutting board set for professional kitchens. This set includes six boards, each color-coded to prevent cross-contamination by assigning specific colors for different food types, such as using a red board for raw meat. Made from durable, non-porous material, these boards resist stains and odors while providing a safe surface for food preparation. The included Saf-T-Grip feature helps keep the boards securely in place during use, enhancing stability and safety.
Price: $144.49 for entire set
Best for: Preventing cross contamination
Shop San Jamar 6-Piece Color-Coded Cutting Board System- Color-coded system minimizes cross-contamination risks
- Durable and resistant to stains and odors
- Non-slip grip ensures stability during cutting
- Dull knives more quickly than other options
- Thinner than some heavy-duty options, which could lead to warping
- Frequent staining
How to Choose a Cutting Board
Selecting the right cutting board is essential for any kitchen, whether at a restaurant or catering on the road. A well-chosen cutting board enhances food preparation efficiency and promotes food safety and knife longevity. With various options available, understanding key factors such as material, durability, care, size, and intended uses can guide you in making the best choice for your culinary needs.
1. Material
The material of a cutting board significantly impacts its performance and maintenance. Wood boards, particularly hardwoods like maple and walnut, provide a gentle surface for knives and possess natural antibacterial properties. Plastic boards are light weight, easy to clean, and often dishwasher-safe, making them ideal for everyday use. Resin and composite boards offer the perfect blend of wood and plastic, combining easy maintenance and a knife-friendly surface. Bamboo boards offer an eco-friendly alternative, while glass and stone boards provide a sleek appearance but may dull knives quickly.
2. Durability
Durability plays a crucial role in the longevity of your cutting board. High-quality materials withstand heavy use without warping or cracking. Wood boards tend to self-heal from knife marks, while thicker plastic boards resist cuts and damage. Consider how frequently you intend to use the board, then choose one that can endure your cooking habits.
3. Care
Proper care is essential for maintaining the quality of your cutting board. Wood boards typically require regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking, while most plastic boards are dishwasher-safe. Consider the maintenance and cleaning routine you're willing to commit to when selecting a cutting board.
4. Size
The cutting board size should match your kitchen space and food preparation needs. Larger boards provide ample space for cutting and chopping but may require more storage space. Smaller boards are convenient for quick tasks and easy to store but can limit your working area. Choose a size that fits comfortably in your kitchen while accommodating your typical food preparation tasks.
5. Use
Knowing how you plan to use your cutting board can help determine the best type for your needs. If you frequently prepare raw meats, consider a board that allows easy cleaning and minimizes cross-contamination. Use a versatile board that can handle various ingredients for general chopping tasks.
Back to TopSelecting the right cutting board is crucial for enhancing efficiency, knife safety, and overall performance in professional kitchens. With a range of options available, each type offers unique benefits tailored to different cooking needs. By considering material, durability, size, and intended use, chefs can find the ideal cutting board that meets their requirements. Investing in a high-quality cutting board improves food preparation and ensures a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
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