Top 5 Best Cutting Boards In 2024

Choosing the right cutting board is essential for any kitchen enthusiast or professional chef. In 2024, with advancements in materials and design, cutting boards offer a blend of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. Whether you prioritize hygiene, ease of cleaning, or knife-friendliness, there’s a cutting board to suit your needs.

Here are the top five cutting boards in 2024, curated based on their popularity, performance, and innovative features. These cutting boards not only enhance your culinary experience but also add style and efficiency to your kitchen workspace.

For years, OXO cutting boards have remained a favorite in our kitchen. Their unique design features, such as anti-slip grips and dishwasher-safe plastic construction, make them versatile for various food preparations, from handling raw meats to slicing fresh vegetables. Despite being slimmer and lighter than traditional boards, their compact size fits seamlessly into the dishwasher, simplifying cleanup—an aspect we highly prioritize in our tool reviews.

During our testing, we initially found the 13″ x 9″ board slightly smaller than what we were accustomed to. However, its convenience quickly won us over, especially due to its easy dishwasher compatibility. Our knives felt comfortable against the board’s surface, and ingredients remained steady during cutting, thanks to its stability. Additionally, the inclusion of a juice groove on one side enhances versatility, particularly when cutting juicy meats and tomatoes. Although the cutting board material may show signs of wear over time, our daily usage over the years hasn’t necessitated replacements. Furthermore, OXO offers a larger carving board, which we prefer for special occasions and larger tasks.

The Farberware Bamboo Cutting Board represents a larger iteration of our previous top pick, which unfortunately is no longer available. Measuring 15″ x 21″, it offers a spacious surface, surpassing the dimensions of our previous pick at 11″ x 14″. Despite its larger size, it retains the key features that garnered positive feedback in our tests. Notably, it maintains a desirable thickness while remaining lightweight, facilitating easy movement during cleaning. Its balanced design, coupled with nonslip grips, ensures stability during cutting tasks.

During testing, the bamboo surface proved comfortable for cutting, easy to clean, and resistant to staining. While it didn’t exhibit many gashes initially, it’s worth noting that cuts may become more visible over time without proper care. Like other wood and bamboo cutting boards, regular treatment is essential to prevent drying and cracking. The board’s size and design versatility extend its functionality beyond mere cutting, making it suitable for serving charcuterie or presenting carved meats. Although the juice groove is relatively thin and shallow, it effectively traps some liquid, enhancing its utility in food preparation.

This 15″ x 20″ cutting board boasts nonporous and nonabsorbent qualities, providing reassurance when handling raw meat—a crucial feature for maintaining hygiene standards. Regular washing between uses is recommended to uphold cleanliness standards. Its expansive size and integrated trough for collecting juices are particularly appealing, catering to various culinary tasks with ease. Additionally, its lightweight construction alleviates common challenges associated with cleaning and storing larger carving boards.

A notable advantage is its certification as dishwasher safe by the National Science Foundation, offering convenience and peace of mind for thorough sanitization, especially after cutting meat. The board’s reversible design further enhances its versatility; it can be flipped to utilize the ungrooved surface for pastry-related tasks such as mixing or rolling out dough. While some users noted the need for a damp paper towel underneath to prevent slipping during use, this minor inconvenience didn’t detract from its overall usability.

Over time, the board may develop stains, a common occurrence with frequent use. Nonetheless, its enduring utility in handling large food items continues to make it a go-to choice in the kitchen.

Epicurean specializes in composite cutting boards that mimic the appearance and texture of wood while offering the durability and washability of plastic. Among their range of options, our top recommendation is the Gourmet Series Cutting Board, prized for its size and versatility. Measuring 14.5″ x 11.25″, it strikes a balance, being large enough to comfortably carve a whole chicken with a generous well for catching juices on one side, yet remains thin and lightweight for effortless cleaning either in the sink or dishwasher.

This board offers the flexibility of being reversible, providing an expanded cutting surface without the presence of a juice groove. We appreciated its flat and sturdy feel on the counter, even when a wet paper towel was placed underneath. Although it may come with a higher price tag compared to other cutting boards, its performance and longevity have solidified its status as a staple in the Kitchen Appliances Lab. Enduring years of use, these boards remain easy to maintain and store, earning accolades such as a feature finders award for the larger version.

Bamboo, akin to maple, walnut, and cherry wood, possesses dense properties that effectively repel water and juices, rendering it an excellent choice for cutting boards. Its lightweight nature and easy-clean attributes make it a preferred material in kitchen utensils. With proper drying after washing, bamboo requires minimal maintenance, although occasional oiling helps prevent potential cracking.

This three-piece bamboo cutting board set has endured extensive home use over the years. The set’s versatility shines, with the smallest board ideal for swift prep work, the largest suited for more substantial tasks, and the middle board serving as a convenient catch-all for everyday chopping needs, such as carrots and onions. During testing, the boards impressed with their sturdy build, remaining steadfast even when a wet paper towel was placed underneath. The inclusion of various sizes and integrated handles enhances portability, adding to their practicality.

Although occasional warping was noted, this issue typically resolved swiftly after a brief wash and thorough drying, reaffirming the boards’ durability and resilience to everyday wear and tear.

What to look for when shopping for the best cutting board ?

When shopping for the best cutting board, consider the following factors:

1. Material: Different materials offer various advantages. Wood boards, such as maple, walnut, and bamboo, are durable and knife-friendly but require regular maintenance. Plastic boards are lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and often more affordable but can develop knife marks over time.
2. Size and Thickness: Choose a size that suits your kitchen space and cooking needs. A larger board provides more surface area for cutting, while a thicker board tends to be more durable and less prone to warping.
3. Knife Friendliness: Opt for a cutting board that is gentle on your knives. Softer materials like wood and plastic are more forgiving and help maintain sharpness longer.
4. Hygiene: Look for nonporous and nonabsorbent materials that resist bacteria buildup. Consider features like juice grooves to catch liquids and prevent spills on your countertop.
5. Stability: Ensure the cutting board has nonslip grips or feet to prevent it from sliding around during use, providing stability and safety.
6. Versatility: Some cutting boards offer reversible designs or multipurpose functionality, such as serving as a presentation board or dough rolling surface. Choose one that suits your diverse kitchen needs.
7. Ease of Cleaning: Opt for a cutting board that is easy to clean and maintain. Dishwasher-safe boards save time, but be mindful of any specific care instructions for your chosen material.
8. Durability: Invest in a high-quality cutting board that will withstand frequent use and last for years. Consider factors like resistance to warping, staining, and cracking.

By considering these factors, you can find the best cutting board to enhance your cooking experience and meet your specific requirements.