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Cutting boards provide a sturdy surface for meal preparation while protecting countertops and knives alike. Whether you're chopping vegetables for a stir-fry or carving a holiday roast, a quality cutting board is indispensable. Our team looked at a variety of cutting boards on the market and determined the Belwares Cutting Board to be the best choice. It is dishwasher-safe and made with eco-friendly pine.

  

Cutting Boards: A Buying Guide

A cutting board is essential for safely slicing through meat and veggies before transferring them to a serving plate or hot pan. These boards are a must-have kitchen tool and there are a few key factors you should consider when looking to purchase them. In this buying guide, we'll share the most important factors to pay attention to.

Set Versatility

While some cutting boards are sold individually, many brands offer a cutting board set that features boards of different sizes for different uses. They usually include a large, medium, and small size board, which you can use for a variety of prepping and serving styles. A lot of these sets are sold for a decent price and offer you versatile use.

Drip Grooves

When cutting up meats, vegetables, and fruits, water and other liquids may make a mess on your counter and leak off the sides of your cutting board. Some cutting boards have drip grooves which are deep ridges in the sides of the cutting board that are made to catch the liquid and prevent the mess. This can make cleanup easier and less of a hassle.

Material

While there has been serious discussion on the ideal materials for cutting boards, no consensus has been achieved. You should consider the material, the benefits and the drawbacks of each material when choosing a solution for your commercial kitchen. Wood is kind on knives because of its inherent softness, so chefs can go longer between honing sessions. But it's also porous, so it can soak up liquids used in cooking and serve as a home for bacteria and it is hard to clean. Most commercial cutting boards are plastic because they can be easily disinfected and maintained. Compared to wood, it is not as easy on knife blades, but it is better than metal or glass. Determine which material will work best for you.

Size

Size is the next factor on our list. You need to think about the size and quantity of the foods you will be chopping to decide on the appropriate cutting board. A bartender may just need a tiny cutting board for wedging garnishes, while a prep cook may require a large one for preparing steaks. If you don't have a lot of room on your countertops, don't waste money on a cutting board that won't fit.

Top Picks

  • : Belwares Cutting Board
  • Best For Daily Use: John Boos Cutting Board
  • Most Durable: Homwe Kitchen Cutting Board
  • Most Affordable: Farberware Cutting Board
  • Sleek Design: Totally Bamboo Cutting Board
  • Multipurpose Use: Royal Craft Wood Cutting Board
  • Most Stable: Oxo 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
  • ["[", "'", "B", "E", "S", "T", " ", "O", "V", "E", "R", "A", "L", "L", " ", "F", "O", "R", " ", "D", "U", "R", "A", "B", "I", "L", "I", "T", "Y", " ", "A", "N", "D", " ", "Q", "U", "A", "L", "I", "T", "Y", "'", ",", " ", "'", "M", "O", "S", "T", " ", "V", "E", "R", "S", "A", "T", "I", "L", "E", " ", "F", "O", "R", " ", "D", "I", "F", "F", "E", "R", "E", "N", "T", " ", "F", "O", "O", "D", " ", "T", "Y", "P", "E", "S", "'", ",", " ", "'", "B", "E", "S", "T", " ", "O", "V", "E", "R", "A", "L", "L", " ", "B", "A", "M", "B", "O", "O", " ", "C", "U", "T", "T", "I", "N", "G", " ", "B", "O", "A", "R", "D", " ", "F", "O", "R", " ", "E", "A", "S", "Y", " ", "C", "L", "E", "A", "N", "I", "N", "G", "'", "]"]: Royal Craft Wood Xl Bamboo Cutting Board

Reviews

Belwares Cutting Board

Belwares Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Highly durable and non-porous
  • Heat-resistant up to 350°F
  • Dishwasher-safe for convenience
  • May slide on marble countertops
Best for Daily Use
John Boos Cutting Board

John Boos Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Sturdy and durable wooden material
  • Reversible for versatile use
  • Deep drip groove for reducing mess
  • Not dishwasher-safe
Most Durable
HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board

Homwe Kitchen Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Doesn’t require any oiling
  • Rubberized pads prevent it from slipping
  • Heavy-duty plastic ensures durability
  • Some users said the boards were small
Most Affordable
Farberware Cutting Board

Farberware Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Affordable and durable cutting board
  • BPA-free plastic makes it food-safe
  • Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning
  • Can be dulling for knives
Sleek Design
Totally Bamboo Cutting Board

Totally Bamboo Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Sleek and compact design 
  • Three board sizes for versatility
  • Organic bamboo grain is easy on knives
  • Isn’t large enough for some users
Multipurpose Use
Royal Craft Wood Cutting Board

Royal Craft Wood Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • Made with premium bamboo
  • Pre-oiled with food-grade mineral oil
  • Easy to clean and durable
  • Can stain easily
Most Stable
OXO 2-Piece Cutting Board Set

Oxo 2-Piece Cutting Board Set

Pros Cons
  • Plastic non-slip feet 
  • Drip-catcher with easy-pour corners
  • Material doesn’t dull knives
  • Knives may nick the board
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ROYAL CRAFT WOOD XL Bamboo Cutting Board

Royal Craft Wood Xl Bamboo Cutting Board

Pros Cons
  • 1. Easy to clean
  • 2. Durable and sturdy
  • 3. Deep juice groove feature
  • Boards can stain easily
  • Some boards may crack/warp
  • Made from durable, natural bamboo
  • Measures 18”x12” in size
  • Includes side handles for ease
  • Features a juice groove
  • Sealed with a special resin
  • Designed with unique wood grain
  • Backed by a 1-year warranty

FAQs

Should I use a wood or plastic cutting board?
Whether you choose a wood or plastic cutting board is up to preference and different factors. Wood cutting boards tend to be more durable than plastic boards and don’t dull your knives as much, but plastic boards are more affordable, lightweight, and more non-porous.
How do I safely use a cutting board?
Softer wood cutting boards can wear out your knives and leave tiny wood fragments in your food. Remember, cutting seafood or uncooked meat on wood is not recommended. The most significant drawback of using wood is that it’s difficult to sanitize and can take in and hold onto the odors of food and bacteria. The ideal candidates for wood cutting boards are things like vegetables, bread, cheese, and fruit. Try to always keep your knives sharp and make sure your board is non-slip to prevent injury.
When should I replace my cutting board?
While proper care can ensure that your cutting boards last longer, the general rule for replacing cutting boards is that plastic needs to be replaced within one to five years and the wood cutting boards must be replaced within a year.
Why is my cutting board getting scratched up?
If your cutting board is getting scratched up, it's likely that the board's material is too soft for your knives. Small nicks in your cutting board may seem unaesthetically pleasing, but they are normal after daily wear and tear. Replace your cutting boards as regularly as needed for the material type.
How do I get stains out of my cutting board?
It's recommended to dry your board completely before applying baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice and scrubbing it with a sponge full of warm water. This applies to both wooden and plastic boards.