The Best Cutting Boards, According to Our Very Detailed Testings

Cutting boards are tricky to shop for. There's such a wide variance in price, material, and size! Because while a cheap miniature plastic cutting board may be sufficient for slicing limes, it’s not ideal for prepping a large amount of food, or using it with regularity. The best cutting boards are large, with big work surfaces so you have plenty of room to chop and get organized.

Although there are benefits to buying a plastic cutting board, we generally recommend wooden cutting boards due to their durability, longevity, and ease on knives (hard plastic can quickly dull a blade). That said, plastic is less expensive and easier to maintain.

To help you decide what’s right for you, we’ll break down the factors that go into your decision process. We’ll also include which cutting boards to buy, based on our wooden, plastic, and carving board reviews.

Wooden vs. Plastic Cutting Boards

Neither wood nor plastic cutting boards are unequivocally “better.” Wooden board enthusiasts will praise their aesthetics, relative gentleness on knives, and natural material. Fans of plastic boards can claim easier maintenance and care, as well as a (usually) lower price point. But we think there’s value in having both on hand. Let’s take a look at where wood and plastic boards differ, excel, and struggle.

• Which is more sanitary?: Conventional wisdom tells us that plastic is a more sanitary option than wood when it comes to cutting boards. This is a partial truth: While plastic is undeniably easier to sanitize, it can be an equal or even more inviting environment for harmful bacteria to linger. When plastic boards collect cuts from repeated knife use, those gashes are an ideal place for bacteria to grow. Conversely, as we discussed in our review of wooden boards, the material’s porous nature isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The fiber network in the wood can trap bacteria and hold it under the surface until it dies.
  
• Cleaning: Plastic is inarguably easier to clean and care for than wood. You can leave a plastic board in a sink full of dishes, soak it, and use cleaning agents on it. Even if bacteria festers, you can bleach a plastic board or pop it in the dishwasher. Wooden boards must be hand-washed, dried immediately, and treated with mineral oil to avoid warping and cracking. 

• Knife Use: Every time you use a knife, you dull the blade. The surface you’re cutting on will either expedite or slow that process. Different types of wood have different levels of porousness. Maple and walnut are good options because they’re not too dense (a quality that is hard on knives), but not so soft that they immediately scratch. They are pricier than acacia, teak, and bamboo, which can be unpredictably hard and may result in a knife blade that dulls more quickly. (We especially don’t recommend bamboo.) Plastic also has varying levels of hardness, and can similarly affect a knife’s blade. In our review of plastic cutting boards, we noted that the grip of a plastic cutting board matters, as well. A too-slippery surface is annoying—and dangerous—to use.
• Longevity: Over time, the gashes and scratches in plastic boards will render them unusable. At that point, they must be thrown away. Wooden boards, on the other hand, will last indefinitely. Although they too will show signs of wear, they can be sanded down to reveal a fresh, new surface. (You shouldn’t have to do this more than once a year, even with heavy use. Be sure to apply a layer of oil after sanding and wiping clean).

What's the Best Cutting Board Size?

A cutting board is more than just a place to chop. We consider them to be extensions of our work surface, and favor large boards that approximate a workbench or extra-large chopping block. Look for boards that measure at minimum 12 by 18 inches to boost their efficiency. We also prefer boards with thick profiles: at least an inch and a half. This is less about making a visual statement—although the argument can be made that big, chunky boards double as decor when left on the counter. Rather, the thicker boards are more resistant to warping over time. Charcuterie boards are often woefully small; in our review of them, we favored roomy boards with plenty of space for all of the snacks.

Price: Why Are Wood Cutting Boards So Expensive?

Wooden cutting boards are typically more expensive than plastic cutting boards, although they are longer-lasting and don’t need to be replaced…unless they are thrown in the dishwasher, or become warped or cracked. But the cost varies widely among wooden boards. It’s worth noting that many of us have used wooden boards from The Boardsmith at home for years and they’ve never shown signs of warping or cracking, but they also cost more than $300. However, we think it's worth investing in an expensive board over a cheaper one.

Our Favorite Cutting Boards

The Best Wooden Cutting Board, High-End

The Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board

$360 at Amazon View on Theboardsmith.com

What we liked: High-quality end-grain cutting boards cost more than well-made edge-grain cutting boards. We’ve got recommendations for both varieties. Our tests revealed the Maple End Grain Cutting Board from The Boardsmith to truly top. This board is meticulously made, with no visual or structural imperfections. It’s also a generous two inches thick and we can tell you, first-hand, that it lasts for years and years with regular use (and of course, proper maintenance). For most folks, we'd recommend going with the 16- by 22-inch size.

What we didn't like: Besides the price being prohibitive, there's nothing we didn't like about this board. It's worth the investment.

Key Specs

• Weight: 18 to 19 pounds (for the 16- x 22-inch board)
• Customizations available: Feet; juice groove; finger grooves; sizing
• Wood type: Maple

The Best Wooden Cutting Board, Budget-Friendly

Ironwood Gourmet End-Grain Acacia Wood Cutting Board

$111 at Amazon $119 at Sur La Table

What we liked: This end-grain board from Ironwood Gourmet is more affordable, because it’s made from cheaper acacia wood. Although acacia is harder than maple, our high-end pick, it is very durable and resistant to warping and cracking. This board is well under $100, making it a solid budget-friendly recommendation.

What we didn't like: It comes with non-slip feet, which makes one side of the board unusable.

Key Specs

• Weight: 7.2 pounds
• Customizations available: None
• Wood type: Acacia

The Best Plastic Cutting Board, Budget-Friendly

OXO 2-Piece Cutting Board Set

$24 at Amazon $24 at Oxo

What we liked: If you want a plastic board that can be knocked around, used heavily, and is available in a variety of sizes, you simply cannot beat OXO’s cutting board set. The boards are thin enough to tuck into just about any drawer or cupboard when not in use, but they’re far from flimsy. We particularly liked the rubber bumpers on two edges of the board, which keep it from slipping around during use. Unlike grippy feet, the bumpers allow for the board to be flipped over and used on both sides.

What we didn't like: Nothing—really! These boards are staples in our test kitchen and in homes.

Key Specs

• Weight: 2.03 pounds
• Materials: Plastic with rubber trim
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe

The Best Plastic Cutting Board, High-End

Hayate Yoshihiro Cutting Board

$115 at Amazon View on Echefknife.com

What we liked: The Hayate Yoshihiro Cutting Board is worth the unusually steep-for-plastic price tag. It’s soft and responds to knife blades similarly to wood boards. It is really for the kind of cook that likes to invest in their gear and take care of it. As we said in our review, "Designed to work with razor-sharp Japanese knives and the more gentle pulling motion chefs tend to use in Japan, the Hi-Soft board is only for folks who think they have the knives and knife skills to treat it with care." We like that it's available in six sizes, too.

What we didn't like: For some, this board may just be too expensive.

Key Specs

• Weight: 4.75 pounds
• Materials: Polyvinyl acetate
• Care instructions: Hand-wash

The Best Carving Board

The Boardsmith Maple End-Grain Cutting Board

$360 at Amazon View on Theboardsmith.com

What we liked; Carving boards have a trench around the edge to collect juice as meat is sliced. Some include additional handy features like raised grips in the center to keep meat from slipping as it's handled. In our review of the best carving boards, the Maple End Grain Cutting Board from The Boardsmith (with an added juice well!) excelled at every task, and it's customizable. You can add finger grooves and feet, and select a size. If you go sans feet, the board's reversible, too. And you're not imagining it: This is the same model as our favorite wooden cutting board, just with an added juice well. When something works, it works—ya know? (Note: If you’re hoping to buy a carving board on a budget, we recommend the Extra Large Walnut Carving Board from Virginia Boys.)

What we didn't like: Besides its heavy weight (and steep price tag) there's really not much to dislike about this board.

Key Specs

• Weight: 18 pounds
• Customizations available: Feet; juice groove; finger grooves; sizing
• Wood type: Maple

The Best Charcuterie Board

The Boardsmith’s Walnut Charcuterie board

$140 at Amazon View on Theboardsmith.com

What we liked: The Boardsmith wowed us in our charcuterie board review. It's made from a single slab of real walnut. It's surprisingly lightweight. The bottom is flared for better stability. The wood has an elegant dark stain that hides nicks and scratches. It comes with conditioned with oil that's meant to repel stains and grease. It's, simply, stunning.

What we didn't like: There are no handles so it's trickier to pick up and carry around.

Key Specs

• Weight: 5 pounds, 5.5 ounces
• Materials: Urban salvaged reclaimed solid walnut wood
• Care instructions: Hand-wash and dry thoroughly; periodically apply butcher block or food-grade mineral oil
  

FAQs

How do you clean a cutting board? 

What material is your cutting board made from? Plastic cutting boards can be washed in hot, soapy water, rinsed clean, and air-dried. Most plastic boards can be cleaned in the dishwasher, too. A wooden cutting board requires a little extra care, but it’s not as fussy to wash as you may think. Simply suds up the board with a sponge or bristle brush, rinse clean, then dry excess water with a towel. Dry it upright, or sitting on a cooling rack to aid in airflow and quick drying—this will prevent cracking and warping over time. 

What's the best cutting board material?

There are benefits to plastic and wood cutting boards. But our overall recommendation is for a well-made wood cutting board, which will last for years and is easier on your knives.

How do you oil a cutting board? 

Oiling your wooden cutting board is key for longevity; it conditions the wood, which prevents cracks and splits. It also provides a protective sealant over the surface, which impedes bacterial growth. Use food-grade mineral oil (not a perishable oil, like olive oil), and begin by pouring a generous layer over the top. Rub it in with a towel—it’s good to dedicate a specific towel for this purpose—and let the oil sink into the board for a few minutes. This may be repeated on all sides of the cutting board and should be done whenever the board looks dry or thirsty. That could be as often as monthly, or as infrequently as a handful of times a year.

Should you buy a bamboo cutting board?

We don’t recommend buying a bamboo cutting board. Although they are often less expensive than maple or walnut boards, bamboo is hard on knives. You’ll find yourself needing to sharpen your blades more often if you chop and slice on bamboo.

Why We're the Experts

• Rochelle Bilow is a commerce editor for Serious Eats.
• She joined the site in 2024, and freelanced for years before joining the staff.
• We've reviewed numerous cutting boards, including wooden, plastic, and carving boards. As such, we know a thing or two about what to look for.