The 10 Best Cutting Board Sets
This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in September of 2020. From slicing and dicing to chopping and mashing, a cutting board provides a sturdy, flat workspace that protects your countertop from being damaged by your knife. It can also be used as a serving tray or as a trivet for a hot dish. Whether you need to carve a roast chicken or prep cocktail garnishes, you'll find a diverse array of boards to choose from in many sizes, shapes, and materials. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Oxo Good Grips
2. Epicurean Nonslip
3. Lipper International with Mats
Editor's Notes
October 12, 2020:
Cutting boards are some of the most important tools in any kitchen. On this list, we've selected the best designs from some of the most popular materials, including bamboo, wood, paper composite, and plastic.
Some people prefer the feel of slicing on bamboo, which is a hard grass and a sustainable resource with a natural look - like the Royal Craft Wood Bamboo. Wooden models like the Architec Gripperwood also look earthy and are slightly easier on your knives than their bamboo counterparts. Boards made of paper composite like the Epicurean Nonslip are relatively new to the market, but the material is gaining traction with chefs for its distinct surface and eco-friendliness.
Many home cooks choose plastic because it's affordable and safe for the dishwasher. There are flexible models, like the Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat, and rigid ones, like the Gorilla Grip Original. Non-porous plastic has long been the preferred material for handling raw meats because it's easier to clean and doesn't harbor bacteria. But newer studies show that wood or bamboo might be safer because they don't accrue scratches from knives, which bacteria can lurk in.
To be on the safe side, always sanitize your board properly and replace it whenever it becomes scratched or scarred. Another way to help prevent cross-contamination is by using separate surfaces for different foods. The Lipper International with Mats and the Joseph Joseph Index make it easier to do so with color coding and labels that tell you which type of food each component should be used for.
In addition to the material, you'll want to consider which size(s) you need and what you'll be using the board for. If you want to chop garnishes and cut lettuce, you probably don't need a heavy-duty piece. The Aichoof Plastic or the Nicole Home Collection Mats should work just fine. But for serious slicing, you can't go wrong with the Oxo Good Grips.
When deciding on your purchase, you may want to check out the best big cutting boards, wooden boards, bamboo boards, and rotary cutting mats.
Special Honors
Cup Board Pro Although it's just a single unit instead of a set, this cleverly designed model has a convenient tray that hangs over the edge of your counter and catches food scraps. It's made of an eco-friendly composite of recycled paper and wood fiber. williamssonoma.com
4. Royal Craft Wood Bamboo
5. Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat
6. Gorilla Grip Original
7. Joseph Joseph Index
8. Aichoof Plastic
9. Architec Gripperwood
10. Nicole Home Collection Mats
Shilo lives for adventures in far-away lands and reads books like it’s going out of style (which it is). Dogs are her co-pilots. She’s traveled to 60 countries and has lived in Austin (where she received a BA from the University of Texas), Maine, Paris, Seattle, New Zealand, Los Angeles, and now—Fort Worth. Before becoming a freelance writer over a decade ago, she had more than three dozen jobs, including high school teacher, record label manager, tour guide, and farmhand for endangered livestock breeds. She speaks fluent French and horribly mangled Spanish, which she is working every day to improve. Shilo geeks out over history and culture, and her areas of expertise include travel, art and design, music, pets, food, crafts, toys, and home furnishings. Current obsessions: Gobekli Tepe, tassels, and fresh lemonade.