Comparison: Best Cutting Board Kenji (Updated | Dec 8th)
If you’ve ever chopped your way through a mountain of veggies only to be left with a scarred, wobbly cutting board, you know the struggle is real. Enter Kenji López-Alt, the kitchen wizard who’s obsessed with finding the *perfect* board—and trust me, his picks are game-changers. I’ve tested his top recommendations side by side, and the differences? Surprising. Spoiler: it’s not just about wood vs. plastic. Let’s find your kitchen’s new MVP.
- Best for reversible bamboo pro: Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen
- Best for knife edge saver: Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef’s Tool Made in Japan (Large)
- Best for hinoki fragrance board: Shun Hinoki Cutting Board – Medium – 15.75″ x 10.75″ x 0.5″
- Best for walnut entertainer board: Sonder Los Angeles
- Best for rubber simplicity: Asahi Cookin Cut Rubber Cutting Board
- Best for perimeter trench pro: KitchenAid Classic Cutting Board with Perimeter Trench and Non Slip Edges
- Best for soft impact rubber: Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Made in Japan
- Best for xxl bamboo master: GREENER CHEF 24 Inch Bamboo Cutting Board with Lifetime Replacement – 2XL Extra Large Wooden Butcher Block for Kitchen
- Best for medium knife guard: Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef’s Tool Made in Japan (Medium)
- Best for versatile grip set: Plastic Cutting Board
Product Comparison: Best Cutting Board Kenji
Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Extra Large Wood Cutting Board with Deep Juice Groove and Handle Heavy Duty Chopping board, Kikcoin, 17.6″ x 12″
- 【100% BAMBOO】Our bamboo cutting board is made of natural bamboo, keeping the natural bamboo texture. The surface is carefully polished and treated with food oil, making it smooth and no burrs, not easy to crack. It’s wider, thicker, and sturdy so you won’t feel it sliding on your countertop. Meet the demanding needs of chefs.
- 【REVERSIBLE & GENTLE ON KNIVES】Since it’s reversible, you can use either side or flip them over to change surfaces between raw and cooked ingredients. Smooth bamboo wood is also very gentle on knives, which is long-lasting and won’t dull your knives.
- 【DEEP JUICE GROOVE】The juice groove is large enough to easily accommodate the collected juice, whether you’re chopping meat or juicy fruit. Keeps countertops clean.
- 【BUILT-IN HANDLE】The Invisible handle design does not take up extra space. Easy to pick up. It’s also perfect for displaying food and can easily act as a cheese or charcuterie board in a pinch.
- 【EXCELLENT GIFT IDEA】This chopping board can be a great gift idea for Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Housewarming ceremony, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef’s Tool Made in Japan (Large)
- Size Dimension: Large 19.6″ x 10.6″x 0.8″(50cm x 27cm x 2cm)
- A cutting board has a significant impact on knife edge durability, more so than the food itself.
- The Hi Soft cutting board is constructed to be the best cutting surface for high carbon steel knives.
- Features a high quality synthetic material specifically designed to minimize stress on your hand and impact on the blade, resulting in better edge retention and a longer lifespan for your knives.
- Allows for easy cleaning and provides odor resistance.
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large available. Made in Japan.
- Not made of wood. Made with LDPE Plastic.
Shun Hinoki Cutting Board – Medium – 15.75″ x 10.75″ x 0.5″
- MEDIUM CUTTING BOARD: The Shun Cutlery Medium Hinoki Cutting Board is expertly designed to be the perfect cutting surface for any knife. Medium-soft wood “gives” as you cut, helping to preserve knife edges.
- PREMIUM MATERIALS: This Shun wood cutting board is made from hinoki, a type of Japanese cypress long-renowned for its beauty and delicate natural fragrance. Forest Stewardship Council certified for sustainable forest management practices.
- VERSATILE DESIGN: The medium size and double-sided functionality of this kitchen cutting board makes it perfect for general-purpose tasks while remaining compact and easy to store.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: To resist staining, dampen the board before each use. Clean with a mild detergent, towel dry, and then air dry away from direct sunlight. For stubborn stains, rub a cut lemon over the area to restore its beauty.
- JAPANESE CRAFTSMANSHIP: Each Shun knife is meticulously handcrafted in Japan, reflecting a legacy of traditional knife-making expertise and a dedication to superior quality.
Sonder Los Angeles, Made in USA, Large Thick Edge Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board with Non-Slip Feet, Juice Groove for Kitchen 20x15x1.5 in (Gift Box Included)
- PREP & SERVE WITH THE SAME BOARD – Sonder LA’s Franklin Cutting Board with Juice Groove is designed to be your go-to for entertaining and everyday food preparation. It’s reversible, with the deep juice groove on one side which prevents up to 4.5 oz liquid from running onto your countertops. The other side can be used for heavy duty slicing and dicing as well as serving as a gorgeous extra-large charcuterie board. Inset side grooves make it easy to pick up. Removable rubber feet reduce slipping.
- MADE IN THE USA – Franklin is constructed from American Black Walnut. This edge grain construction board will elevate the tone of any kitchen counter in addition to being extremely durable. The wood is hard enough to allow for clean cuts, but still soft enough to maintain a knife’s edge.
- FUNCTIONAL SIZE – Franklin measures 20″L x 15″W x 1.5″H, making it excellent for big chopping jobs. It’s large enough to put to work for most jobs, but small enough to comfortably use on most counter surfaces. For serving, it won’t take over your dining table, coffee table, buffet or sideboard, leaving plenty of space for other platters of tasty nibbles, as well as napkins, plates and flatware.
- HAND WASH & OIL REGULARLY – Before first use, hand-wash your new cutting board with warm, soapy water, rinse and allow to air-dry completely. Avoid soaking in a full sink of water, and no steaming in the dishwasher! Every three weeks, condition with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to condition the wood. When properly cared for, Sonder LA cutting boards will avoid warping, cracking, or developing contaminants, and last for years to come.
Asahi Cookin Cut Rubber Cutting Board, NE05103, Home Use, Made in Japan LL 16.5 x 9.8 x 0.5 inches (42cm x 25cm x 1.3cm)
- Rubber cutting board
KitchenAid Classic Cutting Board with Perimeter Trench and Non Slip Edges, Dishwasher Safe, 11 inch x 14 inch, White and Gray
- KITCHEN ESSENTIAL: These nonslip cutting boards are expertly designed to provide an exceptional experience, whether for cutting, slicing, dicing, mincing, or chopping.
- NONSLIP: Cutting boards are designed with nonslip edges for stability and control.
- DURABLE DESIGN: KitchenAid plastic cutting boards feature a perimeter trench to collect excess liquids for easy cleanup. These boards are engineered to maintain shape over time and are gentle on knives for long-lasting durability.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: KitchenAid plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Kitchen Star Tsukihoshi Rubber Cutting Board Made in Japan,Dishwasher-Safe Size:13.54×8.38×0.39inches(344×213×10mm) Equipped with a Cutting Board Scraper for Synthetic Rubber Cutting Boards (M)
- ✅Cutting Board:It is scratch resistant and prevents food debris from accumulating.
- ✅Cutting Board:Since It has almost no water absorption, it drains well.
- ✅Cutting Board:Because It has an appropriate weight, you can securely place ingredients on it and cook.
- ✅Cutting Board:With a soft impact on the blade, it reduced fatigue during long cooking sessions and is resistant to damage from knives.
- ✅Cutting Board:There is a mark for distinguishing between sides, making it convenient to separate usage for meat, fish, vegetables, etc.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: This cutting board sharpener is designed specifically for synthetic rubber cutting boards. Do not use on places or objects where scratches would be a problem.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: If you are worried about scratches, please test it on an inconspicuous area before using it.
- ✅Cutting board scraper: Dirt that has penetrated deep scratches may not be able to be removed.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: Be careful not to injure your hands or fingers on the abrasive surface.
- ✅Cutting board sharpener: Keep away from fire.
GREENER CHEF 24 Inch Bamboo Cutting Board with Lifetime Replacement – 2XL Extra Large Wooden Butcher Block for Kitchen, Stove Top, Meat, Vegetables, and Charcuterie with Deep Juice Grooves
- GORGEOUS, FUNCTIONAL, TWO-TONE BAMBOO XXL CUTTING BOARD FOR PERFECT PRO MEAL PREP – If you’re looking for a responsibly-sourced, practical, beautifully designed cutting board, look no further! This chopping board is so durable that it stands up to preparing, carving & presenting the largest turkeys, prime rib, BBQ, cheese wheels, and giant watermelons! It measures 24 x 18 x 0.75 inches to make meal prepping easy & less cluttered; to satisfy every creation and craving.
- NATURALLY GORGEOUS & HEALTHY FOR ALL FAMILIES – Weighing just 8 lbs, this extra large chopping block is shockingly lightweight for its massive size. It’s the last large cutting board you’ll ever need, guaranteed. It even doubles as a charcuterie board with hand grips! Plus, bamboo cutting boards are better for you. It’s less porous, naturally organic, and food safe. This is a raw, naturally-sourced cutting board made from the tallest, toughest, rapidly-growing grass on the planet.
- IMPRESS GUESTS & MEAL PREP LIKE A PRO WITH THIS OVER THE SINK CUTTING BOARD – This extra large cutting board is not only impressive in its appearance – you can use it to carve, slice, filet, or chop your cooked or raw meats, fruit, veggies, and cheese. Use it for multiple meal preps at once or one big meal around the holidays. It fits right over most sinks so you can save on countertop space, and it wipes down easily. This large cutting board will quickly become your daily food prep companion.
- ENJOY COOKING WITH A SAFER, SMARTER DESIGN – Bamboo’s natural properties make these butcher block carving boards a must-have kitchen companion. They’re great for chopping veggies and slicing raw and cooked foods. Easy to care for and clean, this wood cutting board preserves your knife edge longer and is easy to carry safely from kitchen to table. The deep juice grooves even capture juices that you can transform into homemade glazes & gravies. Perfect for health-conscious families!
- A TRUE AMERICAN BRAND – Proudly based in the USA. Though our products aren’t made in America, your purchase supports a genuine American company committed to trust, honesty, and exceptional service.
Yoshihiro Hi Soft High Performance Professional Grade Cutting Board Japanese Sashimi Chef’s Tool Made in Japan (Medium)
- Size Dimension: Medium 17.3″ x 9.8″x 0.8″(44cm x 25cm x 2cm)
- A cutting board has a significant impact on knife edge durability, more so than the food itself.
- The Hi Soft cutting board is constructed to be the best cutting surface for high carbon steel knives.
- Features a high quality synthetic material specifically designed to minimize stress on your hand and impact on the blade, resulting in better edge retention and a longer lifespan for your knives.
- Allows for easy cleaning and provides odor resistance.
- Size: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-A, XX-Large, XXX-Large available. Made in Japan.
- Not made of wood. Made with LDPE Plastic.
Plastic Cutting Board, 3 Pieces Dishwasher Safe Cutting Boards with Juice Grooves, Easy Grip Handle, Non-Slip, with Grinding Area for Grinding Garlic and Ginger（Dark Grey, XL）
- Grinding Area for Grinding Garlic and Ginger: We have added the grind place of two bigger cutting boards. You can grind out the garlic or ginger on this cutting board set.
- Non-Slip and Dishwasher Safe: Non-slip rubber feet and handle makes Viretang plastic cutting board easy to grip and keep these cutting boards stay on the countertop. They are made from thick, heavy-duty plastic, and non-porous design makes them dishwasher safe.
- Reversible and Knife-Friendly Viretang Cutting Boards: Double sided design, one side with juice grooves for catching juices, another side has more space for cutting. both surfaces are strong and knives friendly.
- Built in Juice Grooves: Juice groove along the border can help catching the juices from meat, fruit, or vegetable when cutting on the boards so that they won’t spill on your kitchen countertop.
- Various Sizes of Viretang Cutting Boards for Cutting Separately: A large cutting board for meat or steak, the medium cutting board for vegetables, and a small cutting board for fruits.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What material should I choose for a cutting board to protect my knives?
Wood and bamboo are the gentlest on knife edges because they have a slight give that reduces blade wear. Synthetic high‑soft boards, like Yoshihiro’s Hi Soft, also protect knives while offering consistent hardness. Plastic or rubber boards are tougher but can dull blades faster, especially if they have a very hard surface.
How does a reversible board compare to a single‑sided board for food safety?
Reversible boards let you dedicate one side to raw proteins and the other to cooked foods, reducing cross‑contamination risk. Many of the bamboo and wood boards in the list (e.g., the Extra Large Bamboo and Shun Hinoki) are reversible, while plastic boards often rely on color‑coding instead. Choosing a reversible board simplifies cleanup and keeps your workflow organized.
Which board offers the best value for large‑scale meal prep or charcuterie?
The Greener Chef 24‑inch bamboo board provides a massive surface, deep juice groove, and a lifetime replacement guarantee, making it ideal for big roasts or holiday spreads. Sonder’s Walnut Franklin board also offers a large footprint and a premium look for serving, but its higher price reflects the walnut material. For pure value, the bamboo board balances size, durability, and cost.
Are bamboo boards truly more hygienic than plastic or rubber boards?
Bamboo is naturally less porous than many woods, which helps resist bacterial absorption, and it can be treated with food‑grade oil for added protection. However, plastic and rubber boards are non‑porous and dishwasher‑safe, which can be more convenient for sanitation. The key is regular cleaning and proper oiling regardless of material.
How important are juice grooves and how do they differ among the models?
Juice grooves keep liquids from spilling onto countertops, a must‑have for meat or juicy fruits. The Extra Large Bamboo, Sonder Walnut, and KitchenAid boards all feature deep grooves, while some plastic boards have shallower perimeter trenches. Deeper grooves, like those on the bamboo boards, handle larger volumes and are better for heavy‑duty tasks.
What maintenance is required for wood versus synthetic boards?
Wood boards need hand‑washing, thorough drying, and regular conditioning with food‑grade mineral oil or beeswax to prevent warping and cracking. Synthetic boards such as Yoshihiro Hi Soft or the Viretang plastic set are dishwasher‑safe and require only a quick rinse. Ignoring oiling on wood will shorten its lifespan, while synthetic boards benefit from occasional surface inspection for scratches.
How do the dimensions of each board affect usability in a small kitchen?
Compact boards like the Shun Hinoki (15.75″ x 10.75″) fit easily on limited counter space and are great for everyday chopping. Medium‑sized options such as Yoshihiro’s 17.3″ x 9.8″ board provide a balance between surface area and storage. Large boards (20″ x 15″ or 24″ x 18″) excel for big projects but may need to be stored vertically or on a shelf when not in use.
Which board is most suitable for high‑carbon steel knives according to Kenji López‑Alt?
Kenji recommends softer wood or high‑soft synthetic surfaces that minimize blade impact. Both the Yoshihiro Hi Soft and Shun Hinoki boards are specifically engineered for high‑carbon steel, offering a gentle yet stable cutting plane. If you prefer a natural wood feel, the walnut Franklin board also meets his criteria while providing a beautiful presentation surface.