Comparison: Plastic Best Cutting Board Material (Updated | Dec 8th)

Look for material quality, such as high‑density polypropylene that resists warping and stains. Thickness and size matter for stability and the type of food you prep, while features like juice grooves and reversible surfaces add convenience. Also check for dishwasher safety and BPA‑free certification to ensure easy cleaning and health safety.

The Farberware board uses BPA‑free polypropylene with a 0.39‑inch thickness, suitable for home use and large roasts. Winco’s board is a high‑density, commercial‑grade copolymer that’s thicker (¾‑inch) and designed to resist cracking and warping in busy kitchens. For heavy daily chopping, Winco generally offers greater long‑term durability.

Both the MK Free Board (plant‑based biocomposite) and Axiom Creations (wheat‑straw blend) are marketed as gentle on blades, meaning they dull knives more slowly than harder plastics. However, their softer surfaces can scratch more easily, so you may see surface wear over time. They still provide a safe, non‑porous cutting surface while offering eco‑friendly benefits.

Reversible boards double your usable surface without taking up extra storage space, and many include a hand hole for better control. This can be handy when you need to separate raw meats from vegetables without cross‑contamination. If you have limited kitchen real estate, a reversible board often delivers better value than buying two separate boards.

The Farberware 8 × 10‑inch reversible board provides a compact, affordable option with premium polypropylene and a juice groove. For larger tasks, the Farberware 15 × 20‑inch extra‑large board gives ample space at a modest price, especially when you consider its thickness and dishwasher safety. Both deliver good value for typical household needs.

Color‑coding, as seen on the Winco HACCP boards, helps prevent cross‑contamination by assigning specific colors to different food types. Anti‑slip pads or grid backs, like those on the flexible board set, keep the board stable during chopping, reducing the risk of accidental cuts. These features are simple yet effective ways to boost kitchen hygiene.

Juice grooves capture liquids from meats, fruits, and vegetables, keeping countertops clean and reducing slip hazards. Most premium boards in this list—Farberware extra‑large, OXO Good Grips, Empune set, and MK Free Board—include a groove, while smaller or flexible mats may rely on edge designs instead. Choosing a board with a groove is especially useful for handling roasts or juicy produce.

Flexible mats are lightweight, easy to transport, and can be bent to slide chopped food into containers, which is handy for picnics or outdoor grilling. However, they lack the rigidity needed for precise knife work and may wear faster than solid plastic boards. They work well as supplemental surfaces, but for heavy chopping a sturdy board is still recommended.