Comparison: Serious Eats Best Cutting Board (Updated | Dec 8th)
Every home cook knows the struggle of choosing the perfect cutting board, but Serious Eats has done the homework for us. After rigorous testing, they’ve crowned a winner that balances durability, knife-friendliness, and maintenance ease. Whether you’re a professional chef or a weekend warrior, this guide will reveal why their top pick stands out in a crowded market. We’ll break down the key features that make it the go-to choice for food enthusiasts who demand quality and reliability in their kitchen arsenal.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for premium walnut craft: Sonder Los Angeles
- Best for lightweight paper composite: Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
- Best for juice groove master: Epicurean All-In-One Cutting Board with Non-Slip Feet and Juice Groove
- Best for dishwasher safe paper: Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board
- Best for dual surface pro: HAVHAF Stainless Steel Cutting Boards For Kitchen With Lip(Wood & Metal
- Best for meal prep station: Granted By Grace Acacia Cutting Board with Containers & Lids – Board Meal Prep System w 4 Graters
- Best for handcrafted maple end: The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board – Premium
- Best for titanium knife saver: New Titanium Cutting Board-Stainless Steel Cutting Boards for kitchen
- Best for countertop secure board: TIDITA Acacia Wood Cutting Board and Chopping Board with Handle for Meat
- Best for extra large bamboo: Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen
Product Comparison: Serious Eats Best Cutting Board
Premium Walnut Craft
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)
Sonder Los Angeles
- 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.
Lightweight Paper Composite
Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board, 11.5-Inch × 9-Inch, Natural
Epicurean
- 11.5-Inch x 9-inch cutting board in natural; made in the USA from Richlite paper composite material; makes the cutting board durable, knife friendly, non-porous
- Designed for the everyday use; it’s thin profile is lightweight and can be used on both sides; built in thumb hole allows for easy storing
- Perfect for chopping, slicing, cutting and serving; can be used both in and out of the kitchen
- Cutting board doesn’t require maintenance; can hold upto temperature of 350°F, so it can be used as a trivet
Juice Groove Master
Epicurean All-In-One Cutting Board with Non-Slip Feet and Juice Groove, 14.5″ × 11.25″, Natural/Black
Epicurean
- 14.5″ x 11.25″ cutting board with non-slip feet and juice groove in natural
- Modified natural material is lightweight, durable, nonporous, knife friendly, easy to maintain; temperature resistant to 350 Degree F/175 Degree C
- Features non-slip feet in the corners and a generous juice groove to catch juices
- Made in USA with quality paper-composte material, Richlite; trees harvested under the guidelines of the North America Sustainable Forestry Standards
Dishwasher Safe Paper
Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board, 14.5-Inch x 11.25-Inch, Nutmeg
Epicurean
- The Epicurean Kitchen Series Boards are the original Epicurean cutting boards. Their simple shape features a handy hang hole and every board is dual-sided while being thin, lightweight, and dishwasher-safe.
- NSF Certified
- Dishwasher Safe
- Knife Safe
- Made in the USA
Dual Surface Pro
HAVHAF Stainless Steel Cutting Boards For Kitchen With Lip(Wood & Metal, 15″x10″) – Non Plastic Non Toxic Acacia Wooden Double Sided Cutting Chopping Boards For Kitchen For Defrost | Best Gift Idea
HAVHAF
- [BACTERIA’S WORST ENEMY! – STAINLESS STEEL] Unlike plastic boards, 304 stainless steel cutting board keeps bacteria at bay. Raw meat? Fish? No worries – a quick rinse, and it’s squeaky clean, keeping your kitchen safe and sound.
- [STAIN? WHAT STAIN?, ODOR? WHAT ODOR? – STAINLESS STEEL] Stainless steel doesn’t hold onto those pesky stains or odors. Chop that garlic, slice those onions – this board won’t tattletale on your ingredients!
- [LIP FOR RIB – KEEP THE JUICES ON THE BOARD!] Slice that juicy roast or rack of ribs right on the stainless steel surface – the clever “Lip for Rib” catches every drip, keeping your tablecloth spotless and your meal presentation stylish!
- [WOOD MEETS STEEL – YOUR ALL-IN-ONE PREP AND SERVE SOLUTION!] A Board That Knows How to Work Both Sides! From heavy-duty chops to delicate slices (or even serving the in-laws), this board’s got you covered. Your Perfect Kitchen Sidekick!
- [NO AVERAGE CHEAP BAMBOO HERE – THIS IS ACASIA HARDWOOD!] We skipped the bamboo and went straight to premium acacia – a hardwood that’s as tough as it is beautiful. Built for daily chops and lasting charm, this board is here to stay!
- [DEDICATED TO EVERY HOME COOK WHO KEEPS US FED AND HAPPY!] Here’s to you – the multitasking, recipe-testing, meal-prepping magician! You deserve a cutting board that works as hard as you do. Flip it, prep it, and let this board make life easier (and more fun!) in the kitchen.
- [THE SECRET INGREDIENT FOR A STYLISH KITCHEN] You’ve got the recipes and the skills – now add the style! Stainless steel brings a polished look to every chop, while the acacia wood side adds warmth and charm. Suddenly, meal prep feels like it belongs on a cooking show. Flip, chop, serve – your kitchen’s never looked better!
- [MAKE THIS BOARD YOUR KITCHEN SIDEKICK!] From prep to plate, this board’s ready to help you shine. Add it to your cart, and let’s get chopping – the fun way!
Meal Prep Station
Granted By Grace Acacia Cutting Board with Containers & Lids – Board Meal Prep System w 4 Graters, 2 Plastic Chopping Board for Meat, Juice Grooves & More – Cutting Board Prep Station for Kitchen
Granted By Grace
- UPGRADE YOUR PREPPING ROUTINE with the Granted by Grace Large Cutting Board. Made from premium acacia wood, this durable prep deck withstands daily chopping and slicing without warping or cracking
- SLICE, SLIDE, AND STORE your prepped ingredients in the four containers directly through the dropzone of our food cutting board set. No need for extra storage as our cutting board with containers features built-in storage bins
- SLICE, GRATE, and ZEST directly into the dropzone with our meal prep station set’s four integrated stainless steel graters, each serving a specific purpose, including one slicer, one fine grater, one coarse grater, and one zester
- TWO INCLUDED PLASTIC PREP CUTTING BOARD MATS protect the board surface when prepping meats. Plus, the cutting board juice catcher collects any juices, preventing messy spills and maintaining a clean and organized prepping station
- STABLE AND SECURE, the anti-slip feet of our cutting board with storage keep the smart cutting board system securely in place during prep. For an easy food prep station to transform your prep routine, click ‘ADD TO CART’!
Handcrafted Maple End
The Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board – Premium, Hand Crafted End Grain Wood Cutting Board for Kitchen – Butcher Block – Handmade Cutting Board (Medium)
The Boardsmith
- HANDCRAFTED: The Boardsmith kitchen cutting boards are handcrafted by a team of artisans in Texas, USA. The maple wood is hand-cut from hardwood, sanded smooth, soaked in food-grade mineral oil, and then buffed with 100% food-grade mineral oil and natural beeswax in our shop.
- SUSTAINABLE: Made from sustainably harvested maple hardwood, a durable and long-lasting traditional maple wood used for cutting boards, our wooden cutting boards are hardwearing and will last for years to come.
- SAFE AND EASY TO HANDLE: The Boardsmith end grain cutting board has smoothly beveled edges and corners that are easy to handle and maintain. Handcrafted with careful attention to wood grain direction and seamless joinery, the board uses high-quality food-safe and waterproof glue that is 100% food-safe. Handmade wooden feet come installed on the board.
- PERFECT GIFT: Our wood cutting boards are a classic choice for gifting on any occasion or holiday, whether you’re looking for a housewarming gift, a wedding gift, or a special present to someone who loves cooking, our cutting board is the perfect premium, hand-sculpted product to fit your needs.
- AVAILABLE IN: Our maple wood cutting boards are designed with wooden shock-absorbing feet and standard dimensions of 12″ x 18″ x 2″ with an approximate weight of 8-9 lbs.
Titanium Knife Saver
New Titanium Cutting Board-Stainless Steel Cutting Boards for kitchen,Double-Sided Food Grade Non Toxic Cutting Board,Chopping Boards Necessities for Home Outdoor Camping Meal Prep,Easy to Clean(XL)
NTIERA
- 【Safe Cutting Board for Kitchen】Our New Upgrade Titanium Cutting Board,Stainless steel Cutting Board represents a major leap forward from traditional plastic and wooden boards. With advanced features and improvements, this cutting board addresses common issues such as crumbs, cuts, and odor absorption. Designed to maintain hygiene and durability, it ensures a cleaner, healthier kitchen experience. Upgrade to our cutting board for superior performance and protection for your culinary needs.
- 【Easy to Clean and Maintain】: The non-porous, smooth surface of the titanium board makes it incredibly easy to clean. Simply rinse with warm water and mild soap or place it in the dishwasher for a hassle-free clean-up.Enjoy the practicality of our Titanium Cutting Board, which not only provides a durable cutting surface but is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring a hygienic kitchen environment.
- 【Ultra-Cutting Edge Technology】: The titanium and stainless steel surface is designed to keep your knives sharper for longer by reducing blade dulling. It provides a smooth, hard surface that resists scratches and cuts, making it a reliable choice for all your food preparation needs.
- 【Wide Applications】Whether you’re rolling out pie dough, kneading bread, or chopping vegetables, our cutting board is up to the task. It’s also fantastic for making sandwiches, prepping meats, and more. This versatile cutting board adds convenience and creativity to your culinary endeavors.
- 【Size Diversity】Our stainless steel Cutting Board collection includes three versatile sizes to match your cooking needs:9*13in,11*15.5in and 12*18in.Please select the large or small cutting board that best suits your needs according to various use scenarios. Rest assured, our range of cutting board sizes is ample to meet your requirements.
Countertop Secure Board
TIDITA Acacia Wood Cutting Board and Chopping Board with Handle for Meat, Cheese Board, Vegetables, Bread, and Charcuterie Board – Wooden Serving Board for Kitchen, Dining Room (24″ x 18″)
Tidita
- Premium Acacia Wood: Made from high-quality, durable acacia wood, known for its rich wood pattern and natural beauty, making every piece unique. Variations in wood patterns, knots are inherent features that add to its natural beauty. The actual product may have a slightly darker tone than shown in the images.
- Versatile 2-in-1 Design: This acacia kneading board doubles as a cutting and chopping board, making it a multifunctional kitchen essential for rolling dough, kneading bread, and preparing ingredients like vegetables, meats, and cheese
- Secure Lip for Stability: Thoughtfully designed with a 1-inch lip that rests against the edge of your countertop, this board stays firmly in place during use, preventing unwanted movement while kneading or chopping
- Spacious and Practical Work Surface: Measuring 24″ x 18″, this generously sized board provides ample space for baking, meal prep, and food presentation, accommodating a variety of cooking tasks with ease
- Easy to Assemble & Disassemble: Comes with a simple assembly process, allowing you to attach and remove the lip effortlessly for storage or transport
Extra Large Bamboo
Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Extra Large Wood Cutting Board with Deep Juice Groove and Handle Heavy Duty Chopping board, Kikcoin, 20″ x 14″
Kikcoin
- 【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.
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’s the difference between wood and composite cutting boards?
Wood cutting boards like walnut, maple, and acacia offer a classic look and are gentle on knives but require regular oiling to prevent cracking. Composite boards like Epicurean’s Richlite are non-porous, dishwasher-safe, and maintenance-free while still being knife-friendly.
Which cutting board material is most hygienic?
Stainless steel and titanium cutting boards are the most hygienic options as they’re non-porous and don’t harbor bacteria. These boards also resist stains and odors, making them ideal for raw meat preparation, though they may dull knives faster than wood alternatives.
What size cutting board should I get?
Consider your counter space and typical food preparation needs. Large boards like the Sonder Los Angeles (20″ x 15″) or TIDITA (24″ x 18″) are excellent for extensive meal prep and entertaining, while compact options like the Epicurean Kitchen Series (11.5″ x 9″) work well for smaller kitchens or specific tasks.
How do I maintain a wood cutting board?
Wood cutting boards require hand washing with warm, soapy water and immediate drying to prevent warping. They should be oiled every three weeks with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to maintain moisture and prevent cracking, and never placed in the dishwasher.
What features should I look for in a cutting board?
Consider features like juice grooves to contain liquids, non-slip feet for stability, and reversible designs for versatility. Some boards offer specialized features like built-in containers (Granted By Grace), integrated graters, or temperature resistance for use as trivets (Epicurean models).
Which cutting board is best for knife longevity?
End grain wood boards like The Boardsmith Maple are most forgiving to knives, followed by edge grain boards like the Sonder Los Angeles Walnut. While stainless steel and titanium boards are durable and hygienic, they typically dull knives faster and require more frequent sharpening.
Are there cutting boards that work well for both prep and serving?
Many cutting boards are designed for dual purposes, with wood options like the Sonder Los Angeles Walnut featuring reversible surfaces for both prep and serving. Bamboo boards with deep juice grooves and built-in handles also transition well from kitchen prep to table presentation.
What’s the advantage of end grain versus edge grain construction?
End grain boards like The Boardsmith Maple have wood fibers oriented vertically, creating a self-healing surface that’s extremely gentle on knives and highly durable. Edge grain boards like the Sonder Los Angeles Walnut are more affordable and still knife-friendly but may show knife marks more quickly over time.