Comparison: Sur La Table Best Cutting Board (Updated | Dec 8th)

Wooden boards like maple or walnut offer a classic look and are gentle on knives, but they require regular oiling to prevent drying. Bamboo is a sustainable hardwood that resists moisture and bacteria, making it low‑maintenance, while polypropylene boards are non‑porous, dishwasher‑safe, and ideal for heavy chopping tasks. Think about the balance between aesthetics, upkeep, and the types of foods you prepare most often.

A reversible board gives you a flat side for general chopping and a grooved side that catches liquids, keeping your countertop clean when carving roasts or slicing juicy fruits. The groove also helps contain drips, reducing the risk of cross‑contamination between raw proteins and other ingredients. This dual‑surface design adds versatility without needing multiple separate boards.

Yes, the high‑density polypropylene material is engineered to stay soft enough that it won’t dull stainless‑steel blades, yet it remains sturdy for tough cutting tasks. Because the surface is non‑porous, it won’t absorb odors or stains, and the boards are safe to run through the dishwasher for quick cleaning. Look for the reversible sides to separate meat from produce for added hygiene.

The Prep & Pour board features a hinged side that folds up to create a built‑in chute, allowing you to funnel chopped ingredients directly into pots or bowls, which speeds up prep and reduces mess. Its nonslip rubber feet keep the board stable, and the hanging hole offers convenient storage in a kitchen drawer or on a hook. The flat chopping surface remains knife‑friendly, so you get both functionality and space‑saving design.

The larger maple board provides more workspace for big‑batch cooking and presents a lighter, slightly softer surface that’s forgiving on knives, while the walnut board offers a richer, darker grain and a more compact size for smaller kitchens. Typically, the larger maple board carries a higher price tag, but its increased surface area and durability can justify the cost for frequent entertainers. Choose based on your kitchen space and how often you handle large‑scale prep.

Sur La Table highlights that its wooden boards are handcrafted from sustainably sourced maple or walnut, and the bamboo set is made from fast‑growing, renewable bamboo, which reduces environmental impact. If eco‑friendliness is a priority, these certifications add value beyond the functional features. Sustainable sourcing also often means higher quality wood that ages well with proper care.

Yes, the reversible design is intended for exactly that purpose: use the grooved side for raw proteins to contain juices, then flip to the flat side for fruits, vegetables, or cooked foods. Because the boards are finished with mineral oil, they are non‑porous enough to resist bacterial absorption, but it’s still best practice to wash the board with hot, soapy water between different food types.