I’m Kitchn’s Professional Gear Tester — These Are the 5 Cutting Boards I Use Constantly

published Oct 11, 2021
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Chopped cherry tomoatoes, onions, green pepper, and garlic on cutting board
Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman; Food Styling: Cyd McDowell

If you like to cook, you need a great cutting board (or two … or three). Because no matter what you’re making — be it ragù, a veggie-packed salad, or a sheet pan supper — there’s a very good chance there will be some chopping, slicing, dicing, and/or mincing involved.

But not any cutting board will do — some are too flimsy, some stain way too easily, some move around too much. I’m actually working on some official tests to share the best wood and plastic cutting boards, but in the meantime, I thought I’d share the cutting boards I own and love. As Kitchn’s resident gear expert, these are the five cutting boards I use all the the time in my own kitchen.

1. OXO Good Grips Prep Cutting Board

This small plastic cutting board is the perfect size for tiny prep tasks, like slicing citrus for juicing, cutting up an avocado, shredding a handful or two of cheese, making a sandwich … the list goes on. It has nonslip edges that ensure it doesn’t move around on the countertop and I love its small stature: It makes it incredibly easy to store and clean by hand or in the dishwasher.

2. OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board

This is the much larger sibling to the Prep board. It has the same nonslip edges. It also has a sizable juice well and corners that are easy to pour from. At 14.34 inches wide and 21.11 inches long, it is big, so while it’s dishwasher-safe, I usually wash it by hand. I particularly love to use this board when I’m chopping a whole bunch of veggies — the extra prep space is essential.

3. Material reBoard

I own three reBoards and find them to be the perfect, medium-sized, lightweight cutting boards. They’re made from renewable plastic and sugarcane and come in a bunch of trendy colors. Of all my cutting boards, I probably reach for these most often for prepping weeknight dinners. Because they are so lightweight, I do recommend pairing them with a non-slip cutting board mat to prevent them from sliding about as you chop. But, they’re a cinch to clean and even fit nicely in the dishwasher, too.

4. EndGrain Medium Cutting Board

If you’re looking for the most stunning, investment-worthy wooden cutting board, then look no further than the ones from EndGrain. They’re handcrafted in Louisville and made from walnut and maple hardwood, resulting in a sort-of checkered pattern. They’re also reversible: One side is perfect for chopping, and the other has a large juice well that’s helpful when carving roasts or slicing steak. And if you’re a grazing board fan, the flat side is ideal for that presentation, too.

5. J.K. Adams Large Reversible Maple Carving Board

I make a roast chicken most weeks and if you’re in the same boat, you know that carving one can be very messy (juices everywhere!). This carving board has a poultry-shaped well on one side, which makes resting and carving chicken a breeze. It’s oh-so specific, but also oh-so helpful!

Do you have a favorite cutting board? Tell us about it in the comments!