The 8 Best Cutting Boards for Your Kitchen (and Your Knives)

I’ve had many cutting boards in my life, but the Sonder Los Angeles Highland Cutting Board stands out. Made from sustainably sourced teak, it features an edge-grain construction that’s both durable and naturally water resistant. One side features a generous juice groove, while the other side is smooth and flat, lending itself to plenty of cutting and prep tasks, like carving a tender turkey roast on one side or rolling cookie dough on the other. Deep, indented finger grooves provide a sturdy grip, and the smooth finish is comfortable to handle.

During testing, I made sure to cut and slice a medley of foods, like breads, meats, vegetables, and citrus. I did not encounter any issues with staining; even after I left a strawberry sitting on the board for a few hours, the board wiped clean. Water also beaded on the surface rather than soaking in, helping to prevent warping (with proper care).

While cutting, my knives glided smoothly on the board without any loud contact sounds. The resistance from the board was medium-firm, so my knives felt secure during cutting, yet the board is soft enough that I did notice some slight knife marks, which is to be expected and adds character.

It’s worth noting that this cutting board is on the larger side, so you’ll need ample space in your kitchen to accommodate it. It also requires washing with mild soap and regular oiling to keep it in top shape. Still, I was ultimately impressed by the nuanced design details of the Sonder Los Angeles Highland Cutting Board, not to mention how beautifully crafted and lovely it is to look at. It may sound silly, but it brings me joy every time I use it.

Let’s face it, cutting boards take a beating, and when you don’t want to shell out big bucks for a fancy board that needs oiling and extra maintenance, you may lean toward a more budget-friendly option. Fortunately, there is the OXO Utility Cutting Board.

OXO makes cutting boards in all sizes, but we are partial to the largest board, measuring 14.75 by 10.5 inches, which should give you plenty of surface area to cut, chop, and slice. It’s made from plastic, and the nonporous surface helps keep odors at bay and is gentler on your knives.

Did we mention it’s also dishwasher safe?

This cutting board touts other useful features, such as a juice groove on one side and a flat surface on the other. OXO suggests using one side to prepare meat and the other side to prepare vegetables. The tapered edges allow for a comfortable grip, and the nonslip feet keep the board steady while you work.

If you want a fuss-free cutting board that’s also dishwasher friendly, the OXO Utility Cutting Board gets the job done — and your wallet will be delighted as well.

If you’re looking for a classic butcher block, we have you (and your countertops) covered with the Boardsmith Maple End Grain Cutting Board. Each board is made to order in the United States, with customizable options like recessed finger grooves, juice grooves, and stabilizing feet.

“You don’t see craftsmanship like this very often these days,” remarks editor and tester Katie Tuttle, adding that “the grain of the wood and the heft make it feel substantial and expensive.”

Like most butcher blocks, it does require occasional oiling, but that’s a small trade-off for a board that’s built to last. As Tuttle puts it, “It’s easily the nicest cutting board I own.” 

My John Boos & Co. RA Board Series Maple Cutting Board is one of my most treasured food-prep accessories, and it’s earned a permanent spot on my countertop. These iconic “Boos blocks” have been made in the United States since 1887 and are a staple in professional kitchens for a reason.

My particular chopping board is made from northern hard rock maple and is NSF certified, meaning it’s food-safe and nontoxic. It’s smooth on both sides and outfitted with recessed finger grooves for easier maneuvering, though the brand also offers plenty of other sizes and styles to choose from.

Editor and tester Simone Scully, who tried several Boos blocks, shares the appeal: “These are gorgeous. Truly. There’s a reason these boards are in all professional chef kitchens ... you just want to have them out on display.”

Mine is on the larger side — 24 by 18 inches and about 30 pounds — so it’s not the easiest to move, but that heft adds to its stability. I’ve had my board for seven years, and needless to say, it’s seen its fair share of daily use. From homemade bread loaves to chicken cutlets to summer salads, my Boos block has stood up to the wear and tear and has only a few scuff marks to show for it. My knives have also held up well on this solid board.

If you want an heirloom wooden cutting board that is unique, enduring, and up for any chopping task, the John Boos & Co. Maple Cutting Board is certainly a solid choice.

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as slicing into a juicy roasted chicken on a flat cutting board, only to see the coveted au jus overflow onto your countertops, or worse, onto your floor or shoes. A high-quality grooved cutting board like the Made In Butcher Block puts a stop to that. Its deep, well-designed juice groove actually catches drips before they spill, helping to keep your workspace (and floors and clothing) clean.

Tester Sadie Crouch found the grooves especially effective, noting that they did a “great job of catching juices.” A wider channel along the edge, paired with built-in finger grooves, also makes the board easier to grip and maneuver.

In addition to the well-designed juice grooves and grip, Crouch also appreciates the large work surface. “Since it is so big, it can fit several veggies at a time,” she says, which cuts down on the need to manage and clean several chopping boards during the chaos of mealtime prep. She was also impressed by its sturdiness and display-worthy look.

In testing, the board held up well to regular use, with only light surface marks and no signs of warping or staining. It’s easy to clean by hand, though it does require a bit more upkeep than dishwasher-safe options.

With its high-quality construction and unique wide juice groove, the Made In Butcher Block can is our pick for anyone who regularly cooks proteins or larger meals. As Crouch puts it, “You don’t need another cutting board with this one.” 

For ease, function, and low-maintenance care, I love the Full Circle Chop Shop 4-Piece Cutting Board Set. The set features three cutting boards of various sizes and a convenient stand. Plus, all of the boards are dishwasher safe. It’s a win-win situation.

Made from naturally antimicrobial wood and paper fibers, Full Circle’s boards are surprisingly durable and well made. The two larger boards have juice grooves, while the smaller prep board includes a convenient finger hole. All three have nonslip silicone grips and are fully reversible.

Full Circle also claims that its cutting boards are stain resistant. To test this, I left mashed berries on the board for several hours; what looked like a lingering stain washed away easily with soap and water. And even after multiple dishwasher cycles, I didn’t notice any warping or bending, plus the boards don’t require oiling.

I’ll admit, the knife contact sound is a bit loud at first, but I quickly got used to it, and my knives showed no signs of wear. The boards feel stable despite their slim profile, and the upright stand makes them easy to store without taking up too much counter space. With versatile sizes and low-maintenance care, this set is a practical pick for everyday cooking — and at around $80, it’s a steal.

When you want to invest in a long-lasting cutting board, we think the Caraway Cutting Board Set is the answer. At a few hundred dollars, it’s certainly costlier than the Full Circle Chop Shop — the other cutting board set on our list — but we think it’s warranted.

This set includes three cutting boards (large, medium, and small), a storage rack, and a conditioning oil (there’s a seven-piece set as well). The boards are lightweight and slim — weighing just 1 to 3.5 pounds — so maneuvering them is easy, and the carbon steel rack keeps them upright and organized, making them an excellent choice if you’re short on storage space. Each piece is designed with useful indents to store food scraps while you chop, which is especially useful during meal prep.

Tester Brittany Scanniello can attest that these cutting boards are durable and hold up better than her other chopping boards. “I haven’t seen any issues with my knives since using these, and we use them for every meal,” she says. Any stains faded quickly, and Scanniello notes that these boards are easy to clean with a bit of hot, soapy water. “For someone [who] doesn’t mind the extra spend for quality, I would definitely recommend these,” says Scanniello. For their durability and space-saving design, we think the Caraway Cutting Board Set is well worth the splurge. 

A cutting board can be a home cook’s best friend, but sometimes the cleanup and maintenance can be a pain. That’s where a dishwasher-friendly cutting board comes in. Enter Material’s The MK Free Board, a plant-based cutting board that’s also dishwasher friendly.

This cutting board is 100 percent USDA-certified bioplastic, made of biopolymers and natural clay minerals that are free of microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and food allergens. It’s naturally nonporous, which means it can handle raw meat, and it’s resistant to scratches as well. The board features a juice groove, and the slightly textured surface provides more knife stability. It’s rectangular, but one corner is rounded, with a wide opening that’s useful for gripping, maneuvering, or hanging on a hook; it also weighs about 1 pound, so it’s super lightweight. However, due to its lightweight construction, the board may slide, especially on slippery countertops. To counteract this, the manufacturer recommends placing a damp cloth beneath your cutting board to keep the board stable.

The MK Free Board comes with a lifetime guarantee and is available in three soft and calming hues: Ocean (blue), Cloud (cream), and Shell (pink). When we want a no-fuss clean without the forever chemicals, we’re happily reaching for Material’s The MK Free Board.