Best Cutting Boards of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Before choosing the best cutting board options for 2024, I used each board for typical chopping, slicing and dicing jobs. I also ran several more formal tests on each to measure balance, surface strength and resistance to staining.

Stability

One of the most important functions of a cutting board is to stay put while you're doing your thing. I put each board to a vigorous rocking test ensuring it's designed and crafted with a flat, even surface on both sides with no discernible wobble. It's worth noting that wood boards run the risk of warping over time, which is why treating them to the rubdown of mineral oil and drying them thoroughly on their side after washing is essential for maintaining shape. 

Surface integrity 

Chopping onions on each board gave me a good sense of the cutting board's surface integrity. If a board is not finished properly or made from sub-standard wood, you'll see immediate, deep blade marks -- not what you want -- and a board that's too soft will wear out much faster than those built from quality materials. This test is most applicable to wood boards since plastic models will almost always see wear faster and need replacing every few years (don't worry, they're cheap!), whereas a good wooden board should hold up for much longer.

Stain resistance

Both plastic and wood cutting boards can hold stains from fruits and vegetables with dark juice and meat drippings. I diced a beet on each cutting board which left a stain in every instance. Next, I hand-washed each cutting board with soap and warm water to see how easily the stain came free. 

Wooden vs. plastic

There's a healthy debate about wood versus plastic cutting boards and strong arguments can be made for both. There's no doubt that wooden cutting boards look and feel nicer but they're also heavier and require more diligent cleaning and care. Light and versatile plastic cutting boards are excellent for fast jobs so I always recommend stocking one or two. But, in truth, when I start a recipe, I often find myself reaching for the wood board. Plus, most wood models double as serving vessels for an assortment of cheese and meats. 

Cutting boards are made from all types of wood. While there are some industry standards, some wood boards may make a better fit than others for your budget and cooking style. Popular woods used for cutting boards include sturdy maple, light and sustainable bamboo, acacia, camphor, beech and ash. 

While plastic boards are typically softer, neither material should do any significant damage to your knife blades. There are some less popular cutting board materials including tempered glass but for this list, we've kept it to wood and plastic only.

Cutting board size and weight 

Choosing the size or your cutting board – or boards – will depend a bit on how much counter space you have to work with and the types of cooking you normally do. If you're starting from scratch, one large board -- 18 by 12 inches or so -- and one smaller board will likely be all you need. There are also extra large boards akin to chopping blocks which may be a good option if you have the counter space.

Features: Grooves, rubber feet and trays

Depending on the type of cooking you do, there are some features you might want your cutting board to include. Grooves around the edges come in handy when you're slicing foods that release juice such as tomatoes and cooked meat. Others have built-in trays or receptacles for storage which is nice when you've got an assortment of different food items to chop. 

Cost and value: How much should you spend on a cutting board?

Cutting boards are one of those kitchen tools that you can definitely get away with a budget buy but you might end up having to replace it sooner. We have a few options on this list under $20, in fact, and they should be more than suitable for your culinary projects. Spend a bit more, particularly on a wood board, and you'll get an upgrade in areas like wood quality and appearance.