The 10 Best Butcher Blocks
Special Honors
The Boardsmith International If you want something really special, look into the fine craftsmanship of their Specials section, which contains some truly one-of-a-kind pieces. Of course, their normal pieces are every bit as well made, if not unique, and all of their lines are built to last a lifetime. theboardsmith.com
Brooklyn Butcher Blocks Everything from this artisan manufacturer is crafted with care, from their cutting surfaces to their countertops and tables. If you're located in the New York area you can even schedule a class to learn the process behind making a high-end cutting board, and even attempt the feat yourself. brooklynbutcherblocks.com
Butcher Block Co. If one single block just won't cut it for your needs, this custom designer manufacturer can help. They'll work with you to provide the exact material right for you in the size that's right for your space. Of course, they also make their own butcher blocks and tables, too. butcherblockco.com
Editor's Notes
April 17, 2020:
A butcher block is essentially a type of cutting board, but it's heavier and thicker and often made slightly differently. That said, if you want something that's a lot like a normal cutting board, the SoulFino Extra Large would make a good compromise because it isn't very heavy. Models like the Kooq KS4001 and Sugarwood Home Reversible look fantastic in many kitchens, although they aren't ideal with super-high-hardness knives due to their face-grain construction, which isn't the best for hard steel.
The Boos Block RA03 and Mevell 60004 make a significant improvement over face grain materials with their edge-grain construction. This type of grain orientation strikes a balance between durability and blade health, and especially the Boos Block is immensely popular among professionals.
Then there are the end-grain models. The way their grain faces not only keeps high-end knives in better shape than plastic cutting boards do, it also helps the boards to heal themselves of the slices and scratches that come with frequent use. The Michigan Maple 30007 and Ironwood Union Stock Yard both stand out because they're incredibly thick, which is important if you're actually butchering meat because you don't want them moving while you're chopping, trimming, or slicing. The Daddy Chef TD1612 is another extremely dense one made of oak rather than ironwood, while the Sonder Los Angeles Artisan looks great as is and really shines after a few more coats of oil. The same can be said for the Thirteen Chefs Villa Acacia, which is absolutely massive, especially as compared to others in its price range.