The 10 Best Cutting Board Sets
Special Honors
Cup Board Pro Although it's just a single unit instead of a set, this cleverly designed model has a convenient tray that hangs over the edge of your counter and catches food scraps. It's made of an eco-friendly composite of recycled paper and wood fiber. williamssonoma.com
Editor's Notes
October 12, 2020:
Cutting boards are some of the most important tools in any kitchen. On this list, we've selected the best designs from some of the most popular materials, including bamboo, wood, paper composite, and plastic.
Some people prefer the feel of slicing on bamboo, which is a hard grass and a sustainable resource with a natural look - like the Royal Craft Wood Bamboo. Wooden models like the Architec Gripperwood also look earthy and are slightly easier on your knives than their bamboo counterparts. Boards made of paper composite like the Epicurean Nonslip are relatively new to the market, but the material is gaining traction with chefs for its distinct surface and eco-friendliness.
Many home cooks choose plastic because it's affordable and safe for the dishwasher. There are flexible models, like the Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat, and rigid ones, like the Gorilla Grip Original. Non-porous plastic has long been the preferred material for handling raw meats because it's easier to clean and doesn't harbor bacteria. But newer studies show that wood or bamboo might be safer because they don't accrue scratches from knives, which bacteria can lurk in.
To be on the safe side, always sanitize your board properly and replace it whenever it becomes scratched or scarred. Another way to help prevent cross-contamination is by using separate surfaces for different foods. The Lipper International with Mats and the Joseph Joseph Index make it easier to do so with color coding and labels that tell you which type of food each component should be used for.
In addition to the material, you'll want to consider which size(s) you need and what you'll be using the board for. If you want to chop garnishes and cut lettuce, you probably don't need a heavy-duty piece. The Aichoof Plastic or the Nicole Home Collection Mats should work just fine. But for serious slicing, you can't go wrong with the Oxo Good Grips.
When deciding on your purchase, you may want to check out the best big cutting boards, wooden boards, bamboo boards, and rotary cutting mats.