The 6 Best Cutting Boards for Meat of 2024

My Top Picks:  

1. What I Use for Raw Meat: Williams Sonoma Antibacterial Synthetic Cutting & Carving Board – $39.95 at Williams Sonoma
2. What I Use for Cooked Meat: John Boos Cherry Wood Cutting Board – $117.95 at Amazon
3. Also Great: OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board – $32.99 at Amazon
4. Best Cutting Board Set: The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized Kitchen Cutting Board, Set of 3 – $18.99 at Amazon
5. Best Budget Cutting Boards for Meat: 10-Piece Flexible Cutting Mats for Meat and Vegetables – $14.99 at Amazon
6. Best Multi-Function Cutting Board: Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Plus Multi-Function Cutting Board – $19.99 at Amazon

Reviews of The Best Cutting Boards for Meat

1. What I Use for Raw Meat:Williams-Sonoma Antibacterial Synthetic Cutting & Carving Board

I love this antibacterial synthetic option from Williams-Sonoma. It’s one of the best cutting boards for raw meat and poultry because of the non-porous plastic material, which is infused with an agent that inhibits bacteria from growing.

2. What I Use for Cooked Meat: John Boos Cherry Wood Cutting Board

I’ve had my Boos board for 4 years and think it’s the best wooden cutting board for produce or cooked meat. While it might seem a little big at first (it’s 18 by 12 inches), I appreciate how thick and sturdy it is because I don’t have to worry about it sliding around.

3. Also Great: OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board

The OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board is a durable and practical workhorse in the kitchen. At first, you might think the design is lacking, but if you look closer you’ll notice the integrated drip-catcher that can hold up to 2 ounces of liquids with easy-pour corners that minimizes juice leaks.

4. Best Cutting Board Set for Meat: The Original Gorilla Grip Oversized Kitchen Cutting Board, Set of 3

The Gorilla Grip Oversized Cutting Board Set is one of Amazon’s highest-rated (and most affordable) sets of plastic cutting boards. I like that they feature a reversible design, have deep grooves to catch runoff juices from meat and come in different sizes and color schemes.

5. Best Budget Cutting Boards for Meat: 10-Piece Flexible Cutting Mats for Meat and Vegetables

For everyday use, this 10-piece set is one of the best value cutting board options out there. Because it’s designed to be color-coded for each kind of food, it’s easy to follow guidelines for food safety by matching each type of food to a color. As long as you stick to using the blue one for seafood, the yellow one for poultry, and so on, you don’t even have to be concerned about it. 

6. Best Multi-Function: Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Plus Multi-Function Cutting Board

If you’re a big fan of smart design, the Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Plus Multi-Function Cutting Board is one of the best plastic cutting boards that combines form and function. It has an angled surface and a high outer rim that catches up to 10 ounces of juice to cut down on messes. The teeth in the middle hold hot meats in place to make it easier to slice. The side handles are handy and make it easy to move around the kitchen or transport meat from the grill.

Other Cutting Boards for Meat That I Researched

Cup Board Pro Cutting Board

This commercial-grade cutting board has a detachable tray that hangs over the edge of the counter to catch food scraps. Not only was it a trending product on Shark Tank, but it also has handy non-slip silicone feet. However, there are some mixed reviews about the durability of the tray and it’s pretty pricey, so it didn’t make the cut. The Cup Board Pro Cutting Board is available at Williams Sonoma for $84.95.

KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board

While the KitchenAid brand is great, this cutting board shows cut marks from sharp knives, so it has the potential to trap bacteria. The little knicks can also tear up kitchen sponges, making it frustrating to clean and use. For a few more dollars, I’d go with the OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board that I included in my top picks. The KitchenAid Classic Plastic Cutting Board is available at Amazon for $11.08.

BergHOFF Ron Bamboo Cutting Board

Bamboo cutting boards are typically tough enough to avoid scarring from knives and less porous than hardwood boards to reduce the risk of absorbing bacteria. However, this cutting board is reversible, with one side for meats and another for produce, so there could be the potential for avoiding cross-contamination. The BergHOFF Ron Bamboo Cutting Board is available at West Elm for $59.99.

Joseph Joseph Nest 3-Piece Color Coded Cutting Board Set with Storage Stand

There’s a lot to like about this set, like its color-coded cutting boards with non-slip feet and the stand that doubles as a drying rack and keeps them organized. You can’t argue that the colors are pretty, but there aren’t any wells to catch juices from meats, so you’ll most likely end up with a mess. The Joseph Joseph Nest 3-Piece Color Coded Cutting Board Set with Storage Stand is available at Amazon for $29.99.

Why You Can Trust Me

Hello! I’m Jessica, a Certified Food Scientist and Culinary Scientist. I’m also a culinary school graduate and a teacher at heart. My passion began while studying food science for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Little did I know my journey would take me to study culinary arts at The Art Institute in Santa Ana while working full-time. Eventually, my path led me to this blog! Soon after, I wrote the Easy Culinary Science Cookbook, complete with 75 delicious recipes, essential cooking tips, and step-by-step guides for better cooking! 

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Cutting Boards for Meat

Ultimately, when picking the best cutting board for meat, you’ll have to take personal preferences into account. Here are some other factors you should consider before clicking ‘add to cart’: 

Cutting Board Material

The material you choose will depend on the type of food prep you want to use it for. Cutting boards are available in various materials, including plastic, wood, bamboo, marble, and glass. All types have different pros and cons.

Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards have gained popularity for their affordability, durability, and easy maintenance. 

Pros:

• Non-Porous Surface: This means that bacteria is less likely to penetrate and thrive within the material, making it makes it easier to clean and disinfect, reducing the risk of contamination.
• Dishwasher-Safe: Many plastic cutting boards are dishwasher-safe, allowing for thorough cleaning and sanitization at high temperatures. 
• Color Coding: To further prevent cross-contamination, some manufacturers produce plastic cutting boards in different colors with pictures of specific food groups. For instance, red boards that are intended for raw red meat might have a cartoon of a steak printed on it, whereas a green board may have a picture of a head of broccoli. 

Cons:

• Knife Scarring: Plastic cutting boards are prone to developing knife marks over time, creating grooves where bacteria can accumulate.
• Potential for Wear and Tear: Although plastic boards are durable, they may show signs of wear and tear more quickly than some other materials.
• Warping: Extreme high temperatures (like the hot water used for the sanitation cycle on the dishwasher) can cause plastic cutting boards to warp and lose their shape. This is particularly true with thin cutting boards.

Wood Cutting Boards

Wooden cutting boards have been a kitchen staple for centuries, and for good reason. While they require a bit more care than plastic cutting boards, they have some unique benefits.

Pros: 

• Natural Antimicrobial Properties: Wood, especially hardwoods like maple, are non-porous and possess natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. This makes it a safe and hygienic choice for cutting raw meats.
• Knife-Friendly: Wood is softer than plastic, which means it’s gentler on your knives. A well-maintained wooden cutting board can also help extend the life of your kitchen knives.
• Aesthetics: A wood cutting board is a beautiful addition to your kitchen. It presents well at the table and is a great way to display a cheeseboard. 

Cons:

• Maintenance: Wooden cutting boards require more maintenance than plastic ones. They need regular oiling to prevent drying and cracking.
• Not Dishwasher-Safe: Most wooden boards are not suitable for dishwashers, since exposure to water and high temperatures can lead to warping and cracking.

Bamboo Cutting Boards:

Bamboo cutting boards have gained popularity for being a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood or plastic boards, however, they require regular maintenance to ensure safe use.

Pros:

• Sustainability: Bamboo is a highly renewable resource since it is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. This makes bamboo cutting boards an environmentally friendly choice.
• Antimicrobial Properties: Like wood, bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of bacteria. This can contribute to a more hygienic cutting surface.
• Lightweight: Bamboo cutting boards are generally lightweight, making them easy to handle and move around the kitchen.
• Longevity: According to the USDA, “Bamboo absorbs very little moisture and resists scarring from knives.”

Cons:

• Maintenance: You want to handwash them after each use and oil them from time to time.
• Knife Sharpness: It has been said that bamboo may dull knives faster than some other types of cutting boards, although the results are mixed. You may need to sharpen the knives a little more frequently with bamboo than other types.

Cutting boards are also available in glass and marble, but they’re way more fragile and prone to scratching. In general, I would recommend opting for bamboo, wood, or plastic instead. 

Size

The size of the cutting board you choose should align with your cooking habits, kitchen space, and the type of food preparation you commonly undertake. Here are some factors to consider regarding the size of a cutting board:

• Work Surface: Ensure that the cutting board provides enough space for comfortable and efficient food preparation. A larger board is beneficial when chopping a variety of ingredients or handling larger cuts of meat.
• Kitchen Space: Consider the available space in your kitchen. If you have a spacious kitchen, you may opt for a larger cutting board. In smaller kitchens, a more compact size may be practical for easy storage.
• Storage: Consider how and where you plan to store your cutting board. If you have limited cabinet or counter space, a smaller board may be more convenient to store.
• Cleaning: Larger cutting boards can be more challenging to clean, especially if they don’t fit easily into your sink or dishwasher. Make sure the size is manageable for your cleaning routine.

Can You Use Wooden Cutting Boards for Meat?

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service website, you can use a wooden cutting board for meat. To prevent cross-contaminations, it is suggested to follow at least one, if not all, of the following guidelines: 

1. Opt for hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry for meat preparation. Hardwoods are less porous and more resistant to bacterial growth than softer woods. Bamboo is also a good option since it’s harder and less porous than hardwoods and doesn’t absorb a lot of moisture.
2. Avoid using softwoods, such as pine, cedar, or fir, for cutting raw meat. Softwoods have more open grain structures, making them more prone to harboring bacteria.
3. Designate specific cutting boards for different food types to prevent cross-contamination. Have a separate board for raw meats, poultry, seafood, and fruits/vegetables.

How Often Should You Replace Cutting Boards?

No matter how well you maintain them, all plastic and wooden cutting boards wear out over time. If you see excessive wear, tears, or food starts to get stuck in grooves created by sharp knives, you should discard it. 

Can You Cut Meat and Vegetables on the Same Board?

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, you should use two cutting boards: One to handle raw meat, poultry, or seafood, and another for ready-to-eat ingredients like bread, vegetables, and fruit.

This is to prevent cross-contamination from occurring, which is when bacteria from one type of food, such as raw meat, transfer to another, like vegetables, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses.

Here are some general guidelines to ensure safe food preparation when using a cutting board for meat:

• Clean and Sanitize Between Uses: Clean the cutting board thoroughly with hot, soapy water after cutting raw meat. Scrub the surface with a brush or sponge to remove any residue. Additionally, sanitize the board periodically using a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water or a mild bleach solution.

• Avoid Cross-Contamination Routes: Be mindful of utensils and hands that come into contact with raw meat. Wash your hands and utensils between cutting different ingredients to prevent the spread of bacteria.

• Safe Cooking Temperatures: Ensure that meat is cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill any potential bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature.

• Regular Maintenance: If using a wooden cutting board, regularly treat it with food-grade mineral oil or cutting board oil to maintain its surface and prevent cracks or crevices where bacteria can accumulate.

Why Do Some Restaurants Use Different Colored Cutting Boards?

Restaurants often use different colored cutting boards as part of a color-coded system to prevent cross-contamination and ensure food safety. According to the ServSafe website, the use of different colors helps kitchen staff easily distinguish between cutting boards designated for specific food groups, reducing the risk of bacteria spreading from one type of food to another. 

Where Can You Safely Store Clean Cutting Boards?

You can store clean cutting boards in any cool, dry space. Racks or holders are nice for storing them vertically, but you can also use open shelves as long as they have good air circulation. Just make sure to avoid stacking them too closely together or when wet, as that can create an environment for bacterial growth. 

How to Clean Wood Cutting Board 

Clean wooden cutting boards thoroughly and regularly with hot, soapy water after each use to remove any residue and bacteria. Scrub the surface with a brush or sponge to get into any grooves or cuts. From there, air dry or pat dry with clean paper towels. 

You can also sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Submerge the cutting board in the bleach solution and allow it to stand for several minutes before rinsing it with water and air drying. 

To maintain the wood and prevent it from drying or cracking, treat your wooden cutting board with food-grade mineral oil or a specialized cutting board oil. This is especially important for boards that are exposed to moisture regularly.

Once you’ve chosen the best cutting board for meat, give these recipes and how-to tips a try!

• Skirt Steak Marinade 
• How to Reverse Sear a Steak
• How to Carve a Turkey

Prices were accurate at the time of publication.