The Best Cutting Board Material Isn’t Plastic — Here Are the 3 Materials You Can Never Go Wrong With

When trying to equip a kitchen quickly or affordably, we reflexively choose the budget buy. That almost always means plastic cutting boards. While plastic boards have plenty of plus points — they disinfect like a champ and are easy to find — they’re also one of the most insidious ways we’re exposing ourselves to microplastics on a daily basis. It’s time to rethink this reflex. 

This year, we’re ditching plastic for safer cutting board materials. Cutting boards made from wood, metal, or composite materials — like wood and paper fiber — won’t slough microplastics into your food with every minor serration. (Repeated exposure to forever chemicals, micro-, and nanoplastics can be closely related to health risks.) Luckily, we’ve rounded up editor-loved options from these three safer materials below, and several are even on sale.

Best Editor-Loved Wooden Cutting Boards

Trusty wood is one of our favorite materials for cutting boards; as a public health expert — I have a Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition — I appreciate that it won’t shed microplastics into my food during prep. Wooden cutting boards come in a range of materials, like easy-to-clean bamboo, soft hinoki cypress, and premium American hardwoods. These boards do require some upkeep, including routine oiling and hand-washing to avoid cracks, but with proper maintenance, they’ll last you a lifetime. 

• John Boos R-Board Maple Cutting Board, $125
• John Boos CCB Wooden Maple Cutting Board, $296
• John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Maple Cutting Board, $89
• Shun Cutlery Hinoki Cutting Board, $55
• Lacusmall Bamboo Cutting Board, Set of 3, $19
• Ziruma Acacia Wood Cutting Board, $40
• Shumaru Mahogany End-Grain Wood Cutting Board, $60
• PJ Rubberwood Cutting Board, $25
• Thetchry Checkered Acacia Wood Cutting Board, $50
• Caraway Birchwood Cutting Board, $50

Shun Cutlery Hinoki Cutting Board

$55 at Amazon

Hinoki, a soft Japanese cypress, doesn’t get nearly enough flowers as a dependable cutting board material. Unlike some wooden cutting boards, which require a forklift to haul out of the cabinet, Shun’s option is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and wash. It gives off a subtle, woodsy fragrance — and incredibly, the resin that imparts that scent also gives hinoki wood some natural antibacterial properties. And because the board’s soft surface has plenty of give, it’s a smart way to protect investment knives (including Shun’s own high-quality blades) and keep them sharp.

Jonn Boos R-Board Maple Cutting Board

$125 at Amazon

The cutting boards and butcher blocks from John Boos are synonymous with premium, chef-loved boards — Ina Garten’s a fan — for good reason. Striking and comfortable to use, this reversible maple cutting board is worth every penny: According to one reviewer, with the right maintenance, this board “will last forever.” As an additional perk, Boos sources its hardwood from renewable forests and reuses wood scraps and sawdust to generate steam for its factory.

Best Editor-Loved Metal and Titanium Cutting Boards

For exceptional hygiene and easy maintenance, look no further than metal and titanium cutting boards. They’re often lightweight and easy to sanitize — in the dishwasher, no less — which makes them a dependable pick for prepping meat and fish. Plus, stainless steel and titanium are non-porous, so they won’t pick up any odors from aromatic ingredients.

• Ufjeg Titanium Cutting Board, Set of 3, $39
• Stron-Dura Stainless Steel Cutting Board, $19
• Sumzzz Titanium Cutting Board, $28 with coupon, originally $39
• Inzoo Double-Sided Steel Cutting Board, $14
• Armorbear Titanium Cutting Board, $33
• Slice Kitchenware Pure Titanium Cutting Board, $95 with coupon, originally $100
• Snowclad Stainless Steel Double-Sided Cutting Board, $30

Stron-Dura Stainless Steel Cutting Board

$19 at Amazon

Even with heavy use, this sturdy board won’t wrap, crack, or get knife scars. It’s a hygienic choice for meat prep — since stainless steel is nonporous, the Stron-Dura won’t absorb odors or trap bacteria that could fester between uses.

Armorbear Titanium Cutting Board

$33 at Amazon

This non-slip, double-sided cutting board offers the best of both worlds: a titanium-coated side, which won’t harbor bacteria or odors, and a moisture-resistant wooden side for cooked foods and vegetables. The titanium material has a raised texture that helps grip slippery foods in place during prep.

Best Editor-Loved Composite Cutting Boards

Composite cutting boards are a reliable choice for heavy-duty, everyday use. Since they’re made from compressed wood or paper fibers and resin, they’re exceptionally strong. Try one if you’re looking for a comfortable, plastic-free chopping experience that’s lighter in weight than wood and warp-resistant, thanks to its compressed construction.

• Epicurean Kitchen Cutting Board, $34
• Freshware Wood Fiber Cutting Board, Set of 2, $23
• Epicurean Gourmet Cutting Board, $80
• Dexas Natural Fiber Composite Cutting Board, $19
• Public Goods Wood Composite Cutting Board, $50
• Kikcoin Wood Fiber Cutting Board, Set of 3, $50
• Culiex Wood Fiber Cutting Board, Set of 2, $42, originally $51
• Elihome Wood Fiber Pastry and Cutting Board, $54

Epicurean Kitchen Cutting Board

$34 at Amazon

Made from cardboard composite, this mid-sized cutting board has over 5,200 five-star ratings at Amazon. According to shoppers, it’s lightweight, dishwasher-safe, and surprisingly stainproof. To keep this slim board from sliding around, we recommend placing a wet towel underneath. Unlike some third-party versions out there, Epicurean’s composites are NSF-certified for safe contact with food. 

Elihome Wood Fiber Pastry and Cutting Board

$54 at Amazon

This wood fiber cutting board nails the details. It’s built from high-density wood fiber, which makes it heat-safe up to 350°F, so it can double as an extra trivet if you’re pulling hot dishes out of the oven. The extra-large board isn’t just useful for mise en place; it’s also marked with helpful measurements to roll out pastry to size. It also comes with a built-in groove to rest your rolling pin while you’re working, as well as non-slip feet to keep it in place.