The Criteria: What to Look for in a Cutting Board For Meat

A cutting board is an indispensable tool that, quite frankly, no kitchen can do without. Over the years, I’ve gone from owning just one board (clearly before I understood the gravity of cross-contamination) to owning a series of color-separated boards that I use when I cook a wide range of raw meat (beef, poultry, fish, etc). These days, as my counter space has expanded, so has my collection to include use-specific boards, some doubling up as presentation platters, so there’s never any confusion of which board is for what dish/meal.

Finding a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness is crucial. Wooden boards are better if they have a groove for meat juices. While pricier, wooden boards have natural antimicrobial properties and knife-friendly surfaces to suit those nights I’m prepping a steak or pot roast.

On the other hand, opting for a reversible board allows me to easily segregate between cooked and raw tasks and prevent cross-contamination effectively.

End grain boards, I find, are much more forgiving on knife edges and heavy chopping.

Plastic boards are great all-rounders that are durable, dishwasher-safe, and resistant to moisture so little maintenance is required.

What Type of Board Material Should I Use for Meat?

If you choose a wooden board to handle meat, a hardwood with a tight grain is ideal, as it can be gentler on knife blades, helping to maintain sharpness. They’re also typically more durable and less prone to developing deep gouges or cut marks, which can be hiding places for bacteria.

If you prefer plastic boards, the fact that they are non-porous means they do not absorb liquids or retain odors as easily as some other materials. This makes them less likely to harbor bacteria from raw meat, enhancing food safety. Plus, seeing as they’re dishwasher safe and usually affordably priced, you won’t feel the pinch to replace them every so often.

What Sort Of Wood Is Best Used For Wood Cutting Boards?

Hardwoods like maple wood, cherry, walnut, or teak are preferable for cutting boards, as they are dense and less porous, reducing the risk of bacteria absorption. However, they do need regular oiling with mineral oil to keep them moisturized and prevent cracks.

Does Size and Thickness Matter?

The better question is, how much space do you have? Will you be chopping over the sink (in which case you’d need an over-the-sink model) or do you have ample countertop space to comfortably prep a meal using multiple boards spread out at one time?

What Is The Best Way To Sanitize Cutting Boards After Use?

Regardless of the cutting board's material (wood or plastic), always air-dry cutting boards thoroughly after sanitizing.

For a wood board, wash them immediately with hot water. Or create a vinegar sanitizing solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. You can also clean it using hydrogen peroxide, a baking soda paste, and salt and lemon.

For plastic cutting boards, placing them in the dishwasher after use is the easiest solution, but you can also use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to be more thorough.

Most Recommended Cutting Boards For Meat:

Best Budget Meat Board: Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Plus

This board is recommended for its spacious design, non-slip edges, and double-sided functionality, making it super easy to carve meat tableside. The angled surface helps to catch meat juices (up to 10 ounces), and its textured side with raised spikes allows you to secure the meat while slicing, while the smooth side is great for salad preparation.

Benefits:

• Great for carving roasts or larger pieces of meat.
• Non-slip edges for stability during use.
• Versatile, reversible design for various cutting tasks.
• Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Best For Presenting Family Dinners: Viking Oversized Acacia Carving Board with 3-Piece Carving Set

This Viking carving board, made of high-quality acacia wood with a three-piece carving set, is great for table presentations. Visually appealing and functional, its oversized surface is flat on one side (use this for serving cheese and as a charcuterie board), and the other side with a textured diamond-patterned center easily secures a roast or chicken in place for carving, keeping the juices in place.

Benefits:

• Water and bacteria resistant thanks to the natural oils of the Acacia wood.
• Grooves catch juices, keeping your table and counter mess-free.
• Good for carving and serving large cuts of meat.
• Includes a 3-piece carving set for added convenience.

Best For Small Spaces & Multiple Food Prep: Joseph Joseph Nest Chop Set of 3 Cutting Boards

Trust Joseph Joseph to come up with this space-saving design of color-coded boards with non-slip curved bases allowing you to store the boards separately (and sideways), allowing air to circulate. The curved bottom also allows for easy ingredient transfers from board to pan or pot depending on what meal or meat you’re preparing so you keep your hands clean.

Benefits:

• Great for chopping different meats or food items with color-coded boards.
• Space-saving nesting design for easy storage.
• Non-slip curved bases for easy use.
• Dishwasher-safe for convenient cleaning.

Best For Serving Meat and Condiments: Viking Acacia Reversible Butcher Block Prep Carving Board

Ideal for chefs and home cooks who value quality and functionality and want something that does double duty. This Viking Acacia Reversible Butcher Block is made from durable acacia wood with three compartments for condiments or even seasonings. It is great for its large size and reversible design. However, some reviewers comment that it is better for presentation versus food prep purposes and should be hand washed to avoid warping.

Benefits:

• Versatile use as a cutting or prep surface.
• Reversible design for extended usability.
• Durable acacia wood construction for long-lasting performance.
• Generous size for handling large quantities of ingredients.

Best For Mess-Free Prep: Viking Acacia Wood Carving Board with Juice Groove

Durable enough to be used as a prep and cutting board, this stylish acacia wood board is naturally resistant to water and humid environments. The double-sided design means you can serve on one side and prep or cut on the other. Personally, I love using this one to serve meats to be carved at the table. To keep it looking shiny, regular oiling and handwashing is recommended.

Benefits:

• Great for serving turkey, with the built-in juice groove to catch drippings and for serving meats with a stylish presentation.
• Made from durable and attractive acacia wood.

Best For Home Chefs Looking For Durability & Sustainability: Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Bamboo Chopping Board

As bamboo is a dense material, its natural characteristics allow it to withstand the impact of chopping and cutting, providing a sturdy surface for kitchen tasks. This bamboo board's integrated food grip makes chopping any type of meat easy, while the easy pour corners, non-slip edges, and sloped slides make sure there is less mess.

Benefits:

• Made from sustainable and eco-friendly bamboo.
• Dual-sided design for various cutting tasks.
• Dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Best For A Good All-Rounder: Misen Plastic Cutting Board Set

This solid all-purpose option is ideal for cutting up raw or cooked meat, chopping veggies, and even for rolling out pastry dough. Its dense food-safe plastic material makes it up to the task for heavy-duty daily use. It comes in two sizes (large and small), so you can use one for meat and the other for vegetables.

Benefits:

• Lightweight and durable.
• Low-profile rubber feet on each corner provide added stability.
• Dishwasher safe.

Finding the Best Meat Cutting Board For You

When picking out the right cutting board or perhaps a chopping block, know that the final choice is very much personalized to your lifestyle and cooking style. Everyone has their own needs and preferences, and those can differ from meal to meal. If you feel you need more information or advice, reach out to one of our Kitchen Experts! Any of our Experts would be more than happy to help you find a cutting board that’s just right for you.