Northfork Bison knows a little bit about meat preparation. The company has been cutting meat since 1997. Over the years, we have gone through quite a few cutting boards. Whether preparing or serving meat in the kitchen, it presents a variety of unique challenges.

Make sure no juices spill on your counter or overflow onto your holiday table. Because of this, we recommend buying two cutting boards-one for meat and another for ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, and bread. It is a good idea to have two cutting boards on hand to avoid cross-contamination and be able to choose the proper board for any cutting, carving, or slicing job.

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Cutting boards are needed at least twice. On board for meat, fish, and poultry, and on board for other items. Another can be used for carving meat if you wish. You can cross-contaminate a tomato with bacteria from a raw chicken by cutting it up on the same cutting board as a raw tomato. You can find a full list of the best cutting boards for meat in 2023 below, as well as the models that didn’t live up to our standards.

1. Commercial Plastic Red Cutting Board

Designed specifically for the use of meats, this board from 13 Chefs features a color-coordinated set of boards. The color red is the standard color for equipment that is used with raw meat in the catering world.

This commercial-grade product is made from superior high-density polypropylene that is BPA-free and NSF-certified. Compared with traditional polypropylene, it will resist scratching, stains, and lingering odors better. You will also be kind to your knife, just in case you were wondering. A durable, hard-wearing board that also offers high chemical and heat resistance, this board is durable and reliable.

As this board does not have any feet or grooves, either side of the board can be used with equal ease. It is also highly warp-resistant, which otherwise could prevent both sides of the item from being used together. Its non-slip properties mean that you should not have any such difficulties using it on a daily basis. Smooth edges and corners enhance ease of handling.

The low price point makes it appropriate to use this board to prepare raw meat, as intended. Adding other specifically designated boards to your collection can be affordable without blowing your budget. The board can also be used as a multi-function board with proper precautions taken to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Epicurean Kitchen Series Cutting Board

Featuring a beige color and only 0.25″ thick, this basic and functional board measures 14.5″ x 11.25″. It is manufactured from compressed wood fibers, known as wood composites. Its small size makes it convenient to store and handle. Further adding to this convenience is the thumbhole located at the corner, and the 1.6lbs weight makes it relatively lightweight.

The board unfortunately does not include juice grooves, unlike many of its competitors. However, a benefit of this is that it maximizes the surface area of the cutting board. Versatility is arguably one of the most noteworthy benefits of this board. Trivets can be used with it since it is heat-resistant to 350°F. Moreover, the mugs are dishwasher-safe, although we recommend hand-washing and drying them.

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A nonporous surface is present on the board. You benefit from this since it doesn’t retain odors or stains. But more importantly, it will be easier to keep healthy and bacteria-free. Additionally, it is quite a durable material. It won’t score as easily as other surfaces, and it should be quite mild on the edges of your knives.

A wooden cutting board such as this is easy to care for in comparison to other wooden boards. It is sufficient to wash your hands with warm water and mild detergent before drying them. You will never have to worry about seasoning this board again!

3. Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Multifunction Cutting Board

We now turn our attention to the opposite end of the spectrum from the previous listing on this cutting board. Presented in black, this sleek board measures 14.5″ x 11.5″ x 0.7″ Constructed from plastic, it weighs a mere 12 ounces. It is possible that really light boards will slide and slip on your work surface. This problem is nonetheless addressed by the non-slip feet and soft-grip sides.

We have seen several double-sided boards during our review. One of the things this board stands out for is its design. On both sides of the blade, there are angled cutting surfaces, which are particularly useful for cutting raw and cooked meat. A slight angle allows juices to freely drain away from the board’s center, where they collect at the bottom.

With the rounded corner of the board, it is very easy to pour away juices from this angle. This feature is fantastic if you like to collect juices from cooked meats to create sauces.

Unique to the design is the fact that one of the sides features a series of small spikes for gripping meat. Taking advantage of this at the time of carving cooked meat is helpful, especially if the meat is still hot. But it takes a little while to get used to cutting around the meat grip. You can easily damage and cut off the spikes, ending up with them in your food if you are not paying attention to them.

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4. OXO Good Grips Cutting Board Set

This OXO cutting board set features a set of high-quality plastic surfaces that will help you prepare all kinds of meats. Cutting boards like these are double-sided, providing you with twice the surface area and helping prevent cross-contamination. A nonporous, odor-resistant polypropylene material makes the boards durable and resists deep scratches while not dulling your best knives. 

Even the juiciest food stays off your counters thanks to the drip catcher groove, which has been beveled at the corners for easy disposal and cleaning. The boards feature tapered handles with soft grips for easy lifting that are also non-slip, so they are more stable while cutting. Due to their dishwasher-safe nature, each board is easy to clean without compromising safety and health.

5. Sonder Los Angeles Wood Cutting Board

The wood cutting board from Sonder Los Angeles measures 17 inches wide by 13 inches long, and it is edge-grain constructed, which means the rings of the wood are exposed – giving the board a stunning, classic look while also providing extra durability and stain resistance.

We construct and build each board by hand with highly skilled woodworkers, and then finish it with 100% food-grade mineral oil. With walnut, cherry, and maple hardwoods used to craft this cutting board, you get not only a beautiful surface for serving food but one that is also excellent for cutting meat.

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Additionally, this cutting board can be reversed. The board features two sides for ideal chopping or prepping surfaces, but it also includes a multi-purpose well, which can be used to catch slicing veggies or to hold crackers when doubling as a platter for meats and cheeses. A handy handle on both ends makes this board easy to wash and transport.

6. Norpro Professional Cutting Board

Featuring a durable, nonporous, and odor-repellent cutting board, Norpro ensures your knives won’t get dull. With a double-sided size of 24 inches by 18 inches, this big cutting board offers you a generous work surface area. With its thick, high-density polyethylene, it can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher for easy maintenance. There are deep juice grooves around all edges to reduce mess.

Chefs and industrial users will appreciate the cutting board as it is made for professional use. A hallmark of its professionalism is its approval by the National Sanitation Foundation, an organization respected in the food service industry. Several smaller sizes are available to fit compact kitchens, including one with a convenient handle for easy movement.

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7. John Boos Round Chopping Block

Wooden cutting boards and surfaces by John Boos are known for their durability. Our testers tested three different designs: the walnut wood edge grain reversible cutting board, the cherry wood edge grain cutting board, and the maple wood end grain round cutting block. The boards were all thick and sturdy, yet still light enough to wash and move around.

Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board has built-in handles that make it easy to transport. We loved it and couldn’t stop looking at it! Such a stunning design. It is really surprising how well knife marks are hidden by the Maple Wood.

8. John Boos Block Cutting Board

The block, which was created from sustainably sourced, hand-selected cherry wood, is a great example of craftsmanship. A two-toned chequerboard finish and imposing dimensions (18″ x 12″ x 1.75″) catch your eye. A variety of tried and tested techniques are used by manufacturers to produce these beautiful boards. Since the company was founded over 100 years ago, they have made boards like this in the same way!

I’m sure it won’t surprise you to learn that this is the most popular board for review here. The price is also significantly higher, retailing for over ten times some other competitors that we are examining. The underside of this block features four stainless steel non-slip feet and a juice groove. This means it has only one surface that can be cut or carved on whereas most others are reversible.

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Neglecting a natural wood board would result in damage. It is advised that you apply the creams and oils recommended by the manufacturer to make sure that this board remains in its best-looking condition. The need to apply oil frequently and regularly is even more critical if you live in a dry climate.

Hand washing and proper drying will make the product last longer. Even though cherry is classified as a hardwood, it is one of the softer species. It is because of this that you may experience some knife damage.

9. JK Adams Pro-Classic Board

It was difficult to choose our favorite J.K. Adams cutting board from our seven experiments. We considered them our top wooden boards in terms of design, portability, and cleaning ease. We love that this Pro Classic 2.0 Maple Kitchen Prep Board includes a slot for your phone or tablet so you can easily refer to it while you cook.

Despite being an inch thick, it’s not too heavy. In spite of its 20″ x 16″ size, you can still wash it in your home sink. Maple is considered a softer wood, so it has a gentler effect on knives but is still tough. This pastry board works well when handling flour and has endured years of use. A coat of protective lacquer is recommended to prevent it from cracking. There have been some stains over time, but as you wash them more, they tend to fade.

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10. Dexas Angled Acacia Wood Cutting Board

Designed simply and elegantly, the Angled Acacia Wood Cutting Board is made from Acacia wood. A 45-degree sloped edge makes this board visually appealing and functional, providing a comfortable grip for serving. 

Many other models are reversible, including this one. If you use the board on its flat side, the handles are long, which is a little awkward to hold. If you use it on the juice groove side, the handles are short. 

Featuring beautifully grained wood that has been polished to a satin finish, this board is also ideal for serving or charcuterie. There are deep juice grooves that are deep enough to store nearly two ounces of fluid without overflowing. Hand-washing all wood cutting boards are a must, but due to its small, lightweight design, cleanup is relatively straightforward.

Buying Guide: Cutting Board for Meat

These are a few of the key things you should consider when buying a cutting board.

Size:

It might seem obvious, but the available cutting area of the board may be much smaller than its actual dimensions. All juice grooves and recessed compartments shrink your cutting area to an effective degree. While heavier boards might be more difficult to store and handle, they are less likely to move around when they are in use.

Hygiene:

Are you aware of how easily your board’s surface can be scored and scratched during use? The presence of such blemishes could lead to the spread of potentially harmful bacteria. Handwashing may not be sufficient to eliminate them; a dishwasher with high temperatures may be needed. The issue of cross-contamination of meats and other products must not be overlooked!

Which would you choose: one that doesn’t mark easily or one you can put in your dishwasher? The choice between plastic and wood is slim these days, but if you go with wood, choose a moderately hard species. We also recommend that every time you see your board deeply score or with numerous minor scratches, you should replace it.

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Environmental Responsibility:

You may want to think about sustainability when making a decision. The environment is not negatively affected by some products, such as bamboo, which is made from renewable resources. And last, you will almost certainly be influenced by your cutting board’s aesthetics. This is your choice, of course!

Safety:

Safety is enhanced by using a board that doesn’t slip on the surface of your work surface when you’re using it. Likewise, a cutting surface that will keep your meat from slipping around is recommended. Although smooth, shiny surfaces appear great, they are susceptible to causing a great deal of friction. The grooves that collect the juice and keep it at the edge of your board are an added benefit in this regard.

Maintenance:

There is no shame in using a board that needs a little more care in the form of oiling and seasoning. It is more difficult to maintain wooden boards compared to glass or synthetic materials. Properly taken care of they can become pleasing to the eye and are rewarding to use. While other materials are easier to maintain, wood has the highest level of aesthetic appeal.

While considering how to care for your board, you should also safeguard your knife blades. The surface of the glass will be particularly harmful to your knife if it is not handled carefully. Many people believe that medium-hard woods are fantastic for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions