Best Chopping Boards for Your Kitchen: What Professional Chefs Actually Use
When it comes to prepping meals, a good chopping board is just as important as a sharp knife. But with so many types out there — plastic, wood, bamboo, even stainless steel — how do you know which one is best?
To get a real answer, I asked my chef husband what kind of chopping boards professional kitchens actually use. His top picks? Plastic and wood cutting boards. I was surprised — I always assumed that stainless steel or glass cutting boards looked more hygienic and durable. But he pointed out something I never considered:
“Metal and glass chopping boards may look clean, but they ruin your knife’s edge fast.”
That got me thinking — so I looked into why plastic, wood, and bamboo remain the top choices, not just for chefs, but for smart home cooks too.
🔪 Plastic Cutting Boards – Easy to Clean and Professional Kitchen Approved
Why do chefs use plastic cutting boards?
Because they’re safe, practical, and easy to sanitize. In many commercial kitchens, plastic boards are color-coded to prevent cross-contamination — one for raw meat, one for veggies, one for seafood, and so on.
✅ Benefits of Plastic Chopping Boards:
- Dishwasher safe – great for killing bacteria after handling raw meat
- Budget-friendly and easy to replace when worn
- Lightweight and non-slip options available
- Knife-friendly – softer than metal, gentler on blades
1. OXO 11284700 Good Grips 3-Piece Everyday Cutting Board Set,Multicolor,One Size
This plastic cutting board from OXO is a staple in many professional and home kitchens. It features a double-sided, non-porous surface that resists deep knife marks and odors. It’s dishwasher safe, has non-slip edges for safety, and even includes drip-catching grooves for easy cleanup after slicing juicy ingredients.
2. COOK WITH COLOR Extra Large Cutting Board Set, Jumbo-Sized Boards with Rubber Border for Enhanced Cooking Experience, 3-Piece, Dark Sage
If you’re looking for large, durable cutting boards that also add a pop of style to your kitchen, this COOK WITH COLOR set is a fun and functional choice. The set includes two jumbo-sized plastic boards with slip-resistant edges and textured surfaces to keep ingredients in place while chopping. They’re BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and designed with modern colors that look great on any counter. Whether you’re prepping meat, veggies, or fruit, these boards offer plenty of space and easy maintenance.
🌳 Wooden Cutting Boards – Knife-Friendly and Long Lasting
Wood cutting boards are a favorite in both professional and home kitchens. Not only do they protect your knife blades, but they’re also naturally beautiful and durable.
✅ Benefits of Wood Chopping Boards:
- Soft on knives – less sharpening needed
- Self-healing – small cuts close up over time
- Natural antibacterial properties – especially in hardwoods like maple or teak
- Great for presentation – doubles as a serving board
3. KOLWOVEN Wood Cutting Boards for Kitchen – Set of 3, Wooden Cutting Board Set with Holder for Chopping Meat, Cheese, Fruits, Vegetables, Knife Friendly Serving Tray
This 3-piece acacia wood cutting board set from KOLWOVEN is perfect for anyone who wants beautiful, functional boards that can handle everything from chopping veggies to serving cheese and charcuterie. Acacia is naturally water-resistant and known for its rich, dark grain — giving you durability with a touch of elegance. The set includes three sizes for different kitchen tasks, and each board is designed with deep juice grooves to catch spills, making cleanup easy. Whether you’re slicing, dicing, or plating, this set adds both style and practicality to your kitchen.
4. Large Acacia Wood Cutting Board for Kitchen – Caperci Better Chopping Board with Juice Groove & Handle Hole for Meat (Butcher Block) Vegetables and Cheese, 18 x 12 Inch
This large acacia wood cutting board is both functional and beautiful, making it a great all-in-one option for prepping, carving, and even serving. Made from premium acacia wood, it’s naturally resistant to moisture, durable enough for daily chopping, and gentle on your knives. The built-in juice groove helps catch meat or fruit juices, keeping your counters clean. Its large surface area gives you plenty of room to work, while the rich wood grain adds a rustic, high-end touch to your kitchen.
🎋 Bamboo Cutting Boards – Eco-Friendly and Stylish
Is bamboo better than wood for cutting boards?
Bamboo is actually harder than most wood, but it’s more sustainable and lighter. It’s a fantastic option if you want something that looks great, doesn’t cost too much, and still performs well for everyday kitchen tasks.
✅ Benefits of Bamboo Chopping Boards:
- Environmentally friendly – bamboo grows fast and renews naturally
- Tough and durable – resists deep knife marks
- Water-resistant and easy to wipe down
- Aesthetic – modern, clean look
5. SMIRLY Wooden Cutting Boards For Kitchen – Bamboo Cutting Board Set with Holder, Wood Cutting Board Set, Cutting Board Wood, Wooden Chopping Board, Wooden Cutting Board Set
This SMIRLY bamboo cutting board set is perfect for anyone who wants a versatile and eco-friendly kitchen setup. It includes four different sizes for all your cooking needs — from chopping vegetables and slicing meats to serving snacks or cheese boards. Crafted from sustainable bamboo, these boards are naturally water-resistant, lightweight, and gentle on knives. Each board is designed with deep juice grooves to catch drips and a smooth surface that makes cleanup quick and easy. Great for everyday use or gifting!
6. Kikcoin Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Boards, (Set of 3) Chopping Boards with Juice Groove Bamboo Wood Cutting Board Set Butcher Block for Kitchen, End Grain Serving Tray
This Kikcoin bamboo cutting board takes multitasking in the kitchen to the next level. Designed with four built-in storage trays, it lets you chop, slide, and store ingredients without cluttering your counter. Made from durable, eco-friendly bamboo, it’s water-resistant, naturally antibacterial, and gentle on your knives. The extra-large surface is perfect for prepping multiple ingredients at once, and the juice groove helps keep liquids from spilling. If you love staying organized while cooking, this board is a total game changer.
🧼 Final Tip: Use More Than One Cutting Board
Just like in a professional kitchen, the best approach is to use different chopping boards for different tasks:
- Plastic board for raw meat
- Wood board for cooked food or bread
- Bamboo board for fruits and dry items
This keeps your kitchen more hygienic, your knives in better shape, and your prep work more efficient.
Summary: Best Chopping Boards for Home Cooks (Based on Pro Chef Advice)
| Material | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Hygienic, dishwasher safe, color-coded | Raw meat, poultry, seafood, vegetables |
| Wood | Gentle on knives, beautiful, durable | Cooked foods, bread, fruits, raw meat, poultry, seafood |
| Bamboo | Eco-friendly, affordable, lightweight | Light prep, serving, dry ingredients |