Top 5 Best Cutting Boards America’s Test Kitchen 2026 Picks
If you’ve ever struggled with a warped board, a knife‑dullening surface, or a messy cleanup, you know that a great cutting board is the unsung hero of any kitchen. America’s Test Kitchen has put its rigorous testing methods to work, evaluating durability, juice‑catching grooves, knife‑friendliness, and even eco‑credentials. The result? A curated list of the five cutting boards that consistently outshine the competition. Whether you’re a home‑cook craving precision or a seasoned chef seeking reliability, these boards promise to elevate every chop, dice
5. Dexas Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board Set
The Dexas Heavy‑Duty Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board Set delivers color‑coded convenience and kitchen confidence in one sleek package. Each board measures 11.5 × 14 inches and comes in bright blue, green, yellow, and red, letting you assign a hue to each food group—meat, poultry, vegetables, or fruit—to prevent cross‑contamination. Their innovative, lightweight construction is both non‑porous and non‑absorbent, so odors and juices won’t linger. A textured, non‑slip backing clings securely to countertops, keeping the board steady while you chop, and the boards are designed for one‑way use only, eliminating the risk of accidental reversal. BPA‑free and dishwasher safe, they can be folded or rolled to funnel pre‑pped ingredients straight into pans or bowls, cutting down on mess and extra dishes. Endorsed by America’s Test Kitchen, Cook’s Illustrated, and featured on the Today Show, these Grippmats have earned a reputation among home chefs and culinary critics alike.
Pros
- Color‑coded safety: Easy visual cue system to avoid cross‑contamination.
- Flexible & non‑slip: Lightweight yet stays firmly in place; can be folded to funnel food.
- Chef‑approved: Recommended by top cooking authorities, adding credibility.
Cons
- One‑way design: The non‑slip backing prevents reversible use, which may limit placement options on uneven surfaces.
- Size limitation: At 11.5 × 14 inches, they may be too small for large roasts or bulk prep.
4. Teakhaus Edge Grain XL Cutting Board
The Teakhaus Extra‑Large (XL) cutting board turns everyday prep into a moment of quiet luxury. Its generous 20 × 15 in. surface gives you room to slice a holiday turkey, dice veggies for a weeknight stir‑fry, or artfully arrange a cheese platter. The smooth, edge‑grain teak surface is gentle on knives while the optional juice groove catches drips, keeping your countertop clean. Crafted from 100 % FSC‑certified teak, the board is naturally moisture‑resistant and will develop a warm patina that only enhances its beauty over time. The reversible design lets you switch between a flat cutting area and a grooved side without swapping boards, and the sleek finish makes it ready to serve straight from the kitchen to the table. Packaged in a gift‑ready box, it’s an effortless, timeless present for weddings, housewarmings, or any holiday celebration.
Pros
- Sustainable premium material – FSC‑certified teak offers durability, natural water resistance, and a gorgeous grain that ages gracefully.
- Versatile & knife‑friendly – Edge‑grain surface protects blades; reversible layout and juice groove adapt to any cooking or serving need.
- Gift‑ready elegance – Sophisticated design and ready‑to‑gift packaging make it a standout present for any occasion.
Cons
- Hand‑wash only – Must be washed by hand and oiled periodically; not dishwasher safe.
- Weight – Solid teak makes the board heavy, which may be cumbersome for some users when moving it around.
3. Teakhaus XL Wood Cutting Board
The Teakhaus Extra‑Large (XL) cutting board turns everyday cooking into a celebration. Its smooth, edge‑grain teak surface glides under any knife, whether you’re dicing breakfast fruit or carving a holiday roast, while the timeless design adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen. Crafted from 100 % FSC‑certified teak, the board is both moisture‑resistant and sustainably sourced—perfect for home chefs who care about durability and the planet. The reversible layout gives you two workspaces in one, and an optional juice groove keeps messes contained during big meals. Wrapped in gift‑ready packaging, it arrives ready to impress at weddings, housewarmings, or festive gatherings. Minimal maintenance is all it asks: hand‑wash with mild soap and occasionally oil to keep the wood glowing for generations.
Pros
- Premium, eco‑friendly material – 100 % FSC‑certified teak offers natural beauty, durability, and moisture resistance.
- Versatile, knife‑friendly design – Edge‑grain surface protects blades; reversible board and juice groove adapt to any prep task.
- Gift‑ready elegance – Sophisticated finish and ready‑to‑gift packaging make it ideal for holidays, weddings, and housewarmings.
Cons
- Requires hand washing only; not dishwasher safe.
- The solid teak construction makes the board heavy, which may be challenging to move frequently.
2. GORILLA GRIP Reversible Cutting Board Set of 3
The GORILLA GRIP BPA‑Free Reversible Kitchen Cutting Board Set delivers restaurant‑level performance for home cooks. Crafted from a thick, non‑porous plastic, each board resists splintering, peeling, and odor absorption—unlike wood or bamboo alternatives. Deep juice grooves capture liquids, keeping your countertops clean, while the slip‑resistant rubber border and ergonomic handle provide a secure, stable grip during chopping. The boards are dishwasher safe, so you can wash away messes without special care, and they meet U.S. food‑grade regulations, guaranteeing BPA‑free safety for everyday use. The set includes three generous sizes—large (16 × 11.2 in), medium (13.8 × 9.6 in), and small (11.8 × 8 in)—each 0.37 in thick and weighing a total of 4.25 lb, giving you ample surface area for everything from meat prep to charcuterie displays.
Pros
- Ultra‑durable, non‑porous surface – won’t splinter, peel, or retain odors.
- Slip‑resistant rubber border & handle – stable grip reduces board movement.
- Dishwasher safe & BPA‑free – easy cleaning and safe for food contact.
Cons
- Plastic feel may not appeal to those who prefer the natural look of wood.
- The heavier, thick boards can be bulkier to store compared to thinner options.
1. OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
The OXO Good Grips 2‑Piece Cutting Board Set delivers kitchen confidence with a smart, double‑sided design that keeps odors at bay and protects knife edges. The set includes a compact 7.25 × 10.75‑inch Prep Board—ideal for snacks, fruit, and quick chopping—and a larger 9 × 12.9‑inch Everyday Board that handles everything from vegetables to meats. Both boards feature soft, tapered edges that double as handles, so you can lift and move them with ease. Built‑in drip‑catchers and easy‑pour corners channel liquids away from your countertop, while non‑slip feet keep the surface steady during vigorous prep. Made from a non‑porous, dishwasher‑safe material, these boards stay hygienic and durable, making them a reliable staple for apartments, dorms, or any kitchen size.
Pros
- Versatile sizing: Two boards cover small‑batch prep and full‑meal chopping without clutter.
- Hygienic, knife‑friendly surface: Non‑porous, double‑sided design resists odors, prevents cross‑contamination, and preserves blade sharpness.
- Mess‑control features: Integrated drip‑catchers and pour corners keep countertops cleaner.
Cons
- Weight: The solid construction adds a bit of heft, which may be noticeable when transporting the larger board.
- No color options: Currently offered only in the standard OXO gray, limiting aesthetic customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What criteria does America’s Test Kitchen use to determine the “best” cutting board?
America’s Test Kitchen evaluates cutting boards based on durability, knife‑friendliness, stability, maintenance ease, and food safety. They run extensive wear tests, measure how quickly knives dull, check for warping or cracking, and assess how easy the board is to clean and sanitize.
Which type of cutting board did America’s Test Kitchen rank highest overall?
Their top pick is a thick, end‑grain hardwood board (typically maple or walnut). End‑grain boards are gentle on knife edges, self‑healing, and resist deep cuts, while the thickness provides stability and reduces warping over time.
How should I care for my America’s Test Kitchen‑recommended cutting board to keep it performing best?
- Oil regularly with food‑grade mineral oil (once a month for light use, more often for heavy use).
- Clean promptly using hot, soapy water; avoid soaking or putting it in the dishwasher.
- Dry thoroughly after washing to prevent moisture absorption.
- Rotate usage between boards for different foods (e.g., raw meat vs. vegetables) to minimize cross‑contamination and wear.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cutting board ultimately hinges on balancing durability, knife‑friendliness, and ease of upkeep, and the boards highlighted by America’s Test Kitchen consistently hit those marks. Their rigorous testing underscores how a well‑chosen board can protect both blades and countertops while fitting seamlessly into any kitchen workflow. Prioritizing solid construction, stable grip, and thoughtful design—whether you favor wood’s natural resilience or plastic’s convenience—ensures long‑term performance and hygiene. By applying these criteria, home cooks can confidently select a board that enhances prep efficiency