Complete Chopping Board Buying Guide
Choose The Perfect Board For Your Kitchen
Essential Information
- Protect Your Knives: Wood, bamboo, and composite materials (like Epicurean) are knife-friendly. Avoid metal, glass, and melamine
- Hygiene Matters: Use colour-coded boards for different food types to prevent cross-contamination
- Dishwasher Safe Options: Epicurean composite and most plastic boards. Wood and bamboo must be hand washed
- Natural Antibacterial: Real wood has natural antibacterial properties. Composite boards are non-porous
- Maintenance: Wood/bamboo require regular oiling. Epicurean needs no special maintenance
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Understanding Chopping Board Materials
The material you choose for your chopping board affects three critical factors: how quickly it blunts your knives, how hygienic it is, and how much maintenance it requires. After 50+ years in kitchenware retail, we've learned what works, and what doesn't.
What to Avoid: Metal, Glass, and Melamine
⚠️ These Materials Damage Knives
Social media is awash with retailers selling metal chopping boards, particularly titanium ones. They look good, are easy to clean, don't transfer odours, and are lightweight. All great qualities, except for one critical flaw: they destroy your knife edges.
Metal, glass, and melamine boards are so hard that the action of cutting folds the fine edge of your knife over, blunting it rapidly. This is why you won't find any metal chopping boards in our shops. Your knives are an investment, don't ruin them with the wrong cutting surface.
Material Comparison
| Material | Knife-Friendly | Dishwasher Safe | Antibacterial | Maintenance | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Wood (Acacia, Hevea) | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Hand wash only | ✓ Natural properties | Regular oiling required | Excellent with care |
| Bamboo | ✓ Excellent | ✗ Hand wash only | ✓ Natural properties | Regular oiling required | Very durable |
| Epicurean Composite | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Fully safe | ✓ Non-porous | None required | Exceptional |
| Plastic (Joseph Joseph) | ✓ Good | ✓ Yes | Depends on care | None required | Good |
| Metal, Glass, Melamine | ✗ Damages knives | ✓ Yes | N/A | Minimal | NOT RECOMMENDED |
Natural Wood: Traditional Excellence
Real wood (acacia, hevea/rubberwood) offers natural antibacterial properties and a surface that's hard enough for durability but soft enough to protect knife edges. The main drawback? Wood boards must be hand washed only, dishwashers will cause warping, cracking, and degradation.
A Common Myth Surrounding Wooden Chopping Boards
Some believe that because wood is porous, this means bacteria will be absorbed into the wood and make it unsafe to use. Fret not, this is not the case. Wood has natural antimicrobial properties. Bacteria is still absorbed into the wood fibres, however, what this does is dehydrate the bacteria which kills it. This is another reason for not putting wooden boards in the dishwasher, letting them soak or not drying them thoroughly. Moisture is what bacteria needs to survive.
Bamboo: Sustainable Strength
Not strictly a wood but a fast-growing grass, bamboo is renewable and sustainable. It's harder than most woods, making it exceptionally durable, whilst still being gentle on knife edges. The hardness of bamboo varies depending on how the wood has been processed. Like wood, bamboo requires hand washing and regular oiling, but its eco-friendly credentials and natural beauty make it increasingly popular.
Epicurean Composite: Modern Innovation
Epicurean boards revolutionized the market 30+ years ago by creating a "wooden" chopping board made from wood fibre (recycled paper) and food-grade resin. These boards combine the knife-friendly properties of wood with dishwasher safety, something traditional wood can never offer. They're non-porous, won't absorb odours, require no oiling, and won't warp.
Our Personal Favourite
After testing every material available, Epicurean boards are what we use at home for all chopping needs. Light weight, dishwasher safe, knife-friendly, and maintenance-free. We've been selling them successfully for 30+ years, and the quality remains exceptional even after production moved from the USA to China, prices have dropped whilst quality stayed high.
Plastic: Practical with Caveats
Plastic boards are acceptable and dishwasher safe, but they can trap dirt or germs in the cuts over time, making them difficult to clean thoroughly. Dishwasher cleaning at high temperatures is the best way to neutralize bacteria. Quality matters significantly, cheap plastic boards score and mark quickly, whilst well-designed plastic boards (like Joseph Joseph) offer textured surfaces that are genuinely knife-friendly. However, while some plastic boards will last longer than others, they will always need replacing eventually as the more we cut, the more likely plastic could break away into our food.
Epicurean Boards: Our Top Recommendation
Collection Overview
Pros
- Fully dishwasher safe, no warping or damage
- Knife-friendly surface protects blade edges
- Non-porous, won't absorb odours or harbour bacteria
- Doesn't need to be oiled as frequently as other wooden boards
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Won't warp even when soaked
- Heat resistant to 350°F, can use as trivet
- Eco-friendly wood fibre construction, no plastic in sight
- Available in multiple sizes (20x15cm to 44x32cm)
- Natural and slate colour options
- Some models include rubber feet and juice grooves
Cons
- Less traditional aesthetic than solid wood
- Surface will mark with use (normal and expected) and require sanding
- Not as "premium" looking as thick end-grain wood
Best For: Home cooks who want knife-friendly boards with dishwasher convenience. Ideal for busy kitchens where practicality matters as much as performance.
Why We Love Epicurean
Thirty years ago, Epicurean introduced a revolutionary concept: a "wooden" chopping board made from wood fibre (recycled paper) and food-grade resin that was thin, light, dishwasher safe, and gentle on knives. We've been selling them successfully ever since.
The Only Boards We Use at Home
After 50+ years in the kitchenware business, we've tried everything. Epicurean boards are light weight, wood fibre and resin boards in a variety of sizes that are dishwasher proof, knife friendly and are all we ever use at home for all our chopping needs. That's not marketing, it's genuine preference based on decades of experience.
Key Benefits
- Non-Porous: Won't take on smells or odours, even from onions or garlic
- Multiple Sizes: From 20x15cm (8x6") to 44x32cm (15x12")
- Dishwasher Safe: The only wooden-style boards you can safely put in the dishwasher day in, day out
- Won't Warp: Even if soaked, they maintain their shape
- Lightweight: Easy to move, take in/out of cupboards and drawers
- Knife Health: Like wooden boards, won't blunt your knives quickly because of the "give" in the material
- Multi-Purpose: Use as trivets for hot pans (up to 350°F), cheese boards, bread boards
- Two Colour Options: Natural wood appearance or sophisticated slate/black
- Rubber Feet Options: Some models include non-slip feet for uneven surfaces
- Plastic free: Food grade resin is not like plastic, it won't result in microplastics chipping off your board with use into food.
Do You Need Rubber Feet?
We've never found the need for feet, all our Epicureans at home (six in all!) have remained completely flat and don't move when chopping. However, some customers report their boards spin or move in use. This could be due to uneven worktop surfaces or board bowing. If you're concerned about stability, the rubber-footed versions provide extra security. Or simply lay down a tea towel under your Epicurean chopping board to stop it moving on your countertop.
Care Instructions
Clean your Epicurean board with hot soapy water or run it through your dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before storing. If your Epicurean board goes in the dishwasher every day, you may need to oil it more than if you mostly hand wash.
When your board starts to look worn, it's time to give it a sand down with fine sandpaper. Ensure to sand the entire surface of the board, not just the spots with knife marks as it will result in a board with an uneven surface. Once sanded, brush away fibres and oil with food-safe mineral oil or specialized cutting board oil.
Epicurean boards are stain resistant, but there's a possibility of staining when left in contact with highly alkaline products or foods (liver, papayas, red beets) for prolonged times. To remove stubborn stains, try a non-abrasive household cleaner.
Available Sizes & Prices
Epicurean Natural - Standard Range
Epicurean Slate - Standard Range
Joseph Joseph Folio: Space-Efficient Hygiene
Collection Overview
Pros
- Space-efficient storage, multiple boards in compact case
- Colour-coded system prevents cross-contamination
- Plastic boards dishwasher safe (cases wipe clean)
- Air circulation in case promotes hygienic drying
- Non-slip feet keep boards stable during use
- Textured knife-friendly cutting surfaces
- Multiple size options (Regular and Large)
- Steel case options are fingerprint-proof
- Bamboo versions available for eco-conscious buyers
Cons
- Higher initial investment than single boards
- Plastic boards can trap bacteria in deep cuts over time
- Cases take up counter/cupboard space (though minimal)
- Bamboo versions require hand washing
- Plastic boards will need replacing over time to prevent plastic coming off into your food
Best For: Health-conscious families who want an intuitive system for preventing cross-contamination. Excellent for smaller kitchens where space efficiency matters.
The Joseph Joseph Folio range addresses a common kitchen frustration: storing multiple chopping boards whilst maintaining food hygiene standards. Each set contains multiple colour-coded boards in a slim storage case that occupies minimal worktop or cupboard space.
Why the Folio System Works
The tiered design with stainless-steel selection bars allows you to remove the board you need without disturbing the others. After washing, the case holds boards apart for air circulation, promoting quick, hygienic drying. At just 7.5cm deep, the complete sets fit neatly anywhere.
Folio Icon System
Visual Food Safety
The Folio Icon range features illustrated food-type icons on each board (raw meat, raw fish, vegetables, cooked food), making designation instantly clear. Combined with colour coding, this visual system removes any guesswork from food-safe preparation, perfect for families or anyone wanting fool proof hygiene.
Care Instructions
Clean your Folio chopping boards with hot soapy water or put them in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before storing.
If your chopping boards are heavily marked from use, it may be time to replace your boards so plastic doesn't come off into your food. Chopping boards with deep knife marks may harbour bacteria even after being put through the dishwasher as water can linger inside the small gaps, be difficult to dry properly and therefore become ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.
Available Sets
Folio 4-Piece Regular Sets (20 x 30cm boards)
£60.00
Best for: Smaller kitchens, couples, limited storage space
Folio 4-Piece Large Sets (24 x 34cm boards)
£70.00
Best for: Families, regular cooking, ample prep space needed
Folio Steel with Stainless Steel Case
£90.00 - £95.00
Features: Fingerprint-proof stainless steel case, premium presentation, stainless-steel lifting bars
Folio Steel Bamboo 3-Piece
£95.00
Features: Double-sided bamboo boards, stainless-steel case, eco-friendly, hand wash only
Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve: Purpose-Built for Roasts
Collection Overview
Pros
- Integrated meat grip prevents sliding during carving
- Angled base channels juices to easy-pour corners
- Dual-sided design, carving one side, smooth the other
- Stainless steel handles for safe transport
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Large and Extra Large sizes for roasts
- Raised edges contain mess on worktop
- Non-slip edges provide stability
Cons
- Bulkier than standard flat boards
- Plastic construction less premium than wood
- Meat grip side only useful for carving tasks
- Plastic boards will need replacing over time to prevent plastic coming off into your food
- Plastic boards can trap bacteria in deep cuts over time
Best For: Anyone who regularly roasts meat and wants a board specifically designed for carving with integrated juice management.
The Cut & Carve Plus transforms the traditional chopping board by addressing three common frustrations: meat sliding during carving, juices spreading across work surfaces, and awkward disposal of collected liquids.
Innovative Design Features
- Integrated Meat Grip: Spikes on one side hold meat steady during carving without slipping
- Dual-Sided Design: Flip for smooth cutting surface for vegetables, bread, and general prep
- Angled Base with Raised Edges: Channels juices and crumbs towards corners
- Easy-Pour Corners: Shaped spouts allow controlled disposal without spilling
- Stainless Steel Handles: Easy-lift design for safe transport when loaded
- Non-Slip Edges: Keeps board stable during use
Sunday Roast Essential
If a Sunday roast is on the menu, you'll want Cut & Carve Plus on the worktop. The integrated spikes secure the meat, the angled base catches all those precious juices for gravy, and the handles let you confidently carry everything from oven to carving station.
Care Instructions
Clean your Cut & Carve chopping boards with hot soapy water or put them in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly before storing.
If your chopping boards are heavily marked from use, it may be time to replace your boards so plastic doesn't come off into your food. Chopping boards with deep knife marks may harbour bacteria even after being put through the dishwasher as water can linger inside the small gaps, be difficult to dry properly and therefore become ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.
Available Sizes
Cut & Carve Plus Large (41 x 29cm)
£25.00
Best for: Standard roasts, whole chickens, everyday carving tasks
Tala Naturals: Traditional Wood Excellence
Collection Overview
Pros
- Beautiful natural wood grain patterns
- Natural antibacterial properties
- End-grain construction is self-healing and gentle on knives
- Dual-purpose boards (juice groove one side, flat the other)
- Substantial, professional-quality construction
- Can double as serving/presentation boards
- Multiple sizes available
- Excellent value for quality wood construction
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Requires regular oiling
- Cannot be left to soak
- Heavier than composite alternatives
- Surface will mark with use (normal and expected) and require sanding
Best For: Cooks who appreciate traditional wood construction and don't mind hand washing. Excellent for those wanting boards that double as serving pieces.
Tala offers beautiful natural wood boards in both acacia and hevea (rubberwood), combining traditional craftsmanship with practical design. These boards showcase stunning natural grain patterns and offer the natural antibacterial properties only real wood can provide.
End Grain vs Edge Grain
Tala's end grain boards are particularly special. End grain construction creates a self-healing cutting surface that's exceptionally gentle on knife edges. The checkered pattern you see is created by blocks of wood oriented with the grain running vertically, when you cut, the knife goes between the wood fibres rather than across them, allowing the fibres to close back up naturally.
Care Instructions
Clean your Tala chopping board with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Do not leave these boards to soak or put them in the dishwasher as this will split your chopping board. If you leave it to air dry, ensure it doesn't end up sitting in a puddle of water as this can also damage the wood. Oil monthly to keep your board healthy.
With use, your chopping board will accumulate knife marks. To refresh your chopping board, use fine sandpaper and sand down the entire surface of the board (if you only sand the areas that are damaged, you will end up with a chopping board with an uneven surface) until smooth. Brush away wood dust and oil your board.
Acacia Wood Boards
Tala Dual Purpose End Grain Chopping Board (42 x 28 x 3cm)
£39.50
Features: Juice groove one side, flat the other. End-grain construction. Professional quality. Machined handle indents.
Tala Double Handled Long Board (56.5 x 30.5 x 1.5cm)
Price TBC
Features: Perfect for serving platters, cheese boards, charcuterie. Integrated handles.
Tala Double Handled Square Board (41.5 x 30.5 x 1.5cm)
£19.95
Features: Versatile square design, integrated handles, beautiful for entertaining.
Hevea Wood Boards
Tala End Grain Rectangular Board (37 x 30 x 3cm)
£34.95
Features: End grain construction, flat both sides, self-healing surface.
Tala Large Rectangular Chopping Board (41 x 28 x 1.5cm)
£17.95
Features: Excellent value, versatile size, sustainable rubberwood.
Tala Medium Rectangular Chopping Board (33 x 25 x 1.5cm)
£14.95
Features: Perfect for everyday tasks, compact storage, great value.
Additional Premium Options
Zwilling Bamboo
Pros
- Sustainable, fast-growing bamboo material
- Reversible design with integrated juice groove
- Processed bamboo is soft enough to be very gentle on knives yet still a very durable board
- Three sizes available (25x18.5cm to 42x31cm)
- Natural antibacterial properties
- Beautiful natural grain appearance
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Requires regular oiling
- Cannot be soaked
- Surface will mark with use (normal and expected) and require sanding
Best For: Eco-conscious buyers who want sustainable materials with exceptional durability and don't mind hand washing.
Care Instructions
Clean your Zwilling chopping board with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Do not leave these boards to soak or put them in the dishwasher as this will split your chopping board. If you leave it to air dry, ensure it doesn't end up sitting in a puddle of water as this can also damage the wood. Oil monthly to keep your board healthy.
With use, your chopping board will accumulate knife marks. To refresh your chopping board, use fine sandpaper and sand down the entire surface of the board (if you only sand the areas that are damaged, you will end up with a chopping board with an uneven surface) until smooth. Brush away wood dust and oil your board.
Zwilling Bamboo Chopping Board
Prices vary by size
Available in three sizes: 25x18.5cm, 36x25.5cm, 42x31cm
Features: Sustainable bamboo, reversible with juice groove, exceptionally strong, gentle on knives.
Le Creuset Acacia Carving Board
Pros
- Premium Le Creuset quality and design
- Long-grain acacia provides beautiful appearance
- Integrated juice groove handle contains liquids
- Generous sizing for large cuts
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Natural wood variations make each unique
- Laser-etched Le Creuset branding
Cons
- Premium price point (£129)
- Hand wash only
- Cannot be left to soak
- Requires regular oiling
- Single-purpose design focused on carving
- Heavier than composite alternatives
- Surface will mark with use (normal and expected) and require sanding
Best For: Le Creuset collectors or those wanting a premium presentation carving board that matches their existing Le Creuset pieces.
Care Instructions
Clean your Le Creuset chopping board with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly. Do not leave these boards to soak or put them in the dishwasher as this will split your chopping board. If you leave it to air dry, ensure it doesn't end up sitting in a puddle of water as this can also damage the wood. Oil monthly to keep your board healthy.
With use, your chopping board will accumulate knife marks. To refresh your chopping board, use fine sandpaper and sand down the entire surface of the board (if you only sand the areas that are damaged, you will end up with a chopping board with an uneven surface) until smooth. Brush away wood dust and oil your board.
Le Creuset Acacia Wood Carving Board
£129.00
Features: Premium long-grain acacia, juice groove handle, laser-etched Le Creuset branding, accommodates large cuts including tomahawk steaks.
Interactive Board Comparison Tool
Select up to three boards to compare side-by-side
Specialist Option: Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot
Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot™ Folding Chopping Board
Chop2Pot™ is the innovative solution to transferring chopped foods to pots, pans and bins. Laid flat, its knife-friendly, non-slip surface is perfect for all types of food prep. With a squeeze of the handle, the sides fold up to create a chute for easy pouring.
Features:
- The original folding chopping board
- Innovative folding design for easy food transfer
- Textured, knife-friendly cutting surface
- Soft-grip handle and non-slip feet
- Cutting area: 21.2 x 26.5cm
- Dishwasher safe
Dimensions: H7 x W37.5 x D21.2cm
⚠️ Important Durability Note
We've noticed these boards tend to break along the folding lines with regular use. Some customers find the functionality so valuable they're content replacing the board periodically. Others prefer more durable options. We'll leave that choice to you, we believe in honest communication about product limitations.
Why Buy Your Chopping Boards from Art of Living?
We've specialized in premium kitchenware for over 50 years. We use these boards ourselves and give honest advice based on real experience.
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