The Best Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo is one of the most popular materials used to construct cutting boards because it’s strong and soft at the same time. It’s soft in the sense that there’s enough give to the surface that knives won’t become dull, even with regular use. And it’s clearly strong because it’s sturdy, long-lasting, and can take all the chopping and slicing that gets thrown at it.

Buying Guide for the Best Bamboo Cutting Boards

Why buy a bamboo cutting board?

Like hardwoods, bamboo is strong and durable, but it has some natural give to it, too. If you’re a regular cook, you’ll notice that your knives won’t become dull nearly as fast. Bamboo is also lightweight, so your cutting board will be easy to store and grab when you’re ready to start cooking. Additionally, a bamboo cutting board offers a more water-resistant and scratch-resistant alternative to other woods. You may also appreciate the fact that bamboo is incredibly sustainable, renewable, and requires no pesticides or insecticides—an all-around better option for the planet.

What should you look for in a bamboo cutting board?

• Size: You’ll want to look for a bamboo cutting board that’s sized to fit your counter space and your needs as the cook. If you like to make meals for the whole family or food for the holidays and ensure you have leftovers, you may want to check out larger-sized cutting boards. Conversely, a small cutting board might be just perfect for quick snacks or smaller portions.
• Design: A good design makes a world of difference. Look for bamboo cutting boards with a built-in groove that catches juices from the food items you’ll be working with. Some options have handles, others don’t. If you want to hang your bamboo cutting board and use it as a serving tray or charcuterie board, built-in handles make it much easier to do so. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for cutting boards you like to look at. There are so many lovely variations!
• Extra Features: It pays to keep an open mind, even when you’re shopping for a simple bamboo cutting board. If you do, you’ll discover products that have the little extra bonuses that make them unique. Such features may include silicone pads to add extra security, well-hidden handles to give a simple and elegant appearance, and built-in sections to hold ingredients.

How much should you expect to spend?

Prices vary in accordance with special features, sizes, and sets. Even the fanciest bamboo cutting board options that come in sets and appealing designs cost at most around $50. If you’re going for a simple, single cutting board you can spend as little as $15. Since they’re so affordable, there’s bound to be one for almost every chef.

Our Picks for the Best Bamboo Cutting Boards

Pros: Use this 100% organic bamboo cutting board for everyday food preparation and even specialty foods for the holidays. Thanks to the built-in groove, you can chop colorful, juicy veggies and fruits without making a mess. Place a slab of meat, fish, or a block of tofu down and have the same mess-free experience. This double-sided cutting board also delivers safety features. Its strong and flexible surface prevents knives from slipping and growing dull, and the nonporous structure keeps the board from slipping.

Cons: We had a hard time finding flaws in this bamboo cutting board. Only a few users report that the edges of the board are sharp.

Bottom Line: This extra-large bamboo cutting board has so much surface space for chopping veggies to your heart’s content. It’s a wonderful option for those with large families or those who like to meal prep.

 

Pros: Are you prepared to entertain those guests who are arriving soon with appetizers of bread, cheese, and fruit? Do you have something to cut on that won’t create a mess? You may need a small board for the fruit and a larger one for the bread. Enter the Farberware bamboo cutting board set. You get an 11- by 14-inch, a 8- by 10-inch, and a 8- by 5.5-inch quality-made cutting board. Each board features a reversible cutting surface, too.

Cons: Some people have found that the boards don’t last as long as they’d like. A few have split after extended use.

Bottom Line: They’re made of quality bamboo, come in three rectangular sizes, and have that reversible aspect that really makes food preparation so much easier. And they’re low maintenance. Just hand wash them with warm water and mild soap and wipe them dry. They’re easy, efficient, and excellent.

 

Pros: Products like this high-quality Greener Chef bamboo cutting board don’t come around that often. This cutting board is made of pure Moso bamboo, likely the most desirable bamboo species in the world. The extra-large size allows you to prepare more food at once, streamlining the cooking process. Of course, its value is found not just in size but also in design. The deep grooves catch juice from fruit, vegetables, and meat. As a bamboo cutting board, the surface is both strong and giving. Your knives won’t grow dull over time, and the board won’t warp or split.

Cons: You may find this product thinner than expected.

Bottom Line: This bamboo cutting board is natural, easy to maintain, longer-lasting than other materials, and better for the environment. It also adds a nice decorative touch that complements a kitchen.

 

Pros: This set of three bamboo cutting boards by Kikoin is one of a kind. Each board is four layers thick with rounded corners, deep built-in juice grooves, and discreetly positioned handles. One board is extra-large and ideal for meat; one is large for vegetables, and a medium board is great for fruit. The set comes with rubber silicone pads for each board to promote stability and safety while cutting. It also comes with a rack for smart storage. These boards are strong and beautiful to look at.

Cons: If you only need a single inexpensive bamboo cutting board, you may want to consider one of the other boards we review. This set will take up more space than others because of its rack.

Bottom Line: The Kikcoin bamboo cutting board set comes pre-oiled with mineral oil. Wash the boards by hand, and treat them regularly with olive oil. If you take care of them, they’ll last for years.

 

Pros: The HHRISE large organic bamboo cutting board is thick, sturdy, and elegant—enviable traits in a quality kitchen utensil. Use it to chop vegetables, slice fruits, and serve appetizers. It’s so well-built that you can even use it as a butcher block. Other qualities important in a good cutting board include a built-in groove for juice and a large built-in handle. As you can see, there are many things to like about this bamboo cutting board, yet the single most attractive feature is its three separate compartments for holding the ingredients you’ve finished chopping as you work on other food or for storing different food items while serving. This innovative design helps keep you organized.

Cons: Some users are disappointed that the compartments aren’t as large and deep as they’d expected. You may prefer to use the other side for a larger surface area to chop.

Bottom Line: Just think about the potential of this cutting board to elevate your cooking skills. You can really take on more advanced recipes, bettering your mastery in the kitchen. With its unique features, you and your guests can really appreciate this cutting board.

Final Thoughts

Bamboo is an inherently valuable material for making cutting boards. It’s strong, durable, attractive, and lightweight. Find a bamboo cutting board that you like and don’t let it go. It will last a long time if you take care of it.