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Preparation and service of meat in the kitchen present unique difficulties. You do not want juices to leak onto your countertop or spill onto your holiday table. Therefore, when purchasing cutting boards, we recommend purchasing two for meat and one for vegetables, fruits, and bread. Having two cutting boards on hand prevents cross-contamination and enables you to select the ideal board for any slicing, carving, or cutting task.
To find the best meat-appropriate cutting boards, we evaluated various models. OXO’s Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board was deemed the best after being assessed for its sturdiness, durability, design features, and ease of cleaning. Following is the complete list of the best cutting boards for meat and the models that did not meet our standards.
Our Top Picks
Benefits Of Using Cutting Board For Meat
When preparing meat, a cutting board is an essential tool. A good quality cutting board will make the butchering meat much more accessible and help keep your knives in good condition. There are many different types of cutting boards available on the market. Still, if you’re looking for one specifically designed for meat, you should consider investing in a cutting board for meat.
There are several benefits to using a cutting board for meat. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it will make butchering meat much more effortless. A good quality cutting board will provide a stable surface on which to work and be easy to clean. This is important because you don’t want to contaminate your meat with bacteria from a dirty cutting board.
Another benefit of using a cutting board for meat is that it can help to keep your knives in good condition. Cutting meat on a regular cutting board can cause your knives to become dull very quickly. However, when you use a cutting board specifically designed for meat, your knives will stay sharper for longer. This is because the board’s surface is softer than a regular cutting board, and it won’t damage your knives as much.
If you’re looking for a cutting board specifically designed for meat, you should consider investing in one. There are many benefits to using a cutting board for meat, and it can make the task of butchering meat much more straightforward. Not only that, but it can also help to keep your knives in good condition. So if you’re looking for a cutting board that will make your life easier, you should consider investing in a cutting board for meat.
How we elevate
After collecting the best cutting boards across various types and price points, we subjected each to a battery of tests. Each cutting board’s ability to cut raw and cooked meat was evaluated.
We cut a whole chicken into pieces and sliced raw beef on each board. We used each cutting board to slice the steak into thin strips for these Grilled Steak Fajitas and carve a whole roasted chicken for these Juicy Roasted Chicken instructions.
We paid particular attention to the following metrics during testing:
- Material/Construction: What is its composition? Are there juice grooves, grips, or other helpful design elements?
- Usage: Is it large enough to accommodate a variety of kitchen tasks? Does it slide across the counter?
- Durability: Is it resistant to knife damage? Does it easily stain?
- Size/Weight: Is it substantial without being cumbersome?
- Cleanup: Is the item dishwasher-safe? Are there difficult-to-reach crevices?
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Cutting Board For Meat
Material
- Plastic is generally regarded as the best material for storing raw meat due to its dishwasher-safe and nonporous surface.
- Wood cutting boards (including bamboo) are difficult to sanitize because they cannot be placed in the dishwasher. Occasionally, some wood boards may require conditioning with mineral oil of food-grade quality. However, chefs and home cooks favor wooden cutting boards because they are easier on knives and prevent them from becoming dull too quickly. In addition, they create a beautiful presentation when carving holiday hams or turkeys at the table.
- Composite cutting boards combine the advantages of wood and plastic. Composite cutting boards made from a heavy-duty resin material are dishwasher-safe, extremely durable, and require no conditioning. They have a similar appearance to wooden cutting boards without maintenance. However, they can be more demanding on your knives than wood alternatives.
Juice Groove
A juice groove is a common design element you should watch (or juice well). This refers to a depression on a cutting board that collects excess juices when carving meat, preventing them from dripping onto the countertop or table.
Non-Slip Edge
Nonslip grippers maintain your cutting board’s position. Some models have them around the entire board’s circumference, while others have them only on the corners or sides. A heavy board can also help with this problem, but it can be more challenging to clean, mainly if it is made of wood and requires hand washing.
10 Best Cutting Board For Meat
In general, the best cutting boards are the ones that function most effectively in your kitchen. When selecting the best cutting board for your needs, it is essential to consider food safety and presentation when preparing meat, poultry, and seafood.
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Meat and Poultry Hotline explains that consumers can cut raw meat and poultry on wood or any nonporous surface. For optimal safety, however, it is advisable to use a separate cutting board for meat, poultry, and seafood than for produce and bread. This separation will prevent bacteria from contaminating other ingredients, especially those that will be consumed raw, such as lettuce, from a cutting board used for raw meats.
Based on our testing, the following are the best meat cutting boards currently available on the market.
1. Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board
As our top pick overall, the OXO Good Grips Carving & Cutting Board stood out for its superior performance and ample space for significant cuts of meat due to its generous size. The cutting board has two textured edges that double as handles and nonslip feet to keep it in place. The cutting surface is odor-resistant and perfectly textured for moist or raw foods. The company claims that the nonporous surface will not dull knife blades.
One side of the reversible cutting board has a drip well that can hold up to 2 ounces of liquid, while the other is ideal for chopping vegetables. However, we recommend having two boards so you can use both simultaneously. Even though the cutting board is dishwasher-safe, it may not fit in all dishwashers. The good news is that washing hands with soap and water is simple.
If you only have room for one cutting board, this OXO board is a versatile option for slicing raw or cooked meat, chopping vegetables, and rolling out pastry dough.
Key Features
- 14.34-in x 21.11-in Carving & Cutting Board holds roasts and poultry
- Double-sided non-porous surfaces resist odors and won’t dull knife blades
- Soft tapered edges form comfortable handles for carrying
- Integrated drip-catcher and easy-pour corners minimize messes
- Non-slip feet keep board in place while chopping and slicing
- Durable and dishwasher safe
PROS
- Large surface area
- Features a juice well
- Reversible design
CONS
- Not as attractive as wood boards
2. Best Plastic: Joseph Joseph Cut & Carve Cutting Board
This convenient meat-cutting board is another example of Joseph Joseph’s innovative designs. The inclined surface of the board allows juices to roll down and collect on the high rim. This design can hold more than 10 ounces of liquid, unlike other juice wells that easily overflow.
This plastic cutting board has one smooth side and one textured side with raised spikes to secure meat while slicing. The spiked side is helpful when food is too hot to hold, but it could pierce more tender cuts of meat. At 11.5 by 15 inches, the cutting board is just the right size for slicing chicken or a roast, but a turkey would likely spill over the sides. Its smaller size allows for easy cleaning in dishwashers.
Due to the raised angle, the sound of a knife chopping through tough foods is amplified, and knife marks are visible on the cutting board after only a few uses. Nevertheless, this meat cleaver has valuable features, is simple to clean, and is reasonably priced.
Key Features
- Double sided, multi-functional chopping board
- Angled cutting surface helps to drain and collect juice while carving meat, crumbs while slicing bread, etc.
- One side of the board has a meat grip; juices and crumbs can be easily poured from rounded corner
- Features non-slip feet and soft-grip sides
- Dimensions: 14.8 x 11.6 x 1 inches. Dishwasher Safe.
PROS
- Angled surface to catch juices
- Two functional sides
- Fits easily in dishwasher
CONS
- Visible knife marks after a few uses
3. Best Wood: Lipper International Acacia Carving Board
The Acacia Wood Carving Board from Lipper International is beautiful, functional, and durable. This rectangular board, measuring 20 by 15 inches, is suitable for carving a turkey and large hams, and the beautifully grained wood looks lovely when serving.
The 7-pound board is heavy, but its deep recessed side handles make it easy to lift and transport. The benefit of its heft is that it stays in place when slicing meats. Wide and deep, the juice well can hold up to 6 ounces of liquid without spilling. Even though the company does not explicitly state that the carving board is reversible, we are confident that you could use the other side despite the company’s logo being engraved in the center.
The board’s surface had a satin-like, polished texture, and knife marks were indiscernible. The only disadvantages were that it must be hand-washed, like all wooden boards, and its weight and size made it more difficult to store.
Key Features
- 15.4 x 20.3 x 1.13 inches
- Elegant, beautiful and functional Acacia Carving Board ideal to carve and serve meat
- Unique grid of individually cut pyramids holds meat in place for carving
- Perimeter well traps flavorful juices
- Made from durable & sturdy Acacia
- Reverse side is flat for slicing and serving
PROS
- Large enough for turkey
- Deep, wide juice grooves
- Easy-to-grip handles
- Attractive look
CONS
- Pricier than other options
4. Best Composite: Totally Bamboo Vellum Wood Paper Composite Cutting Board
These composite boards by Totally Bamboo are an excellent hybrid of wood and plastic. Like plastic, they are nonporous and dishwasher-safe, and like many kinds of wood or bamboo cutting boards, they are typically sustainably sourced heat resistant, and knife-friendly. This attractive cutting board has a natural wood color, a cutout handle on one side, and contrasting rubber grips at each corner, allowing it to be used as a serving board.
The cutting board is on the smaller side, making it suitable for slicing a chicken or a small roast but not for larger cuts of meat. It is simple to transport less than two pounds from the kitchen to the table. On one side of its reversible design is a juice well that can hold up to one ounce of liquid, while the opposite side is completely flat. Regardless of which side you employ, this cutting board will remain on the counter thanks to the rubberized grips on each corner.
While the board remained in place, we discovered that greasy foods tended to slide. This composite cutting board is dishwasher-safe and dishwasher-sized, requiring significantly less maintenance than a cutting board made of wood. In addition, we discovered that any knife marks disappeared after washing.
Key Features
- Crafted from natural wood paper composite harvested from well-managed forests
- Composite material is knife-friendly and heat resistant for a variety of uses in the kitchen
- Quick cleaning: board is non-porous to wipe clean easily with soap and water; dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning
- Juice groove collects excess juice from meat or fruits to keep countertops clean; non-skid corners keep the board firmly in place
- Easy continued use: doesn’t require oil or other care materials; built to last
PROS
- Great for smaller tasks
- Heat resistant
- Lightweight
CONS
- Surface can be slippery
5. Best Design: Dexas"45"Acacia Wood Cutting Board
The design of the Angled Acacia Wood Cutting Board from Dexas is simple and elegant. The board’s 45-degree sloped edge is visually appealing and functional, providing a comfortable serving handle.
This model, like many others, is reversible. When using the side with juice grooves, the handles are on the short sides, whereas when using the flat side, the handles are on the long sides, making them a bit awkward to grip.
The board is made of exquisitely grained wood with a satin finish, allowing it to serve as a serving platter or charcuterie board. The juice grooves are sufficiently deep to hold almost 2 ounces of liquid without overflowing. As with all wooden cutting boards, this one must be cleaned by hand, but its small, lightweight size makes cleanup relatively straightforward.
Key Features
- This cutting board measures 16″ x 12″ x 1″
- Durable acacia wood features unique grain and colors
- 45-degree angled bevel provides visual interest for food presentations
- Beveled sides also double as a convenient handle area
- Ample sized juice well on one side
PROS
- Unique sloped edges
- One side feature a juice well
- Can be used for cheese boards
CONS
- Transport can be challenging on flat side
6. Most Versatile: Epicurean Gourmet Series Cutting Board
The Gourmet Series Cutting Board from Epicurean received high marks for its durable material, reversible design, a large juice well, and knife-friendly surface. It is made of a paper composite that is stain-resistant, heat-resistant up to 350 degrees, and dishwasher safe.
The board is surprisingly sturdy, and despite lacking grips, it stays in place well when in use. The cutting board has a suction-like effect if the countertop is wet. After use, we could feel knife marks on the surface, but they did not cause any damage. Juice and other liquids bead up on the surface, preventing stains and odors from penetrating, and any overflow flows into the generously sized fluid well that runs along one side.
The company suggests storing the board on its side to prevent warping. Fortunately, its thin profile allows it to slide easily into narrow storage cabinets. The only disadvantage was that the board had a strong odor when we removed it from the packaging; however, the smell disappeared after one day.
Key Features
- 17.5-Inch x 13-inch cutting board in natural with slate accent color; dual-sided cutting surface
- Made in the USA from Richlite paper composite material; natural material is lightweight, durable, nonporous, knife friendly and easy to maintain
- Temperature resistant to 350 Degree F/175 Degree C; protects countertop; will not absorb odors or harbor bacteria
- Integrated juice groove feature on one side captures liquids; reverses to flat food prep side; built-in hole makes it easy to grab, use and store
PROS
- Reversible design
- Ample juice grooves
- Easy on knife edges
CONS
- Strong odor at first
7. Best for Serving: Architec Concave Grilling & Carving Board
The beautiful combination of dark acacia wood and light beechwood makes the cutting board from Architec an excellent choice for serving. In addition to its appearance, it has a 13-by-19-inch surface, a thickness of about an inch, and a concave surface ideal for carving succulent meats.
The concave dip on the cutting board is almost invisible, but it is just deep enough to capture and contain juices in the center of the board. The center of the board can hold an astounding 8 ounces of liquid.
This board weighs over 5 pounds and has rubber pads on the bottom to keep it stable on wet and dry countertops. However, the gripping pads prevent this board from being used on both sides. Although the board lacks handles, it is easy to lift due to the gripper pads that elevate it to a fingertip grip height. Our only complaint is that the cutting board showed knife marks after only one use.
Key Features
- The unique gentle 4-way concave surface keeps meat resting in its own delicious juices
- HOLDS OVER 1 CUP OF JUICE!!!
- Rubber grippers attached on the bottom of the board keeps the board in place while you prep carve & serve
- Juices stay on the board and off your countertops and floors!
PROS
- Unique concave design
- Holds a lot of liquid
- Extremely sturdy
- Beautiful wood color contrast
CONS
- Not reversible
- Shows knife marks
8. OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Cutting Board Set
This OXO cutting board set includes two simple, high-quality plastic surfaces for all your meat preparation needs. These double-sided cutting boards provide twice the cutting surface and prevent cross-contamination. Each cutting board is made from nonporous, odor-resistant polypropylene, a resilient material that resists deep scratches without dulling your finest kitchen knives. Each board measures 10¾ by 7¼ inches.
The surrounding drip catcher groove keeps even the juiciest foods off your countertops, and the corner is beveled for easy disposal and cleaning. Both cutting boards have tapered, soft grip handles for easy lifting and nonslip supports for added stability while cutting. Both cutting boards are dishwasher-safe, allowing for easier cleaning without compromising health and safety.
Key Features
- One 7.25-in x 10.75-in Prep Board and one 9-in x 12.9-in Everyday Board
- Double-sided, non-porous surfaces resist odors and won’t dull knife blades
- Soft, tapered edges form comfortable handles for carrying
- Integrated drip-catchers and easy-pour corners minimize messes
- Non-slip feet keep boards in place while chopping and slicing
- Durable and dishwasher safe
PROS
- Non-porous surface to resist odors, stains and knife scratches
- Double-sided design with comfortable soft grip handles
- Drip-catcher for any liquid run-off
- Great for large prep tasks
CONS
- Can be too big for smaller countertops
9. Best Bang For The Buck: HOMWE Kitchen Cutting Board (3-Piece Set)
Designating a specific cutting board for each task is one of the best ways to prevent cross-contamination during meal preparation. When preparing meat and poultry, you do not want to expose other foods to the risk of bacterial contamination, nor do you want to combine flavors unintentionally. This economical set of three cutting boards of varying sizes offers the versatility and adaptability to select the optimal board size for the task. Plus, in terms of cost per board, this set is unrivaled. The dimensions of the boards are, from smallest to largest, 10 by 5.8 inches, 12.5 by 7.8 inches, and 15.8 by 9.5 inches.
These heavy-duty, BPA-free, latex-free plastic cutting boards will protect your countertops from nicks, stains, and contamination. Each board also includes a juice groove for minimizing messes by collecting and separating excess liquids. The nonslip handles on the cutting boards keep them in place while you use your sharpest knives to cut meat and poultry.
Key Features
- Built-In Juice Grooves and Non-Slip Handle
- BPA Free
- Thicker Design
- Gentle on Knives and Cutlery
- Dishwasher Safe
PROS
- Features non-slip handles that offers great grip while chopping
- Made with BPA-free plastic material that makes the board safe to use
- The board is dishwasher safe that offers convenient cleaning
CONS
- Knives cuts are visible on the board
10. Norpro Professional Cutting Board
Norpro has designed a durable, nonporous, odor-resistant professional cutting board that is simple to clean and will not dull your finest knives. This larger cutting board is double-sided and measures 24 inches by 18 inches, providing you with ample space to create culinary masterpieces. It is made of thick, high-density polyethylene and is dishwasher safe, allowing for simple and thorough cleaning. A deep juice groove surrounds each edge to prevent messes.
The cutting board is approved for commercial and industrial use, making it ideal for chefs. The approval of the National Sanitation Foundation, one of the most prestigious organizations in the food service industry, indicates its professional quality. Four smaller sizes are also available for kitchens with limited space, each with a convenient handle for mobility.
Key Features
- Measures: 24″ X 18″ X . 25″/ 60cm x 45. 5cm x . 6cm
- Double sided design features groove on one side to catch juices and smooth on the other side.
- Made of heavy, 1/2-inch thick high density polyethylene.
- Approved for Commercial and industrial use.
- Nsf approved.
- Nice large working area
PROS
- The large size is thick
- Very solid and sturdy, hard plastic board.
- Fit well in dishwasher
- Easy to clean and store
CONS
- It requires a large area when in use
- Leaves deep grooves after cutting.
Best Cutting Board For Meat – FAQs
The answer to this question really depends on your personal preferences and needs. There are a variety of different materials that can be used for cutting boards, including wood, plastic, bamboo, and even glass. Some people prefer to use multiple boards – one for cutting meat and another for veggies or bread – while others find that one all-purpose board works just fine.
If you’re looking for a cutting board that will last for years and can handle everything from carving a Thanksgiving turkey to slicing tomatoes for your sandwich, then wood is probably the best option. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter weight or more budget-friendly, then plastic or bamboo might be a better choice.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cutting board:
- Material: Wood, plastic, bamboo, glass, or composite?
- Size: Will you be cutting large pieces of meat or just small sandwiches?
- Thickness: ¾-inch is standard, but you can find boards that are thinner or thicker.
- Edge: Some boards have rounded edges while others have square or beveled edges.
- Grip: Some boards have rubber feet or grips to keep them from slipping on the counter.
- Price: Cutting boards can range in price from around $10 to $100 or more.
Wood, plastic, bamboo, glass, and composite are the most common types of cutting boards.
- Wood: Wood cutting boards are durable and can last for years with proper care. They’re also eco-friendly and provide a natural look for your kitchen. However, wood boards require more maintenance than other types of boards, and they can be more expensive.
- Plastic: Plastic cutting boards are a good choice for those who are on a budget. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean. However, plastic boards can dull knives more quickly than other types of boards, and they’re not as eco-friendly as wood boards.
- Bamboo: Bamboo cutting boards are eco-friendly and durable. They’re also lightweight and easy to clean. However, bamboo boards can be more expensive than other types of boards.
- Glass: Glass cutting boards are durable and easy to clean. However, they’re not as eco-friendly as wood or bamboo boards, and they can be more expensive.
- Composite: Composite cutting boards are made from a combination of materials, such as wood and plastic. They’re durable and easy to clean. However, composite boards can be more expensive than other types of boards.
Wood:
- Pros: Durable, eco-friendly, natural look
- Cons: Requires more maintenance, can be more expensive
Plastic:
- Pros: Good for those on a budget, lightweight, easy to clean
- Cons: Can dull knives quickly, not as eco-friendly
Bamboo:
- Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, lightweight, easy to clean
- Cons: Can be more expensive
Glass:
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean
- Cons: Not as eco-friendly, can be more expensive
Composite:
- Pros: Durable, easy to clean
- Cons: Can be more expensive
Cutting boards come in a variety of sizes, from small boards that are perfect for cutting sandwiches to large boards that are big enough to carve a turkey.
- Small: Small cutting boards are great for everyday tasks like cutting sandwiches or slicing veggies. They’re usually around 10 inches by 6 inches.
- Medium: Medium cutting boards are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting meat or chopping veggies. They’re usually around 12 inches by 18 inches.
- Large: Large cutting boards are perfect for big jobs like carving a turkey or cutting large pieces of meat. They’re usually around 20 inches by 15 inches.
The standard thickness for a cutting board is ¾-inch, but you can find boards that are thinner or thicker. Thicker boards are more durable, while thinner boards are lighter weight and easier to store.
The best edge for a cutting board depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer boards with rounded edges, while others prefer boards with square or beveled edges.
The best grip for a cutting board depends on your personal preference. Some people prefer boards with rubber feet or grips to keep them from slipping on the counter.
Cutting boards can range in price from around $10 to $100 or more. The price of a cutting board depends on the material, size, and features.
Cutting boards come with a variety of features that can make them more convenient to use. Some common features include:
- Grips or rubber feet: These help to keep the board from slipping on the counter.
- Holes: Some boards have holes that can be used for hanging or storing.
- Knives: Some boards come with built-in knives that can be used for cutting.
Cutting boards come in a variety of shapes, from rectangle and square boards to round and oval boards. The shape of the board is usually based on personal preference.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best cutting board for meat, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to choose a material that won’t absorb moisture or bacteria from the meat. Second, you’ll want to ensure the cutting board is large enough to accommodate all your meat-cutting needs.
And finally, you’ll want to look for a cutting board that is easy to clean and sanitize. With these things in mind, you should be able to find the perfect cutting board for your needs. Thanks for reading!
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