Preparation

They’re among the most valuable and versatile tools in the kitchen, but cutting boards often seem like an afterthought. No longer! It’s time to let cutting boards step into the spotlight. After all, they keep our precious countertops and sharpest chef’s knives safe, and often look good, too. In fact, many of them can double as a stylish serving board for a cheese plate or double as kitchen décor when not in use. But with so many options lining the shelves of your favorite kitchen equipment stores, how do you know which one is right for you?

Before purchasing a cutting board, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using it for. Are you looking for an all-purpose workhorse for everyday cooking, a board for carving holiday roasts, or a marble board that can double as a decorative platter? Though they usually serve multiple purposes, all cutting boards are not created equally and some are more durable or resilient than others. To help with your hunt, we’ve rounded up our favorite cutting boards for all types of projects, from slicing and dicing to serving.

Best All-Purpose: OXO Good Grips Polyproplyene Cutting BoardBest Butcher Block: John Boos 18-Inch Cutting BoardBest Carving Board: J.K. Adams Traditional Carving Board with SpikesBest Marble Board: French Kitchen Marble Pastry SlabBest Mini Cutting Board: Material Kitchen the Mini ReBoard