There are few things as satisfying as cooking when you have a quality end grain cutting board to chop your ingredients on. A sharp knife is also a necessity, but unless you have the right cutting boards for it to cut into, you’ll only get half of that incredible cooking experience! The sound itself as the knife hits a wooden cutting board doesn’t compare to anything else. You have a large variety of materials to choose from when you set out to upgrade with one of the best end grain cutting boards made to last.
Finding the right boards for your kitchen needs does not have to be difficult or stressful, and we’ve put together a list of high-quality top boards that will make chopping and cooking a lot more fun.
View The Best End Grain Cutting Boards Below
1. (Best Overall) Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board
These affordable wooden cutting boards are made with special types of wood fibers that will close back up again after you pull out the knife. This stops you from damaging the board within minutes of using it. The explanation for this is that it’s made for the knife to go between the wood fibers instead of cutting across them.
This is a product made for both function and looks. The natural wood is perfect for both cutting food ingredients, but also for serving food when you’re hosting dinners and get-togethers. The juice grooves running along the sides are deep enough to catch any fruit, vegetable, or meat juice, and stop it from flooding your kitchen counters.
Pros:
+ Self-healing wooden fibers
+ Juice grooves for liquids
+ Beautifully carved
+ Made in black walnut
Why We Like It – The black walnut wood used for cutting boards like these is incredibly durable but also eye-catching. It can be used both in the kitchen and for serving food to guests.
2. (Premium Quality) Michigan Maple Block Maple End Grain Chopping Block
A good cutting board needs to put up with a fair amount of daily cutting. This board is made with solid maple wood from Michigan – the best that there is. It has been carefully carved to prevent the knife from slipping. When trying to decide which end grain wooden cutting board to invest in for your kitchen, you will have to consider this gem of a cutting board! It’s heavy enough to stay in place even as you cut through steak and tough foods. It looks great if you want to serve food on it, and it is NSF certified, which guarantees its high quality.
Pros:
+ Maple from northern Michigan
+ Prevents knife skipping
+ National Sanitation Foundation certified
+ Made with solid wood
Why We Like It – This end grain cutting board is both visually appealing and incredibly durable, and it has the NSF certification that tells you that this is a cutting board that will meet your expectations.
3. (Great Value) Lipper International Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Chopping Block
Treat your knives right with this stunning end-grain construction cutting board, where the durable material keeps your knives sharp longer. It’s made with teak wood – a type of wood that is very hard and long-lasting, and the hardness makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
Use it in the kitchen when preparing a meal or bring it outside for that barbeque you’ve been planning for weeks. This is a mineral oil end grain cutting board that is so nicely crafted, you can also use it to serve food on. It’s one of the best boards you can get if you want a versatile product made with all-natural wood.
Pros:
+ Teak wood with natural oils
+ Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
+ Available in two sizes
+ Hand-wash only
Why We Like It – Adding these end grain cutting boards to your kitchen equipment will instantly elevate the look of your kitchen. It’s made with natural wood and mineral oil. The pattern makes it a show-stopper, to say the least. The hardness of the material makes sure your cutting boards last for years.
4. Eco Home Wood Cutting Board
Are you looking for something a little more classy and sleek? This is one of those end grain cutting boards that will start up a conversation right away! It has a natural wood color that has not been stained or altered, with a stunning line going right down the middle of the board.
There’s one wood color on one side and another color on the other. The product is designed to make it easy to hold onto with one hand, which is a major benefit when you’re trying to multitask in the kitchen. The material prevents the knife from sliding and from leaving marks. This butcher block also has silicone feet to keep it safely in place.
Pros:
+ Beautiful and unique natural wood design
+ Silicone feet to prevent slipping
+ Thick and durable hardwood material
+ Easy to clean to prevent bacteria
Why We Like It – Products like these are perfect for someone who wants cutting boards made to stand out, without having to sacrifice the commodity of a good and practical board. The silicone feet keep it from slipping, and the smooth surface is very easy to keep clean and bacteria-free.
5. Daddy Chef End Grain Wood cutting board
The design of this end grain cutting board helps prevent your favorite knives from going dull. It’s one of those wooden cutting boards that perfectly combines function with an appealing exterior. It has two convenient handles that are visible only from underneath so that you can carry it out to your awaiting dinner party. This product also has transparent rubber feet that grip onto any surface.
The last thing you want to have to deal with is your end grain cutting board slipping off the kitchen counter. Cooking and preparing meals should be fun and effortless. With a butcher block like this, you’re much closer to a pleasant dinner prep than you’ve ever been before. Veggies and meat might not cut itself, but these cutting boards makes it as easy as it can be.
Pros:
+ Top wood materials
+ Non-slip rubber feet
+ Multiple size options
+ Highly damage resistant
Why We Like It – One of the best things about these end grain cutting boards is that they come in so many different sizes. This allows you to make your choice based on the size of your kitchen and workspace, and on what the end grain cutting board will essentially be used for.
6. TPA Wood End Grain Wood cutting board
This end grain cutting board is sturdy and durable. It’s crafted with hardwood such as oak and other materials, meaning you get a butcher block that is made to last. The anti-slip feet stops this end grain cutting board from slipping off tables and countertops, but it also protects the surface below.
The natural wood has been processed with quality mineral oils and wax to ensure maximum durability, making this cutting board one of the best gifts to give to someone on a special occasion. It has that expensive and exclusive look to it. The quality makes it worth every dollar you pay for it.
Pros:
+ Combination of oak and other natural woods
+ No more blunting knives
+ Made with safe and approved glue
+ Processed with wax and natural mineral oil
Why We Like It – End grain cutting boards like these make kitchen duty and meal prep a lot more fun. The thick wooden fibers prevent them from getting damaged, even when cutting through meat and hard vegetables.
7. SOULFINO PREMIUM ACACIA Cutting Board
When dealing with kitchen equipment, it’s always important to make sure you clean everything thoroughly after use to prevent the spread of bacteria. With these cutting boards, wood material like bamboo makes this a lot easier! Bamboo has a natural ability to clean itself, and while this doesn’t mean you don’t also have to clean it, the risk of it hoarding bacteria becomes significantly lower. Bamboo is a great material to use on cutting boards, especially for this reason. This board is also beautifully designed to match even the most exquisite taste. If you want the best end grain cutting board, this is a product worth considering!
Pros:
+ Large and conveniently sized
+ Deep groove for less mess
+ Comes with a lifetime guarantee
+ Bamboo that is easy to clean
Why We Like It – The deep grooves around the edges prevent spilling, making cooking a lot less messy. This end grain cutting board comes with a lifetime guarantee that protects you from unfortunate issues.
8. John Boos Maple Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
Choose between Cherry, Maple, and Walnut when you get one of these end grain cutting boards. This reversible board means you can use both sides when cutting vegetables or chopping meat. With this butcher block, you get the chance to save time during meal prep.
You can choose one with or without a juice groove, depending on what you prefer. John Boos is one of the top brands. They make the kind of products that you can use for years to come. Their beautifully designed Walnut, Cherry, and maple end grain cutting boards are made with only the best wooden materials available.
Pros:
+ Reversible top and bottom design
+ John Boos 1-year guarantee
+ Walnut, Maple or Cherry wood
+ Available in multiple sizes
Why We Like It – John Boos does not disappoint. Here’s yet another end grain cutting board that has just the right thickness to be used for all your kitchen duties.
9. roro Wood Square End-Grain Chef Cutting Board
This end grain cutting board is 14×14 inches – this is a great size for cutting both vegetables and meat. The pattern makes it an attractive centerpiece to serve food on once it’s time for dinner. With this cutting board, wood materials used are all-natural and high-quality.
It offers you a cutting surface that won’t dull your knives even when you’re using it for tougher food products. An end grain cutting board like this is suitable for use in a private home and in a professional setting, such as a restaurant or catering business, thanks to excellent quality wood, durable construction, and a design that is easy on the eye.
Pros:
+ 14×14 inch square design
+ Boards made with quality material
+ Alternating dark and light patterns
+ FDA 175.300 compliant protective coating
Why We Like It – When you opt for purchasing an end grain cutting board like this beauty, you get a surprisingly affordable product that looks anything but cheap.
10. NEET Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
Are you looking for a larger end grain cutting board? These boards are available in three sizes, and they come at an affordable price that won’t pierce a hole in your budget. Cheap edge grain boards are often made with cheap and low-quality materials, but that’s not the case here. Instead, you get a cutting board that gives you great value for your money.
It’s made with 100% organic bamboo, with a protective coating that means your fancy knives will remain sharp and in top condition. Another great thing about this cutting board is that it’s both anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, something that’s desirable when cooking for young children as well as for professional cooking.
Pros:
+ Anti-microbial and anti-bacterial
+ Great quality at an affordable price
+ For meat, veggies, and poultry
+ With a reliable satisfaction guarantee
Why We Like It – You shouldn’t have to choose between a quality end grain cutting board and a product you can afford, and this NEET organic Bamboo board is the perfect combination of durable construction and a budget-friendly price.
End Grain Cutting Boards Buyer’s Guide
There comes a time in life when you start thinking more about the kitchen appliances you have in your home, and you might find yourself discovering that cooking becomes more fun when you have the right tools. A key tool, no matter what type of food you enjoy cooking, is a cutting board. Why not invest in a quality cutting board while you’re at it? The best end grain cutting board does not have to be too expensive, and if you choose a design you like, you can use it also for serving food.
While we have listed some of the best edge and end grain cutting boards in this article, we acknowledge the fact that not every cutting board is right for everyone. This buyer’s guide will help you make a conscious choice so that you can get the best chopping board for your specific needs.
Wood Boards vs. Plastic
It’s a common misconception that a plastic cutting board will be easier to keep clean. Using this as the reason to choose a plastic board over wood is potentially a mistake. The truth is that a new plastic cutting board is indeed very easy just to rinse off, but what happens when you start cutting things on it? The kife leaves a mark. Wood is more porous than plastic, but it also can “self-repair.” It closes back up after you are done cutting, and this is something plastic does not do.
In short, plastic will initially be very sanitary and easy to keep bacteria-free. But once it has been used – and once you start seeing those scratches and marks – this will change. Bacteria festers in such small spaces, and plastic boards also tend to start looking unappealing and stained with time. Once plastic starts looking bad, there isn’t a way to reverse the damage, and you will eventually have to upgrade. This doesn’t mean that wooden boards last forever, but you have the option to sand it down and give it a new life when needed.
The downside with this material is that it requires a little more maintenance, such as hand-washing and oiling. But considering how much longer a quality wood board tends to last, it makes it worth it.
End- vs. Edge Cutting Boards
Did you know there is a difference between an End Grain cutting board and an Edge Grain cutting board? Whether a board is either of these things depends on how the tree was cut when making it. If the tree was cut so that the rings from inside the tree show on the board, then what you have is an end grain board. But if the tree was instead cut vertically, then it is usually referred to as an Edge grain board.
Now, is one better than the other? This is a difficult question to answer. On an end-grain board, your knife will cut in the same direction as the fibers. Many will argue that this is more gentle on the knife as the blade can slide in between the fibers. These also tend to be better at repairing themselves, and it will take longer for them to become visibly damaged. They do tend to be more expensive, though, as an end-grain board is more difficult to produce, so you will notice that most budget boards are edge-grain.
Different Wood Materials
The material used for your board matters, and that goes beyond plastic and wood. Even if you have already decided that a wooden board is right for you, it’s a good idea to know a little bit about the different types of woods that are used to make wooden cutting boards.
+ Cherry. Cherry wood is softer than many other materials (Maple being one example), and you might argue that it isn’t ideal for this reason. However, many of the most popular boards are made of Cherry, and it seems like some manufacturers know how to pick their cherry wood well.
+ Oak. Oak is not commonly used to make cutting boards, but you might occasionally encounter it in some more exclusive products.
+Maple. This is one of the most common materials when it comes to quality cutting boards, and it’s a durable wood material that holds up well.
+ Walnut. If you are drawn to darker boards, then perhaps a Walnut board is the right option for you? The deep shade stands out, and the wood is hard enough to make a good board.
+ Acacia. This is not considered a great quality wood, nor is it considered bad, and it falls somewhere in the middle. It is a budget option that some argue to be a little hard, but it’s still frequently used.
+ Bamboo. One of the materials used for budget-cutting boards is Bamboo. It’s hard, yes, but it’s also very durable, considering the price you pay for the material and for the finished board.
How thick should an end grain cutting board be?
The thickness is more a matter of preference, where some people prefer a thicker board, and others prefer thin end grain boards.
Which chopping board is best?
The two things to look for are quality and the right price class. There are good options that suit all budgets, but a good tip is to learn more about the woods used and how the material may affect the cutting experience.
Conclusion
The best cutting board for your kitchen needs will make it easier to get the cooking done, and it will also make it a lot more joyful. It is like when you play sports – having comfortable shoes help, and having a decent cutting board when preparing a meal is just as important. This guide will have hopefully given you an idea of what you’re looking for. You’ll know what differentiates the different cutting board options, and what you need to do in order to find the best one for you.
Expert Tip
While you can find good cutting boards when you are on a budget, some wood materials cost more. If you prefer a more expensive wood, then it could be well worth it to save up until you are ready to buy the board you want.
Did You Know
It can be difficult to know when it is time to replace a wooden cutting board, but the general rule is that once the grooves caused by cutting becomes too deep and difficult to clean, it’s time to get a new one!