Looking to make your kitchen a safer place? Cutting boards are some of the most frequently used tools in the kitchen. As such, they need to be safe and non-toxic. Unfortunately, some cutting boards contain harmful chemicals like PFOS or PFOA that threaten your health and pollute your kitchen.
This article will introduce you to the top 5 best non-toxic cutting board options that are safe from chemicals and perfect for your kitchen.
Materials Used in Cutting Boards
You might be wondering, what materials are considered non-toxic? The three most common materials used in cutting boards are wood, bamboo, and glass cutting boards.
Bamboo
Bamboo cutting boards are a great choice for your kitchen. They are durable, eco-friendly, and look great. Bamboo is a sustainable resource, so using a bamboo cutting board is good for the environment. It is also easy to care for; wash it with soap and water and occasionally with food-safe oil.
Walnut
Walnut is a great choice for cutting boards because it is durable and has a nice finish. The wood is also resistant to bacteria, which makes it a good choice for food preparation surfaces. Walnut is also a beautiful wood that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
Maple
Maple is a type of wood commonly used to make cutting boards. It is known for its durability and resistance to bacteria. Maple is also relatively easy to maintain and can be cleaned with soap and water.
Cherry
There are a few types of cherry that are used for cutting boards. The two most popular types are black cherry and red cherry. They both have different characteristics that make them good for cutting boards. Black cherry is a hardwood and is resistant to moisture and warping. It is also a beautiful wood with a dark brown color. Red cherry is a little softer than black cherry, but it is also resistant to moisture and warping. It has a light pink color that can be stained darker if desired. These types of cherry are available in lumber form, making them perfect for cutting boards.
Teak
The wood known as teak is a popular choice for cutting boards. It is a hard, dense wood that is less likely to warp or crack than other types of wood. Teak also has a natural oil that helps to protect it from moisture and bacteria. This makes it a good choice for cutting boards that will be used to prepare food.
Glass
Glass is popular for cutting boards because it is easy to clean and does not harbor bacteria. However, the glass will dull knives and can be fragile, so they can break if dropped.
Plastic
Plastic is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. Many people favor plastic cutting boards because they are not porous and are easy to clean and sanitize. They can be washed in the dishwasher or with hot, soapy water. However, a plastic cutting board tends to warp with hot heat and can slide around on your counter. If this happens to you, put a damp cloth underneath the board to keep it from moving. They also do not require any type of oil or treatment like wood cutting boards do.
Metal
Metal is a good material for cutting boards because it is durable and easy to clean. However, it can dull knives.
Rubber
Rubber is an ideal material for cutting boards because it is non-absorbent and durable. It also has a natural resistance to bacteria, which makes it a safer surface to cut food on. Natural rubber cutting boards are easy to clean and can be sanitized in the dishwasher.
Composite
A composite material for cutting boards comprises two or more combined materials to create a new material. This type of material is often used in high-stress applications because it is strong and durable. Composite materials can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites of different materials. When choosing a material for a cutting board, it is important to consider the properties of the different materials that can be used. Some materials are better at resisting cuts and scratches, while others are more durable and resistant to moisture.
So, which material is the best choice for a cutting board? It depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, a bamboo or wooden cutting board is a great choice.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
So you want to buy a non-toxic cutting board but don't know where to start.
Knowing which cutting board is the safest for your family can be hard. With all the different materials and brands, how can you be sure you're making the right choice?
Our editors have hand-selected the best non-toxic cutting boards for your home. We've done all of the research for you so that you can feel confident in your purchase.
As you will notice, we specifically focused on wood-cutting boards.
Solid wood cutting boards are the best non-toxic option because they are made of natural materials. Unlike other cutting boards that may be made of plastic or other synthetic materials, you can be sure that wood cutting boards won't release any harmful chemicals into your food.
1. Sonder Los Angeles: Maple
When it comes to cutting boards, maple is the gold standard. It's a hard, closed-grain wood, which means it's durable and able to resist moisture. The wood is hard enough to allow for clean cuts but still soft enough to maintain a knife's edge. Maple is also less likely to harbor bacteria than other woods, making it a safer option for food preparation. For all these reasons, maple is the material of choice for professional chefs and home cooks alike.
When it comes to cutting boards, they wanted to design something that was not only functional but also stylish. That's why they crafted the Winsome Maple cutting board. Its built-in signature cracker well (compartments) is the perfect size for holding crackers, sliced baguettes, or any small items that may run off your charcuterie board. And because it's made of 100% natural Hardrock maple, it's durable and easy to clean. Plus, it's reversible, so you can use either side for food prep or serving.
This beautifully crafted 8-pound board has a 1.5-inch thickness that provides stability while cutting, and the integrated finger grips make it easy to lift, flip or transfer from kitchen to table. Plus, the beautiful wood grain finish will add a touch of elegance to your kitchen. Whether chopping veggies for a salad or slicing meat for a roast, their cutting board will make the task easier and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Made of maple, which is a closed-grain wood.
- Durable and resistant to moisture.
- Reversible board with juice grooves on one side and compartments on the other.
2. Sonder Los Angeles: Walnut
Sonder Los Angeles boards are made from sustainably sourced wood and are finished with food-grade mineral oil that protects the wood from moisture and bacteria.
The Sonder Los Angeles Walnut Wood Cutting Board is a beautifully crafted, sustainable, and non-toxic cutting board that is perfect for any kitchen. This cutting board is made of black walnut wood, a hardwood that is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial.
In addition, the Sonder Los Angeles Walnut Wood Cutting Board has two different sides. One side contains a juice groove that catches any excess liquid, and the other side has sorting compartments for easy organization. This cutting board is also lightweight and easy to clean - simply hand wash it with soap and water.
This walnut butcher block style is 1.5 inches thick and weighs 7.5 pounds. It has removable rubber feet on both sides for extra stability while chopping and slicing. Plus, the integrated finger grips make it easy to lift, flip or transfer from kitchen to table.
One of the best things about this cutting board is that it protects your knives. Each time you make a cut, the knife goes between the wood fibers rather than cutting through them. This means that the fibers close back up after the knife exits, which helps to keep your knives sharper for longer.
The natural wood finish is sure to complement any kitchen décor. Whether you're chopping vegetables for a healthy salad or slicing meat for a delicious sandwich, this cutting board is up for the task. Add it to your kitchen essentials today!
What We Like:
- Made of sustainably sourced black walnut.
- Reversible board with juice grooves on one side and compartments on the other.
- Removable non-slip grip feet on both sides.
3. Sonder Los Angeles: Walnut/Cherry/Maple
The Sonder Los Angeles Nontoxic Wood Cutting Board is made of all-natural walnut, cherry, and maple wood and is measured at 17x13x1.1 and weighs 5.5 pounds. This board is reversible, and while it doesn't have a juice groove on one side, it does have a sorting compartment on the other. It's also the perfect size for all of your cutting needs! The board is hand washed only; you should apply food-grade mineral oil every 3-4 weeks. The item's weight is 5.5 pounds.
This beautifully crafted cutting board has an edge grain constructed board, which is known for its durability, and resistance to stains and unwanted moisture.
It's durable enough to withstand the blade of a knife without blunting it, and it's also soft enough to avoid damaging your knives. As with all wood cutting boards, some knife marks will be present after use, but regular oiling every three weeks will help to minimize them. Additionally, oiling your board will help to preserve its rich color and prevent it from drying out.
What We Like:
- Made of walnut, cherry, and maple.
- Resistant to stains and unwanted moisture.
- A slightly lighter option at 5.5 pounds.
4. Sonder Los Angeles: Teak
Teak is a beautiful hardwood that has many benefits for cutting boards. The wood is naturally resistant to moisture, making it ideal for the kitchen. It is also strong and durable, able to withstand years of use. Teak is also known for its natural oil content, which helps to keep knives sharp. As a result, Teak cutting boards are an excellent choice for both function and style.
Do you love to cook but hate dealing with the mess that comes afterward? Their juice groove catches any liquids that try to run off, so your countertop stays clean. And because it's made from responsibly sourced teak, you can feel good about using it in your kitchen. Plus, the built-in juice groove holds up to 3.5 ounces of liquid, so you don't have to worry about overflowing water, juice, or grease during meal prep and serving.
This 7.5-pound cutting board provides a versatile prepping surface for any cook. The reversible design offers the use of either side for chopping and slicing. The smooth side is ideal for cutting vegetables, herbs, and bread, while the grooved side can be used for meat to catch the juice. The juice groove helps keep your countertop clean, and the durable construction ensures that this cutting board will last for years. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this cutting board is sure to become a kitchen essential.
What We Like:
- Made of teak, which is an ideal material for cutting boards.
- Sourced from sustainable plantations.
- Has integrated finger grips that make it convenient to lift, flip and transfer the board.
5. Royal Craft Wood: Bamboo
Carve, chop, and cut to your heart's content with this fantastic cutting board. It comes with a two-sided design that offers a variety of options for all your needs and handles on the sides that make it easy to move around. Its large size also doubles as a cheese board or serving tray, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen. Whether you're slicing up vegetables for a meal or chopping some herbs for flavor, this board is essential for anyone who likes to cook. For added convenience, it's also easy to clean and care for, so you can keep using it for years to come.
The Royal Craft Wood Cutting Board is made out of 100% natural bamboo, offering greater durability than your standard cutting boards for the kitchen. The surface of their board is strong but flexible, so your knife won't become blunt through regular use. And because bamboo is a naturally antibacterial, you can rest assured that your food will be safe from harmful bacteria.
The built-in drip groove ensures that juices stay contained, making it easy to create a neat and tidy cutting surface. The robust structure means that the board will stay in place on your countertop, even when chopping vigorously. So you don't have to worry about it sliding or tilting.
Royal Craft's bamboo cutting board is non-porous, so it will absorb less liquid and be resistant to splinters, cracks or peeling.
What We Like:
- Made of organic non-porous bamboo.
- Double-sided.
- Strong but flexible.
How To Care for Your Wood Cutting Board
Washing
It's best to wash your cutting board with soap and warm water and scrub well. Scrubbing is important to ensure you get rid of the food particles and bacteria.
After washing the board, immediately dry it using a towel. Then let it air dry on a wire rack or standing up, which will provide air flow.
Do not put it in the dishwasher. The heat and amount of water will cause the board to splinter and warp the wood. Boards that are okay for the dishwasher are made of plastic, composite or glass.
Do not submerge or let the board stay in water. This could lead to water absorption and possibly warp the board.
Do not use bleach on your board. This will dry out the wood and/or stain the wood.
Do not leave the board flat to dry. This could cause the wood to warp if the board only dries on one side.
Oiling
Once your wood board is thoroughly dried, apply the oil directly onto the board. It's advised to be generous with the amount of oil, especially if this is the first application, or if the wood appears dry.
It should be extremely wet on all sides. Then spread the oil with a small towel or paint brush.
Do not use your hands to spread the oil as this could lead to splinters.
Have the oil soak into the board for a few hours or overnight. You can have the board dry upright, or on a wire rack.
It's recommended to oil your wood cutting board every month, or when it feels dry to the touch.
Board Cream
Board cream isn't recommended to be applied at the same time as oiling.
Once the board is dried after being washed, apply a small amount of board cream by using a soft cloth. Form a thin coat by rubbing the cream into the wood with a circulation motion. It's not necessary to leave the cream soak into the board.
Wood Cutting Boards And Their Wood Types
Wood cutting boards are the market's most popular type of cutting board, and it's not hard to see why. They're durable, look great, and are easy to care for.
But not all wood-cutting boards are created equal. You can choose from a few different types of wood, and each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Hardwoods like maple and oak are the most common type of wood used for cutting boards. They're strong and durable, which makes them great for heavy-duty chopping. But they can also be expensive, and they're not as gentle on your knives as some other types of wood.
Softer woods like bamboo and teak are another option. They're gentle on your knives and easier on your wallet, but they're not as durable as hardwoods and can be difficult to clean.
The best way to choose a wood-cutting board is to consider what you'll use it for. A hardwood board is a good choice if you do a lot of heavy-duty chopping. But if you want something more gentle on your knives and easier to care for, a softer wood like bamboo or teak is a better option.
How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Cutting Board
When it comes to choosing a cutting board, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. First, consider what material you want your cutting board to be made of. The most common materials are wood and plastic, but there are also options like rubber and glass.
Next, you'll want to consider the cutting board's size. Cutting boards come in different shapes and sizes, so choosing one that will fit your needs is important. For example, you might not need a large cutting board if you have a small kitchen.
Finally, you'll want to consider the price. Cutting boards can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars, so it's important to find one that fits your budget.
With all of these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect cutting board for your kitchen.
Non-Toxic Cutting Boards FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about non-toxic cutting boards.
Are plastic cutting boards safe for raw meat?
Now that you know a little more about the different materials used in cutting boards, you might wonder which is best for raw meat. And the answer is that it depends.
Plastic cutting boards are non-porous, so bacteria have a harder time attaching to them. But because they're soft, they can also get scratched more easily, creating tiny crevices for bacteria to hide in. So if you're using Plastic cutting boards, replace them often.
Wooden boards, on the other hand, are naturally antibacterial and can be sanded down if they start to get scratched. But because they're porous, they need to be washed immediately after use (especially if they've been used for raw meat) and then air-dried or wiped down with a clean cloth.
What is a cutting board?
A cutting board is a piece of equipment that is used to prepare food for cooking. It is a flat surface on which you can place your food so that you can chop it up into smaller pieces.
There are two main types of cutting boards: wooden and plastic. Wooden cutting boards are the most popular type, as they are durable and easy to clean. However, they can be more expensive than plastic cutting boards. Plastic cutting boards are also easy to clean but are not as durable as wooden ones. You can also buy glass, rubber, or even metal cutting boards.
What's better, end grain or edge grain cutting boards?
End grain cutting boards are harder on knives than on other types of cutting boards. The long grain of the hardwood is the most durable grain orientation.
While very good for chopping and food prep, edge grain boards will show signs of knife marks and wear over time quicker than end grain tops. The longer the grain, the more support it has from adjacent grains.
The durable wood surface acts like a wall, and dull knives are quicker than end grain tops. For these reasons, end-grain cutting boards are a good choice for those who are looking for a board that will last a long time and will not show knife marks as quickly.
What company makes a good composite board?
Epicurean cutting boards are an excellent option for composite boards, and we'd highly recommend checking them out! Click here to view their cutting board on Amazon.
What is the healthiest cutting board to use?
One of the healthiest cutting boards to use is one made of bamboo.
Bamboo cutting boards are a great choice for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they are eco-friendly, as bamboo is a sustainable resource. They are also antimicrobial, meaning they will not harbor bacteria as some other materials can. Bamboo is also gentle on your knives, making it a good choice for those who tend to be rough on their cutting boards.
What are the safest cutting boards made of?
There are a few things to look for when choosing a cutting board that will help keep your food safe. For one, the board should be made of a material that can be easily sanitized. Wood is a popular choice because it's durable and doesn't harbor bacteria, but it's important to ensure that the wood is untreated and unvarnished. Plastic boards are also a good option because they're easy to clean and won't harbor bacteria, but they can scratch easily, so they're not ideal if you're using them for cutting meat.
Another safety factor to consider is the size of the board. If you're using it for raw meat, it's important to have a big board to accommodate.
Are bamboo cutting boards better than plastic?
Both bamboo and plastic cutting boards have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Bamboo cutting boards are considered more durable than plastic ones and are easier to clean and sanitize. However, they can also be more expensive than plastic cutting boards.
Plastic cutting boards, on the other hand, are less expensive than bamboo ones but can also be less durable and harder to clean.
What is the safest cutting board for raw meat?
Different people have different opinions, and there are pros and cons to each type of cutting board material.
Some people believe that the safest cutting board for raw meat is a glass cutting board because it can be easily disinfected with bleach or other disinfectants. However, glass can also be dangerous if it's not properly handled because it can shatter into sharp pieces. Glass can also dull your knives.
Other people believe that the safest cutting board for raw meat is a wooden cutting board because wood is naturally antimicrobial. However, wooden boards should not be washed in the dishwasher and must be dried thoroughly after every use to prevent mold from growing.
Some people believe plastic is the best for raw meat because it is non-porous, and you can throw it in the dishwasher to thoroughly clean it. However, plastic cutting boards can get knife grooves in them and harbor bacteria. It is also made from crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource.
Is bamboo a healthy cutting board?
Yes, bamboo is a healthy cutting board. Bamboo is an antimicrobial and antibacterial natural material, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria. It is also environmentally friendly because it is made from a sustainable resource.
What Option of Non-Toxic Cutting Boards Is Best For You?
Looking for the best non-toxic cutting board? All the options we presented can be great options for you and your home.
Now it comes down to personal preference. We hope this article has given some clarity on what non-toxic cutting board you want in your home.
No matter your choice, any of these boards will make healthy cooking meals easier and safer for you and your family.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
3. Sonder Los Angeles: Walnut/Cherry/Maple
