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You've done the hard part of roasting a turkey, ham, or prime rib to juicy perfection. Now, make the most out of that roast by slicing it on a sturdy, durable, and sanitary block. A carving board not only provides stability and extra surface area for slicing your roasts, but the best ones are also designed with a juice groove or well to collect excess liquids and drippings for making gravy. After all, who wants a messy kitchen countertop?
In other words, a proper carving board will keep your countertop looking chic while you host this holiday season. We've rounded up the most solid and stunning carving boards to make this crucial step in your meal prep that much easier.
The Best Carving Boards
What to Consider
When it comes to carving boards, there are really only two camps: wood or plastic. Wood carving boards — typically acacia, maple, teak, bamboo, or walnut — are favored by many pro chefs and home cooks for their durability. Wood is also less dulling on knives, and with most wooden carving and cutting boards now being manufactured from sustainable or renewable sources, it’s become the more eco-friendly choice as well. Due to the wood's unique grain and richer, more elevated appearance, they’re also more presentable — something to consider if you plan on using your carving board as a serving board or want something charcuterie-friendly. The wells and grooves in a wooden board, typically for grease drainage during carving, can also double as fruit or cracker holders when grazing.
The downside? Most (if not all) wooden carving boards aren’t dishwasher-safe, and can retain food odors if not rinsed correctly and regularly. In addition to being more expensive, they also need to be seasoned with oil on occasion to help keep their grain in tip-top shape. Otherwise, a too-dry wooden board can split and crack.
On the other hand, plastic carving boards are cheaper and easier to clean: They're generally lightweight and dishwasher-friendly, giving them an edge for those with busy kitchens. They’re also usually made of nonporous polypropylene or polyethylene, materials that render them odor- and bacteria-resistant. Plastic boards are much lighter and thinner than wooden boards too, so they're more convenient to move and store.
Although a lot of plastic boards now come with similar features found in wooden boards, like drip wells and non-slip feet, what they gain in user-friendliness, they do lack in wow factor. So, if you intend to impress guests or want a straightaway carve-and-serve option that's more sophisticated, a plastic board might not be the best option to show off at a holiday table. That being said, there are plenty of great options in both camps to choose from.
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1
Best Overall
Sonder Los Angeles Acacia Wood Cutting Board
If you're looking for a butcher block-style carving board that doubles as a stunning serving tray, this double-sided acacia-wood carving board from Sonder LA is an ideal pick. The thick, 1.5-inch board allows for stability while cutting or slicing meats, while the inner handles provide a sturdy grip for easy carrying and serving.
Reviewers love using the juice-groove side of the board for prepping and chopping meats and veggies, and then flipping the board over (after washing it, of course) to use the recessed channel side for serving crackers, sliced crusty bread, cheese, and olives.
More: Thanksgiving Table Ideas That Will Wow Guests
2
Handiest Spout
J.K. Adams Co. Pour Spout Board
This multipurpose carving board can be used at any time of the year, but we love it even more around Thanksgiving. It's dual-sided: One side is made for cutting beef and fish, while the other side has a cutout perfect for holding poultry. Bonus: Both sides have a well for catching juices.
3
FSC-Certified Wood
Teakhaus Teak Carving Board
This handsome and extra-large 24-inch rectangular cutting board from Teakhaus is praised for its durability and longevity. At a hefty 14 pounds, this solid carving board will stay put during any slicing task. Plus, the notched end handles make for easy transportation from the countertop to the table — aka, seamless serving.
4
Deepest Wells
J.K. Adams 20x14-Inch Maple Wood Traditional Carving Board
This maple carving board from J.K. Adams is built with a slightly deeper well than most boards to collect the juices from meat carvings. Reviewers unanimously recommend this carving board for Thanksgiving feasts and other holiday entertaining situations, and love how its deep grooves and wells catch the juiciest of grease without any spillage. Another version of this board also has spikes to help keep meat in place. Genius.
5
Eco-Friendly
Indigo True Company Extra Large Bamboo Carving Board
This oversized 18 x 14-inch bamboo cutting board is extra wide, featuring a deep juice groove to collect excess liquids from any fruit, vegetable, or meat dish while carving. Reviewers love the additional surface area this chunky board provides, especially for carving and serving juicy steaks or rib roasts.
6
The Original Bamboo Board
Greener Chef Bamboo Wooden Cutting & Kitchen Chopping Board with Groove
This chopping board from Greener Chef is au naturel — made from sustainably sourced bamboo, so you can be rest assured that you did your part to help the environment as you prepare that delicious holiday meal. We also appreciate its dual-sided and chic, two-toned surface. It's ideal for carving on one side and serving on the other.
7
Best Walnut
Virginia Boys Kitchens Large Walnut Wooden Carving Board
From the rich, dark chocolate hue to the sleek and expertly-carved juice groove, this handsome walnut wood carving board by Virginia Boys Kitchens will add an upscale, rustic feel to any kitchen spread. Aside from it already being pre-treated with coconut oil, every purchase also plants a tree. Win-win.
8
Dishwasher-Safe
OXO Good Grips Cutting and Carving Board
This nonporous and odor-resistant board is made from durable, yet lightweight polypropylene, which makes for easy transportation and cleanup. At this affordable price point, you'll want to invest in a few of these versatile boards — especially once you realize they're non-slip (making for fewer spills). As a bonus? Hurrah! — they can absolutely go into that dishwasher.
9
Most Durable
John Boos Maple Wooden Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board
This reversible maple cutting board weighs close to a whopping 30 pounds (!), but what that gives you is unrivaled, pro-worthy sturdiness. Also, maple is regarded as one of the most durable surfaces for food prep.
The board features convenient built-in handgrips for easy transportation from stovetop to table. If you're looking for a durable carving board to last you season to season, look no further than this classic, versatile option from John Boos that users tout as "rock-solid."
10
Has a Bird Cradle
J.K. Adams Large Reversible Maple Carving Board
This double-sided carving and serving board is both piece of art and multifunctional kitchen tool. Made from gorgeous Vermont maple wood with a natural oil finish, this large, 20-inch carving board features a wedge-shaped cradle on the carving side to grip birds and meats being carved, plus an interior juice groove to retain those essential and flavorful juices.
You can also flip this reversible board over to the flat surface when serving cheese, charcuterie, or appetizers before the big meal.
11
Light and Simple
Progressive Prep Solutions Cutting Board
Progressive International
Lightweight, versatile, and super easy to clean, this polyethylene cutting board features a convenient reservoir to collect excess drips. Reviewers love being able to toss this board into the dishwasher after everyday use.
12
Great Housewarming Gift
Personalization Mall Maple Leaf Raised Monogram 18" Cutting Board
Constructed of premium hard maple wood, this 18-inch cutting board with carrying handles and rubber-grip feet can be personalized with a laser-engraved font, graphic, or single line of text on the front of the board, as well as an optional greeting at the back.
Whether you're looking for a custom housewarming gift or an upgrade to your current carving station, this cutting board makes quite the bespoke statement.
13
Best Footed
Crate and Barrel Square End-Grain Cutting Board
This sturdy and spectacularly elegant butcher block-style cutting board is footed for ultimate stability. It's also crafted from gorgeous end-grain acacia wood, so you can look ultra-chic as you slice and serve. Can you say hostess with the mostest?
Danielle St. Pierre
Senior Food & Drink Editor
Danielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
Eunice Lucero-Lee
Senior Editor
Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others.
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