If you intend to cut large chunks of meat, a standard butcher board won’t just handle it. For this kind of heavy-duty tasks, you need to get the best butcher block since they are specially designed to deal with the tremendous amount of force. Nowadays, the market is brimming with hundreds of options, which means finding the right one isn’t as straightforward as it seems. That’s why we’ve done the research for you to help you with your choice.
In our typical fashion, we chose top-rated products with some important factors at the back of our minds. The shape and dimensions of the surface determine the size of meat you can cut at a time. Thicker blocks are usually more durable than regular ones, so we considered thickness for your picks. Then, the product’s material can tell how long-lasting it will be, so we selected products made of high-quality wood. Lastly, a warranty speaks volumes about a product’s reliability, so we kept that in mind as well. Are you ready to learn more? Let’s start!
More features: increased stability, durable, inner handles for better grip
The number one product on our list is the Sonder Los Angeles Acacia Wood Cutting Board, which, with its incredible versatility, is an epitome of perfection in many ways. Measuring 16 inches in width and 12 inches in length, this board has a decent space to cut a considerably large cut of meat. In terms of thickness, the block measures 1.5 inches, making it thicker than most models on the market. Thanks to the extra thickness, the board is also more durable than the competitors.
On top of that, the butcher block has two usable sides, one side being for chopping food, and the other being for prepping. The board also features internal handles, allowing you to have a great grip. To help you catch liquids, the board also features a pretty deep groove. The design is also beautiful, which makes it a desirable pick. Since the board is relatively thick and large, it may be a bit difficult to move it around.
More features: strong construction, antimicrobial material, designed to protect knife edges
Are you looking for something less expensive? Check this option! The Greener Chef Extra-Large Bamboo Cutting Board offers fantastic value thanks to its design. Made of moso bamboo material, this cutting board is durable enough to hold up to all your cutting tasks. Apart from that, the board has a wide surface, which makes it perfect for prepping large family meals. As if that wasn’t enough, the material is antimicrobial, preventing microorganisms from growing on its surface.
Next, the cutting board features a juice-catching groove, which helps you avoid the mess in the kitchen. When it comes to cleaning, you only need to use warm water and a mild detergent – it’s effortless to clean. As for the drawbacks, this board measures just 0.7 inches in terms of thickness, so it may not really be suitable for smashing hard bones. Also, the included groove is so small that it almost holds nothing, but the super-affordable price of this product makes up for it.
More features: doubles as a stylish serving board, non-skid feet, easy to clean
The Totally Bamboo Big Kahuna Butcher Block takes the third spot on our list, and the spot is nothing more than it deserves. Apart from being a cutting board, the product doubles as a fashionable serving board. It’s made of bamboo, giving it a solid and durable construction. In terms of thickness, you’d hardly find a thicker option, as it measures 2.25 inches. Its size is equally impressive, given it measures 24 inches by 18 inches.
It’s also worth noting that the rectangular-shaped board is incredibly easy to clean and comes with non-skid feet. The latter ones offer stability and make it easy to chop and cut whatever you want. Also, the short pegs included also help maximize pressure loading capacity. We recommend applying a lot of mineral oil as the surface is extremely dry. Of course, that’s the only drawback we could find on this product.
More features: reversible design, made in the USA, hand-selected material
If you own a commercial kitchen, the John Boos Block RA02-GRV Maple Wood may be a great cutting board for you. Being NSF-certified, it’s not surprising that the board is the first choice for a lot of professional cooks and kitchens worldwide. It has a thick build, which makes it hard for sharp knives to deface it. Also, the board also comes with integrated handle grips, which eases transportability. Moving on, the product sports a reversible design, sporting two spacious and flat ends, so that your cutting becomes more convenient.
Amazingly, the board is made using hand-selected solid edge-grain maple wood, which is known as one of the most durable surfaces in the world. As regards the design, the butcher block has a very attractive appearance, making it a fit for the kitchen countertop. In general, this is a perfect marriage of function and form. However, the board is excessively heavy, so it may not be a suitable gift for an old citizen.
More features: durable, non-slip finish, eye-catching design, comes beautifully wrapped
Another excellent option we highly recommend is the Hardwood Chef Acacia Wood Butcher Block, which with its durable, non-slip finish, deserves its spot on this list. To enhance handling and portability, the cutting board comes with inner handles. Also, the board’s texture is designed in a way that ensures that chopped food does not slip off the surface. As for the look, its incredibly eye-catching design reeks of nothing but stylishness.
The texture of the board was also designed for easy cleaning and maintenance mind. And it’s produced using thick, high-quality materials, so it won’t warp or wear out over time. Also, rest assured that it won’t damage your expensive knives. Unsurprisingly, the board also comes with a deep groove for collecting excess liquid and juice that comes out of the veggies or fruits. But, as some customers think, this butcher block is a bit overpriced.
More features: multi-functional board, easy to maintain and clean, self-healing surface
While the Ironwood in its name may suggest it was made from the combination of iron and wood, the Ironwood 3″ Union Stock Yard Butcher Block is actually produced using gorgeous acacia wood. Despite that, the construction is solid, so you can expect to get more than a couple of years out of this. The material from which it’s made is known for its contrasting patterns, which is such an exquisite sight to behold. This butcher block is also a great option for large families, thanks to its wide cutting surface. As for the thickness, the three inches make for impressive density.
Everybody loves a multi-functional board, and that’s another explanation behind the increasing popularity of this product. You can use it as a cutting board, a serving board, and a prep station. In terms of cleaning and maintenance, you will have an easy time with this board. The surface is also self-healing, so you can expect it to last for a lot of years to come. Unfortunately, it has two downsides. First, the feet are extremely cheap, and they come off easily. Secondly, it’s a bit expensive.
More features: antimicrobial, hand-selected material, safe for knives
The next product on this list is another John Boos model, and its inclusion is because of merit rather than bias. Measuring 18 inches and being three inches thick, this cutting board already advertises itself. While its round design may look like something new, it takes nothing away from its incredibleness. Like the other boards from this company, this one is also made using hand-selected solid maple wood, which is widely known as one of the most durable and finest materials out there. The material also contains enzymes that eliminate bacteria, which makes this butcher block an antimicrobial model.
Moving on, this cutting board, like every John Boos block, comes with a food-safe natural oil finish, which helps guard the wood through transit. The material is also knife-friendly, so rest assured that your favorite knives won’t become dull quicker. That said, we must warn you that cleaning and maintaining this block takes real work as it’s a little difficult to clean. But once you figure out how to properly maintain it, it will last you for many years to come. A side note, though – the weight of this thing will quickly tire out an elderly person.
More features: multipurpose, reversible, durable and convenient design, comes in a gift package
Sporting a unique and attractive design, the Caperci Large Acacia Wood Cutting Board could stake a claim as the finest butcher block on the market. Its 4/5-inch thick design is a testament to its solidness. As some of the models on this list, this board is also reversible, which makes it flexible. Apart from being reversible, it’s also a multipurpose board, so it could also be used as a serving board. If you are tired of flimsy butcher blocks that are always warping, we highly recommend this model. The fact that it’s knife-friendly also means you will stop ending up with dull knives.
Furthermore, the chopping block is made using antibacterial and antimicrobial material. Not only that, but it also has a dense construction and natural finish, which means it will never absorb any type of unpleasant odors. In terms of its size, it’s dimensions of 18 inches by 12 inches should be enough for all home cooking needs. Of course, it comes with a groove as well, so rest assured that the juice won’t make a mess on the countertop. However, it’s also too heavy, so we don’t recommend buying it for an elderly person. Some users are also of the opinion that it’s difficult to maintain.
More features: antimicrobial material, knife-friendly, resistant to cuts and scarring, self-healing
Royal Craft Wood is a reputable company, so the brilliance of this bamboo cutting board doesn’t surprise most people at all. For obvious reasons, it’s one of the best butcher blocks on the market at the moment. If you want something that will be ideal for preparing food for a large family, you might want to consider another option as this one has a pretty small cutting surface. Apart from that, it’s mostly good news with this product. It also comes with side handles, which make it easy and safe to use and carry. The included side handles also allow the product to double as a serving tray.
You can cut and chop literally anything on this cutting board, be it meat, vegetables, or fruits. Of course, it’s professional-grade, so you can expect it to not warp or wear out after a short period. Besides, it’s produced using bamboo, which makes it a lot more durable than others. It’s worth adding that the end-grain bamboo is self-healing, so the cuts and scars will disappear over time. There are also inbuilt grooves to help hold the juice or liquid oozing from the veggies and fruits. One thing that must be said though – it’s not stable and tends to slip around the countertop.
More features: antimicrobial, sturdy construction, gentle on knives, easy to clean
For anyone looking for a versatile butcher block that can also stand up to heavy-duty tasks, look no more as the FANICHI Cutting Board fits the bill. While it’s not the thickest model on this list in any way, you can’t deny its ruggedness. It was made of rubber wood, which may not sound really sturdy, but we assure you it’s really durable. In terms of functionality, you can’t underrate this product, as it’s as useful as it gets. Apart from featuring a deep groove for the juices oozing from your meat, it also comes with inner handles that make things completely effortless. As if that wasn’t enough, the board also has a reversible design, which means you can use either end for chopping.
The board is also made of premium-quality materials, so you can expect it to be gentle on your knives. In terms of appearance, the board is such a joy to have. Lastly, the cutting surface is wide as well, so you can rely on this even if you have a large family. Just remember that the board slips a lot since it doesn’t have anti-skid feet. Also, it may not be suitable for some category of people because of its weight.
With so many options available online, it can be quite tricky to get a suitable butcher block. But, there is no need to worry. To broaden your scope about butcher blocks, you need to read the detailed guide we’ve put together in this section. Not only will it make you knowledgeable about cutting boards and blocks, but it will also ultimately help you identify the best model for your needs.
The first step to choosing the right butcher block is knowing exactly what you stand to gain from one. With that in mind, we’ve listed some of the most important benefits of a butcher block below.
Durable and versatile – Since a butcher block is thicker than a normal cutting board, it is sturdier, so it won’t easily crack. Although it is heavier and thicker, a butcher block can also serve as a normal cutting board, allowing you to cut veggies, herbs, fruits, and other light ingredients on it.
Large size – A butcher block also offers a larger cutting surface than regular cutting boards, such as seen with the Sonder Los Angeles Acacia Wood Cutting Board. Apparently, the larger surface allows you to roll out the dough and perform other kitchen tasks conveniently. With a wider cutting surface, you can also make food for a higher number of people.
Natural material – If you are in search of a natural cutting surface, a butcher block is a great option as it is made of natural wood.
Attractive appearance – Obviously, the function is the most vital feature of any tool, but it is difficult to ignore the appealing appearance of butcher blocks. They can transform your kitchen with their warm, vintage appearance that matches a wide variety of decors.
Getting a suitable option for your needs shouldn’t be a difficult task. If you want your butcher block to serve you right, you must keep in mind several factors. In this section, we will take a closer look at the surface size, board thickness, materials, durability, ease of cleaning, warranty, and prices. Are you ready to learn more? Read on!
A larger butcher block is perfect when preparing multiple items simultaneously.
With the large size, you can easily keep other ingredients on the surface until you are done with your chopping. It also allows you to prepare food for a large number of people at a time.
Some smaller blocks tend to slip around your countertop while chopping. So, if you know you prefer a smaller model, make sure it comes with feet or rubber corners like the Totally Bamboo Big Kahuna Butcher Block.
A board must measure one and a half inches in thickness at least before it can be regarded as a genuine butcher block. Thinner blocks are more suitable for cutting vegetables and fruits. To ensure that a butcher block serves you for as long as possible, go for a two-inch model. You could even consider something thicker like the Ironwood 3″ Union Stock Yard Butcher Block as thicker materials have less vulnerability against warping.
Butcher blocks are usually made using different types of wood, some of which include:
You must look for the most durable butcher block, especially if you will be using it for commercial purposes. In that case, you need a product that is designed to hold up to the incredible amount of force you will be putting on it.
If you are really keen on choosing the most durable model, we advise you to check the material of a particular model, as well as the customer reviews to see how people rate it.
High-quality butcher blocks are usually quite simple to clean, so the maintenance approach is going to be the pretty same with various options. It’s recommended to find a model that makes it effortless to remove any food particles from the surface.
Next, some of them might use more oil, and it depends on how dry the surface is. For example, the John Boos Block CCB183-R Classic Collection comes with a food-safe natural oil finish, which helps to make it last longer.
The warranty will help you protect your investment in case something goes wrong.
It’s advisable to choose a product with a good warranty as this is a telling sign when trying to determine how reliable a product is.
For instance, the ROYAL CRAFT WOOD Bamboo Cutting Board comes with a generous 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured that the product will last for years.
Just like with any product, prices vary a lot. This can be a determining factor for some since we all want to get the best value for the many. If you are looking for a smaller and more affordable option, try the Greener Chef Extra-Large Bamboo Cutting Board that costs only $20!
For those who want to get a premium model, we recommend the Totally Bamboo Big Kahuna Butcher Block with impressive thickness and durable design. This butcher block can be found at $200.
Other options cost somewhere around $30-$70, so everyone can get a product that fits their budget.
As for the oiling, simply apply a small amount of oil on a piece of towel and start rubbing it. Apply from four to five layers to allow the oil to soak in thoroughly. Then, leave the block for about four to five hours. After that period, wipe the excess oil off.
Regular cutting boards aren’t designed for the amount of force that comes with cutting meat, which means you need a butcher block if you’re in the business of cooking meats. We’ve reviewed the best butcher blocks on the market, and for many reasons, the Sonder Los Angeles Acacia Wood Cutting Board comes out as the best of the lot. Thanks to its extreme durability, incredible flexibility, this block totally merits its position. While this model is one of the best butcher blocks on the market, it has some close rivals.
Its two closest rivals are the Greener Chef Extra-Large Bamboo Cutting Board and the Totally Bamboo Big Kahuna Butcher Block, which take the second and third spots, respectively. Both models are extremely durable and versatile. On top of that, both models are also beautiful. You can’t go wrong with them just as you can’t go wrong with our top model.
