As someone who tests kitchenware for a living, I’m used to questioning how things are made – and plastic cutting boards have been on my radar for a while.
Lately, I’ve been reaching for a John Boos block, the gold standard of non-toxic cutting boards (and currently 48% off at Wayfair). While researching the best non-toxic cookware, I kept running into studies showing that plastic boards can shed microplastics every time you slice, chop, or crush ingredients. A recent Nature Medicine study even detected micro- and nanoplastics in the human brain, liver, and kidney tissue.
It was enough to make me take a closer look at my own cutting boards – and rethink which materials I trust at my prep station.
When I asked top chefs to recommend the non-toxic kitchen tools they swear by, the name John Boos came up several times. I knew I had to test the brand for myself.
I've been using the John Boos Wood Edge Grain Reversible Cutting Board for over a month now, and I'll never go back to lower-quality boards. It keeps my knives in good shape, looks beautiful on the counter, and is easy to maintain with the John Boos Mystery Oil at Wayfair (also on sale today, so I've just re-stocked).
These boards are available in multiple sizes, so my only tip would be to measure your countertop first, so you don't end up with a board that's too large and impractical.
After testing, I also bought the non-toxic cutting board for my mom, since she has been using the same cheap, plastic boards for years, and it spikes my anxiety when I see her preparing meals with them.
I've also been testing a chunky, walnut wood board from The Boardsmith, which is even more gorgeous and premium, but it is not on sale at the moment. I'll be keeping track of all the best Black Friday home deals and let you know if that changes.
Best Non-Toxic Cutting Boards on Sale This Week
When you're upgrading kitchen equipment, it always feels better getting it on a deal. These are sizeable discounts, but I've tested them to ensure you're getting an investment piece that won't need to be replaced for years.
This end-grain board has a juice groove on one side, making it ideal for slicing steak or meat straight off the grill. I also love the deep color of the walnut wood. It looks great for serving.
If you only need a small board for cutting fruit, slicing veggies, or displaying appetizers for the holidays, go for this small square board.
As much as I love wooden cutting boards, it has been a leap of faith for me to get rid of my plastic boards for cutting raw meat. I've been testing this rubber option (it's what Japanese sushi chefs use), which is thin, lightweight, and easy to clean in the sink.
If you're aiming to eradicate microplastics from your kitchen, choosing a non-toxic cutting board is a great place to start. I've also written a guide on how to replace black plastic kitchen tools (think: spatulas, spoons, etc).
I'd also recommend reading our guides to the best non-toxic air coffee makers and best non-toxic air fryers; I've spent the entire year testing models to find glass, ceramic, and stainless steel alternatives.
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