Have you walked down the kitchenware aisle recently and noticed more and more cutting boards made of bamboo? This quick-growing grass isn’t just for pandas anymore!
Bamboo cutting boards have exploded in popularity in recent years – and for good reason. With their natural antimicrobial properties, durability, and sustainability, these woodsy boards have a lot going for them.
If you’re thinking of making the switch from plastic or wood boards, you’ve come to the right place! Below I’ll recommend the top 5 best bamboo cutting boards on the market right now. I’ll also give tips for choosing, caring for, and maintaining these handy kitchen tools.
Let’s get chopping!
The Best Bamboo Cutting Boards – My Top 5 Picks
I’ve sliced and diced my way through reviews and ratings to find the top 5 bamboo cutting boards available. These boards score big for performance, quality, and value. Keep reading for a breakdown of each board’s pros, cons, and best features.
1. Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board by Sonder Los Angeles
With its generous size and sleek look, this board is a stunner! Here are the details:
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 1.5″
- Weight: 5.5 lbs
- Thickness: 1.5 inches
Key Features:
- Oversized to provide ample cutting space
- Made from organic Moso bamboo
- Features juice groove to catch liquids
- Built-in handles make transport easy
The Pros:
- Large surface area perfect for chopping, carving, and serving
- Stain and moisture resistant
- Stays remarkably stable while cutting
- Handles allow secure grip from all angles
The Cons:
- Heavyweight makes storage a bit tricky
- Prone to utensil scratches over time
- Higher price point
With its thick, durable bamboo construction and handy built-in handles, this board is a smart choice for those needing maximum cutting area. The organic Moso bamboo is naturally antimicrobial to keep the board hygienic. A great pick for avid home cooks!
2. Sagler Premium Bamboo Cutting Board
This handsome board combines style, versatility, and durability. Here are the key specs:
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 0.75″
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Thickness: 0.75 inch
Key Features:
- Reversible board with flat and grooved surfaces
- Food-grade, antimicrobial Moso bamboo
- Juice groove for tidy prepping
- Easy-grip handle cutouts
The Pros:
- Reversible design doubles the cutting space
- Antimicrobial properties keep germs at bay
- Grooves useful for corralling food juices
- Handle cutouts for portability and carrying
The Cons:
- Prone to utensil marks and scratches
- Thinner than some boards at 0.75″
- Light color shows staining
With its innovative 2-in-1 reversible design, this board maximizes your cutting space. Use the flat side for larger items and flip for the grooved side to contain juices and crumbs. Great bang for your buck!
3. ORWA Bamboo Cutting Board Set (3 pc)
This value-packed set is perfect for those wanting bamboo boards for all prep needs! Here are the key details:
- Set includes:
- Small: 12″ x 8″ x 0.6″
- Medium: 14″ x 10″ x 0.75″
- Large: 17″ x13″ x 1″
- Weight: 7 lbs total
- Material: Organic bamboo
Key Features:
- Set of 3 different sized cutting boards
- BPA-free, food-safe materials
- Juice groove for tidier food prep
- Color-coded boards help avoid cross-contamination
The Pros:
- Great value for a 3-pc set
- Multiple sizes for all food prepping tasks
- Grooved side contains juices and crumbs
- Color-coding helps separate meat and produce
The Cons:
- Prone to scratching from utensils
- Bottoms lack grip dots for stability
- Thinner than some premium boards
With its trio of color-coded boards, this set has you covered for all prepping needs. The slim sizes store easily while offering ample chopping space. Great value for money!
4. Greener Chef Bamboo Cutting Board
This sturdy bamboo board is built to last. Details:
- Dimensions: 18″ x 12.5″ x 1.25″
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Thickness: 1.25 inches
Key Features:
- Durable end-grain construction
- Handled sides for easy transport
- Built-in pan juice groove
- Sustainably-harvested Moso bamboo
The Pros:
- End-grain design withstands years of wear
- Handles provide secure grip from all sides
- Deep grooves channel runoff liquids
- Sustainably-sourced Moso bamboo
The Cons:
- Very heavy at 7 pounds
- Higher price point
- Prone to utensil scratches
With its thick end-grain design and sturdy construction, this board can withstand years of slicing and dicing. The integrated handles offer a safe grip, making it easy to carry and maneuver. A flat surface and deep grooves give ample prep space.
5. Totally Bamboo Cutting Board
This durable and affordable board gets top marks for quality. Details:
- Dimensions: 18′ x 15″ x 0.75″
- Weight: 7 lbs
- Thickness: 0.75 inches
Key Features:
- Durable Moso bamboo
- Built-in side handles
- Reversible board
- Kiln dried after carbonization
The Pros:
- Tempered bamboo is extra-strong
- Reversible for 2x usage areas
- Handles make carrying secure and easy
- Kiln drying prevents cracks and warping
The Cons:
- Prone to scratches from knives
- Thinner than some boards
- Light stain-prone surface
This reversible board offers two useful sides – flat for chopping and grooved to catch crumbs. The durable Moso bamboo construction makes this an extra-long lasting choice. An exceptional value for the price.
How to Choose the Perfect Bamboo Cutting Board for Your Kitchen
Now that you know my top recommendations, how do you choose the right bamboo cutting board for your own cooking needs? Here are some key points to consider:
Size
Think about the dimensions that make most sense for your kitchen. Smaller boards in the 12″ – 15″ range take up minimal counter and storage space. Medium boards from 15″ – 17″ offer ample chopping room for most tasks. Extra large boards 18″ and up provide maximum surface area but require more storage space.
In general, select a board around three inches larger than your largest knife blade. This gives you enough surface to safely chop produce and proteins. It also allows you to transfer chopped food easily from the board to a pan.
Thickness
Thicker boards tend to last longer and resist wear and tear over time. Look for boards that are at least 0.75″ thick, with 1″ – 1.5″ being ideal. Thinner boards under 0.5″ will break down more quickly.
Thicker bamboo boards also weigh more, so keep that in mind if you’ll need to move them often. Gripped handles can make heavier boards easier to maneuver.
Construction
Bamboo boards come in both edge grain and end grain constructions. Edge grain boards are made from long bamboo stalks fused together. End grain boards are constructed from small, vertical bamboo pieces fused into a checkerboard pattern.
End grain boards tend to be more gentle on your knife blades. The vertical bamboo fibers create resistance that doesn’t dull blades as quickly. However, end grain boards also come at a higher price point.
Edge grain boards are a budget-friendly option that still resist wear reasonably well. Just be prepared to sharpen knives a bit more often with an edge grain board.
Bamboo Source
Look for boards made from Moso bamboo. This species contains natural antimicrobials that inhibit bacteria growth. Moso bamboo is also free of BPA and heavy metals, making it food-safe.
The best bamboo boards use timber from sustainably-managed forests in China. This ensures the raw material supply doesn’t deplete forests or natural habitats.
Boards made from organic Moso bamboo offer maximum peace of mind. But sustainably-harvested Moso bamboo is also an eco-friendly choice.
Personal Preferences
Beyond the basics, choose a board based on your individual cooking style and kitchen needs. Consider:
- Shape – Round, square, rectangular, oval – which is most functional for you?
- Handles – Do you want an easy-grip board or a sleek no-handle look?
- Grooves – Some boards have juice grooves while others are completely flat.
- Appearance – Bamboo patterns and colors vary. Choose your favorite look.
Caring for and Maintaining Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo’s naturally hard exterior gives it plenty of durability. But taking proper care of bamboo boards will keep them looking and performing like new for years. Follow these bamboo board care tips:
Cleaning
For day-to-day cleaning, wash bamboo cutting boards by hand with mild soap and warm water. Avoid soaking the boards, as excess moisture can damage the glues. Always allow your board to dry completely before storing.
About once a week, give the board a deep cleaning. Scrub it with a mix of 2-4 tablespoons of baking soda and water. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive to remove residue. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards.
Disinfecting
To kill bacteria after working with meat and poultry, disinfect boards using a diluted bleach solution. Mix one tablespoon bleach into one gallon of water. Submerge the board and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.
Vinegar can also be used to disinfect boards after prepping raw proteins. Mix a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water. Spray or wipe onto board and let sit briefly before washing.
Avoiding Damage
Never put bamboo boards in the dishwasher, as high temperatures and harsh detergents will damage the finish. Use low-pressure water to hand wash instead.
After each use, immediately dry your bamboo board with a soft towel. Let the board air dry completely before storing. Standing the board on its side allows moisture to drain off.
Avoid harsh cleaners, scouring pads, or abrasive tools when cleaning, as they can scratch the surface. Use mild soap and soft sponges instead.
Storing
Stand bamboo cutting boards on their sides when storing to allow air circulation. Alternate which side faces outwards, to keep the board balanced.
Hanging boards is another storage option. Install hooks on a wall or cabinet door to hang boards vertically. This saves precious counter space!
Reconditioning
With regular use, bamboo boards can become worn, discolored, or stained over time. Recondition boards occasionally to refresh the surface.
Gently sand boards with fine 100-120 grit sandpaper to buff out knife scars, stains, and residue. Re-oil the boards after sanding to renew water resistance.
For deep stains, use a bamboo board cleaner or all-natural board cream. Apply a thin layer, let sit for 10 minutes, then buff clean. Avoid over-scrubbing, which can damage the finish.
With proper care and maintenance, your bamboo cutting boards can provide perfect chopping performance for years on end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bamboo Cutting Boards
Are you still pondering which bamboo cutting board is right for you? Here I answer some of the most common bamboo board FAQs:
Is bamboo truly antimicrobial?
Yes! The Moso species of bamboo contains an antimicrobial compound called bamboo kun. This provides natural resistance to bacteria, mold, and microbes. Studies show bamboo cutting boards harbor less bacteria compared to plastic boards.
Does bamboo withstand sharp knives?
Bamboo is an incredibly hard, durable wood. It holds up well against regular slicing, chopping, and even the occasional missed strike. With proper care, bamboo resists deep scarring or scratches from kitchen knives. Bamboo’s density makes it stronger than many other cutting board woods.
Why is bamboo more sustainable than plastic boards?
Since bamboo is fast-growing and biodegradable, it is one of the most renewable and sustainable board materials. Mature Moso bamboo stalks can be harvested every 3 – 5 years without damaging the plant. It also breaks down naturally versus filling landfills like plastic.
How long do bamboo boards last?
With proper maintenance, a good bamboo board should provide 3 – 5 years of reliable use. The expected lifespan varies based on original quality and thickness. More frequent oiling and conditioning extends a board’s longevity. But deterioration naturally occurs over years of use.
Can you cut meat on a bamboo board?
You can prep meat, fish, and poultry on a bamboo board. However, always clean thoroughly after use to avoid bacteria transfer. Meat proteins dull blades faster, so bamboo board maintenance becomes more important. Designate one side of reversible boards for produce only.
Will bamboo splinter over time?
No – bamboo has a tight internal fiber structure that resists splintering. This makes bamboo stronger and longer-lasting than soft woods like pine or cedar. Only deep gouges or scrapes that significantly damage the surface may splinter minutely. But this is avoided with proper maintenance.
Is bamboo heavier than wood boards?
Despite its hardness, bamboo is surprisingly lightweight. At the same thickness, bamboo weighs around 25% less than most hardwoods. This makes bamboo’s durability and strength even more impressive relative to its lower density. Even better, lightweight bamboo requires no special care and is easy to lift or maneuver.
Can bamboo go in the dishwasher?
It’s best to wash bamboo cutting boards by hand. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers will degrade bamboo over time. Handwashing maintains the integrity of the board without damaging its finish. However, an occasional pass through the dishwasher won’t immediately ruin the board. Just avoid making it a habit.
What are the downsides of bamboo boards?
Bamboo does have some disadvantages:
- Prone to utensil scratches and cuts over time
- Stains easily relative to darker wood boards
- Not as gentle on knives as end-grain boards
- Requires periodic reconditioning to look its best
However, with proper care and maintenance bamboo performs well and lasts for years of daily use.
Do you need to oil or treat bamboo boards?
Periodic oiling helps bamboo boards retain their water resistance and luster over years of use. Apply food-grade mineral oil every 1-2 months to maintain your board. After cleaning, let the board dry then rub oil sparingly over the surface. Buff off any excess.
Chop Chop! Get Prepping on Bamboo
After learning about bamboo’s natural benefits, sustainability, and care, are you ready to try these super cutting boards? With options spanning sizes, prices, shapes, and styles, you can find the perfect match for your kitchen needs.
Remember, even the best bamboo boards require proper maintenance for longevity. Follow the care tips above to keep your board in top slicing and dicing form for years. Treat it right and bamboo will treat you to endless prepping pleasure.
The next time you’re in the market for new kitchen tools, look beyond plastic and wood to consider bamboo’s strength, safety, and sustainability. Your knives and countertops will thank you!
Now grab your sharpest chef’s knife and get chopping. Those veggies won’t prep themselves. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m happy to help fellow cooking enthusiasts make the most of bamboo cutting boards!