7 Chef-Recommended Non-Plastic Cutting Boards

I’m getting rid of microplastics in my kitchen — for good. After successfully finding both a water pitcher and a water bottle that filter chemicals out of my water, it’s time to address my cooking supplies, starting with my worn-out, flaking kitchenware. The first undeniable culprit? My old, bacteria-ridden plastic cutting boards, which have been collecting harmful food contaminants since, well, who knows when. Instead, I’ll be replacing them with non-toxic cutting boards that don’t harbor microplastics.

Therefore, as a food journalist, I turned to my handy network of highly skilled chef friends to gather their favorite cutting boards that are not only plastic-free but also worth your money. Shop these seven restaurant-quality cutting boards now, starting at $34. 

Best Chef-Recommended Non-Toxic Cutting Boards 

• Epicurean Gourmet Series Board, $52, originally $62 at amazon.com 
• John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Cutting Board, $60 at amazon.com 
• Naturally Med Olivewood Cutting Board, $34, originally $37 at amazon.com 
• jNE Hinoki Cypress Reversible Wood Cutting Board, $62 at amazon.com 
• The Boardsmith Cherry Sidekick End Grain Cutting Board, $140 at amazon.com 
• Tenryo Embossed Hi-Soft Cutting Board, $130 at mtckitchen.com 
• Traditional Timber LLC Cherry Cutting Board, $250 at traditionaltimberllc.com 

Epicurean Gourmet Series Board

James Beard award finalist Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja of Shuka in New York City boasts this gourmet cutting board as her “favorite workhorse.” The piece is made of richlite, a material made of resin and recycled paper, and designed to withstand heavy use. “The design is fantastic,” Chef Nurdjaja explained. “The juice groove on one side keeps my countertops spotless.” The rectangular board is dishwasher-safe and recommended for proteins; Chef Nurdjaja advises utilizing it to “carve a juicy prime rib.” The dual-sided cutting board can be flipped to offer a fresh look, which is especially helpful if you’re planning to present it while serving.

John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Cutting Board

John Boos wooden cutting boards are favorites of celebrity chefs like Ina Garten and Rachael Ray, Food & Wine editors, and chefs I spoke to personally. MasterChef contestant and private chef Derrick Fox called this one “the industry standard” and a staple in “every one of [his] kitchens.” Chef Fox loves how “consistent” this reversible wooden cutting board is, with two sizes available on Amazon, beginning at $60. The maple wood, a naturally food-safe premium hardwood, can be used for everything from meats to breads. Plus, its etched finger grips keep it secure in your hands while you hand-wash or slice. 

Naturally Med Olivewood Cutting Board

In general, Chef Sakari Smithwick, as seen on Hell’s Kitchen, recommends an olivewood cutting board as a food-safe option for more elegant dinner parties. “Olivewood boards are visually stunning, with each piece carrying its own unique grain,” Chef Smithwick told me. So, when you order one, you’ll receive a distinctive board no one else has. Olivewood is also inherently bacteria- and odor-resistant, making it nearly impervious to harmful food bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella. This 14-inch Amazon find is not only affordable, but also a gorgeous option for appetizer spreads. 

Jne Hinoki Cypress Reversible Wood Cutting Board

If you’re looking for a more well-rounded cutting board that doesn’t break the bank and can be used for nearly every cutting and chopping task, Chef Smithwick recommends a cutting board created from Hinoki Cypress. This plant produces a knife-friendly hardwood that’s not glued or coated with unwanted chemicals that can transfer onto your food. “The gentle surface helps keep knives sharper for longer, making it a knife’s partner in crime,” Chef Smithwick explains. You can use this Amazon offering for breads, cheeses, fruits, and nearly any other ingredient that needs a quick chop. To clean, just hand-wash with mild detergent and towel dry. 

The Boardsmith Cherry Sidekick End Grain Cutting Board

Chef Chris Hastings, owner of Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama, has turned to this cherrywood cutting board for “years and years” at home and in professional settings. Cherry wood is widely used in the food industry due to its durability, non-toxic properties (it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates), and gentleness on knives. Chef Hastings particularly enjoys this “beautiful” board because it keeps “steady” and is ideal for vegetable preparation. To clean it properly, he recommends scrubbing the piece lightly, wiping it dry, and then oiling it. The Boardsmith also makes our favorite splurge wooden cutting board, which is equally eye-catching and gentle on your knives.

Tenryo Embossed Hi-Soft Cutting Board

This best-selling Tenryo cutting board, made of polyvinyl acetate, is favored by two highly acclaimed chefs. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, of restaurant Kettner Exchange in San Diego, California, cited this piece as “excellent for maintaining knife quality,” because it avoids unwanted chips and damage on the blade. Polyvinyl acetate is considered a non-toxic synthetic polymer — it’s even used to coat certain cheese products. Television personality and cookbook author, Chef Nini Nguyen, adds that the board doesn’t retain “any smells from other foods and it’s easy to clean.” If you’re looking for an investment cutting board that’s used in Michelin-recognized establishments, this Amazon find is certainly it. Just keep in mind that it should be hand-washed. 

Traditional Timber LLC Cherry Cutting Board

This cherrywood cutting board may be a splurge, but according to Executive Culinary Director at Maman in New York City, Jean-Louis Berthe, it’s worth the high price. “It has a natural give that feels both precise and satisfying,” Berthe told me. Aside from its “strength and durability,” the material is resistant to bacteria and moisture, making it a smart buy for those looking to keep their non-toxic cutting board around long-term. According to Berthe, the piece features a “timeless” and “beautiful” dark amber coloring etched with juice and finger grooves for easy maneuvering.