In a small kitchen, every inch of counter space and storage matters. That’s where the genius of reversible cutting boards comes into play. These versatile tools essentially give you two boards in one, maximizing functionality while minimizing clutter. Whether you need a flat surface for general chopping or a grooved side to contain messy juices, a reversible board adapts to your prep needs instantly.
Choosing the right board, however, can be tricky. The best options for compact kitchens combine a space-conscious footprint with clever features like non-slip edges, durable materials, and easy cleaning. From sleek plastic sets to beautiful wooden blocks, we’ve curated a list of reversible boards that deliver big performance without taking up precious room.
Our Top Picks for Reversible Cutting Boards
- GORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Cutting Board Set of 3
- Sonder Los Angeles Thick Sustainable Acacia Wood Cutting Board
- Resort Chef Non-Slip Safety Mat for Under Cutting Boards
- Raj Plastic Reversible Cutting Board with Juice Groove
- Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Plus Folding Chopping Board
- OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set
- Seville Classics Bamboo Cutting Board with Color-Coded Mats
- Farberware 3-Piece Reversible Bamboo Cutting Board Set
- Royal Craft Wood Reversible Bamboo Cutting Board
GORILLA GRIP BPA-Free Reversible Cutting Board Set of 3
This three-piece set from Gorilla Grip is designed for longevity and performance. The boards are constructed from a thick, non-porous material that resists stains, odors, and damage, even after repeated dishwasher cycles. You will not have to worry about these boards splintering, cracking, or requiring any special maintenance like oiling.
Each board features a practical reversible design. One side includes deep juice grooves to capture liquids from meats and juicy fruits, while the other side is completely flat for general chopping tasks. A secure, slip-resistant rubber border runs along the edge, helping to keep the board firmly in place on your countertop during use, which is a key safety feature.
Sonder Los Angeles Thick Sustainable Acacia Wood Cutting Board
For those who appreciate a multifunctional and stylish kitchen tool, the Sonder Los Angeles board is a superb choice. Crafted from solid, sustainable acacia wood, this thick butcher block-style board offers exceptional stability and durability. Its built-in sorting compartment, or “cracker well,” is perfect for holding prepped ingredients or for use as a serving piece during entertaining.
The board is reversible, featuring a deep juice groove on one side that can hold a significant amount of liquid to protect your counters. Integrated finger grips make this substantial board easier to lift and maneuver. To maintain its beauty and longevity, it requires hand washing and periodic oiling with a food-grade mineral oil.
Resort Chef Non-Slip Safety Mat for Under Cutting Boards
This product offers a unique and clever solution to a common kitchen problem: the sliding cutting board. The Resort Chef safety mat is not a cutting board itself, but it makes any board reversible and safer to use. By placing this mat underneath your existing cutting board, you create a non-slip foundation that drastically reduces hazardous slipping and sliding during food preparation.
Made from a non-porous, hygienic material, the mat is easy to clean and is even dishwasher safe for convenience. It folds neatly for compact storage in a drawer, making it an ideal space-saving accessory for small kitchens. This mat can instantly upgrade the stability and safety of any cutting board you already own.
Raj Plastic Reversible Cutting Board with Juice Groove
The Raj Plastic Cutting Board provides a generous prep surface in a single, extra-large board. Its BPA-free construction is durable and dishwasher safe, ensuring easy cleanup. The board is designed with a clear reversible function: one side has a deep juice groove to contain liquids, while the reverse offers a completely flat surface for more extensive cutting room.
Safety and grip are central to its design. It features large, soft-grip handles for comfortable carrying and control. Furthermore, non-slip rubber edges on both ends help keep the board firmly anchored to your countertop, preventing unwanted movement and making your chopping tasks more secure and efficient.
Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Plus Folding Chopping Board
Joseph Joseph brings innovative space-saving design to the forefront with the Chop2Pot Plus. This board features a unique folding mechanism that allows you to easily funnel prepped ingredients directly into a pot or bowl, minimizing spills and the need for additional transfer tools. Its compact form is perfect for small kitchens where efficiency is key.
The board offers a textured, knife-friendly cutting surface on one side and a flat surface on the other, making it functionally reversible. This smart design not only saves counter space but also simplifies the cooking process, making it an excellent tool for quick meal preparation and clean-up.
OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set
OXO is known for its user-friendly designs, and this two-piece cutting board set is no exception. The set includes a smaller prep board and a larger everyday board, offering versatility for different tasks while maintaining a small storage footprint. Both boards are reversible, with double-sided, non-porous surfaces that resist odors and are gentle on knife blades.
Each board features soft, tapered edges that form comfortable handles, making them easy to carry and handle. Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, this set is a practical and straightforward choice for anyone seeking reliable, easy-to-store cutting boards from a trusted brand.
Seville Classics Bamboo Cutting Board with Color-Coded Mats
This system from Seville Classics combines a sturdy, reversible bamboo cutting board base with seven thin, color-coded, BPA-free mats. The bamboo board itself is durable and sustainable, serving as a stable base for cutting or as a handsome serving tray. The real versatility comes from the set of mats, which can be used for different food types to help prevent cross-contamination.
When not in use, the mats and board nest together neatly, creating a compact storage solution. This design is perfect for those who value organization and want the option to use a solid wood surface or a disposable-style mat, all in one efficient package.
Farberware 3-Piece Reversible Bamboo Cutting Board Set
Farberware’s set offers the classic appeal and durability of bamboo in a practical three-piece configuration. Bamboo is a highly sustainable and naturally knife-friendly material, making it a popular choice for home cooks. This set typically includes boards in multiple sizes, providing a dedicated board for various tasks from small garnishes to larger vegetable chopping.
The reversible design of each board gives you two distinct surfaces: one with a juice groove for wetter ingredients and a flat side for everything else. As a natural material, bamboo requires hand washing and occasional oiling to maintain its condition and prevent cracking over time.
Royal Craft Wood Reversible Bamboo Cutting Board
Royal Craft Wood’s offering is a solid, single bamboo board built for both food preparation and stylish serving. Its reversible nature means one side features a juice groove to catch liquids from meats or fruits, while the other side is flat for broad cutting tasks or for use as a charcuterie platter. The sturdy construction provides a stable surface that is gentle on knives.
Like all quality wooden boards, it is crafted from sustainable bamboo, making it an eco-conscious choice. To keep it in top condition, this board should be hand washed and treated with mineral oil periodically. Its combination of function and aesthetic makes it a versatile centerpiece for a small kitchen.
What to Look For in the Best Reversible Cutting Boards for Small Kitchens
Living with a small kitchen means every single item on my countertop or in my cupboard has to earn its keep. A reversible cutting board is a fantastic space-saver, but not all are created equal. When I was searching for the best reversible cutting boards for small kitchens, a few key factors really stood out as make-or-break.
First, let’s talk about material. This is probably the most important decision. Bamboo is a popular choice because it’s durable, renewable, and naturally antimicrobial. It’s also relatively lightweight, which is a plus for easy storage. However, some bamboo boards can be quite hard on your knife edges over time. Plastic boards, especially those made from materials like polypropylene, are often dishwasher safe, which is a huge win for easy cleaning. They’re also gentle on knives. The downside is that deep cuts can harbor bacteria. Wooden boards, like those made from maple or acacia, are beautiful and kind to your knives, but they usually require more maintenance with oiling and are often heavier. For a reversible board, I look for one where each side is designed for a different purpose, like a juice groove on one side and a flat surface on the other.
Size and thickness are next on my checklist. In a small kitchen, a massive board is just not practical. I prefer a medium-sized board, large enough to handle a chicken or a bunch of vegetables but small enough to fit in my sink for washing. Thickness matters for stability; a board that’s too thin can slide around and is just annoying to use. A little bit of heft is good, but it shouldn’t be so heavy that it’s a chore to pull out of a lower cabinet.
Features are where the reversible part really shines. The best reversible cutting boards for small kitchens offer dual functionality. The most common feature is a juice groove on one side to contain liquids from meats and fruits, with a completely flat, seamless side on the other for general prep tasks like chopping herbs or rolling dough. Some even have different textures on each side. I also pay close attention to any non-slip elements, like rubber feet or a perimeter lip. These are essential for safety, especially when you’re working with a sharp knife on a smaller surface.
Finally, maintenance is a big deal for me. If a board can’t be cleaned easily, it’s not going to last long in my rotation. Knowing if a board is dishwasher safe is crucial, though hand washing is often recommended for wood and some bamboo to prevent warping. I also consider if the board needs to be oiled regularly. For my busy life, low-maintenance is a significant advantage.
FAQ
Why should I get a reversible cutting board for my small kitchen?
The main benefit is maximizing function while minimizing clutter. Instead of owning two separate boards—one for proteins and one for produce—a single reversible board does both jobs. One side typically has a juice groove to catch meat drippings, while the other side is flat for everything else. This saves precious storage space and simplifies your kitchen tool collection.
Are plastic or bamboo reversible boards better?
This depends on your priorities. Plastic boards are generally more affordable and often dishwasher-safe, making cleanup very simple. Bamboo boards are harder and more durable than many plastics, and they are a sustainable, eco-friendly option. However, bamboo can be tougher on knife edges. For a small kitchen, a high-quality bamboo board offers a great balance of durability and space-saving design.
How do I properly clean and maintain a reversible cutting board?
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions first. For plastic boards, dishwasher cleaning is usually fine. For wood and bamboo, hand washing with warm, soapy water immediately after use is best to prevent warping and cracking. You should never soak a wood or bamboo board. To maintain them, especially wooden ones, periodic oiling with food-grade mineral oil is necessary to keep the wood from drying out and splitting.
Can I use both sides of the board for any type of food?
Technically, yes, but the smartest way to use a reversible board is to dedicate one side to specific tasks to prevent cross-contamination. I use the side with the juice groove exclusively for raw meat, poultry, and fish. The flat, seamless side is for all my vegetable, fruit, and bread prep. This practice helps maintain food safety without needing multiple bulky boards.
What size reversible cutting board is best for a small countertop?
I find that a board in the range of 12 inches by 15 inches to 15 inches by 20 inches is the sweet spot. It’s large enough to be functional for most cooking tasks but not so big that it dominates your limited counter space. It should also still fit comfortably in your sink for easy cleaning.
Do reversible boards slide around less than regular boards?
Many are designed with stability in mind. Look for models that have non-slip rubber feet on the corners or a raised, grippy perimeter. These features are incredibly effective at keeping the board securely in place while you chop, which is a major safety improvement. If a board lacks these, you can always place a damp paper towel underneath it to prevent slipping.