Every kitchen needs a reliable cutting board, and plastic options offer a winning combination of durability, hygiene, and affordability. They are typically dishwasher safe, easy to sanitize, and resistant to moisture and odors. For organized cooks, many sets feature color-coding to help prevent cross-contamination between different food types like raw meat and fresh vegetables.
From heavy-duty boards with juice grooves to flexible mats for easy pouring, the right cutting board can make food preparation safer and more efficient. This roundup features a variety of plastic cutting boards designed to meet different needs, whether you’re a home cook looking for a complete set or a professional chef requiring a specific size and texture. Finding the perfect board will help keep your kitchen prep area clean and functional.
Our Top Plastic Cutting Board Picks
- Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Plastic Chopping Board Set of 4
- Plastic Cutting Board, Set of 4 with Storage Stand, Color Box Packed
- SMIRLY Plastic Cutting Board Set with Holder 3 Pieces
- Simply Genius Cutting Boards – 8-Pack, Multicolor
- John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board
- Joseph Joseph Nest Chop Set of Nesting Plastic Cutting Boards
- Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board Set of Four
- Epicurean All-In-One Cutting Board with Non-Slip Feet
- Larch Wood Canada End Grain One Hander Large Cutting Board
- OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Plastic Chopping Board Set of 4
This comprehensive set provides excellent value with four durable boards and a bonus peeler. The boards are made from thick, food-grade plastic that resists splintering, cracking, and peeling, even after repeated dishwasher cycles. You will not need to perform any special oiling or maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Safety and functionality are key with this set. Each board is equipped with four non-slip rubber feet to prevent shifting during use and a deep juice groove that effectively contains liquids from messy ingredients like meats and fruits. An easy-grip handle and a secure rubber border make these boards simple to lift and move around your kitchen.
Plastic Cutting Board, Set of 4 with Storage Stand
Organize your kitchen and promote food safety with this color-coded cutting board set. The four distinct colors—red for meat, yellow for cooked foods, green for vegetables, and blue for seafood—provide a clear system to help prevent cross-contamination. The set arrives in a color box and includes a convenient storage stand to keep your countertops tidy.
These boards are designed with user-friendly features for a better cutting experience. A mesh design on the surface helps protect your knife blades, while the integrated juice groove keeps liquids from spilling over. For stability, each board has four non-slip silicone corners and a comfortable silicone handle for a secure grip while chopping and carrying.
SMIRLY Plastic Cutting Board Set with Holder 3 Pieces
This three-piece set from SMIRLY is ideal for kitchens where space is a priority. It includes small, medium, and large boards to accommodate any prep task, from mincing garlic to carving a roast. The compact holder organizes all three boards vertically, saving valuable counter space while keeping them easily accessible.
Built for safety and longevity, these boards feature four strong non-slip feet that grip the counter firmly. Beveled rubberized edges provide a comfortable and non-slip grip for easy lifting. The boards are thick, durable, and dishwasher safe, designed to withstand temperatures up to 180°F without warping or bending.
Simply Genius Cutting Boards – 8-Pack, Multicolor
For the cook who needs maximum versatility, this eight-pack offers four large and four small flexible mats. The multicolor design allows for extensive color-coding to maintain a sanitary kitchen. These heavy-duty mats are more substantial than many flimsy alternatives, making it easy to transfer chopped ingredients directly into pots and pans.
The textured surface of these mats is knife-friendly, helping to maintain the sharpness of your blades. Crafted from food-safe plastic, they are non-absorbent and will not retain food odors or juices. Their lightweight and flexible nature also makes them perfect for use beyond the home kitchen, such as for camping or travel.
John Boos Chop-N-Slice Series Rectangular Wooden Maple Cutting Board
While our focus is on plastic, this John Boos board is a premium wooden option for those who prefer a classic butcher block feel. It is crafted in the USA from solid maple with a durable edge-grain construction that is gentle on knife edges. The board is reversible, providing two large surfaces for cutting and serving.
Integrated finger grips make this heavy board much easier to lift and handle. With eased corners and a substantial 1.25-inch thickness, it offers a stable and level surface for all your prep work. Finished with a food-safe oil, this board is a versatile and long-lasting addition to any kitchen.
Joseph Joseph Nest Chop Set of Nesting Plastic Cutting Boards
Joseph Joseph is known for its innovative kitchen tools, and this nesting set is a great example of smart design. The three boards fit neatly together for compact and organized storage, a perfect solution for small kitchens. Each board features a knife-friendly textured surface that provides grip for food and helps protect your blades.
A standout feature of these boards is the easy-pour ends. The curved edges are designed to funnel chopped food directly into a pan or bowl, minimizing mess and making the transfer process efficient. This thoughtful design combines space-saving storage with practical functionality.
Dexas Heavy Duty Grippmat Flexible Cutting Board Set of Four
The Dexas Grippmat set focuses on stability and flexibility. Each of the four brightly colored boards has a non-slip backing that grips the counter surface firmly, providing a safe and stable cutting platform. This innovative design means the boards are not reversible, as the bottom is dedicated to the non-slip function.
These boards are lightweight, flexible, and made from non-porous, non-absorbent material. The flexibility makes it simple to pour contents directly into a cooking vessel. They are an excellent choice for quick prep tasks and are easy to clean and store.
Epicurean All-In-One Cutting Board with Non-Slip Feet and Juice Groove
Epicurean boards are known for their hybrid design, combining the benefits of wood and plastic. This board is made from a modified natural material that is lightweight, incredibly durable, and nonporous. It is also knife-friendly and easy to maintain, requiring no oiling.
This model is equipped with practical features for a secure and clean cutting experience. Non-slip feet in each corner keep the board firmly in place, while a generous juice groove around the perimeter captures juices from meats and fruits. It is temperature resistant up to 350°F, adding to its versatility.
Larch Wood Canada End Grain One Hander Large Cutting Board
This is another high-quality wooden option, handcrafted for both professional chefs and home cooks. The end grain construction is exceptionally gentle on knives, providing a self-healing surface that resists deep cuts and scratches. Despite its sturdy build, it is one of the thinnest and lightest boards in its class, making it easy to handle.
The “One Hander” name comes from its easy maneuverability, aided by soft rubber feet attached with stainless steel screws. These feet also prevent the board from slipping on the counter. This board represents heirloom quality, designed for daily use and built to last a lifetime.
OXO Good Grips Utility Cutting Board
OXO’s Good Grips line is celebrated for its user-centered design, and this utility cutting board is no exception. It is designed to be comfortable and easy to use, with features that enhance control and stability during food preparation. The board is made from durable, dishwasher-safe materials that resist staining and odors.
While specific features may vary, OXO products typically include non-slip edges or corners to keep the board secure on the counter. The surface is gentle on knives, making it a practical choice for everyday kitchen tasks. Its moderate size makes it perfect for quick chopping jobs and easy storage.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Next Plastic Cutting Board
I’ve been through my fair share of plastic cutting boards, and let me tell you, not all of them are created equal. It’s easy to just grab the cheapest one off the shelf, but if you do any amount of serious prep work, you’ll quickly regret it. A good board is a kitchen workhorse, and picking the right one comes down to a few key factors. Let’s break down what I always look for when I’m choosing the best plastic cutting boards for prep work.
First up is material and durability. Most plastic boards are made from either polyethylene or polypropylene. I find high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to be a real winner. It’s tough, resists deep gouging from your knives, and doesn’t dull your blade edges too quickly. Thickness is a huge part of durability, too. I always steer clear of those flimsy, thin boards that warp and slide all over the counter. A board that’s at least half an inch thick feels substantial, stays put, and can handle heavy chopping without feeling like it’s going to crack.
Next, consider the size and how it fits into your kitchen workflow. I like to have a couple of different sizes. A large board, around 15 by 20 inches or bigger, is my go-to for tackling large roasts or breaking down a bunch of vegetables at once. But don’t underestimate a small board for quick tasks like mincing garlic or slicing a lemon. It saves you from having to clean a massive board for a tiny job. Also, think about storage. Some boards come with a hole for hanging, while others are thin enough to slide into a tight cabinet space. If your kitchen is small, a set of nested, color-coded boards might be your best bet.
Features can make a big difference in daily use. The number one feature I look for is non-slip edges. Whether it’s a grippy rubber border or deep grooves around the perimeter, this keeps the board securely in place, which is a major safety bonus. Some boards also come with juice grooves, which are fantastic for carving meats or dealing with particularly watery fruits. They contain the mess and keep your countertops dry. Finally, think about maintenance. A good plastic cutting board should be dishwasher safe. This isn’t just about convenience; the high heat of a dishwasher cycle provides a much more thorough sanitization than hand washing, which is crucial for food safety, especially after handling raw proteins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plastic cutting boards more sanitary than wood?
This is a classic debate. From my experience, plastic boards have a slight edge in terms of easy sanitization because you can toss them right into the dishwasher. The high heat kills bacteria effectively. However, studies have shown that while bacteria might sink into a wood board, the natural properties of wood can actually cause the bacteria to die off. The real key isn’t the material itself, but how you clean it. With a plastic board, you get that foolproof dishwasher clean, which is why many people, including myself, prefer them for handling raw meat.
How often should I replace my plastic cutting board?
You should replace your plastic cutting board when it becomes heavily scarred with deep, difficult-to-clean knife grooves. These grooves can harbor bacteria, making the board a food safety risk, even after a trip through the dishwasher. If you can’t get the surface clean looking, or if you notice any warping or cracking, it’s time for a new one. With proper care, a good quality board can last you a few years, but it’s not a lifetime item. I keep an eye on mine and don’t hesitate to retire them when they look worn out.
What’s the benefit of using color-coded cutting boards?
I’m a big fan of a color-coded system, especially if you’re cooking for a family or are concerned about cross-contamination. It’s a simple visual system that helps prevent the spread of bacteria. The common standard is red for raw meat, blue for raw seafood, yellow for poultry, green for fruits and vegetables, and white for dairy or baked goods. By dedicating a specific colored board to a specific type of food, you drastically reduce the chance of, say, salmonella from raw chicken getting onto your fresh salad ingredients.
Can I put my plastic cutting board in the dishwasher?
Most modern plastic cutting boards are explicitly labeled as dishwasher safe, and it’s one of their biggest advantages. The high water temperature and detergent in a dishwasher provide a level of cleaning and sanitization that’s hard to match by hand. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but generally, top-rack dishwasher placement is recommended to prevent any potential warping from the heating element at the bottom. It’s the easiest way to ensure your board is truly clean.
Why does my plastic cutting board warp in the dishwasher?
I’ve had this happen, and it’s always frustrating. Warping usually occurs because of the intense, uneven heat in the dishwasher, especially if the board is placed too close to the heating element on the bottom rack. Lower-quality, thinner boards are much more prone to this. To prevent it, always wash your board on the top rack. Also, avoid exposing it to extreme temperature changes; don’t take a hot board straight from the dishwasher and place it on a cold countertop. Let it cool down inside the dishwasher first.
What is the best way to get stains and odors off a plastic board?
Even the best plastic cutting boards for prep work can pick up stains from foods like tomatoes or turmeric. For a deep clean, I make a paste from baking soda and water, scrub it all over the board, and let it sit for a bit before rinsing. For stubborn odors, like garlic or onion, a quick rub with a halved lemon does wonders. You can also sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda on the cut side of the lemon to use it as a gentle abrasive scrubber. For a more heavy-duty sanitizing soak, a diluted bleach solution (one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) works well, but be sure to rinse the board thoroughly afterward.