Ever wondered what cutting board reigns supreme in a kitchen where precision is key? America’s Test Kitchen, the trusted name in culinary testing, has put plastic cutting boards to the ultimate test. Choosing the right plastic cutting board can feel overwhelming. There are so many brands, sizes, and features to consider, and you want one that’s safe, durable, and won’t dull your knives.
This is where America’s Test Kitchen steps in. They’ve done the hard work for you, rigorously evaluating plastic cutting boards to identify the best performers. By diving into their findings, you’ll discover which plastic cutting boards truly stand up to the demands of everyday cooking. You’ll learn what makes a plastic cutting board a winner and avoid common pitfalls.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen arsenal and find a plastic cutting board that will serve you well for years to come, keep reading. We’re about to break down America’s Test Kitchen’s top picks and what makes them so great.
Our Top 5 Plastic Cutting Board America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Farberware Large Cutting Board | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Plastic Cutting Boards for Kitchen | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Freshware Cutting Boards for Kitchen | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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Extra Large Cutting Boards | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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5 Pieces Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats with Food Icons | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Plastic Cutting Board America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. Farberware Large Cutting Board
Rating: 8.9/10
The Farberware Large Cutting Board is a great addition to any kitchen. It’s an 11-inch by 14-inch white plastic cutting board that makes food prep simple and clean.
What We Like:
- This cutting board is made from strong polypropylene plastic. This material is good because it doesn’t soak up liquids or smells. It also won’t hold onto stains, so your board stays looking nice.
- It’s kind to your knives. The plastic won’t make your knife blades dull as fast as other materials might.
- The board is reversible, meaning you get two cutting surfaces in one. This is handy for prepping different kinds of food.
- It has an easy-grip handle. This makes it easier to hold and move the board around your kitchen.
- You can use it for all sorts of food. It’s perfect for chopping meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
- Cleaning is a breeze! You can just pop it in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, some users might prefer a heavier cutting board for extra stability.
This Farberware cutting board is a reliable and practical tool for your kitchen. It makes chopping and slicing easy and cleanup even easier.
2. Plastic Cutting Boards for Kitchen
Rating: 9.4/10
The Kikcoin 3-Piece Plastic Cutting Board Set is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. These boards offer a variety of sizes to tackle all your chopping tasks, from carving a big turkey to slicing a small apple. They are designed with both safety and convenience in mind, making meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Three Sizes for Every Need: The set includes a large board (15″x10.5″) for big jobs, a medium board (12″x9″) for veggies, and a small board (10″x7″) for fruits.
- Keeps Food from Slipping: A special textured surface helps your food stay put while you cut, making it safer and easier.
- Stays Put While You Work: Rubber feet on the bottom grip your counter, so the board won’t slide around.
- Handles for Easy Carrying: The soft edges also act as handles, letting you move your chopped ingredients easily.
- Catches Messy Juices: One side of the boards has a deep groove to catch liquids from meats, keeping your counter clean. The other side is flat for fruits and veggies.
- Dishwasher Safe: These sturdy boards won’t bend or warp, so you can easily clean them by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Quiet Cutting: Made from dense plastic, they absorb impact, meaning no loud clacking sounds when you chop.
- Knife Friendly: The wear-resistant surface keeps your knife blades sharp even after lots of use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic is durable, some users may prefer the feel of wood or bamboo.
- The bright colors, while fun, might not match every kitchen’s aesthetic.
Overall, this Kikcoin cutting board set is a practical and safe choice for busy kitchens. Its thoughtful design makes chopping, slicing, and dicing more enjoyable.
3. Freshware Cutting Boards for Kitchen
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of flimsy cutting boards that dull your knives and harbor germs? The Freshware Cutting Boards 3-Pack in a stylish gray is here to make your kitchen prep a breeze. This set offers three different sizes to tackle any job, from slicing a lemon to carving a roast. They’re designed to be kind to your knives and easy to clean, making them a must-have for any home cook.
What We Like:
- RIGHT SIZES FOR EVERY NEED: You get three boards: small (10 x 5.8 x 0.3”), medium (12.4 x 7.8 x 0.3”), and large (16 x 9.8 x 0.3”). This variety lets you use a different board for fruits, veggies, and meats, which helps prevent spreading germs.
- EASY TO CLEAN: These boards are non-porous and dishwasher safe. They won’t chip or crack. Cleaning is super simple – just toss them in the dishwasher. No need for special oils or treatments.
- KITCHEN AND KNIFE FRIENDLY: They are strong enough for heavy chopping and slicing. Your sharp knives will stay sharp because the board’s surface won’t get damaged easily. They also don’t hold onto smells or stains, keeping them fresh for a long time. Plus, they store easily in your kitchen.
- The juice grooves catch liquids, preventing messes.
- Non-slip handles give you a secure grip while you work.
What Could Be Improved:
- The boards are quite thin, which might be a concern for very heavy-duty use or if you prefer a thicker board.
- While dishwasher safe, some users might prefer to hand wash to ensure longevity.
This Freshware cutting board set offers excellent value with its versatile sizes and easy-to-maintain design. It’s a practical addition to any kitchen that prioritizes hygiene and knife care.
4. Extra Large Cutting Boards
Rating: 8.6/10
Tired of flimsy cutting boards that dull your knives and make a mess? The Empune Extra Large Cutting Boards set is here to save your kitchen! This set of three plastic cutting boards offers a size for every chopping task, from slicing vegetables to carving a roast. Their durable construction and smart design make meal prep a breeze.
What We Like:
- Versatile Set: You get three different sizes – extra large (17.0″x11.8″), large (14.0″x9.5″), and medium (11.4″x7.8″). This means you can use a separate board for meats, veggies, and other foods, keeping your kitchen cleaner and safer.
- Built to Last: Made from high-density plastic, these boards are super tough. They can handle all your chopping, dicing, and slicing without getting stained or damaged easily. They’ll stay looking good for a long time.
- Mess-Free Prep: Each board has a juice groove around the edges. This catches any liquids from fruits or meats, so your counters stay clean and dry.
- Easy to Handle and Store: The boards have easy-grip TPR handles on the sides. This helps them stay put while you work and makes carrying them simple. The handles also make storing them a snap.
- Simple Cleanup: Washing these boards is a cinch. You can just rinse them with warm water, or toss them right into the dishwasher for a hands-off clean.
- Great Gift Idea: With their practical sizes and helpful features, these cutting boards make a wonderful gift for anyone who loves to cook, especially for holidays like Thanksgiving or Mother’s Day.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the plastic is durable, some users might prefer the feel and longevity of wooden cutting boards for certain tasks.
Overall, the Empune cutting board set offers excellent value and functionality for any home cook. They make chopping easier and your kitchen cleaner.
5. 5 Pieces Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats with Food Icons
Rating: 8.9/10
Tired of flimsy cutting boards that slide around your counter? Meet the 5 Pieces Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats! These colorful, BPA-free mats are designed to make your kitchen prep easier and safer. Each mat is a generous 15×12 inches, giving you plenty of room to chop veggies or slice meat. Plus, they’re super lightweight, so you can take them anywhere, from backyard BBQs to camping trips.
What We Like:
- Large Size: The 15×12 inch mats offer ample space for all your cutting needs.
- Color-Coded: Five bright colors (Red, Yellow, Green, Purple, Blue) help you avoid cross-contamination by assigning a color to different food types like meat or vegetables.
- Anti-Slip Design: The textured back grips your counter, keeping the board steady while you work, which is a huge plus for safety.
- Flexible and Bendable: These mats are made of soft plastic, so you can easily bend them to transfer chopped ingredients directly into your pan or bowl.
- Dishwasher Safe: Cleanup is a breeze! Just toss them in the dishwasher.
- BPA-Free: Made with food-grade materials for your health and safety.
- Portable: Their lightweight design makes them perfect for picnics, camping, or any on-the-go cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability: While flexible, very heavy or frequent use with sharp knives might show signs of wear over time.
- Staining: Some users might find that certain colorful foods could potentially stain the lighter colored mats.
These cutting mats are a practical and colorful addition to any kitchen. They offer a safe, hygienic, and convenient way to prepare your food.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Plastic Cutting Board from America’s Test Kitchen
When you’re chopping, slicing, and dicing in your kitchen, a good cutting board is super important. America’s Test Kitchen is known for testing kitchen gear thoroughly. They help us find the best tools. Let’s dive into what makes a great plastic cutting board from them.
Key Features to Look For
A really good plastic cutting board should have a few key features. First, it needs to be tough. It shouldn’t get scratched up easily. Also, it should be safe for your food. This means it should not have any harmful chemicals.
- Non-Slip Grip: This is a big one. A board that slides around is dangerous. Look for boards with rubber feet or a textured surface on the bottom. This keeps the board steady while you work.
- Deep Juice Grooves: When you cut juicy fruits or meats, the juices can run everywhere. A cutting board with deep grooves will catch these juices. This keeps your counter clean.
- Easy to Clean: Nobody wants to spend a lot of time scrubbing. A good plastic board is simple to wash by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Size Matters: Think about what you cut most. If you chop lots of veggies, a larger board is better. If you only slice cheese, a smaller one might be fine.
Important Materials
Plastic cutting boards are usually made from a few types of plastic. The best ones are made from high-quality, food-grade plastic.
- Polypropylene: This is a common and good plastic for cutting boards. It’s durable and doesn’t dull knives quickly.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This plastic is also very strong and safe. It’s often used in professional kitchens.
- Avoid: Be careful of very cheap plastic boards. They can be made from plastics that aren’t as safe or strong.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a plastic cutting board better or worse.
- Thickness: A thicker board is usually more durable. It won’t warp as easily. Thin boards can bend and break faster.
- Surface Texture: Some boards have a smooth surface, while others have a slight texture. A little texture can help prevent slipping. However, too much texture can be hard to clean.
- Knife-Friendliness: A good board won’t damage your knives. Harder plastics can dull your knife edges faster. America’s Test Kitchen often looks for boards that are tough but still kind to your blades.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a good plastic cutting board is a pleasure. It makes food prep easier and safer.
- Everyday Cooking: For chopping vegetables, slicing bread, or preparing chicken, a sturdy plastic board is perfect.
- Juicy Foods: The juice grooves are a lifesaver for cutting watermelon, tomatoes, or roasts.
- Messy Jobs: Plastic boards are great for tasks that might create a mess, like cracking eggs or mincing garlic. They are easy to clean up afterward.
- Dishwasher Safe: Many of the best plastic boards can go right in the dishwasher. This makes cleaning a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are plastic cutting boards from America’s Test Kitchen dishwasher safe?
A: Yes, most of the highly-rated plastic cutting boards recommended by America’s Test Kitchen are dishwasher safe. This makes cleaning very easy.
Q: Can plastic cutting boards get knife marks?
A: Yes, all cutting boards will eventually get knife marks. However, good quality plastic boards are designed to resist deep scratching and are less likely to harbor bacteria in those marks.
Q: Which type of plastic is best for a cutting board?
A: High-quality plastics like polypropylene and HDPE are considered best. They are durable, food-safe, and won’t dull your knives too quickly.
Q: Do plastic cutting boards dull knives faster than wooden ones?
A: Generally, very hard plastics can dull knives faster than wood. However, America’s Test Kitchen often finds plastic boards that are a good balance of durability and knife-friendliness.
Q: How should I clean my plastic cutting board?
A: You can wash them with warm, soapy water and a scrub brush. Many are also safe to put in the dishwasher for thorough cleaning.
Q: Can I use the same plastic cutting board for raw meat and vegetables?
A: It’s best to have separate boards for raw meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination. Many people use different colored boards for different food types.
Q: How long do plastic cutting boards typically last?
A: With proper care, a good quality plastic cutting board can last for several years. Look for boards that resist warping and deep scratching.
Q: What are juice grooves for on a cutting board?
A: Juice grooves are channels carved into the board to catch liquids from foods like fruits, vegetables, and meats. This helps keep your countertops clean.
Q: Should I worry about bacteria on plastic cutting boards?
A: While plastic can be porous over time, regular cleaning and sanitizing, especially in a dishwasher, helps keep them hygienic. America’s Test Kitchen looks for boards that are easy to sanitize effectively.
Q: What makes a plastic cutting board “non-slip”?
A: Non-slip features usually include rubber feet on the bottom of the board or a textured surface that grips the countertop, preventing the board from sliding while you cut.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!