Do you always have to buy a new set of knives because they get damaged or dull out quickly after a few uses? You need to watch it because it could be your cutting board and not the quality of the knife. As you buy a high-quality knife, you would need a chopping board that complements it. Unlike the other chopping board types such as plastic, glass, granite, and marble, a wooden cutting board is better suited to use with a knife.
Although all wooden cutting boards look alike, they are never the same. Aside from the design and wood that help tell them apart, the grain type also differentiates them. End grain cutting boards are designed to protect your knife blade.
As you read on, you’ll find the top 7 best end grain cutting boards made from all kinds of durable woods.
See also:
Reviews of The Best End Grain Cutting Board
Here are top rated End Grain Cutting Board on the market today
#1- Sonder Los Angeles Large Teak Wood Cutting Board, End Grain
This end grain cutting board tops our list because of its versatility and rubberized feet. Instead of having a cutting board and a serving tray on your countertop, this model saves you enough space by accomplishing multiple kitchen jobs. It is well suited for small kitchens and is used to cut vegetables, serve a meal, and hold diced ingredients during food prep.
Sonder Los Angeles ends grain cutting board measures 17 by 13-inch and is constructed with 100% pure teak wood resistant to stain, ugly knife marks, bacteria, and water. Built to last for decades, this model features detachable rubberized feet that offer it more stability when in use. Also, it includes inserting handles for easy lifting of the board from the kitchen countertop to the dining.
This product comes with a deep juice groove on one side for collecting excess fluid and three built-in compartments on the other surface for holding crackers and bread.
Pros
- Removable non skid feet
- Offers a mess-free counter
- Multi-purpose board
- Integrated side handles
- Three built-in hollow depressions
Cons
- Poor quality control
#2- Sonder Los Angeles Made in the USA, Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board
This made in the USA is one of the best end grain cutting boards by Sonder LA. It is designed and handcrafted by experts from premium quality walnut wood and features non slip legs for maximum stability. This product arrives in a well-packaged gift box, making it an ideal housewarming gift for your friend, and includes a manual on how to care for the board.
Oiling of the board is required at least once a month to ensure the walnut wood stays hydrated and the hue preserved. With its perfect thickness of 1.5-inch, you can accomplish any cutting task with ease, including deboning. This product comes with three deep holes on one surface for storing diced ingredients or cooked food and provides you a clean surface to perform other tasks.
Replacement of this cutting board is guaranteed within the first year of purchase against manufacturing defects. Rather than dulling your knives, the cutting board surface retains the sharp edge of your knife.
Pros
- Deep juice grooves
- Non Slip feet
- Extra-large cutting surface
- A perfect gift item
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Some reviewers complained about the board splitting.
#3- John Boos Block CCB2015-225 Maple Wood End Grain Chopping Block
Are you looking for a board that is thick, durable, substantial, and heavy?
John boos maple wood board is the perfect choice for you. The maple wood used in constructing this board is handpicked and sustainably sourced from local farmers. It is food safe and one of the most sturdy woods in the world. Both surfaces are flat and are well suited for all kinds of food prep chopping tasks. It is designed with a 2.25-inch thickness for added strength, durability, and stability.
With its extra-large cutting surface that measures 20 by 15-inch, you can chop and serve a large group with this board. It is well suited for both commercial and home kitchens. However, one of the downsides of this cutting board is that it leaves you a messy countertop surface when you cut juicy foods with it.
This best end grain cutting board features built-in handles for easy lifting, rotating, and transporting of the board. It is foolproof against bacteria and is knife friendly.
Pros
- Double-sided board
- Extra thickness
- Hand grips included on both ends.
- Large cutting surface
Cons
- No juice grooves
- Not dishwasher friendly
#4- Top Notch Kitchenware Large End Grain Bamboo Cutting Board
Next on our list is a premium quality end grain cutting board from Top Notch Kitchenware. It is constructed from sustainable bamboo wood that resists warp, odor, and stain. This product doubles as both a serving platter and a chopping board. With its rubber feet, this board is safe on your counter and won’t slip off.
Although this model is lighter than most end grain boards on our list, it is harder and foolproof against damage. This model has a checker-like design that makes a great statement on your dining table and kitchen. It measures approximately 15-inch by 11-inch, which is a perfect size that can easily be stored in any standard drawer.
This bamboo cutting board features grooves around its edge, offering you a mess-free counter during food prep. The grooved edge captures all the drips and prevents them from running all over the place, making cleanup a cinch. The cutting surface prevents your expensive knives from getting blunt and doesn’t get scratch.
Pros
- High-quality bamboo wood
- Stain-resistant
- Non Slip base
- Easy to store
- Grooved edge
Cons
- Too lightweight
#5- Hardwood Chef Acacia Wood End Grain Cutting Board Butcher
Hardwood chef premium board has been preconditioned with natural mineral oil and will not need to be seasoned before the first use. It is crafted from high-quality Malaysian acacia wood and has a unique color that suits any kitchen. With adequate maintenance and care, this cutting board will last a long time.
With the finger grips located at the sides, transporting the board is easier and convenient. The acacia wood is knife friendly and will not warp up easily. The cutting board has drip grooves all around the surface, which prevents liquid from running down the board when chopping juicy vegetables such as cucumber. It is suitable for carving bones, ribs, and briskets. This model also doubles as a presentation tray for serving cooked foods and drinks.
This end grain board measures 16 × 12-inch with a 1.75-inch thickness, making it exceptionally sturdy for all cutting tasks. It is well packaged and beautifully designed, making it a perfect gift item for all occasions, including birthdays.
Pros
- Perfect gift item
- Deep drip grooves
- Easy to lift
- Versatile
- Elegant design
Cons
- Expensive
#6- Ironwood Oslo End Grain Square Utility Board, Acacia Wood
Do you have weak hands and you are skeptical about buying a wooden cutting board because of how heavy they look? Well, this end grain board designed and crafted by Ironwood Oslo is durable and lightweight. An ideal option for cooks with weak arms.
The smooth cutting surface is flat, which makes it a versatile board. It can function as a cutting board, a serving tray, and a prep station. This product is easy to clean. The finger grips offer you easy mobility, and the flat surface keeps the board from sliding off the counter.
This model features a unique contrasting pattern. The acacia wood is selected and sustainably sourced by local planters. The acacia wood helps in minimizing damage and wear on the cutting surface and knife. Also, the board needs to be oiled regularly to preserve the natural color and luster.
Pros
- Doesn’t blunt knives
- Easy to clean
- Made from acacia wood
- Lightweight
- Multiple uses
Cons
- Some reviewers say it has some glue blotches on the surface.
#7- Lipper International Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Cutting and Serving Board
Last on the list is another teak wood board that is sustainably grown in Brazil. This beautiful piece is a great choice for all types of kitchens, and they are well suited for cutting veggies, meats, fruits, and bones. It has a longer shelf life and is soft on your knife blade. This model is more than a chopping board; it serves as a trivet for presenting cooked meals. The nonporous teak wood surface ensures that bacteria stay off the board and takes deeper scratches than other cutting boards.
This option has a grooved edge that captures all the liquid, preventing them from messing up the countertop. It requires low maintenance and is certified by FSC. Although Lipper teak wood end grain cutting boards are lightweight, it is hard, sturdy, and scratch-resistant. Measuring 15 by 12-inch, this product provides you with enough surface to chop and hold diced ingredients during food prep.
The nonslip base prevents the board from moving around as you cut. This cutting board is not safe for dishwashers, refrigerators, or microwaves. It must be hand washed after each use.
Pros
- Juices well offer mess-free cutting.
- Knife friendly
- Multifunctional board
- Requires minimal maintenance
Cons
- Not safe for dishwashers
Best Wood For End Grain Cutting
There are several types of woods for making end grain cutting boards, and they all have their benefits and drawbacks. They include walnut wood, bamboo wood, acacia wood, maple wood, teak wood, and mahogany. Some woods are hardwood, and others are softwood. Plus, some woods cost more than the others.
Durability, affordability, ease of maintenance, and sustainability are key aspects to focus on when deciding on the best wood for end grain boards. Compared with other types of wood, acacia wood meets up with these four most important characteristics required for making end grain cutting boards. It is of good quality, budget-friendly, highly sustainable, and is sanitary built.
Best Oil For End Grain Cutting Board
Frequent oiling of the cutting board prevents it from getting dry and extends its shelf life. A board that is well treated with oil will prevent water from infiltrating the surface. There is so much clashing information as regards which oil works best for end grain boards.
However, some recommended oils will help keep the natural look of your board. They include mineral oil, beeswax, fractionated coconut oil, lemon juice or oil, and carnauba.
Natural mineral oil is the best type of oil for end grain cutting boards. This is because it adds no flavor, color, or taste to the board. Plus, it is non-toxic, food-safe, and affordable.
How To Choose the Best End Grain Cutting Board
Here is a guide on how to choose the best end grain cutting board. Let’s consider some of the most important factors to look for when selecting the best end grain cutting boards. They are:
Size
It is dangerous to have your cutting board dangling over the countertop because your kitchen’s available space is limited. If you have a large kitchen space, you can select a bigger board, but if you don’t have sufficient space to hold or store the cutting board, it’s best to opt for a smaller board.
Cutting boards come in different sizes, and you will find one that perfectly fits into your kitchen without much difficulty. A larger cutting board provides you with ample space to work with, unlike a smaller board. However, the smaller the board, the easier to clean, manage, and store.
Type Of Wood
Cutting boards are built from a wide variety of woods, which can be broadly classified as hardwood and softwood. Some of these woods are heavier and more expensive than the others. Woods such as maple, teak, and walnut have a higher price tag than acacia and bamboo. Your budget is a key determinant of which one you will choose.
However, settle for cutting boards made of hardwood because they are more durable and can withstand rigorous use.
Design
Cutting boards are versatile kitchenware that can be used for other kitchen jobs such as kneading doughs, serving meals, and presenting other items. The way most boards are constructed differs in shape and design. You will find many boards with grooves, and others are without. Some can only be used on one side, and many others are reversible, making it easy for you to use both sides of the board for any of your kitchen needs.
Most brands design their cutting boards with handles for easy mobility, but you will still find some without handles on the market.
End Grain Vs. Edge Grain
End grain cutting board is a type of board with several small pieces of wood vertically placed side by side and grafted jointly. The profile runs along the shortest side of the board, creating a unique design with contrasting contours. Although it soaks up more liquid, it is scratch-resistant and offers a fiber-rich surface that doesn’t damage or blunt the edge of a knife’s blade.
End grain boards must be washed immediately after use to prevent cracks, and it has a self-healing or self-repairing ability. However, it is more expensive when compared with edge grain and requires regular oiling.
An edge-grain cutting board is not as costly as an end grain and is perfect for other kitchen tasks such as kneading dough. It consists of fewer pieces of wood arranged horizontally and glued together to form a whole. Edge grain boards are sanitarily built and have a simpler pattern. Compared with end grain, it tends to damage knives faster, and ugly knife marks can be visibly seen on the board.
Conclusion
A cutting board is also an essential tool for every kitchen. Like a knife is a workhorse of most kitchens, so is the function of a cutting board that should never be undervalued. When you invest in the best end grain cutting boards, you don’t only protect your knives but rather the way you handle your knives, and your cutting skills will also improve.