Prissy ladies always want their kitchen to be not only neat but also aesthetical.
My mother is a stand-out example.
A few months ago, when I visited her, I discovered a piece a cutting board, but it's more than just a cutting board.
The item looks more like an art piece of wood with checkboard patterns on it.
It also has more features than an ordinary board doesn't.
While spending time inspecting the board, I couldn't stop the desire to have this kind of kitchenware for myself.
Eventually, I operated deep research, bought and borrowed several end grain boards.
Here are the best end grain cutting boards you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board
- Best for Small Kitchens: Prosumer's Choice Bamboo Cutting Board
- Multi-Functional: Ironwood Gourmet 28217 Large Charleston End Grain Prep Station
- Most Durable: Lipper International 7220 Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Cutting and Serving Board
| 4 Best End Grain Cutting Boards | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board | |
Best for Small Kitchens | Prosumer's Choice Bamboo Cutting Board | |
Multi-Functional | Ironwood Gourmet 28217 Large Charleston End Grain Prep Station | |
Most Durable | Lipper International 7220 Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Cutting and Serving Board | |
Best Overall: Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board
Super sturdy
Beautifully made
Versatile design
Resist scratches and cuts
Small for chopping turkeys
Board's surface is a bit slippery
I fell in love right away with this board because the finish looks so sexy to me.
It's a 17x13-inch board made of black acacia walnut. The kind of wood has properties of "self-healing" and super durable.
I was overflown when preparing food for the first time on this board. The contacting sound with the knife really pleases the ear. Don't worry if you overcut because wood fibers heal itself after the cut. That means, instead of cutting through the board, your knife gets sharpen in between the fibers.
The board also features deep juice grooves that hold drops from watery vegs and fruits. It can contain up to 3.5 ounces of liquid. That saves me a lot of temper cleaning water spilling on the counter and the floor.
On both sides of the board, there are rubber feet to prevent the board from sliding.
This board is a piece of versatility. You can flip the sides and use them accordingly. There are compartments for dicing and food prep. This feature is a huge plus when I slice onion, garlic, and capsicum. The handle also makes it easy to move the board.
I didn't expect the board to come in a premium pack. But it did, made me feel like I was receiving a privileged gift. If only I made this board a present, it would be a massive (and heavy) surprise.
| Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 17 x 13 x 1.5 |
Weight | 9 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Authentic color from acacia wood. Super sturdy and solid. Ergonomic design with compartments |
There is nothing about this board that disappoints me. Once I used the board, I could hardly love another.
Best for Small Kitchens: Prosumer's Choice Bamboo Cutting Board
Space-saving design
Renewable material
No assembly required
Warm wood tone
Legs may be uneven
Not cut resistant
If you have limited space in your kitchen, it's key to have ware that can layer the other. A normal cutting board may take room, but this one can stand over a stovetop. The compact design makes the board suitable for RV, camper, studio, or apartment.
This handsome board can also act as cheese platter, giving you a space of 9.75x9.75 to display your food. The feet stand up 2 inches from the counter. You can save space by placing things under the board.
That said, you can this board to a camping trip and swap it to a serving tray for appetizer.
It's got a design of stripes which fits any kitchen decoration. Of course, a smart design can't miss a juice groove to prevent mess on your countertop.
What about the quality of the board?
Prosumer's Choice makes use of 100% renewable bamboo to create an eco-friendly board. That's why the color contrast of the board looks so natural and elegant.
The design of this board reminds me of a sashimi platter. It inspires me of preparing a Japanese style dinner with maki rolls and slices of the freshest salmon. I can't wait to show you.
| Prosumer's Choice Bamboo Cutting Board Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 9.75” x 9.75” |
Weight | 1.89 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Made from renewable material. Dual natural bamboo design. Sturdy and robust design that saves space for small kitchen |
This board does give me more space to execute on my teeny tiny kitchen in the RV. On the side, it serves as a display tray handsomely.
Multi-Functional: Ironwood Gourmet 28217 Large Charleston End Grain Prep Station
Stylish finish
Hard to leave scars
Impressive for displaying food
Multi-functional
Thick wood
Require technique to maintain
Now, here is my most preferable board, after all the time using and testing end grain cutting boards.
Not only because of its attractive appearance, but also the multi-purpose feature that draws me.
At first, I was impressed with the elaborated finish and the vibrant color of acacia wood. It's not a whole piece of the same color but mixed in different tones.
Cutting on this board gives me a privilege feel of cooking in a 5-star kitchen. Constructed from acacia wood, the board owns an heirloom quality you'd only wish to possess.
The board is measured at 14" x 14", rendering a generous space for preparing food. Otherwise, you can take it to present your food art, like displaying salami, cheese, bread, or any kind of appetizer.
Maybe this board is a bit luxurious for fast food, but it does boost pizza to privilege if you know how to present. Just a suggestion.
Maintaining this board is a bit tricky. Though coated in an oily layer, you still need to keep the unit as dry as possible. Ideally, you should purchase with the Butcher Block Oil made by the same provider to rejuvenate and protect the unit.
| Ironwood Gourmet 28217 Large Charleston End Grain Prep Station Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 9.75” x 9.75” |
Weight | 1.89 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Made from renewable material. Dual natural bamboo design. Sturdy and robust design that saves space for small kitchen |
It's great to have a board that can serve multiple purposes. It saves a lot using one board for more than one application.
Most Durable: Lipper International 7220 Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Cutting and Serving Board
Made of sustainably grown teak
Dense grain
Deep groove
Easy to maintain
Sticky glue when break in
No rubber feet
If you need a board to last, this Lipper International is the one for you.
The board is a premier centerpiece with impressive grain and natural color. Made of Brazillian teak, the board's construction is on the high-end and beautiful side. It is gentle on knives, yet sharping it while resistant to cuts.
My feeling on the surface was a great one. The pattern on the construction looks so attractive with cross-grain planer mixed in a classic way. It does boost the look of my kitchen to something more privilege.
Not only that, the size of this board fits well in small to medium kitchens. It's a perfect match for my more giant board when I need them both on the move.
Preparing food is a breeze on this board. Slicing, cutting, chopping, all work is done painlessly. It also makes an elegant food display station thanks to the natural wood texture. Besides, the juice groove is carved deep and wide for retaining more drops.
| Lipper International 7220 Teak Wood End Grain Kitchen Cutting and Serving Board Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimensions | 15.8 x 1.2 x 12 inches |
Weight | 4.63 pounds |
Highlight Features | Produced from teak from an eco-friendly plantation in Brazil. Super durable |
I just can't compliment enough how beautiful this board looks and how sturdy it is. With proper maintenance, you'll have the intact board for-ever.
How To Choose The Best End Grain Cutting Board?
Buying a cutting board can be a daunting task if you don't know what factors to look at. It's easy to fall into the hype of marketing and buy poor-quality products.
Let me help you with that.
And we'll start with a question.
Do you need an end grain cutting board?
If you have invested in a high-end knife, why not spend money for a high-end board. Experts always advise to get your knife the right companion board or your expensive will become dull faster than its supposed lifespan.
I also try to find more reasons for me to have an end grain cutting board. One of the primary ones is the concern of food-borne bacteria. Plastic boards catch cuts easily, leaving ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
Wooden boards on the other hands have natural antimicrobial properties to destroy germs.
Also, they can be used as a serving tray. A high-aesthetic board will be a great addition to the table.
Species of wood
In general, hardwood like acacia black walnut, hard maple, cherry, oak, birch are the common choices for making end grain cutting boards. Those have sufficient rigidity to resist cuts and scratches.
Any wood listed above is fine but you should have it cut between 2 ½ and 3 ½ in thickness. That is real end grain cutting board.
Design
Because end grain cutting boards usually come in high aesthetic for presenting food, it's important to choose the design that fits.
In terms of appearance, you will need to rely on your preference. However, pay attention to size and shape. In which, size will consume space in your kitchen countertop. If you have a little kitchen, consider medium-size boards or boards that can stand on a stovetop to save room.
Size also matters in storing. Make sure your cabinet is wide enough or the where you leave your cookware fits the boards.
Which Brands Make The Best End Grain Cutting Board?
Sonder Los Angeles
The two founders of Sonder LA are those who have the greatest passion for the kitchen. Thus, they both thrive to achieve the recognition with products made by ambitions, confidential, effort, and dreams. End grain cutting boards from Sonder are unique in design and features. In the scenario of increasing demand, Sonder has been working out their productivity.
Ironwood Gourmet
Ironwood Gourmet is a dedicated brand founded by a restaurateur and woodworker. It's doubtless that cutting boards from the brand are both aesthetic and durable. With a foundation of a acacia wood company, Ironwood Gourmet guarantees the quality of every piece of wood they use to make end grain cutting boards.
FAQs
Is end grain better for cutting boards?
End grain boards have properties of self-healing after cuts and scratches, thus making the type more susceptible then edge grain and face grain. However, it's hard to determine if the end grain is better. End grain wood has the advantage of durability and aesthetic. Therefore it always come with higher price tag.
How thick should an end grain cutting board be?
I always prefer boards with the thickness of 2 inches. But many consider it too thick. In fact, a 1 ½-inch or 1 ¼ thick end grain cutting board should fit any using purpose.
If you prefer thicker boards, consider maintaining techniques and carrying. Thinner boards tend to be less prone to splitting according to the rules of physics and geometry.
What kind of wood should you not use on a cutting board?
Ash and red oak are those you should avoid. They are hard to maintain from food stain. Wood-like pine is so soft that cutting will leave scars, and those cranks will become a heaven of germs.
Can you use zebra wood for cutting board?
The interlocked grain pattern of zebrawood is super ideal for making cutting boards. A lot of DIYers don't mind spending for this exotic wood to craft their own boards.
The type has strips cut readily from premium kiln-dried lumber. In the end, zebrawood doesn't take much effort to finish.
How to clean end grain cutting boards?
End grain cutting boards require proper technique to keep them intact. However, the method is not complicated. Primarily, you should keep the board dry when not in use.
When done using the board, you should wash it with warm and soapy water. Then, dry it immediately and let it stand on its feet. If your board doesn't have feet, provide a ventilation base so that drops drain out faster. Let the board sit in a well-airflow place in your kitchen.
If you use the board more than frequently, it's better to re-oil the unit. Use mineral oil to apply to the surface of the board. Use a few drops first, then use a soft sponge to spread the liquid evenly.
Conclusion
A quality cutting board is quite essential for those who are serious about cooking. The best end grain cutting board will give you not only a solid, hygienic, and durable prep-space, but also a compliment to your kitchen.
Choosing the right board helps preserve your exotic knives, leaping your cooking experience to the next level.
I hope you have selected the cutting board of your own. Do let me know in the comment.
Don't forget to share this post. Thank you for reading!
Jane Orta
