Kitchen supplies Recommendation Service

Top
Kitchen supplies
10 Best Carving Boards in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Carving Boards in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Are you looking for that perfect carving board to carve a turkey for Thanksgiving or slice a juicy ham for Christmas? Or maybe you need a board that can cope with carving meat and vegetables all year round. While chopping boards all serve as a place for you to safely work with a knife, a carving board has special features that make working with meat less messy. Their juice grooves and stabilizing features all work together to give you a hassle-free meal.

We've researched the best carving boards available and chose the Bambüsi Bamboo Carving Cutting Board as our favorite. It's made from eco-friendly bamboo, and it has juice grooves and grips to keep your meat in place. We have also picked our 10 best and have a buying guide reviewed by a professional chef to help you make your own choice.

Last updated: 05-09-2022

Table of Contents

How We Chose Our Products

To choose our 10 best carving boards, we considered the following criteria:

The size and material of the board
Whether the board has juice grooves
Whether the design is safe and stable
Other useful features like handles

Keep these criteria in mind as you look through our choices, and for further information check out our buying guide.

Compare the 10 Best Carving Boards

Image	Ironwood Gourmet	Bambüsi	Teakhaus	Joseph Joseph	J. K. Adams	Ziruma	Royal Craft Wood	Thirteen Chefs	Thirteen Chefs	Key To Our Home
Name	Kansas City Carving Board	Bamboo Carving Cutting Board	End-Grain Cutting Board	Cut & Carve Plus	Large Reversible Carving Board	End Grain Teak Wood Cutting Board	Wood Cutting Boards for Kitchen	Acacia Wood Carving Board	Commercial Plastic Carving Board	Personalized Bamboo Cutting Board
Features	Best for Draining Juices From Meat	Best Meat Carving Board	Best Deep Juice Canal	Best Plastic Board for Catching Juices	Best for Carving Poultry	Best Board With Wax	Best Set of Bamboo Boards	Best for a Unique Look	Best Extra-Large Plastic Board	Best Personalizable Carving Board
Price	$76.99	$44.99	$169.95	$23.35	$99.95	$87.95	$21.97	$68.95	$42.99	$38.99
Dimensions	22 x 15 x 2.5 in.	17 x 13 x 1.5 in.	24 x 18 x 1.5 in.	11.5 x 1 x 14.5 in.	20 x 14 x 1.25 in.	17 x 11 x 1.5 in.	15 x 10 x 0.6 in., 12 x 8 x 0.6 in., and 9 x 6 x 0.6. in.	20 x 15 x 1.5 in.	30 x 18 x 0.5 in.	14 x 10 x 1 in.
Material	Acacia	Bamboo	Teak	Plastic	Maple	Teak	Bamboo	Acacia wood	Plastic	Bamboo
Grooves	Yes, pool and channels	Yes, plus 4 channels	Yes	No	Yes, both sides	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Stability	Neoprene-coated feet	-	-	Non-slip feet	-	-	-	-	-	-
Extra features	Slanted	Pyramid ridges, double-sided	Inset grips	Double-sided, dishwasher-safe, slanted	Reversible, poultry hole	Wax, inset grips	Set of 3, colored edges	Reversible	Restaurant quality, dishwasher-safe	Personalization available
Link	View Amazon View Home Depot View Walmart	View Amazon View Target View Bambüsi	View Crate & Barrel View Walmart	View Amazon View Walmart View Bed Bath & Beyond	View Amazon View Walmart View J. K. Adams	View Amazon View Ziruma	View Amazon View Walmart	View Amazon View Sears	View Amazon View Sears	View Bed Bath & Beyond View Personalization Mall

10 Best Carving Boards

Here are our 10 best picks for carving boards. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.

*Please note that these products were chosen after extensive research by mybest writers. The choices are not necessarily affiliated with or recommended by Jim Quast.

Ironwood GourmetKansas City Carving Board

$76.99

Best for Draining Juices From Meat

Pros:

Board is slanted to ensure juices runoff
Large pool to collect juices
Neoprene coated feet for stability
Stainless steel grommet to hang the board

Cons:

Feet can be uneven, according to reviewers

This acacia carving board has juice grooves that are strategically placed right under the meat so that oil drips right onto them. It has a sloped design to help the oil pool in one place. The board's feet are coated with neoprene, which helps keep it from sliding around while you carve.

Some reviewers found there were rough spots that needed a bit of sanding before use. A few others said that their boards had uneven feet, which made their carving boards wobbly. However, many really liked the strategic placement of juice grooves. Many also said that the board is easy to clean and can even be used as a serving board. Other users liked that the board is hefty.

Dimensions	22 x 15 x 2.5 in.
Material	Acacia
Grooves	Yes, pool and channels
Stability	Neoprene-coated feet
Extra features	Slanted

BambüsiBamboo Carving Cutting Board

$44.99

Best Meat Carving Board

Pros:

Four liquid channels
Deep juice grooves
Pyramid grips to hold the meat
Reversible board

Cons:

Textured grips make it difficult to clean

This carving board is made of eco-friendly bamboo. It has four liquid channels that feed into some deep juice ridges to collect any oils that leak out of your meat. It can also be reversed and the opposite side has a flat wooden surface that you can use for chopping fruits and vegetables. The large textured center makes it ideal for carving large joints of meat or turkeys.

Some reviewers said that the textured surface of the carving board made it hard to clean. Others complained that after some time, the board begins to deteriorate, with splits or cracks. However, many users loved how the ridges really help keep meat stable while they carve. Others liked that the board is heavy and that its juice grooves are deep enough to hold a lot of oil.

Dimensions	17 x 13 x 1.5 in.
Material	Bamboo
Grooves	Yes, plus 4 channels
Stability	-
Extra features	Pyramid ridges, double-sided

TeakhausEnd-Grain Cutting Board

$169.95

Best Deep Juice Canal

Pros:

Made with end-grain teak
Deep juice canal
Inset grips for easy carrying
Forest Stewardship Certified wood

Cons:

Hand wash only

This carving board is made from end-grain teak that is sourced from Forest Stewardship Certified forests. It has a juice groove that runs around the edge of the board that is deep enough to catch all of the juices, oils, and crumbs produced as you carve. It also has some inset grips on the side to make it easier to carry.

The patchwork design of this board caused by the end grain wood makes it aesthetically pleasing. The board is a nice weight and made from durable materials, according to reviewers.

Dimensions	24 x 18 x 1.5 in.
Material	Teak
Grooves	Yes
Stability	-
Extra features	Inset grips

Joseph JosephCut & Carve Plus

$23.35

Best Plastic Board for Catching Juices

Pros:

Easy pour corners to remove juices
Double-sided plastic board
Available in multiple colors
Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

Scratches easily, according to reviewers

One side of this board has spikes at the center which serve as meat grips. It's also angled in such a way that juices fall to one side of the board. The other side has a smooth surface suitable for chopping or slicing fruits and vegetables. The board has non-slip feet and soft-grip sides, which help with stability.

Reviewers complained that the board can get scratched by knife marks quite easily. However, many reviewers loved that the board is tilted, saying the design helps catch all the juice and oil without leaking onto the counter. They also praised the board for being easy to clean as it is dishwasher-safe.

Dimensions	11.5 x 1 x 14.5 in.
Material	Plastic
Grooves	No
Stability	Non-slip feet
Extra features	Double-sided, dishwasher-safe, slanted

J. K. AdamsLarge Reversible Carving Board

$99.95

Best for Carving Poultry

Pros:

Poultry indentation
Rounded edges
Juice grooves on both sides
Made in the USA

Cons:

Handwash only

If you frequently carve turkey or chicken, this board is a great choice. One side of the board has a central indentation that is designed to cradle poultry as you carve, without causing the damage that can come from harsh grips. The reverse of the board is flat but still has juice grooves, so you can carve other meats or vegetables.

There are a few reports of the board cracking, so make sure that you care for the board as instructed and oil it regularly to avoid this. Reviewers confirm that this board is perfect for poultry due to the indentation and many have used it for several years without any problems. They also praised the depth of the juice grooves and the overall craftsmanship of the board.

Dimensions	20 x 14 x 1.25 in.
Material	Maple
Grooves	Yes, both sides
Stability	-
Extra features	Reversible, poultry hole

ZirumaEnd Grain Teak Wood Cutting Board

$87.95

Best Board With Wax

Pros:

Made from end grains to reduce scratches
Extra-thick design
Carry handles cut into the sides
Includes wax

Cons:

Some reviewers received a curved board

This carving board is made from teak wood and is coated with a mix of wax and oil to increase its water resistance and prevent cracking. The board also comes with some extra wax for you to use. It uses end grain wood, which means that when you cut into your meat and the knife hits the board, it's less likely to leave scratches as it will go between the grain, instead.

A few reviewers said that the board they received was curved or warped and didn't lie as flat as they would have liked. Most reviewers praised this board, however, for its durability and thickness. They liked that it was heavy and that it came with some wax to keep it in top condition.

Dimensions	17 x 11 x 1.5 in.
Material	Teak
Grooves	Yes
Stability	-
Extra features	Wax, inset grips

Royal Craft WoodWood Cutting Boards for Kitchen

$21.97

Best Set of Bamboo Boards

Pros:

Juice grooves around the side
Reversible boards can be used for serving
Set of three matching bamboo boards
Available with natural or colored edges

Cons:

Split quickly for some reviewers

This is a set of three matching bamboo boards of different sizes. Each board has a deep juice groove that runs around the edge and the reverse is plain. The boards are available with colored edges to add some color to your kitchen, but you can also choose a natural finish.

A few reviewers reported that the boards began to split after only a couple of months of use. Most reviewers were happy with their purchase, however, and said that the boards were durable. They liked the variety of sizes available and some reviewers said that the small board was more useful than they expected.

Dimensions	15 x 10 x 0.6 in., 12 x 8 x 0.6 in., and 9 x 6 x 0.6. in.
Material	Bamboo
Grooves	Yes
Stability	-
Extra features	Set of 3, colored edges

Thirteen Chefs Acacia Wood Carving Board

$68.95

Best for a Unique Look

Pros:

Deep juice groove around the edge
Reverse side can be used for serving
Wood is naturally patterned for a unique design
Sustainably harvested wood

Cons:

Wood can crack if not properly treated

This carving board is both beautiful and highly functional with its accented acacia wood, which is durable and more water-resistant than some other woods. Also, thanks to its reversible feature, both sides of this board can be used for carving. The uniquely patterned wood also makes this ideal for a simple serving board.

Some reviewers said that the wood of their boards wasn't treated properly, causing it to warp or crack. However, many liked the amount of workspace offered by this large board. Others also liked that it's lightweight. People also noted that because it's visually appealing, the carving board can also be used as a serving board.

Dimensions	20 x 15 x 1.5 in.
Material	Acacia wood
Grooves	Yes
Stability	-
Extra features	Reversible

Thirteen ChefsCommercial Plastic Carving Board

$42.99

Best Extra-Large Plastic Board

Pros:

Made from commercial-grade plastic
Juice groove around the edge
Available in various sizes, including an extra-large version
Dishwasher-safe

Cons:

Juice grooves are shallow

This plastic carving board is dishwasher-safe, and the commercial-grade plastic is resistant to stains, warping, and cuts. The board also has outer juice grooves on each of its sides. It comes in a variety of sizes, with the largest measuring 30 inches wide.

Some reviewers complained that the juice grooves aren't deep enough. Some also said that the board isn't very stable as it tends to slide. However, many reviewers found it thick and sturdy for a plastic board. They also loved the large size and found it large enough for their needs.

Dimensions	30 x 18 x 0.5 in.
Material	Plastic
Grooves	Yes
Stability	-
Extra features	Restaurant quality, dishwasher-safe

bedbathandbeyond.com

Key To Our HomePersonalized Bamboo Cutting Board

$38.99

Best Personalizable Carving Board

Pros:

Made from pressed bamboo
Finished with olive oil for additional moisture resistance
Personalization available
Good home warming gift

Cons:

No juice grooves

This carving board will make a great gift and kitchen decoration. It has a key design carved into the surface and can be personalized with two lines of text and a date. It's made from pressed bamboo and requires hand washing and regular oiling to maintain its finish.

If you're looking for a carving board that will stand up to heavy use this may not be the best option. It doesn't have juice grooves and isn't as durable as some other boards on this list. However, the personalization options make it aesthetically pleasing and the perfect housewarming gift.

Dimensions	14 x 10 x 1 in.
Material	Bamboo
Grooves	No
Stability	-
Extra features	Personalization available

How to Choose a Carving Board - Buying Guide

There are several factors you should take into account before choosing the best carving board for your needs.

Choose a Size Based on Your Cooking Habits

Whether it’s a whole turkey, a slab of ham, or roast beef, you want to make sure that you get a carving board that is the right size. If you plan on carving a whole turkey, then you’ll need a much bigger board than you would need for slicing portions of roast beef.

A carving board that’s too big will take up an unnecessary amount of space. On the other hand, a carving board that’s too small will most likely cause a much bigger mess, as meat, oil, and juice are likely to fall and drip from the board.

A board with enough space to hold the meat and give you enough room to maneuver a knife will help you limit the amount of mess you make.

Pick a Material Based on Durability and Ease of Cleaning

Carving boards are available in a few different materials and each material has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Wood or Bamboo Is Generally Best for Home Cooks

Most carving boards are made of wood because wood is generally hard, heavy, stable, and durable. Wood boards are gentle on knife edges and are less likely to blunt them than plastic boards do. Although wood can get scratched by knives, with the proper care these scratches will eventually close up.

Wood is a porous material, but it does have some naturally occurring antibacterial properties that mean it isn't as unhygienic as first thought. However, great care still needs to be taken when cleaning. Wood also needs maintenance to keep it at its best. It can split after heavy use or if too much liquid sinks in.

Wherever possible, do not allow any liquids, whether it be meat juices or water from cleaning, to remain on a wooden board for more than a couple of minutes. When you clean a wooden board, do not fully submerge it in water and instead just wipe it down with warm, soapy water. You should also oil the board once a month to replenish moisture in a safe way.

Various types of woods are used for carving boards. One of the best is teak, as moisture doesn't soak into it as easily as most other woods. It also requires less oiling. Many teak carving boards are made from end-grain teak, which gives the board an interesting mosiac effect. This type of grain is easier on your knives as instead of hitting solid wood, your knife will often find the slight edges between the grains instead.

Bamboo is a very eco-friendly wood due to how quickly it grows, but it can be too hard on knives. Maple is another common choice for carving boards, but this requires more maintenance than teak. Acacia is another popular wood as it is durable and softer on knives than some other wood types, but like maple, it requires more maintenance.

Plastic for Easier Cleaning or Occasional Use

As well as wooden carving boards, it's also common to find them made out of plastic. The main advantage that plastic has over wood is that its low maintenance and easy to clean. You don't need to worry about too much moisture getting inside a plastic carving board and can simply put them in the dishwasher when you're done. They don't need any oiling and won't become stained from cutting meat.

Plastic boards won't last as long as wooden boards, however, and are harder on knife edges. Many professional or experienced chefs don't like the feel of chopping on plastic boards, although they will do a decent job for a more casual home cook. If you do pick a plastic board, you should change it every couple of years as bacteria can grow inside any cuts or scratches the board picks up during use.

Look for a Carving Board With Juice Grooves

Oil can be quite a hassle to wipe up since grease tends to stick to surfaces more than water and other liquids do. Make sure you look for a carving board that has juice grooves, which are etched into a carving board and serve the purpose of catching the juice and oils of cooked meat.

While some carving boards have juice grooves that are like tiny rivers, others lead to a bigger main groove where liquid pools. This particular juice-catching feature will help you to keep your kitchen counter clean. Some carving boards might have a slight slant to them as this encourages the juices to pool in one particular area.

You should avoid pouring meat juices and oils down the sink, even if they've been diluted, as they can clog your drains. The best practice is to wait for them to cool down and throw them in the trash. You can pour them into an empty can and wait for them to solidify or soak them up with paper towels.

Get a Design That's Stable and Easy to Use

It’s important to have a stable base when you're carving meat. Carving boards that have features that help keep the meat in place are safer and more efficient. Some boards are equipped with pyramid points or even spikes that help to keep foods stable while you carve your way through them. Other boards have non-slip surfaces.

Some even have non-skid material on the bottom of the board, which helps to keep the board from wobbling or sliding across your kitchen counter.

Consider Features Like Handles or Reversibility

Reversible carving boards are very versatile. The top side might be designed for meats and have grips or juice grooves, but when turned over, the other side is usually a smooth board. This can be used as a regular chopping board for fruits and vegetables. This maximizes the board’s function, allowing you to use it for many things.

Other chopping boards are made of such beautiful wood that they can also be used to serve meat and other kinds of food. You might have seen examples of wooden carving boards being used as display platters for cheese or hors d'oeuvres. Ones that come with handles could even be used as trays. Some thicker carving boards might have inset handles cut into the sides which makes them easier to pick up and carry.

Spending a Lot of Time in the Kitchen? Check out These Products!

If you like spending time in your kitchen and are always looking for ways to enhance your cooking experience, then check these products out! They'll help make things more efficient.

10 Best Turkey Basters in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Meat Tenderizers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

10 Best Pizza Cutters in 2022 (Italian Chef-Reviewed)

Amazon's Best Selling Carving Boards

If you're still looking for some ideas, then why not check out the best-selling carving boards on Amazon?

Amazon Best Sellers: Best Carving Boards

In Collaboration With Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast

Executive R&D Chef

Jim Quast

Author: Beatrice Joy

Updated by: Kellie Lacey, 5/9/2022

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more mybest recommendations! For questions or comments, leave us feedback via a Google Form on our Contact Us page.