5 Best Butcher Chopping Blocks for Your Kitchen

Behind every delicious meal is a diligent cook who spends hours in the kitchen preparing ingredients. Fresh greens to go into refreshing salads. Chopped vegetables for an appetizing stew. Dark chocolate for a velvety souffle. And of course, the pièce de résistance — a premium cut of meat that’s roasted to perfection.

The home cook needs the right tools to get the job done before the dinner guests arrive. While you can slice and dice fruits and vegetables on that handy dandy chopping board, that expensive Kobe beef deserves to be prepped on a butcher chopping block.

More than just a counter topper, a butcher chopping block is made up of several pieces of wood glued together to resemble the long wooden block you typically see at your local butcher shop. It’s easy to maintain and sustainable as well as highly functional.

Best Butcher Chopping Blocks Comparison & Rating

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Like other food prep tools, there are literally hundreds of options to choose from online. You’ll want to look for a butcher chopping block that’s not only sturdy but is easy to use and fits right into the shopping budget. That said, here are five of the best options we’ve found on Amazon we specifically reviewed for you. After finding the best one for your kitchen, click the yellow buttons below to find their best deals on Amazon.

SoulFino Bamboo Butcher Block

SoulFino Bamboo Butcher Block - Cutting Board, Reversible with Juice Groove and Handles - Maximum Health Benefits and Low Maintenance - Extra Large Size, Nice and Thick
Specifications

Manufacturer

SoulFino

Material

Bamboo

Product Dimensions

17 x 13 x 1.5 inches

Item Weight

8.03 pounds

Rating: 97% Overall
98%
durability
98%
price
98%
ease of use
95%
appearance
Pros
  • A cutting board that's easy to clean, long-lasting, with outstanding performance.
  • The best chopping board for versatile use, including as a serving tray for a variety of different foods.
  • It offers affordable and delivers the best value whether you cook every day, or just need a high-quality wooden cutting board with groove for special occasions.
  • Low-maintenance, scratch-resistant, and stylish kitchen item.
  • Will not warp or crack like traditional large wooden cutting boards for the kitchen.
  • It has an elegant and attractive look that matches contemporary kitchen décor.
  • It has added the feature of reversible with juice groove and handles.
Cons
  • Could slide around when you put a lot of weight into chopping and cutting motions.
  • This block could have been sanded better for better features, but it’s easily fixable with a little polishing of your own. Still, be prepared to take care of this before use; it’ll be a bit rough on the surface right out of the box.
Verdict

The SoulFino Butcher Block is crafted to provide optimal space for most meat-cutting endeavors. It possesses a deep groove that can catch most meat juice and prevent you from having to clean up an excessive mess. The block is also equipped with handles on either side for easy carrying from the grill to the house. The bamboo material resists microbial contamination. It also doesn’t absorb liquid the same way that most wooden butcher blocks do so it won’t warp or crack even if a lot of liquid pools on its surface. Overall, it possesses a simple but classic aesthetic appearance. Since it’s scratch-resistant, it’ll continue to look excellent even after a lot of use.


Ironwood Gourmet Square Acacia Cutting Board

Ironwood Gourmet 28218 Square Charleston End Grain Chef's Board , Acacia Wood
Specifications

Manufacturer

Ironwood Gourmet

Material

Acacia

Product Dimensions

14 x 14 x 1.25 inches

Item Weight

4 pounds

Rating: 97% Overall
99%
durability
96%
price
96%
ease of use
95%
appearance
Pros
  • A top-of-the-line cutting board made of gorgeous Acacia hardwood, this Square End Grain Butting Board is functional and beautiful due to its rich, shimmering colors.
  • Unlike traditionally made boards, end grain construction is less dulling to cutlery because the wood grain direction accommodates cutting instead of resisting it.
  • Wear and tear are minimized on both cutlery and on the board, giving more longevity to all your cutting tools.
  • This multi-functional board serves as a prep station, cutting, and serving board to satisfy all your kitchen-needs.
  • Decorative functionality at its finest.
Cons
  • Hard-to-remove glue residue has been reported by some buyers who purchased this product.
  • Could crack after multiple uses if not maintained properly.
Verdict

This no-frills square butcher block is extremely high quality for the price. While slightly thinner than a "traditional" block at 1.25 inches thick, its non-slip rubberized feet add stability. And since it measures 14 inches by 14 inches across, it still provides plenty of workspaces for your knives to maneuver. It’s easy to clean and can be used as a serving tray to wow your guests. It makes a great gift too in any occasion.


La Mongoose Extra Large Multipurpose Acacia Cutting Board

5 Best Butcher Chopping Blocks for Your Kitchen
Specifications

Manufacturer

La Mongoose

Material

Acacia

Product Dimensions

17 x 13 x 2 inches

Item Weight

10.03 pounds

Rating: 95% Overall
97%
durability
94%
price
92%
ease of use
95%
appearance
Pros
  • Made from the finest, sustainable wood that will remain hygienic and clean.
  • Features a groove around the edge to prevent juices from dripping onto your work surfaces.
  • The board also includes finger grips on either side to help when carrying the heavy cutting board.
  • It can also double as a sophisticated serving platter at your next dinner party.
  • Makes an exceptional gift idea for all occasions.
Cons
  • Has the tendency to crack down the middle and separate with prolonged and continuous use and if not maintained properly.
Verdict

This multifunction wünderboard combines an oversized 20-inch by 14-inch cut that offers plenty of prep space with a sturdy two-inch thickness that can take on ambitious kitchen jobs. Crafted in end-grain acacia, this product wows with a genius hollowed-out bowl, plus a wide trench, for catching food scraps and runoff. These features also make it brilliant for entertaining — just think of the cheese board mastery at hand! It is very sturdy and holds up well to all sorts of cutting and chopping with the sharpest of knives. Well worth the extra money when compared to cheaper cutting boards since it has aesthetic and utilization value.


Sonder Los Angeles Large End Grain Walnut Cutting Board

Made in USA, Large End Grain Walnut Wood Cutting Board with Built-in Compartments, Non-slip: 17x13x1.5 with Juice Groove (Gift Box Included) by Sonder Los Angeles
Specifications

Manufacturer

Sonder Los Angeles

Material

Walnut

Product Dimensions

16 x 12 x 1.5 inches

Item Weight

7 pounds

Rating: 93% Overall
95%
durability
90%
price
90%
ease of use
95%
appearance
Pros
  • This end-grain walnut butcher block packs a lot of functionality into a simple object, and it looks striking on the table.
  • At 17 inches by 13 inches, it creates enough workspace for basic meal prep without taking over your countertops and is matched by a hearty 1.5-inch thickness.
  • One side features a deep juice groove — but if you flip it over, you'll reveal a trio of built-in compartments for corralling chopped vegetables and the like, which also makes it a brilliant serving piece.
  • It comes with thoughtfully placed indented handles for carrying.
  • Versatile, easy-to-clean, and comes in 3 different sizes.
Cons
  • Utter care is required to avoid cracking of the surface.
  • Be prepared to have to sand it before use.
Verdict

This Alfred board hits every spot. Aside from the color, the wood is so smooth, and It can withstand a lot of pressure from high volume chopping. The rubber feet on each of the corners really prevent any board movement and gives you an overall secure feeling. There are two sides to this board. One with three nicely sized compartments to house your prep while you are making a dish, as well as, a traditional carving side with a juice reservoir to catch all of those drippings. The reservoir works like any other board, however, the depth is what really sets It aside. It’s able to hold a huge amount of content, keeping your workspace very tidy. Clean board, clean food. The three compartments on the flip side are also nicely sized. They are great for the home cook preparing any type of meal.


John Boos Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block

John Boos Block CCB183-R Classic Collection Maple Wood End Grain Round Chopping Block, 18 Inches Round x 3 Inches
Specifications

Manufacturer

John Boos

Material

Maple

Product Dimensions

18 x 18 x 3 inches

Item Weight

20.4 pounds

Rating: 91% Overall
90%
durability
90%
price
90%
ease of use
95%
appearance
Pros
  • This classic chopping block collection features butcher blocks made with beautiful end grain construction, resulting in the iconic checkerboard wood pattern.
  • The robust and durable construction gives the work surface a commercial-grade toughness that protects the sharp edge on fine cutlery.
  • Every John Boos Board and Block comes with a food-safe natural oil finish that helps protect the wood during transit.
  • Manufacturer’s warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.
  • Round shape means it doesn’t take up too much space.
Cons
  • Can be heavy to move around when working from one surface to another.
  • Could be damaged when exposed to water for a long period of time.
Verdict

This round John Boos chopping block is made with an interesting brick pattern on its surface. It’s unlike most other butcher blocks you can find on the market and it’ll add a nice bit of aesthetic value to your kitchen. The wood on this chopping block feels great to the touch and has been sustainably sourced, as well. Your knives aren’t likely to scar the surface easily and it’ll remain smooth and consistent even after a lot of use. In addition, it comes with a one-year guarantee against any issues arising from its manufacture or the wood itself.

Butcher Chopping Block Buyer's Guide

size

Consider the dimensions of your countertop when making that purchase. If you have a compact kitchen with limited food prep space, don’t go for the big chunky block that takes up a lot of room.

features

Cutting boards with liquid-catching grooves are fantastic if you carve a lot of roasted meats or juicy vegetables like tomatoes, but aren’t all that necessary if you’re mostly chopping onions or doing basic prep work.

price

Determine what your budget is and choose a chopping block within that price range.

utilization

If you find yourself prepping meat-based dishes regularly then you’ll want a thicker more heavy-duty chopping block.

sustainable

Only buy from a vendor with reputable certification or you can research the manufacturer’s sustainability practices.

FAQs

Are there different kinds of butcher chopping blocks?

Butcher chopping blocks generally come in two styles. Long strips laid lengthwise are called “edge grain.” When the wood is cut widthwise and laid like a checkerboard it’s called “end grain”. The latter is a more common style for cutting boards but is also appropriate for countertops.

Can I repair a chopping block with nicks and cuts on it?

You can sand away the damaged part. This removes all the nicks and cuts and leaves a smooth surface. Apply oil “bee’s oil” (a mix of mineral oil and beeswax) or any other food-safe oil to reseal the block and prevent further damage.

What kind of wood is used to make a butcher chopping block?

Maple is the most common wood species for butcher block because it’s relatively inexpensive, durable, and widely available. However, cherry, oak, beech, birch, tigerwood, and walnut are other great options. Remember that wood may change color over time. For example, species, such as maple and cherry, will darken over time, while others, like walnut, lighten.

How do I make my chopping block last longer?

After each use, wipe down the butcher block with mild soap and warm water. Make sure it’s thoroughly dry before placing anything on the surface. To keep it looking like new, liberally apply the aforementioned “bee’s oil” to the surface once a month, wiping up any excess. Butcher block is porous, so don’t keep it near the sink when not in use to avoid the risk of mold growth and rotting.