Are you looking for a cutting board for slicing BBQ or carving roasts?
I apprehend that landing on this blog post is the result of your research because you want to get the best cutting board for BBQ that has antibacterial properties too. It’ll allow you to slice your BBQ and, at the same time, take care of your food against microbes.
Do you know what’s the most important step in this regard?
It’d be best to educate yourself about what type of cutting board you should choose first, rather than jumping to the review section.
Investing a few more minutes in reading the guide sections first, will guarantee that you make a regret-free choice. After that, you’ll find reviews of the 3 best BBQ cutting boards carefully chosen after evaluating a dozen counterparts.
Ready?
Let’s read.
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What Type of Cutting Board is the Best for Slicing and Serving BBQ?
The best type of cutting board for BBQ meat is a hardwood cutting board. Here are a few properties that a wooden cutting board should have.
Density
Hardwoods are denser than other wood types, meaning they have tighter grain structures and fewer open pores, making it more difficult for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to penetrate and survive within the wood.
Natural antimicrobial properties
Some hardwoods contain natural antimicrobial compounds that can help inhibit the growth of microorganisms. A few of these properties are listed below:
Phenolic compounds
Many hardwood species contain phenolic compounds, such as tannins and phenols, which have antimicrobial properties. These compounds help inhibit the growth and proliferation of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms.
Essential Oils
Some hardwoods, such as teak, oak, and cedar, contain essential oils that have antimicrobial properties. These oils can help suppress the growth of bacteria and fungi on the wood surface.
Extractives
Certain hardwoods have natural extractives, which are chemical compounds that are extracted from the wood during processing. These extractives can exhibit antimicrobial properties that help protect the wood against microbial colonization and growth.
Moisture absorption
Hardwoods can naturally absorb moisture from the surface, which can help prevent bacteria from thriving. When a wooden cutting board absorbs moisture, it can limit the available water bacteria need to survive and multiply.
Self-healing properties
One interesting characteristic of hardwood cutting boards is their ability to self-heal to some extent. When the surface of a hardwood cutting board is cut or scratched, the wood fibers can swell and close up the gaps, making it more difficult for bacteria to enter and colonize.
Porous surface
Wooden cutting boards have a porous surface, which allows juices from the meat to be absorbed into the wood. This prevents the juices from dripping onto your countertop and making a mess.
Durability
Wooden cutting boards are very durable and can withstand the repeated use of sharp knives.
Non-slip surface
Wooden cutting boards often have a non-slip surface, which prevents them from sliding around on your countertop.
Indeed, hardwood cutting boards have inherent antimicrobial properties, yet proper hygiene practices should still be followed.
What Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wooden Cutting Board for BBQ
Can you use any hardwood cutting board for BBQ?
No
Whether you use a hardwood cutting board for carving, slicing, or serving meat, they should have certain qualities so you can use them proudly.
The type of wood
Since you use wooden cutting boards for slicing and serving BBQ, the food spends significant time on the board. Therefore, the board must resist bacterial and fungal growth.
Though food-safe hardwoods are great, a few are preferable, which are listed below.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a naturally non-toxic wood that is extremely resistant to bacteria and mold growth. Bamboo contains a substance called “bamboo kun,” an antimicrobial bio-agent.
Besides this, bamboo contains some other natural compounds with antibacterial properties. These are silica and lignin, which prevent the growth of bacteria by disrupting their cell walls.
Bamboo wood is outstandingly hardwood, with a Janka hardness of 1,400 lbf. This means that it is harder than most other woods, including maple (1,450 lbf), walnut (1,260 lbf), and oak (1,200 lbf).
However, it’s a bit hard on knives, which is OK. (Contrarily, softer wood doesn’t affect your knife initially, but after wearing it due to continuous use, it has an adverse effect on the knife’s sharpness).
Therefore, despite being a bit harder, bamboo is an attractive choice for cutting boards and other kitchen utensils.
Teak
Teak is also a naturally non-toxic wood. As compared with bamboo it’s moderately resistant to microbes.
Teak wood has antibacterial properties against various bacteria, including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus. Similarly, it has antibacterial properties against Listeria and Pseudomonas.
Besides these, it’s excellent for its natural resin called tectoquinone to keep the cutting board naturally conditioned and moisture repelling.
And for performance, it offers an average hardness of 1000-1155 lbf according to Janka rating–it’s not as great as maple or acacia. But the nice hardness ensures you can slice comfortably, and the board has average resistance to knife cuts.
Maple
Maple wood is a good choice for non-toxic and naturally antimicrobial cutting boards (maple wood has average resistance to microbes). It contains hemicellulose and polyphenols. These compounds help inhibit bacteria’s growth by disrupting their cell walls. Proper care and routine oiling can make it more immune to microbes.
Besides microbial resistance, maple wood is also excellent as hardwood. It has a Janka hardness score of 1,450 lbf. It’s harder than most other woods, including walnut (1,260 lbf), oak (1,200 lbf), and cherry (950 lbf). Therefore, maple wood is a good choice for cutting boards, as it is less likely to be damaged by knives.
Hence, maple wood is highly durable and resistant to moisture, microbes, insects, and pests. This makes maple wood a good choice for outdoor applications, as it can withstand the elements.
Grain alignment
For cutting boards, the terms “edge grain,” “flat grain,” and “end grain” refer to different orientations and arrangements of the wood fibers in the cutting board’s construction. Here’s a breakdown of each type:
| Feature | Edge Grain | Flat Grain | End Grain |
| Definition | Edge grain cutting boards are made by arranging and gluing long strips of wood with their edge grain facing up. | Flat grain cutting boards are constructed by arranging wide planks of wood with their flat surfaces facing up and glued together. | End grain cutting boards are made by vertically arranging small wood blocks or “end grain” pieces, with the cut ends facing up. |
| Grain direction | Parallel to the board surface | Parallel to the board surface | Perpendicular to the board surface |
| Durability | Durable | Less durable | Less durable because vertical pieces split easily as they do when the wood is cut |
| Knife damage resistance | More resistant | Less resistant | Less resistant in long-term use |
| Shock absorption | Worse shock absorption | Worse shock absorption | Better shock absorption |
| Oil and moisture absorption | Less | Less | About 6X times more, which costs you oil as well |
| Cleaning | Easier to clean | Easier to clean | More difficult to clean |
| Price | Less expensive | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Appearance | More attractive | Less attractive | Less attractive |
In summary, edge grain and flat grain boards are more common and affordable. In contrast, end-grain boards offer superior self-healing properties and are considered a premium choice. Still, because they comprise so many small pieces, they’re prone to splits, which is bad for knives and puts a question mark on the end-grain board’s durability.
Grooves
A cutting board dedicatedly designed for handling BBQ should have deep groves to hold about 3-5 oz juices, coming from your meat. Therefore, you can’t use a simple flat cutting board.
Cutting board size
A large cutting board will allow ample space to slice your BBQ meat. If so, what size should it be?
I would advise you to go for an extra large cutting board of 20-36 inches that allows you to slice or serve briskets and turkey as well.
And if you don’t know what size of cutting board would be best for you, get the one that fits your countertop and sink.
Large cutting boards are expensive, yet if they’re durable, they make a years-long (lifetime) investment, if chosen wisely.
The weight
Should you overlook the weight factor?
No… pay attention to it in second place–or soon you’ll hate your barbecue board. I don’t want you to do so..!
If you don’t have powerful arms and hands, go for the sweet spot of a 15-20 pounds heavy cutting board.
Height of the board
The cutting boards vary in their height. Some with feet are higher. These cutting boards are fine for taller chefs but can put pressure on your shoulders if you’re not as tall. So, 1 ½ inch to 2 inches high cutting boards are pretty good.
With or without feet
Feet seem a plus, but it’s a loss.
How?
When your cutting board has feet, you can’t use it reversibly. Thus, it’s only half of the value that you get.
Therefore, it would be wise to get a reversible cutting board for your roasts and BBQs.
Easy to clean
Your wooden cutting boards should be easy to clean with warm, soapy water and mild detergent. For this purpose, it might come treated, and you also need to oil it regularly.
Aesthetics
Beauty and presentation of your cutting board might be your top priority if you particularly intend to use it for presenting your food, like roasts, BBQ, and cheeses; or you want to gift it to your dear ones.
So, chances are you might put your hands on some of the most popular cutting boards but withdraw them for bad aesthetics.
Sustainability
By preferring a BBQ cutting board through sustainably sourced wood, you can encourage the manufacturers who play a positive role in protecting the environment.
Warranty
Yes, some cutting boards have a warranty, especially those with higher price tags. Most of these have a 1-year or extendable lifetime warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.
You must check the board’s warranty and the manufacturer’s customer service.
So, What are the 3 Best Cutting Boards for BBQ
If you’ve read the previous section carefully, it’s apparent that selecting the top-quality hardwood cutting board hasn’t been easy for me. I’ve carefully evaluated dozens of cutting boards for their build quality and performance in real-time kitchens as shared by their users.
But, I could hardly find 3 cutting boards that could meet all the standards mentioned above and do excellent in actual tests. Below is their review.
1. Sonder Los Angeles XL Thick Teak Wood Cutting Board
The Sonder Los Angeles Teak Wood Cutting Board with its large 20X15X1.5 size, is the best cutting board for BBQ.
Let’s break down why this cutting board deserves a spot in your kitchen and what it lacks.
Sonder Los Angeles’ big and beefy BBQ cutting board is made of durable edge-grain teak wood. The wood is known for its outstanding moisture and microbial resistance, hardness, and oiliness.
The edge grain structure ensures the longevity of the board. It also saves you 6X time oil maintenance cost, as end grain cutting boards are notorious for absorbing a lot of oil.
Besides this, its design is a winning point. It has grooves that hold up to a whopping 4.5 oz of liquid. So, it’s perfect for cutting up juicy fruits and veggies, and even carving meats.
For the value, it gets you 2x what you pay for. The reversible cutting board can be used for cutting and serving various food items. The other side has 3 built-in compartments to allow you to serve different foods simultaneously.
What’s next?
Stability and portability?
With an ideal thickness of 1.5 inches and no feet, the barbecue board gets you rock-solid stability while you’re working.
Does it compromise on portability?
No…The 10-pound weight is gentle on your arms. Besides this, the integrated finger grips help lift, flip, and transfer this board from the kitchen to the table.
Cleaning?
It all requires a gentle hand wash and oil treatment, as other cutting boards do. In short, it’s all about making your life easier.
Finally, let’s talk about gifting. This teak wood cutting board comes in a beautiful gift box, making it the perfect present for any occasion. Birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day—you name it, this board is ready to impress.
Pros
- Wood is achieved through sustainable practices
- Ergonomic, durable, and stable
- Portable
- Resistant to microbes and moisture and easy to clean
- Giftable
- Backed by a 1-year warranty and amazing customer service
Cons
- None
2. GREENER CHEF Bamboo Wood Cutting Board
Get ready to experience the joy of meal prep like a pro with the GREENER CHEF Bamboo Wood Cutting Board, which has stood second among my picks for the most suitable BBQ cutting boards.
Here’s why this cutting board is so good.
It’s a cutting board that’s responsibly sourced, practical, and beautifully designed, without being heavier on your pocket.
The Green Chef cutting board is a beast regarding performance, durability, and microbe resistance. It has been built out of bamboo wood, which is extremely antibacterial, lightweight, and gentle on your knives.
The Green Chef Bamboo Cutting Board has a reversible design for versatility. The facing side has a full juice groove and a pouring spout. So, it can handle the preparation, carving, and presentation of even the largest turkeys, prime rib, BBQ, and cheese wheels! And, the other side is flat, to let you chop or slice whatever you want.
Its dimensions of 24 x 18 x 0.75 inches provide ample space for meal prepping while keeping your kitchen organized and clutter-free. I like that the board doesn’t sit too high on kitchen countertops. Therefore, it doesn’t challenge your arms with extra pressure during the operations.
Overall, this is a matchless cutting board for its price.
The only downside is that it might not make an impressive gift.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Versatile
- Resistant to bacterial growth
- Backed by a 1-year replacement warranty
Cons
It might not make a great gift for special occasions.
3. John Boos Block RAFR2418 Reversible Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board
John Boos Block RAFR2418 Reversible Maple Edge Grain Cutting Board is a kitchen superstar that takes your culinary adventures to a whole new level.
Let’s discuss first, what matters the most…the quality, construction, and durability.
This XL size 24X18X2.25-inch cutting board has been assembled using sustainably sourced Northern Hard Rock Maple Wood. The hand-selected ample wood is known for its exceptional quality.
It has a hardness of 1450 lbf, as per the Janka test, making it resistant to knives to a great extent. Besides this, it’s also naturally resistant to bacteria. Maplewood has excellent antibacterial properties, as discussed in the buyer guide section.
So, you won’t have to fret about germs lurking on your cutting surface, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.
Design?
John Boos has included grooves on one side while the other is flat. So, you can reverse it and use it for cutting food or putting a BBQ on it–pretty versatile.
I also like that the groves are wide enough to handle as many spills from your brisket and other BBQ food as possible. And therefore, your countertops remain mess-free.
The integrated chrome handle hasn’t been an impressive addition at first glance. I like engraved finger spaces for lifting the cutting boards. Yet, for such a heavier and XL size, 20 lbs board, the handle is pretty realistic and practical.
Let’s ignore how it affects the aesthetic appeal of the board–this board is all about convenience, dear friend!
This heavy-duty cutting board has earned maximum user satisfaction. However, if you ask me to assess it realistically, there are a few cons.
It’s 2.25 inches thick. This is great for quality, but for people of short height, such lifted boards can put pressure on their limbs.
Another concern is the price. Though it’s proportional to the quality, yet makes it less affordable for many of us.
Lastly, the warranty is helpful, but what if you have to send this 20 lbs cutting board for a replacement?
You’ll be ripped off. Yet, chances are fewer that you might have to do it!
Pros
- Durable and professional-grade cutting board
- Versatile
- Easy to maintain
- Antibacterial properties
- 1-year replacement warranty
Cons
- 20 pounds board is heavier and difficult to store
- The 2.25 inches height is less suitable for those who aren’t taller
- Expensive
- Shipping such a bulky board for availing of the warranty is costly.
FAQs
How to help your BBQ cutting board with longevity and antimicrobial properties?
Here are some tips for sharing care for a wooden cutting board:
- Oil the cutting board regularly. This will help to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.
- Wash the cutting board with warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the cutting board thoroughly after washing it.
- Do not put the cutting board in the dishwasher. The dishwasher can damage the wood to make it warp or lose its antimicrobial properties.
- Store the cutting board in a cool, dry place. It’ll help to prevent the wood from warping.
Following these tips, you can keep your wooden cutting board in good condition for many years.
Why should you use oil for hardwood cutting boards?
Using oil on hardwood cutting boards serves several purposes:
Moisture protection
Wood is porous and can absorb water or other liquids, leading to swelling, warping, and the growth of bacteria. Applying oil to the cutting board’s surface creates a protective barrier that helps prevent moisture from penetrating the wood. This can extend the lifespan of the board and maintain its structural integrity.
Preventing cracks and splits
Dry or untreated wood can become brittle over time, leading to cracks or splits in the cutting board. Applying oil helps to keep the wood nourished and moisturized, reducing the likelihood of such damage.
Enhancing appearance
Oil can enhance the natural beauty of the wood, bringing out its color and grain patterns. It gives the cutting board a lustrous sheen, making it visually appealing.
Maintaining hygiene
When applied properly, food-grade mineral oil is a barrier that helps repel liquids, oils, and bacteria, making the cutting board more hygienic.
When oiling a hardwood cutting board, use food-grade mineral oil or other food-safe oils. Avoid vegetable oils like olive or coconut oil as they can turn sticky or rancid, affecting taste and promoting bacterial growth.
Why are metal or plastic cutting boards not great as BBQ cutting boards?
Metal and plastic cutting boards are not ideal for BBQ because the hard surface of these boards can develop deep grooves and scratches, making them harder to clean effectively and potentially harboring bacteria.
Wooden cutting boards, on the other hand, provide a softer surface, are knife-friendly, preserve blade sharpness, and offer an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for carving tasks.
Why are hardwood cutting boards so expensive?
Hardwood cutting boards are more expensive compared to other types of cutting boards because of several factors:
- Hardwood cutting boards are made from high-quality hardwoods like maple, walnut, or cherry. These are more expensive compared to softwoods or synthetic materials.
- Hardwood cutting boards’ higher durability and longevity contribute to their higher price.
- The craftsmanship and precision involved in making hardwood cutting boards add to their cost.
- The sourcing and processing of hardwoods, including sustainable practices, can increase the overall cost of the cutting board.
- Hardwood cutting boards are prized for their natural beauty and unique grain patterns. Hardwoods’ aesthetic and functional appeal can contribute to their higher price point.
- The demand for hardwood cutting boards, particularly those made from premium hardwood species, can influence their price.
Hardwood cutting boards may have a higher upfront cost. But their durability and longevity can provide value over time.
With proper care and maintenance, a well-made hardwood cutting board can last for years, making it a worthwhile investment for many cooking enthusiasts and professionals.
