If you’re searching for a high quality cutting board that’s eco-friendly, knife-friendly, and built to last, the Epicurean cutting board might be exactly what your kitchen needs. As someone who’s tested dozens of cutting surfaces over the years—from traditional wood to synthetic materials—I was intrigued when I first encountered these innovative cutting boards made in USA from a surprisingly unique material.
After using my Epicurean cutting board daily for over six months, I can confidently say this isn’t just another kitchen accessory. This non plastic cutting board has transformed my meal prep routine, and in this detailed review, I’ll share everything you need to know before making your purchase decision. Whether you’re a home cook looking to upgrade your kitchen tools or a professional chef seeking durability without compromising your knives, this review will help you determine if an Epicurean cutting board deserves a spot in your culinary arsenal.
Who Is the Epicurean Cutting Board For?
The Epicurean cutting board is ideal for several types of users:
Perfect for:
- Home cooks who want a low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe cutting surface
- Health-conscious individuals seeking BPA-free, food-safe materials
- Environmentally aware consumers looking for sustainable kitchen products
- People with limited kitchen space who need a versatile, easy-to-store board
- Anyone who wants to protect their expensive kitchen knives from damage
- Professional chefs who need reliable, sanitary surfaces in commercial kitchens
May not be ideal for:
- Traditionalists who prefer the aesthetic warmth of solid wood boards
- Those on an extremely tight budget (though the durability justifies the investment)
- Users who exclusively want extra-large cutting surfaces (though multiple sizes are available)
Product Overview & Summary Box
Product Name: Epicurean Cutting Board
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (4.5/5 stars)
Price Range: $25-$80 (depending on size and collection)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Richlite® (recycled paper composite) |
| Made In | USA (Duluth, Minnesota) |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Knife-Friendly | Excellent (won’t dull blades) |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s warranty included |
| Available Sizes | Multiple (8×6″ to 17.5×13″) |
| Colors/Styles | Natural, Slate, Kitchen Series, Gourmet Series |
| Food Safety | NSF-certified, non-porous |
In-Depth Review: What Makes This Kitchen Cutting Board Stand Out?
Appearance & Design
The Epicurean cutting board showcases a modern, minimalist aesthetic that looks right at home in contemporary kitchens. Available in natural wood tones and sophisticated slate colors, these boards feature a smooth, matte finish that’s both functional and attractive.
The construction is impressively sleek—thinner than traditional wooden cutting boards but remarkably sturdy. The edges are precisely finished with no rough spots, and many models feature a convenient hole for hanging storage. What I particularly appreciate is the dual-sided design; both surfaces are equally functional, effectively doubling your cutting space.
The aesthetic appeal goes beyond just good looks. The material has a natural, organic appearance that doesn’t scream “plastic” or “synthetic,” despite being made from an innovative composite material. Some collections feature beautiful graphics and designs laser-etched into the surface, making them elegant enough to use as serving boards when entertaining.
Performance & Features: How Does This Non Plastic Cutting Board Actually Work?
This is where the Epicurean cutting board truly shines. The secret lies in its proprietary Richlite® material—a wood-fiber composite made from FSC-certified paper saturated with food-safe resin. This innovative construction delivers several performance advantages:
Cutting Performance: The surface provides excellent grip for ingredients without being so soft that it quickly shows knife marks. After six months of regular use, my board shows minimal scarring compared to traditional wooden boards. Your knives glide smoothly across the surface without the jarring impact you’d experience with glass or hard plastic boards.
Hygiene and Safety: One of the most frequent questions I encounter is “are Epicurean cutting boards safe?” The answer is a resounding yes. These boards are NSF-certified for commercial food service, non-porous (meaning bacteria can’t penetrate the surface), and free from BPA and other harmful chemicals. Unlike wooden boards that can harbor bacteria in cracks and grooves, Epicurean boards maintain a sanitary surface that’s easy to clean and disinfect.
Heat Resistance: An unexpected bonus—these boards can withstand temperatures up to 350°F, making them suitable as trivets for hot pots and pans. I’ve used mine directly from the dishwasher without any warping issues.
Versatility: Beyond chopping vegetables, I’ve used my Epicurean board for rolling dough, serving cheese and charcuterie, and even as a stable surface for carving meats. The non-porous surface means it doesn’t absorb odors or stains from strongly flavored foods like garlic or beets.
User-Friendliness
The kitchen cutting board experience with Epicurean products is refreshingly straightforward. There’s no seasoning required, no special maintenance rituals, and no anxious moments worrying about water damage or warping.
Setup: Zero setup required—simply remove from packaging and rinse.
Daily Use: The lightweight design makes it easy to move around your workspace, yet it has enough heft to stay put during vigorous chopping. The non-slip properties keep the board stable on countertops without requiring a damp towel underneath.
Cleaning: This is perhaps the biggest convenience factor. Simply toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out perfectly clean and sanitized. For hand washing, a quick scrub with dish soap and water does the job. Unlike wooden boards, you don’t need to worry about thorough drying or applying mineral oil regularly.
Storage: The slim profile means these boards take up less space than traditional thick wooden boards. The hanging hole makes vertical storage convenient if you have wall space or a pot rack.
Durability & Quality
As a high quality cutting board, Epicurean products are built to last decades with proper care. The material won’t crack, split, or warp like wood, and it won’t show the deep grooves and scratches that plague plastic boards.
Material Integrity: The Richlite® composite is incredibly dense and stable. After six months of daily use, my board looks nearly identical to when I first unboxed it. There are some light surface marks where I’ve cut, but nothing that affects performance or hygiene.
Edge Retention: The edges remain crisp and intact without chipping or fraying—a common problem with cheaper cutting boards.
Longevity: Epicurean confidently backs their products, and user reports consistently mention boards lasting 10+ years in home kitchens and 5+ years in demanding commercial environments.
The only durability concern is that the board can chip or crack if dropped on a hard surface from height, though this hasn’t been an issue in my experience with normal kitchen use.
Value for Money
At $25-$80 depending on size, the Epicurean cutting board sits in the mid-to-premium price range. Is it worth the investment?
Comparing to alternatives:
- Cheap plastic boards ($5-$15): These score deep quickly, harbor bacteria in grooves, and need frequent replacement
- Quality wooden boards ($50-$150): Beautiful but require extensive maintenance and aren’t dishwasher safe
- Bamboo boards ($15-$40): Harder on knives and prone to cracking
- Glass boards ($20-$40): Terrible for knife edges
When you factor in the longevity (10+ years), virtually zero maintenance costs, dishwasher compatibility, and knife-preservation properties, the cost-per-use becomes remarkably low. You’re essentially paying once for a cutting board that will outlast multiple cheaper alternatives while performing better throughout its lifespan.
For home cooks, I’d consider this excellent value. For professional use, it’s an absolute bargain given the sanitation benefits and durability.
Pros & Cons
Pros ✓
- Dishwasher safe for effortless cleaning and sanitization
- Made in USA with sustainable, FSC-certified materials
- Knife-friendly surface that won’t dull your blades
- Non-porous and bacteria-resistant for superior food safety
- No maintenance required—no oiling, no special care
- Won’t warp, crack, or split like traditional wooden boards
- Heat resistant up to 350°F
- Lightweight yet stable during use
- Attractive design suitable for serving
- Eco-friendly from recycled materials
Cons ✗
- Higher upfront cost than basic plastic or bamboo boards
- Can chip or crack if dropped on hard surfaces
- Less “warm” aesthetic than traditional wood for some users
- Shows light cut marks over time (though doesn’t affect performance)
- Thinner profile may feel less substantial to some users
Alternatives & Comparisons
While the Epicurean cutting board is exceptional, it’s worth considering alternatives:
Boos Block Wooden Cutting Board ($80-$300)
Best for: Those who prioritize traditional aesthetics and don’t mind maintenance
Comparison: Boos Block offers stunning, thick wooden boards with classic appeal. They’re gentler on knives and beautiful enough to be kitchen centerpieces. However, they require regular oiling, can’t go in the dishwasher, are susceptible to water damage, and cost significantly more. Choose Boos if aesthetics trump convenience; choose Epicurean if you want performance and ease of use.
OXO Good Grips Plastic Cutting Board ($10-$25)
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers or those needing multiple boards
Comparison: OXO makes quality plastic boards at lower prices. They’re dishwasher safe and available in color-coded sets for food safety. However, they show deep cut marks quickly, aren’t as knife-friendly, and need replacement every 1-2 years. The Epicurean offers far superior longevity and performance, making it the better long-term investment despite the higher initial cost.
Totally Bamboo Cutting Board ($15-$45)
Best for: Eco-conscious buyers on a budget
Comparison: Bamboo boards offer sustainability at lower prices and have attractive natural appearance. However, they’re much harder on knife edges, prone to cracking with moisture exposure, and require more maintenance than Epicurean. If knife preservation matters to you, Epicurean is worth the extra investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are Epicurean cutting boards safe for food preparation?
A: Absolutely. Epicurean cutting boards are NSF-certified for commercial food service use, meaning they meet strict public health standards. They’re made from non-toxic, BPA-free materials and are non-porous, preventing bacterial growth. They’re considered one of the safest cutting surface options available.
Q: Will an Epicurean cutting board dull my expensive knives?
A: No, quite the opposite. The Richlite® material is specifically engineered to be knife-friendly. It’s softer than plastic, bamboo, or glass, so it protects your blade edges while still providing a stable cutting surface. Many professional chefs prefer Epicurean boards precisely because they preserve knife sharpness.
Q: How do I clean and maintain my Epicurean cutting board?
A: Simply wash with dish soap and water, or place in the dishwasher (top or bottom rack). Unlike wooden boards, no oiling or special treatment is required. The board won’t warp, crack, or absorb water, making maintenance virtually effortless.
Q: Do Epicurean cutting boards stain or absorb odors?
A: Thanks to their non-porous surface, these boards resist both staining and odor absorption far better than wood or plastic alternatives. While very strong pigments (like turmeric or beet juice) might cause temporary light discoloration, it typically washes away and doesn’t affect performance.
Q: What size Epicurean cutting board should I buy?
A: This depends on your kitchen space and cooking style. The 11.5×9″ size is popular for everyday home use, offering good workspace without dominating counters. Serious home cooks often prefer the 14.5×11″ or larger for more room. If you’re space-limited, the 8×6″ makes a great secondary board for smaller tasks.
Conclusion
After extensive testing, I can confidently recommend the Epicurean cutting board as one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. This non plastic cutting board delivers on every front: performance, durability, safety, and convenience.
What sets Epicurean apart is the perfect balance of professional-grade performance with everyday user-friendliness. You get a cutting board that’s safe enough for commercial kitchens, gentle enough to preserve your expensive knives, eco-friendly from recycled materials, proudly made in the USA, and—crucially—so easy to maintain that you’ll actually enjoy using it daily.
Is it the cheapest option? No. But when you consider the decade-plus lifespan, zero maintenance requirements, and superior performance, the high quality cutting board from Epicurean represents exceptional value. I genuinely believe this is the last cutting board most home cooks will need to buy.
