The Epicurean cutting board has earned a loyal following for one simple reason: it is a dishwasher-safe, knife-friendly board made from compressed wood-fiber composite rather than solid wood or plastic. This review compares the Kitchen Series sizes and finishes so you can pick the right board for your counter and your knives.
| Rank | Product | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Epicurean Kitchen Series 14.5 x 11.25 in, Natural | Everyday all-purpose prep | View on Amazon |
| 2 | Epicurean Kitchen Series 17.5 x 13 in, Natural | Carving and large cutting jobs | View on Amazon |
| 3 | Epicurean Kitchen Series 11.5 x 9 in, Natural | Compact counters and quick tasks | View on Amazon |
| 4 | Epicurean Kitchen Series 8 x 6 in, Natural | Garnishes, fruit and small jobs | View on Amazon |
| 5 | Epicurean Kitchen Series 14.5 x 11.25 in, Nutmeg | A warmer-toned everyday board | View on Amazon |
Top Picks
1. Epicurean Kitchen Series 14.5 x 11.25 in, Natural
This is the size most home cooks should buy first. It is large enough to break down a chicken or prep a full mirepoix, yet still fits in a standard dishwasher rack. The natural finish hides stains well and the thin, lightweight profile makes it easy to lift and pour scraps into a bowl.
2. Epicurean Kitchen Series 17.5 x 13 in, Natural
The largest Kitchen Series board is the one to reach for when carving a roast or working through a big batch of vegetables. The extra surface area keeps juices contained, and the integrated hang hole makes storing this larger board straightforward.
3. Epicurean Kitchen Series 11.5 x 9 in, Natural
A mid-size board that suits smaller kitchens and quick tasks. It is the right pick if counter space is tight but you still want something more substantial than a tiny paring board.
4. Epicurean Kitchen Series 8 x 6 in, Natural
The smallest board is a dedicated tool for garnishes, slicing fruit, or zesting citrus without dragging out a large board. Many cooks keep one of these alongside a larger board so the big one stays clean for the main prep.
5. Epicurean Kitchen Series 14.5 x 11.25 in, Nutmeg
Identical in size and function to the natural everyday board, the nutmeg colorway offers a warmer tone that some cooks prefer for serving as well as prep. Made in the USA, it is non-toxic and dishwasher safe like the rest of the line.
What Makes Epicurean Boards Different
Epicurean boards are made from Richlite, a dense composite of compressed paper fiber and food-safe resin. The result is a surface that is harder than plastic but more forgiving than glass or bamboo. It will not splinter, it resists heat to a degree solid wood cannot, and crucially it is rated dishwasher safe, which solid wood boards never are.
How to Care for an Epicurean Cutting Board
Although the boards are dishwasher safe, occasional hand washing extends their life and keeps the surface looking new. They do not require oiling the way solid wood boards do. Avoid using them as a trivet for very hot pans, and let them dry fully before storing them flat or on the hang hole.
Choosing the Right Size and Finish
For a single do-everything board, the 14.5 x 11.25-inch size is the sweet spot. Buy the 17.5 x 13-inch board if you regularly carve roasts. Add a small 8 x 6-inch board for fruit and garnishes. The natural, nutmeg and slate finishes differ only in color, so pick whichever matches your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Epicurean cutting boards dishwasher safe?
Yes. Unlike solid wood boards, the Kitchen Series composite is rated dishwasher safe, which is one of its main selling points.
Will an Epicurean board dull my knives?
The composite is gentler on edges than glass, ceramic or bamboo. It is harder than plastic, so a quick hone now and then keeps your knives in good shape.
Do Epicurean boards need to be oiled?
No. The composite material does not absorb water the way wood does, so it does not require regular oiling.
Are they made in the USA?
The Kitchen Series boards are manufactured in the USA from non-toxic, food-safe materials.
Which size should I buy first?
Start with the 14.5 x 11.25-inch board. It handles the widest range of everyday tasks and still fits in a dishwasher.
Can I use both sides of the board?
Yes. Epicurean Kitchen Series boards are dual-sided, so many cooks dedicate one face to raw proteins and the other to produce to limit cross-contamination.
How Epicurean Compares to Wood and Plastic
Against solid wood, the Epicurean board wins on maintenance: it is dishwasher safe, never needs oiling, and will not warp or crack the way an unmaintained wood board can. Wood still has the edge in pure knife feel and the natural antimicrobial properties of certain species, but for cooks who want a low-fuss board that goes straight into the dishwasher, the composite is the more practical daily driver.
Against plastic, the Epicurean board is harder and more rigid, so it does not develop the deep, hard-to-clean knife grooves that older plastic boards accumulate. It is also far thinner and lighter than a typical butcher block, which makes it easy to lift and pour scraps into a pan. The trade-off is that the rigid surface is slightly firmer underfoot for your knife than soft plastic, which is why a periodic hone keeps your edges sharp.
One practical advantage that often goes unmentioned is heat tolerance. The composite handles brief contact with warm items better than plastic, which can scratch or melt, and it will not absorb odors from garlic, onion or fish the way a porous wood board can over time. For cooks who prep aromatic ingredients daily, that odor resistance keeps the board neutral and ready for the next task. Combined with its dishwasher compatibility, this makes the Epicurean board one of the lowest-maintenance options you can keep in regular rotation, which is a large part of why it has stayed popular for so many years.
Related Reading
Comparing board materials? Read our guides to the best wood cutting boards and the best solid maple cutting boards. To pair your board with the right blades, see the best kitchen knife sets. For cookware to go with your prep station, browse the best pots and pans sets and nonstick versus stainless steel cookware comparison, plus our cast iron skillet guide.
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