Are you considering buying a granite cutting board? With endless options out there, how do you find the best granite cutting board? Natural stone cutting boards can be a real investment piece, so you want to make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before you buy.
Luckily for you, we’ve done just that! Read on to learn everything you need to know about granite cutting boards and how to find the best granite cutting board for your needs.
What is Granite Cutting Boards Good for?
Granite cutting boards were initially designed for baking and pastry use due to their ability to handle hot or cold temperatures, and it’s easy-to-clean non-stick surface. So, if you’re someone that does a lot of baking or pastry work, a granite cutting board may be just what you need.
You can place your cutting board in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to cool it down and prepare it for tempering chocolate or working with temperamental pastry doughs such as pie dough to make sure they stay cool throughout the rolling process.
Additionally, granite cutting boards can handle heat really well, making it a great alternative to a trivet or other hot pad on countertops that cannot take too much heat.
While not its intended primary use, granite cutting boards can be used to chop produce or slice meats as you would with any other cutting board, but you need to take more care as granite can dull and damage knives.
Pros and Cons of Granite Cutting Boards
To help you decide if a granite cutting board is right for you, here’s a rundown of the main pros and cons of using a granite cutting board:
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used as a trivet/hot pad | Expensive |
| When cooled, stays cool | Non-renewable resource |
| Can be used for pastry work and baking needs (such as tempering chocolate and rolling dough) | Tough on knives and tools (dulls and/or damages) |
| Non-stick | Not dishwasher safe |
| Easy to clean | Often heavy |
| Hygienic | Some can crack or break easily |
| Non-porous | |
| Durable | |
| Beautiful/Aesthetically pleasing | |
| Great for presentation/serving |
Are Granite Cutting Boards Real Granite?
Whether or not the cutting board you buy is real granite will vary. Typically, it’s easy to tell if a cutting board is natural granite by the price point (cheaper boards being more likely to be fake granite).
However, there are many granite-look cutting boards out there that are actually made of plastic, composite or other materials that can make it difficult to tell what you’re really buying.
Shopping online makes determining if the cutting board you’re interested in is real granite or not pretty simple as you have access to all the product info and reviews to ensure you’re getting what you want out of your new cutting board.
How are Granite Cutting Boards Made?
Granite cutting boards are made in a similar way to granite countertops; in fact, many granite cutting boards are made from the “scraps” of larger slabs of granite that have been cut for countertops.
First, they obtain a raw form of granite through mining. The raw slabs of granite are then cut and polished using a milling machine. The cut and polished slab of granite is what you will see when shopping for your granite countertops and, once chosen, will be cut again to your specific needs.
Cutting boards are made in the same way, except they are cut to the dimensions of a cutting board and are often made from scraps or other unused bits of granite.
Should You Seal Your Granite Cutting Board?
Much like any natural stone countertop, if you want your granite cutting board to last a lifetime, you need to care for it properly. This includes applying a granite polish and/or penetrating sealing a few times a year – this will help keep it relatively stain-resistant and looking like new.
Whether or not you need to seal your brand-new granite cutting board will depend on the board itself. Some granite cutting boards will say they have been pre-sealed or treated, in which case you likely won’t have to treat that board for a few months unless you notice wear.
However, if you’re unsure if your new board has been treated or not, you may wish to treat it before its first use to make sure it’s protected.
How to Maintain and Care for Your Granite Cutting Board
It’s easy to care for your granite cutting board. Its smooth surface makes cleaning easy – just clean with warm water and mild soap after use. If you find that water is impacting the appearance of the stone, you may have hard water, in which case you should switch to cleaning your granite cutting board with distilled water instead.
Never use acids on natural stone – such as vinegar or lemon, as it can dull the surface of the stone. Instead, to maintain your cutting board’s shine, stain resistance, and quality, you should use a granite polish or penetrating conditioner a few times a year; this is the same stuff that you use to treat natural stone countertops.
What to Look for in a Granite Cutting Board
A granite cutting board can be an investment piece in your kitchen, so there are a few main things you should look for before buying your new cutting board. These include:
Size
The size of your granite cutting board will be a main factor in how much it costs, so it’s essential to consider exactly how big your cutting board needs to be. If you’re planning on using your granite cutting board for lots of baking and pastry work, then a standard-sized cutting board such as an 11in x 15in will be the perfect size to roll out most doughs and fit in your fridge for cooling.
If you’re looking to protect a countertop that can’t handle the heat from pots or daily wear and tear from cooking, then you may be looking for an extra-large granite cutting board that will stay on display and be used for most of your daily cooking needs. So, consider what you’re using it for and use that to determine how big your cutting board needs to be.
Additionally, you may want a granite cutting board that is a bit thicker if you plan to keep it on your countertop or use it regularly as they are more durable. Thinner granite cutting boards may be lighter and more portable, but they can break or crack easily.
Quality
If you’re looking for a real investment piece that will last you a lifetime, then you want to ensure you’re paying attention to the quality of your cutting board. A more expensive 100% natural granite cutting board is a lot more likely to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use and be a long-term kitchen staple.
In contrast, a cheaper, thinner piece of granite or granite-look plastic will likely damage more quickly and need to be replaced more frequently.
Warranty
Whether or not a warranty is important to you is a personal choice. Still, in general, if we are investing money in a high-quality product, we want to ensure that our purchase is protected. For example, most granite cutting boards come with a minimum of a 30-day return guarantee, while some higher-end products will have a lifetime warranty.
Key Features
When you’re looking to buy a new granite cutting board, it’s essential that you find a board that has a rubber backing or non-slip rubber feet. This rubber backing or rubber feet will not only keep your cutting board from moving while you use it but will protect your countertops/surfaces from being scratched or damaged by the hard stone board.
Granite vs Marble Cutting Boards
Both marble and granite cutting boards are considered “natural stone cutting boards” and therefore have the same pros, cons and considerations when purchasing. The main difference between granite and marble cutting boards is their appearance, so whether or not you are buying one over the other will mostly depend on if you like the look of granite or marble more.
Best Granite Cutting Boards for Your Kitchen
If you’re looking to add a stunning yet functional centerpiece to your countertops, we’ve done the leg work for you and come up with some of the best granite cutting boards for your kitchen Let’s take a look!
Home Basics CB01881 Granite Cutting Board
Budget Pick
The Home Basics Granite Cutting Board is made of durable granite with a non-slip rubber bottom to protect your countertops and keep your workspace steady while chopping.
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: 12in x 16in
- Price Range: $10 – $20
- Warranty: 30-day return
- Best Feature: Non-slip rubber bottom
The beautiful granite makes it a great addition to your counter space and can pull double duty as a hot plate or serving platter.
Pros
- Durable
- Slip-resistant rubber bottom
- Can be used as a hot plate
- Easy to store
- Easy to clean
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Can dull and damage knives.
- Non-renewable material.
- May crack or break
- Not dishwasher safe
Kota Japan Premium Non-Stick Natural Black Granite Cutting Board
Best for Baking and Pastry
The Kota Japan Premium Non-Stick Natural Black Granite Cutting Board is ideal for home baking and pastry needs. It’s the perfect size for rolling out pizza or pie dough without worrying about it sticking and can be chilled to keep the dough cool while you work.
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: 15.75in x 11.75in
- Price Range: $30 – $50
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
- Best Feature: Stays cool
In addition, the durable, high-quality granite makes it easy to clean, and the non-slip rubber feet mean the board will stay put through all your rolling and kneading.
Pros
Non-slip rubber feet
- Stays cool
- Easy to clean
- Beautiful high-quality black granite
- Large size perfect for pastry work
- Won’t absorb moisture, oils or juices
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Can dull and damage knives
- Non-renewable material
Diflart Natural Black Granite Stone Pastry and Cheese Cutting Board
Best Multi-use Granite Cutting Board
The Diflart Natural Black Granite Stone Pastry and Cheese Cutting Board is a stunning addition to your kitchen. It comes in various colors of granite, from black to green, and its extra-large size makes it the ideal multi-use cutting board.
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: 20in x 16in
- Price Range: $60 – $80
- Warranty: Satisfaction guarantee will replace any board damaged upon arrival.
- Best Feature: Extra-large size
In addition, it stays cool, making it great for baking and pastry work, can be used to temper chocolate, would be a great serving platter for entertaining and can be used to chop produce and meat.
Pros
- Extra-large size
- Arched corners
- Stays cool
- Easy to clean
- Non-porous
- Variety of colors
- Durable
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Can dull and damage knives
- Non-renewable material
HealthSmart™ Granite Cutting Board
Best Overall Granite Cutting Board
The HealthSmart™ Granite Cutting Board is a great overall granite cutting board suitable for home and professional use. Highly durable black granite looks great and is long-lasting, easy to clean and healthier than some alternative cutting boards.
- Material: Granite
- Dimensions: 16in x 12in
- Price Range: $60 – $80
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
- Best Feature: Secure-grip feet
Secure-grip feet will keep your board steady even through the most rigorous kneading.
Pros
- Perfect size for most pastry needs
- Easy to clean
- Stays cool
- Secure-grip feet
- Beautiful black granite
- Non-porous and more hygienic than some other cutting board materials
- Can be used as a hot or cold plate
- Doubles as a serving platter
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Can dull and damage knives
- Non-renewable material
Dexas Superboard Cutting Board
Best Faux Granite Option
For the stunning look of granite without the high price tag, the Dexas Superboard Cutting Board is a perfect choice. Made from BPA-free heavy-duty polypropylene, this board is dishwasher safe, made to last and is easier on your knives.
- Material: Polypropylene
- Dimensions: 12in x 15in
- Price Range: $10 – $20
- Warranty: 30 Day Return
- Best Feature: Doesn’t damage knives
If you’re unsure whether to invest in a real granite cutting board, this is a great option to start with as you get the look, but without the price tag.
Pros
- Easy on knives
- High-quality, heavy-duty, long-lasting plastic
- Lightweight
- Stain-resistant
- Non-porous
- Dishwasher safe
- BPA-free
- Affordable
- Built-in handle
Cons
- Not granite
- Plastic isn’t as long-lasting as stone cutting boards
- More easily scored/grooved by knives
Home & Kitchen Essentials 3-Piece Cutting Board Set in Granite Gray
Best Cutting Board Set
Cover all your bases with the Home & Kitchen Essentials 3-Piece Cutting Board Set in Granite Gray. This set features a small, medium and large cutting board, so you’ll always have the perfect workspace on hand.
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions: Small (9.4in x 5.5in), Medium (12.2in x 8in), Large (16in x 9.4in)
- Price Range: $20 – $30
- Warranty: 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects.
- Best Feature: Reversible and Non-slip edges
Completely reversible with deep juice grooves on one side and a sleek, smooth chopping surface on the other to help make meal prep a breeze.
Pros
- Non-slip rubber edges
- Reversible
- Juice grooves on one side
- Multiple sizes
- Handle for easy portability
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Not granite
- Plastic isn’t as long-lasting as stone cutting boards
- More easily scored/grooved by knives
The Bottom Line
If you’re in the market for a granite cutting board, first consider the pros and cons of a natural stone cutting board and things such as size, quality and care before investing.