Limited storage or counter space? Then you may be looking for the best over-the-sink cutting board. But with tons of great options and extra features, how do you choose the right one for you and your space?
We’ve gathered all the information you need to know when buying an over-the-sink cutting board and rounded up our top picks, so your hunt for the perfect cutting board is that much easier! We considered affordability, ease of use, and practicality.
Top 3 picks
If you want to cut to the chase and get to some of our best picks for over-the-sink cutting boards, here are our top 3 picks!
- Best overall: Zenprep Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board With Containers
- Most versatile: KICHENZARD Multifunction 4 in 1 Large Smart Chopping Board Set-Over the Sink
- Bargain pick: Prepworks by Progressive Thinstore Over-the-Sink Prep Station
What is an Over-the-Sink Cutting Board?
An over-the-sink cutting board is a cutting board that has been explicitly designed to fit over a kitchen sink. The main difference between a regular cutting board and an over-the-sink cutting board is that they tend to be longer.
Over-the-sink cutting boards allow you to take full advantage of your kitchen space, with the goal being to maximize space in tiny kitchens or areas with minimal storage.
Additionally, they frequently offer other great design features that help you minimize the kitchen tools you need to have on hand, including built-in colanders or even storage containers.
Pros and Cons to Over The Sink Cutting Boards
Not sure if a regular or over-the-sink cutting board is right for you? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of over-the-sink cutting boards to help you decide if it’s the right cutting board for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
| Space-saving | Varied sizes, need to ensure board fits your sink |
| Additional features can make kitchen prep easier (e.g. strainer, containers, etc.) | May slide around/slip into the sink if there is no non-slip backing |
| Can be stored over the sink | Don’t usually come in stone or other more “decorative” materials |
| Come in a variety of materials (bamboo, plastic, wood, etc.) | Often too large to use as serving trays or charcuterie boards |
| Keeps kitchen prep in one area, making your prep more streamlined (rinsing, chopping, straining, etc.) | Some boards may be too large to store in cupboards (if not expandable) |
Overall, the biggest pro when it comes to over-the-sink cutting boards is that they help maximize space – especially in smaller kitchens or spaces with limited storage. You can’t go wrong with an over-the-sink cutting board if you’re finding it hard to find the space for any more kitchen tools.
In contrast, the biggest con is that not all boards will fit your sink, and you need to ensure that you’ve measured correctly and purchased a board that can expand up to the correct size or that is the exact size for your sink.
Additionally, this means that storing your board anywhere other than over your sink may be tricky as these boards tend to be longer and may not fit in cupboards.
How to Use an Over the Sink Cutting Board
Using an over-the-sink cutting board is simple. Just “install” your board by placing it over your sink either horizontally or vertically, depending on what fits your sink or your preference. If your board is expandable, adjust the size for the most secure fit.
Once in place, it’s ready to use, just like your regular cutting board! Chop vegetables, slice meat, and if your board comes with additional features such as strainers or containers, rinse or transfer your food all on the same board.
As with any cutting board, clean immediately after use – how to clean your board will depend on the material. Just pop it in the dishwasher or hand wash with hot soapy water and dry thoroughly for plastic boards.
For wood or bamboo boards, wipe or briefly dunk the board in warm soapy water and dry immediately; store upright or over your sink to allow it to dry on both sides thoroughly.
What to Look for in an Over the Sink Cutting Board
So, you think an over-the-sink cutting board is right for you, but you’re not sure what to look for? Here are some of the main things to consider when shopping for the best over-the-sink cutting board for your kitchen.
Size
When it comes to an over-the-sink cutting board, size may be the most crucial feature. Unlike regular cutting boards, you need to ensure that your board will fit over the width of your kitchen sink bowl (yes, this means you’ll need to do some measuring!).
Some over-the-sink cutting boards are expandable, but you will still need to ensure that the maximum length will fit over your sink. Depending on your sink, you can choose whether you want your board to fit vertically or horizontally across it.
How Does It Fit on Your Sink?
In addition to size, you want to consider how the cutting board fits on your sink. You want your board to be secure either by being a perfect size or with a non-slip base. You also want to consider if you’d like your board to fit horizontally or vertically across your sink.
If the board has other features such as a built-in strainer, you also want to make sure that the board will fit your sink with enough space on the strainer side so that the strainer is entirely over your sink and not partially on the countertops.
Quality
When buying an over-the-sink cutting board, you want to ensure you’re getting a quality product. When the board is balancing over your sink, a sturdy, high-quality board is essential as you don’t want it bending or moving as you\’re chopping.
Material
Just like buying a regular cutting board, the board’s material is mainly based on personal preference and what the board will primarily be used for. For example, a bamboo or wood cutting board can last a lifetime and be sturdier when placed over the sink, but it’s not dishwasher safe and can be more expensive.
On the other hand, plastic boards are cheaper, usually come with a non-slip base, are easy on knives, are often thinner and easier to store but may need to be replaced more frequently as your knives can score the board, and those grooves may trap bacteria.
Extra Features
If your space is limited, one of the big benefits of an over-the-sink cutting board is that many of them also come with extra space-saving features such as a built-in colander or containers. This eliminates the need for separate kitchen items like individual strainers that you then have to store in addition to a cutting board.
Cleaning and Care
As with any cutting board, you need to consider the proper care and cleaning. Some materials require more maintenance, while others are easier to clean but may not last as long. Whether you choose a board to last a lifetime or a board that’s easier to care for is entirely up to you.
Wood and bamboo boards cannot be submerged in water or run through the dishwasher. These boards should only be wiped clean or dipped in warm, soapy water to clean. Wood and bamboo boards also require regular conditioning with mineral oil to help them last you a lifetime.
Plastic cutting boards are much easier to clean – just pop them in the dishwasher or hand wash with hot, soapy water. However, these boards score more easily, meaning they will need to be replaced when they have lots of grooves where bacteria can get trapped. Other than proper cleaning, these boards don’t require additional care.
When looking at over-the-sink cutting boards specifically, if your board has a variety of features, such as a colander or containers that are removable, you want to ensure that you wash these separately any time you use your cutting board. Typically, these features are made of silicone or plastic and can be washed in the dishwasher or with warm, soapy water.
Best Over the Sink Cutting Board Choices
Ready to buy? There’s an option for every need, from budget buys to the best all-in-one boards. Here are some of the best over-the-sink cutting boards available right now.
Homevative Over the Sink Bamboo Cutting Board with Collapsible / Removable Strainer and Phone Slots
Best for: Following recipes
The Homevative Over-the-Sink Bamboo Cutting board was made for the home chef that loves to try new recipes. Phone slots mean you can have your phone in an easy-to-view space as you prep, rinse or strain your ingredients.
- Material: Bamboo
- Price Range: $25-40
- Warranty: Free 30 day returns and refund
- Best Feature: Phone slots
Pros:
- Phone slots for easy recipe reading
- Sustainable
- Built-in, removable strainer
- Large cutting surface
- Long-lasting
- Fits most sinks up to 24”
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
- Dulls knives more quickly than other materials
- No non-slip backing to keep the board in place
- Phone slots may not fit/properly secure all phones
- Don’t necessarily want your phone near water/strainer
Prepworks by Progressive Thinstore Over-the-Sink Prep Station
Best for: Bargain choice
If you’re looking for a great budget buy, the Prepworks by Progressive Thinstore Over-the-Sink Prep station is the perfect pick. Ideal if you’re short on space, this board is easy to store and features a built-in strainer making it easier to chop, rinse, and prep your meals.
- Material: Plastic
- Price Range: $15-25
- Warranty: Free 30 day return and refund
- Best Feature: Built-in removable 3 cup strainer
Pros:
- Built-in 3 cup removable strainer
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
- Non-slip
- Expandable
Cons:
- Only fits sinks up to 15.5”
- Strainer takes up cutting board space
- Easy to score and create grooves
- Grooves and scores can trap bacteria
- May need to be replaced more frequently than other cutting board materials
Dexas Over the Sink Strainer Board
Best for: Cutting board & strainer combo
The ideal combination for quick produce prep – the Dexas over-the-sink strainer board features both a cutting board area and a built-in strainer. Quickly chop your produce and slide it into the strainer basket for easy rinsing or prep ingredients for pasta and strain the noodles simultaneously!
- Material: Plastic
- Price Range: $15-30
- Warranty: Free 30 day return and refund
- Best Feature: Removable colander
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Odor-resistant
- Built-in/removable strainer basket
- Non-slip edges
- Dishwasher
- Won’t dull knives
Cons:
- Fits 20” sinks, not adjustable
- Strainer takes up cutting board space
- Easy to score and create grooves
- Grooves and scores can trap bacteria
- May need to be replaced more frequently than other cutting board materials
Zenprep Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board with Containers (Set Of 9)
Best for: Overall
If you do a lot of meal prep, whether that’s prepping meals for the week or pre-chopping veggies, fruits, etc., the Zenprep Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board may be the one for you. This over-the-sink bamboo cutting board comes with a set of 9 containers that slot into a hole in the chopping board for you to chop and slide your veggies right into your containers quickly!
- Material: Bamboo
- Price Range: $50-70
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Best Feature: Containers and container slot for easy transferring and storage
Pros:
- Extends to up to 20” – fits most sinks!
- Containers and container slot for quick prep
- Dishwasher & freezer safe collapsible containers
- Strainer container
- Juice grooves
- Extra-large cutting surface
- Sustainable
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Board is not dishwasher safe
- Dulls knives more quickly than other materials
- No non-slip backing
- More expensive
KICHENZARD Multifunction 4 in 1 Large Smart Chopping Board Set-Over the Sink
Best for: All-In-One Cutting Board (Most Versatile)
If you need to maximize space in your kitchen, the KITCHENZARD Multifunction 4-in-1 Smart Chopping Board can do it all. A large, reversible cutting board with a collection container is excellent for all of your meal prep needs, or swap your board for a hands-free colander for washing or straining. In addition, the expandable design means the board can fit sinks of 14-18″!
- Material: Polypropylene, plastic
- Price Range: $15-25
- Warranty: Free returns and refund within 30 days
- Best Feature: Additional storage compartment and colander
Pros:
- Expandable to fit 14-18” sinks
- 4-in-1 design with a storage container, cutting board, colander
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe (or use included silicone scrub brush)
- Non-porous
- Lightweight
- Non-slip
- Reversible
- Cost-effective
Cons:
- Plastic can be easy to score and create grooves
- Easily stained
- May need to replace cutting board portion more frequently than other cutting boards
- Plastic can trap bacteria overtime (when worn or damaged)
Kraus KCB-101BB Kore Cutting Board
Best for: Wooden option
Built to fit sinks with a 16″ bowl (front-to-back), the Kraus KCB-101BB Kore Cutting Board is great for maximizing space in small kitchens. With non-slip silicone feet, the board sits securely over your sink, so there’s no need to worry about losing your chopped veggies down the drain.
- Material: Bamboo
- Price Range: $25-40
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
- Best Feature: Non-slip design
Pros:
- Non-slip silicone back
- Fits 16” sinks
- Juice grooves
- Sustainable
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- No special features (strainer, etc.)
- Dulls knives quicker than wood and other materials
The Verdict
If you’re looking to add the perfect space-saving over-the-sink cutting board to your kitchen essentials, there is an option out there to suit every need.
Of course, if you’re tight on space, you can’t go wrong with the best all-in-one over-the-sink cutting board – the KICHENZARD Multifunction 4 in 1 Large Smart Chopping Board!