John Boos R-Board Maple Cutting Board, 18 × 12 in

Our take

An inch and a half of Northern hard rock maple, glued edge-grain and flat on both sides, with grips cut into each end. The size is what you notice first: 18 by 12 inches leaves room to chop one thing and push it aside while you start the next. Maple is firm but forgiving under an edge, and a scarred surface can be sanded and re-oiled instead of thrown out. In exchange it is heavy, it cannot go in the dishwasher, and it wants mineral oil regularly, especially when new and in dry climates.

Worth knowing

• Edge-grain, not end-grain. End-grain is gentler on knives but costs more and needs more care.
• Never soak it. Wash, dry it standing up, and oil it when the wood looks pale.
• Heavy enough that it lives on the counter rather than in a cupboard.